Last month, our church launched a brand new group that I believe is going to be incredibly significant to the health and life of our familia. But I want to take a moment to share with you the Spirit-moved way that group has already evolved. And is continually expanding its vision even now.

White Critical Reflection group is now Critical Conversations on Race & Justice

This group’s initial aim was to create an affinity space for our white siblings to gather and critically reflect on white supremacy and how it still shapes our lives in ways that are at times still unseen. But after listening to our Body and to God’s movement among us, we shifted. And intentionally expanded the doors to any and everyone. And we had a really meaningful conversation that Monday night in October. But even then, we realized our vision was still too small.

So, while this group still aims to deconstruct and dismantle the disease of white supremacy and all the ways it manifests in our lives – individually, communally, systemically – we also want to raise our gaze beyond what we’re hoping to tear down. We want to set our sights as well on what we are building toward. We long to live into the justice of Jesus – a justice that ushers in shalom and invites inclusivity to all.

How do we get there? What stumbling blocks are continually in the way? What intentional steps can we take to practice a life and love together that more closely reflects the justice of Jesus?

These conversations desperately need more than just our white siblings in the room. We need a richer, truer, fuller embodied expression of our familia at large. If any of that intrigues you, we invite you to join us for our next gathering, this coming Monday night, November 14th at 6:30 pm. Once you sign up for the group online or in the Church Center app, you’ll also see a Shared Resource that we’ll be reflecting on together that evening.

Please hear: this space is for you. And we need you there. Join us in this good and holy work as we are Moved by the Spirit together. More and more.

Looking forward to continue learning and celebrating and growing together!

With so much love,

Bobby

P.S. Save the Date for November Familia Hike

Our next Familia Hike will be Sunday, November 20th at Noon. We’ll be hiking at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. If you’ve never been there, it’s less than 2 miles with an initial steep incline. But a pretty view at the top! It’s family and dog friendly! Bring a picnic for yourself for after! RSVP here.