The Anti-Racist Working Group at First has had their first session exploring "Wait—Is This Racist?: Co-creating Anti-Racist Communities of Faith". This group is open to all who are interested in exploring anti-racist practices in our community of faith.
The "Wait, Is This Racist" program consists of six online sessions offered between April 2024 and May 2025. (The 1st session happened on April 22). These sessions are designed for congregational teams that have already begun the journey toward becoming an anti-racist church. Participants have the opportunity to engage with other congregations, deepen their anti-racist awareness, and explore practical ways to advance anti-racist work.
Take a look at what is happening this next year:
"Ministry beyond the adults in our spaces"
Tuesday, May 21, 7:00 pm–8:30 pm, ET OR Thursday, May 23, 1:00 pm–2:30 pm, ET
How do our buildings; grounds; and ministry with children, youth, and people beyond our doors reflect our relationship to this racist society?
"Ministry within our communities of faith"
Tuesday, June 11, 7:00 pm–8:30 pm ET OR Thursday, June 13, 1:00 pm–2:30 pm ET
Explore co-creating anti-racist communities in relation to worship, preaching, and pastoral care.
"Living into our anti-racism action plans"
Tuesday, October 8, 7:00 pm–8:30 ET
During this session, we’ll take some time to write up our own church’s anti-racism action plans—or to revise already existing plans!
"Communities of practice: Co-creating anti-racist churches"
Tuesday, November 26, 7:00‒8:30 pm ET
Delve more deeply into what an ongoing community of practice might be, what it might look like, and continued practical ways of co-creating anti-racist church
"Continuing our church’s anti-racism journeys"
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 7:00–8:30 pm ET
How have you been living into your action plans? What challenges have you encountered? What successes and results are you celebrating?