5 When Jesus[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:1-10)
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An invitation
Given the events of the past few weeks, I want to learn more about how racism is experienced by African Americans and consider ways that I can reduce racism as a white person. I plan to do some reading and watching some videos. I’ve learned a good place to start is to read Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates. (2015). I am also planning to watch the movie Just Mercy based on the work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson. It is available for free this month on Apple TV, Xfinity, Amazon, Prime video and at https://www.justmercyfilm.com/. I invite you to join me.
I would love to have a conversation with others about these works and our own experience of racism. Conversation can be the place where we can hear one another and find ways to build a better world for ourselves and those who come after us. I plan to have a Zoom meeting on Monday June 22 at 7pm for a discussion of these works and what we might do around this issue.
Topic: Discussion on Racism
Time: Jun 22, 2020 07:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81142533888?pwd=dVpPd0hmNThPNWNnU1JZc0piQkJUQT09
By Zoom App
Meeting ID: 811 4253 3888
Password: Calvary
By telephone
+1 301 715 8592 US
Meeting ID: 811 4253 3888
Password: 574740
-Pastor Steve
Weekly Meditation/Bible Study starts
Starting this week, Pastor Steve will be offering a series of looking at several passages in the Bible that talk about difficult situations that the people of God faced and their experience of God in that moment. I’m calling the series, “Faith in Tight Spots” These will be posted each Thursday on the church’s YouTube and Facebook pages as well as the church website.