Our fall small groups will begin September 14 on Zoom. In keeping with our fall church theme of Embracing Mystery, we will offer online small group studies reviewing books by Richard Rohr and N.T. Wright. In addition, groups engaging in anti-racism will convene and one specifically for young, working women continues. We will also be offering groups on mindfulness and grief support. See below for schedule and details.
Uiyeon Kim, “What the Mystics Know: Seven Pathways to Your Deeper Self” by Richard Rohr
– Tuesdays, 11 am-noon, begins September 15
– Tuesdays, 8-9 pm, begins September 15 (with Taylor Barefoot, co-leader)
– Wednesdays, 10-11 am, begins September 16
Drawing from the best and most poetic of Richard Rohr’s essays from nearly a quarter of a century, each chapter in this new collection examines one of the seven core mystical truths. Rohr identifies the despair of everyday life, promotes opportunities for change even in the face of pain, thereby transforming one’s deeper self into a beacon of light that aids in the perpetual metamorphosis of others.
Purchase your copy of Richard Rohr’s “What the Mystics Know: Seven Pathways to Your Deeper Self” through your favorite online or local bookseller. Contact group leader if you need assistance.
Join by Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/3397219407?pwd=UEFJNUtQV1k5UmU4Sk5VRnpNRUEvdz09
Meeting ID: 339 721 9407
Password: 1501
Taylor Barefoot, Lectionary Conversations
– Wednesdays, 9-10 am, begins September 16
This group will discuss a new story from scripture each week. There is no “homework” for this group. We simply hope to show up, learn with and from one another. This is a great group for those seeking community in the church. We hope this group will encourage you to think about scripture in new and robust ways. All walks of life and knowledge of scripture welcome!
Join by Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/3397219407?pwd=UEFJNUtQV1k5UmU4Sk5VRnpNRUEvdz09
Meeting ID: 339 721 9407
Password: 1501
Nancy Watson, “Surprised by Hope” by N.T. Wright
– Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 am, begins September 17
Wright outlines the present confusion about a Christian’s future hope and shows how it is deeply intertwined with how we live today. The scholar argues that what we believe about life after death directly affects what we believe about life before death. For if God intends to renew the whole creation—and if this has already begun in Jesus’s resurrection—the church cannot stop at “saving souls” but must anticipate the eventual renewal by working for God’s kingdom in the wider world, bringing healing and hope in the present life.
Purchase your copy of N.T. Wright’s “Surprised by Hope” through your favorite online or local bookseller. Contact group leader if you need assistance.
Join by Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/3397219407?pwd=UEFJNUtQV1k5UmU4Sk5VRnpNRUEvdz09
Meeting ID: 339 721 9407
Password: 1501
Nathan Arledge, The Just Work of the Church
– Mondays, 8-9 pm, begins September 14
Each week we will meet with a community leader for a compelling, challenging exploration of systemic racism and the influence we have within our organizations and our greater community. We will discuss topics around justice and race and will be challenged to understand what it means to ally with our neighbors. There will be opportunities for small group discussion. Expect honest conversation. Commit to vulnerability. Journey a new path. Schedule below is subject to change based on availability of speakers:
Sept 14 Inequity in Education, with Kelly McKinnon
To prepare:
Concerns about Remote Learning in Charlotte, article
Understanding the Racial Wealth Gap and effects on education, article
Segregation in Char-Meck Schools, article
Sept 21 How Racism Exists in the Church, with Rev. Jessica and Darryl Dayson
To prepare:
WATCH this moving service of lament which offers insight into racism within the church. It features a compelling speaker, Rev. Arnetta Beverly at the 44 min mark who discusses her experience in-depth, right here in the WNC conference.
WATCH AND READ about the history of racism in the United Methodist Church
TAKE THIS COURSE: You Are Here: First Steps for White Christians on Race and Racism
READ Reconstructing the Gospel: Finding Freedom from Slaveholder Religion by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
READ Stakes Is High: Race, Faith, and Hope for America by Michael W. Waters.
Sept 28 Discussion of Reynolds Lecture at Davidson College-Ibram X. Kendi, with Ron Knape and John Clarkson, Race Forward
Oct 5 The Impact of Immigration
Oct 11 Now What?
Join by Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/3397219407?pwd=UEFJNUtQV1k5UmU4Sk5VRnpNRUEvdz09
Meeting ID: 339 721 9407
Password: 1501
Jessica Dayson, “I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness” by Austin Channing Brown
– Every other Wednesday, 1-2 p.m., beginning September 23
In this NY Times best-selling book, the author gives an account of what it was like for her to grow up Black, Christian, and female. This group will meet every other week and discuss material from 2-3 chapters each time. Join us for a rich time of discussion and reflection on this important work.
Purchase your copy of Austin Channing Brown’s “I’m Still Here” through your favorite online or local bookseller. Contact group leader if you need assistance.
Join by Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/3397219407?pwd=UEFJNUtQV1k5UmU4Sk5VRnpNRUEvdz09
Meeting ID: 339 721 9407
Password: 1501
Instructions for Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/3397219407?pwd=UEFJNUtQV1k5UmU4Sk5VRnpNRUEvdz09
Meeting ID: 339 721 9407
Password: 1501
Make sure you have audio/video capabilities on your computer
On the day/time of your desired zoom virtual small group…
– Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
All women in their 20s and 30s are welcome to join this continuing online group at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81886258513
For more information or questions contact Caitlin Stanley at pattoncr2@gmail.com
– November 2, 9, 16, and 23, 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Rev. Bill Roth and Lauren Smith, Parish Nurse, lead a virtual workshop designed to assist and support those grieving a loss. This will be a time of sharing our individual journeys and coming to a deeper understanding of the grief process. Register on REALM or email Carmen.
– September 21, October 19, November 16 and December 21, 10:30 a.m.
Offered by Rev. Bill Roth and Lauren Smith. Register on Realm or email Carmen Rivera. Learn to embody the present moment with compassionate awareness and discover the emotional, physical and spiritual meditative practices. Open to first timers or those who wish to renew their mindful practice.