Sacred Conversations on Race Series

Programs for the Tennessee Valley District hosted by the Conversations on Race group from the Holston Conference

Four Zoom sessions will be offered, each dealing with topics of racism in our church, community and world. Each program will be different so please consider registering even if you cannot “attend” all four. There will be some overlapping but each session will different and will be filled with information and conversation. We will also be sharing a wealth of resources with the participants.

The sessions will be held on each of the four Tuesdays in February, 2021, from 7pm until 8:30 pm, via Zoom. All are welcome and we encourage you to reach out to invite church members, friends and family. We will open with prayer and close each session with worship. These programs are open to all.

Click here to register. 

We ask that you read the following articles and view the 15 minute video before the first session on Feb. 2. Thank you.

• Church should be a sanctuary for having difficult conversations
• Why, as Christians, We Must Oppose Racism by Bishop Desmond Tutu
• Race: The Power of an Illusion, Episode 1 (This video created by the Ford Foundation is informative and enlightening. We will discuss at least the first 15 minutes of the video. Watch as much as you are able.)

Session 1
Tuesday, February 2, 7pm-8:30pm
Starting a sacred conversation on racism: challenges, history, how to begin, how to engage in difficult conversations and a little John Wesley. Sharing of stories and time for conversation.

Session 2
Tuesday, February 9, 7pm-8:30pm
A host of speakers will be joining us this night from Holston and other conferences to speak to racism in the UMC and why we must engage with one another to end racism in our beloved church. Time for discussion and sharing of stories.

Session 3
Tuesday, February 16, 7pm-8:30pm
Discussing white privilege and systemic racism: what these are and how they affect every aspect of our lives. Sharing of stories and time for conversation.

Session 4
Tuesday, February 23, 7pm-8:30pm
Continuing the conversation: where do we go from here and how the UMC can become the beloved community. Time for conversation, discernment and commitment.