Decolonizing our Mission. Engaging our Communities. Exercising Cultural Humility. These are essential practices for United Methodists seeking to create or deepen community partnerships and build or strengthen relationships of justice for a time such as this.
The Greater Northwest Area’s Innovation Vitality Team is partnering with three strong voices this November to deliver three learning experiences over Zoom introducing or refreshing participant’s understanding of these critical practices.
“From these leaders, you will experience deep learning connected with authentic practice,” says Rev. Dr. Leroy Barber, Director of Innovation for an Engaged Church. The series is being offered to lay and clergy members of the Alaska, Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Conferences. Each session is free of charge but requires preregistration.
Register now to join us for this series of learning experiences with:
- Dr. Soong-Chan Rah, author, theologian and practitioner on the topic of Decolonizing Mission, Thursday, November 5, 2020, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. PST
REGISTER HERE - Maria-José (Coté) Soerens, pastor, innovator and community activist on the topic of Community Engagement and Community Development, Tuesday, November 10, 2020, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. PST
REGISTER HERE - Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, author, activist and practitioner on the topic of Cultural Humility, Thursday, November 12, 2020, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. PST
REGISTER HERE
“We are called as Christians to be hope in the world, and as Methodists to do no harm, do good and stay in love with God. To do this well, we must cultivate a culture of critical reflection and evaluation to ensure that our intent and impact align,” says Kristina Gonzalez, Director of Innovation for an Inclusive Church. “This series will raise important questions helpful in addressing dignity and equity as the church responds to the duo pandemics of COVID 19 and Racism.”
Special encouragement is being offered to congregations in the PNW Conference planning to apply for financial support of community work through Phase 2 of the PNW’s Fund for Families initiative.
“What does it look like for the Church to de-center itself and co-create from a position of deep listening?” asks Rev. Dr. William Gibson, Director of Innovation for a New Church. Together, these practices provide a framework for reimagining our ministry and becoming the Church God is calling us to be today.
