Two weeks from tomorrow (June 17, 6 PM in the sanctuary), I want to invite you to attend our Project Iconic Showcase.
By attending the Showcase, you can support the creativity, celebrate the voices, and applaud the gifts of a group of youth in our church. Students will perform their collaborative music project, which they’ve been working extremely hard on over the last few months. It’s another way we demonstrate that Park Avenue Church is on the block, for the block, and for our kids. This event is FREE and open to the public. So, invite friends. Let’s show up for the Showcase!
In case you’re wondering, “What is the Project Iconic anyway?” Led by our youth minister Darelle Williams, the program helps our young people find and amplify their creativity and voices. Follow this link to view a brief informational brochure.
Also, I want to highlight two important resources relevant to all of us.
First, mental health and substance abuse. Fast-Tracker is an excellent and easy-to-use tool to link you to mental health and substance abuse disorder resources in real-time. Check it out for yourself. It will come in handy at some point. Just go to fasttrackermn.org.
Second, gun violence and advocating for change. In my email last week, I encouraged you to put your faith into action by calling the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 to advocate for action to prevent gun violence and enact lifesaving gun legislation. I’m so glad to hear that many of you have already called and used your voices.
As a follow-up, I want to offer a little more information about calling that number. If you live in Minnesota, ask the Capitol switchboard operator to connect you to Senator Amy Klobuchar’s or Senator Tina Smith’s office. When connected, let them know of your support for gun safety legislation. If you live in another state, ask to be connected to one of your state’s senator’s offices.
And just a reminder: In July, I will be facilitating four 90-minute sessions called Vital Conversations about Racism: White people talking to white people. I’ve been pleased with the response! See below for more information.
Looking forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday — Pentecost Sunday! If you’ve been watching online, we’d love to see you in person!
And remember, let’s follow the way of Jesus and breathe love,
Pastor Gregg
Vital Conversations About Racism: White People Talking to White People
Why “white people talking to white people” about the evil of racism?
My intention is not to exclude anyone but rather practice what a friend said to me years ago. “White folk need to do their own work and not rely on people like me from the Black community to do it for them.” He’s right. White folks have work to do. A lot of work.
Beginning on Wednesday, July 13, and continuing weekly to August 3, we will meet weekly at the church from 6:30 – 8 p.m. An overview of the four-week series looks like this:
Session 1 | July 13 | Introduction & Deconstructing White Privilege
Session 2 | July 20 | Building the Beloved Community
Session 3 | July 27 | Meaningful Conversations on Race
Session 4 | August 3 | Continued Struggles in Race Relations
If you’re interested, send me a message by clicking here.
If you’d like to do a little preparation, read Dr. Robin DiAngelo’s book, What Does it Mean to Be White: Developing White Racial Literacy. And if podcasts are your thing, you can prepare by listening to the Scene on Radio series, “Seeing White.” Here’s the link to information about the series.
