Resources on Anti-Racism

Richard Goeres | Day1

This sermon by Richard Goeres on Mark 7 holds together the themes of truth and love, understanding the need to be honest about our sin, but never letting that truth overtake God's love for us.

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

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Racism, Love, Sin, Truthfulness

Recognizing Women's Ministries

Michelle Riley Jones | The African American Lectionary

Sermon Preparation or Illustration and 8 more types

A collection of resources for a Women's Day worship service that includes a video of the creation of a painting, practical worship planning ideas, a responsive reading, and music suggestions.

Numbers 6:24-27; Psalms 105:1-11, 45 121

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Worship Planning, Women, Music, Women's Work In The Church

Christianity and Whiteness

Duane T. Loynes | Reformed Journal

Article about Theology

An essay by Duane T. Loynes Sr. arguing that Christians should not consider themselves “post-racial” or colorblind, but rather should actively pursue the theology and ethics of a diverse and reconciled body.

Isaiah 1:17; John 17:11

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Racism, Justice, Blackness, Diversity

The Art of Accompaniment

Carol Arend | Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

Article about Church Life and Leadership

In this interview, Carol Arend talks about the art of accompanying people on their faith journey. She shares how to welcome people into and through this art.

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Care, Comfort, Daily Living

Righteous Anger in the Psalms

John D Witvliet | Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

Scripture Meditation or Sermon

Podcast (with transcript) of David M. Bailey in conversation with John Witvliet. Reflecting on Psalm 10 and other scriptures, they discuss righteous anger that directs people on a path of formation and Christian discipleship. (Length: 19:27)

Psalm 10

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Lament, Reconciliation, Anger, Discipleship

Christmas

Michelle Riley Jones | The African American Lectionary

Sermon Preparation or Illustration and 5 more types

This worship planning resource is for a Christmas worship service. This resource includes a call to worship, a litany, music, and liturgical resources for a Christmas celebration.

Matthew 2:13-23

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Christmas, Incarnation, Worship Planning

Black Theology and a Legacy of Oppression

M Shawn Copeland | America: The Jesuit Review

Article about Theology

After the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., James H. Cone denounced mainline Protestant and Catholic Christians' lukewarm response; further critique is offered of "Elegant Racism," which is more subtle and even more difficult to address.

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Racism, Culture, Cultures, Oppression

Guide Us in the Way of Justice and Truth: on Burning Bushes, Fingerprints, and a Courageous Imagination

Anna Elisabeth Howard | Earth and Altar

Poetry

Anna Elisabeth Howard writes of the complicated history of her (Episcopal) church and the call to "seek and serve Christ in all persons." Included is a poetic prayer by Pauli Murray.

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Courage, Justice, History, Service

Who So Ever Will Sunday

Nolan Williams Jr | The African American Lectionary

Sermon Preparation or Illustration and 3 more types

This is a collection of worship planning suggestions, songs, litany, etc, for a "Who So Ever Will" Sunday focusing on hospitality and welcome. This resource is aimed at reaching out to the LGBQT community.

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Hospitality, Community, Worship Planning, Special Days

A Successful Multiracial Congregation

James VandenBosch | Reformed Journal

Article about Church Life and Leadership

Inspired by Madison Square Christian Reformed Church and the poem "Obedience" by Sietze Buning, this article by James VandenBosch explores the characteristics of successful multiracial worship such as welcoming visitors, preaching on unity, and community engagement.

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Diversity, Worship, Race, Poetry

All in the Same Boat

Martha Spong | Day1

Scripture Meditation or Sermon, Prayer

In her sermon on Mark 4:35-41, Martha Spong speaks to fellow ministers about being together in "what feels like a time of crisis," and having trouble recognizing Jesus as God with us.

Mark 4:35-41

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Fear, Courage, Trust, Disciple

Who So Ever Will Sunday

Michelle Riley Jones | The African American Lectionary

Sermon Preparation or Illustration and 2 more types

Worship resources from an African American perspective based on Romans 10:12-13 and Galatians 5, for planning a "Who So Ever Will" Sunday, a time for focusing on welcome and hospitality toward all.

Romans 10:12-13; Galatians 5

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Love, Hospitality, Spirit, Grace

Christianity and Whiteness

Duane T Loynes Sr | Reformed Journal

Article about Theology

In this article, Duane Loynes, Sr. challenges the church on issues of race and pushes for a more perfect church.

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Culture, Justice, B. F. White, Christian

Gregory of Nyssa and the Culture of Oppression

Kimberly Flint-Hamilton | The Christian Reflection Project

Article

"Gregory of Nyssa spoke out against the institution of slavery in a way that non had before, vilifying it as incompatible with Christianity." An article on the lessons we can learn from Nyssa today.

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Racism, Justice, Slavery, Oppression

Doctrine and Multicultural Hospitality

Joan Huyser-Honig | Calvin Institute of Christian Worship

Article about Church Life and Leadership

In this conversation, Christina Edmondson discusses doctrinal interpretations that make congregations more or less welcoming to many cultures. To become more multicultural, congregations must help members discern differences between biblical doctrines and cultural biases.

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Cultures, Hospitality, Prejudice, Witness

Charity AND Justice for the Poor

Albert Hamstra | The CRC Network

Scripture Meditation or Sermon

Albert Hamstra reflects on Mary's song, highlighting the ways in which charity and justice connect and complement each other.

Luke 1:52-53

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Deacon, Justice, Charity, Magnificat

Inbuilt Fragility

Dennis R Edwards | Missio Alliance

Scripture Meditation or Sermon

Reflecting on 1 Peter 4:8 and the Rwandan genocide, Dennis R. Edwards observes how inbuilt fragility can surface as meanness, but love can conquer a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

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Love, Justice, Reconciliation

It’s Not Just About the Photo Op

Glenna Huber | Earth and Altar

Article

Glenna Huber reflects on how the history of the Episcopal deonomination shapes the context of President Trump's photo-op at St. John's Church.

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Church, Scripture, Blackness, Politics

Christian Leaders Empower Others

Gene Robinson | Faith and Leadership

Article about Church Life and Leadership

In this video interview by Gene Robinson, Jesus' empowering of his disciples for ministry (Matthew 10:1; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:1-2) is used as a model for Christian leaders to empower those they lead. (Length: 2:57)

Matthew 10:1; Mark 6:7-13 Luke 9:1-2

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Leadership, Pastoral Leadership, Congregational Flourishing

It’s Going To Be Bad

Rachel G Hackenberg | Rachel G. Hackenberg

Scripture Meditation or Sermon

Rachel Hackenberg's devotional takes Jesus' words to the disciples to prepare them for difficult times to come (John 14:27-29), and applies them to anticipation of social instability in current times.

John 14:27-29

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Love, Preparation, Comfort, Assurance