DUE TO RESTRICTIONS RECOMMENDED BY THE WINNEBAGO HEALTH DEPARTMENT, WORSHIP AT GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ON SUNDAY AND ALL WEEKLY ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING AA MEETINGS ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY EVENINGS) ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Small Group Outreach Opportunities
Grace United Methodist Church Racism Book Study Groups
The Outreach Team is partnering with the Small Groups Team to engage in conversations around the topic of racism beginning within the next couple of weeks. The time is now. The momentum is here. The format would be a variety of venues and time frames. For example, parking lot gatherings, meditation garden group, zoom calls at a variety of times, in person gatherings in the fellowship hall at church, might be ways that people could come together.
There are three books for you to choose from and a video option:
“Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America” by Jennifer Harvey. Raising White Kids is a theory rich, practical guide with wonderfully helpful examples that will equip parents to navigate today’s racial challenges with confidence and grace. This books is both an antidote to the racial ignorance and fear most white families unknowingly pass along to their young and a powerful way to call white adults into the process of racial awakening in the name of creating more just and functional communities for all.
The author grew up in majority-white schools, organizations, and churches. She writes, "I had to learn what it means to love blackness." Her journey led to a lifetime spent navigating America's racial divide. She details her journey to self-worth and the pitfalls that kill our attempts at racial justice, in stories that bear witness to the complexity of America's social fabric.
The author addresses head-on such issues as privilege, police brutality, intersectionality, micro-aggressions, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the "N" word. Perfectly positioned to bridge the gap between people of color and white Americans struggling with race complexities, Oluo answers the questions readers don't dare ask, and explains the concepts that continue to elude everyday Americans.
Each of the three books have study guides. Small groups of approximately 10 or less will gather with a facilitator/organizer. Participants will purchase their own books---online, downloading, or at the bookstore and with the members of their group determine the meeting time, location, and format.
It is on us to explore our implicit biases and educate ourselves. We understand that it is not people of color who are to teach and train us. And the time is now. It is not enough, not be racist or have a black friend or say that God tells us to love all people. It is time that the white community stands up and fights for systems that care about an anti-racist structure. This is a value that the United Methodist Church holds dear. This is a value that Grace UMC holds dear.
If you would like to be a part of one of these groups talking about one of these books, please call or email the church by Friday, July 10th with the your name, the book you would like to read and discuss. Indicate your preference for the format
1) outdoor (a backyard or parking lot at church)
2) online Zoom call
3) in person gathering in the fellowship hall at church.
If you would like assistance in purchasing the book online or downloading to a tablet or phone, please contact Donnette Nailor at
815-985-9010.
Grace United Methodist Church Racism Book Study Groups
The Outreach Team is partnering with the Small Groups Team to engage in conversations around the topic of racism beginning within the next couple of weeks. The time is now. The momentum is here. The format would be a variety of venues and time frames. For example, parking lot gatherings, meditation garden group, zoom calls at a variety of times, in person gatherings in the fellowship hall at church, might be ways that people could come together.
There are three books for you to choose from and a video option:
“Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America” by Jennifer Harvey. Raising White Kids is a theory rich, practical guide with wonderfully helpful examples that will equip parents to navigate today’s racial challenges with confidence and grace. This books is both an antidote to the racial ignorance and fear most white families unknowingly pass along to their young and a powerful way to call white adults into the process of racial awakening in the name of creating more just and functional communities for all.
- “I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness” by Austin Channing Brown
The author grew up in majority-white schools, organizations, and churches. She writes, "I had to learn what it means to love blackness." Her journey led to a lifetime spent navigating America's racial divide. She details her journey to self-worth and the pitfalls that kill our attempts at racial justice, in stories that bear witness to the complexity of America's social fabric.
- “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Olua.
The author addresses head-on such issues as privilege, police brutality, intersectionality, micro-aggressions, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the "N" word. Perfectly positioned to bridge the gap between people of color and white Americans struggling with race complexities, Oluo answers the questions readers don't dare ask, and explains the concepts that continue to elude everyday Americans.
- “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” with Emmanuel Acho (a retired NFL man). In the 4 vinettes that he has taped so far, he reflects on the questions that white people have asked him. He is articulate, direct, gentle, inviting. They are under 10 minutes and wonderful conversation starters.
Each of the three books have study guides. Small groups of approximately 10 or less will gather with a facilitator/organizer. Participants will purchase their own books---online, downloading, or at the bookstore and with the members of their group determine the meeting time, location, and format.
It is on us to explore our implicit biases and educate ourselves. We understand that it is not people of color who are to teach and train us. And the time is now. It is not enough, not be racist or have a black friend or say that God tells us to love all people. It is time that the white community stands up and fights for systems that care about an anti-racist structure. This is a value that the United Methodist Church holds dear. This is a value that Grace UMC holds dear.
If you would like to be a part of one of these groups talking about one of these books, please call or email the church by Friday, July 10th with the your name, the book you would like to read and discuss. Indicate your preference for the format
1) outdoor (a backyard or parking lot at church)
2) online Zoom call
3) in person gathering in the fellowship hall at church.
If you would like assistance in purchasing the book online or downloading to a tablet or phone, please contact Donnette Nailor at
815-985-9010.
Grace United Methodist Church, 3555 McFarland Road, Rockford, Il. 61114
office-graceumcrockford@comcast.net
815-637-4561
Worship is every Sunday at 10 a.m.
Sunday School is every Sunday at 8:45 a.m. starting September 10th, 2018 through May 20th, 2019.
office-graceumcrockford@comcast.net
815-637-4561
Worship is every Sunday at 10 a.m.
Sunday School is every Sunday at 8:45 a.m. starting September 10th, 2018 through May 20th, 2019.
Vision Statement:
We are an open and welcoming church family that develops and makes use of our diverse gifts to be active in our church, our community, and our world.
Mission:
In faith we actively seek opportunities to:
Practice hospitality
Nurture and sustain persons in all circumstances
Become faithful disciples through fellowship, study, worship, and prayer
Work as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ by serving others
Witness to other the love of Christ
We are an open and welcoming church family that develops and makes use of our diverse gifts to be active in our church, our community, and our world.
Mission:
In faith we actively seek opportunities to:
Practice hospitality
Nurture and sustain persons in all circumstances
Become faithful disciples through fellowship, study, worship, and prayer
Work as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ by serving others
Witness to other the love of Christ