As a part of God's reconciling work, we are called to dismantle racism and build relationships across racial divides. On Saturday, January 23, 2021, from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. EST, Mennonite Men will be hosting a Zoom meeting, open to all genders, with members of
Seeking the Beloved Community, a group of Black and White men in
Elkhart, Indiana, who have been engaged in this work for seven years. A number of these are pastors and members of Mennonite congregations. This is a regular, open, monthly meeting of men seeking to build relationships, especially among men. They seek to deepen bonds with each other, across race and culture, within families, among local churches and neighborhoods. They seek to confront racism, expose privilege, and engage in activities that promote shalom and demonstrate God's Beloved Community.
This interactive Zoom meeting will consist of presentations from members of Seeking the Beloved Community, whole group conversation, and breakout sessions. As we engage with this group, we will discover
· What happens when Black and White men come together,
· The gifts and challenges of building such relationships,
· Hidden truths and fears revealed in our gatherings,
· How we change as a result of our experience together,
· Personal experiences of privilege, racism and change,
· How building community helps as a step to dismantle racism,
· Ways the Spirit works to form God's beloved community.
Through this event, we will encourage deepening relationships across racial forms of belonging, dismantling racism, and participating in God's community.
We suggest a donation of $25—all of which will go to Seeking the Beloved Community to minister to needs in their neighborhoods. However, we invite anyone to participate regardless of ability to make a financial contribution.
Register for this event at https://seekingthebelovedcommunity.netlify.app/ and we will send a Zoom meeting link to you.
"The end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of (humanity)." --Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
