SACRED GROUND TRAINING
In Lent, members of the Peace First Lutheran and Grace Episcopal congregations will share in a film-based dialogue series on the role of race in our culture. We tested this combined group model with members of the Peace First Council and Grace Church Vestry this past fall. Many participants were surprised to enjoy this experience, finding themselves enlightened and inspired by it and eager to extend this learning opportunity to our wider congregations.  A short video has been put together describing the program and members of the Church Council and Vestry, along with Pastor Steve and Rector Carren, share what taking part in the program meant to them. The current will run through August and is already closed, but be watching for details about another class in the Fall.

ANTI-RACISM TEAM

How do we, people of faith who are committed to the work of recognizing, naming and deconstructing racism in our church and world, begin to understand the lives of others with whom we have very little contact? How do we understand what is happening in our country related to race and social unrest? How does learning about the history of our area help us build healing relationships? How can we share what we learn with our congregation and community?

These questions and others helped form the initial discussions of the Anti-Racism Team (A-RT) at Peace First. Here are some of the ideas and actions that we will explore and further develop:

• We have created a resource library for adults and children. This resource library is conveniently located in the church so that congregational members can find books of interest that may be checked out.
• We've formed a book club to read and discuss books on anti-racism.
• Writing reviews of books in our library to share with the congregation.
• Hosting movie nights and suggesting movies that can be watched at home.
• Inviting speakers, many of whom are in our local area.
• Developing ecumenical partnerships to join us in combating racism in our churches and community.
• Providing anti-racism training for congregational leadership and the community.
• Meeting with law enforcement to discuss anti-racism and how we can form partnerships.
• Building a healing relationship with our Chinook neighbors.
• Continuing conversations with Consejo Hispano to build relationships with our Hispanic neighbors.

Trough prayer, study and conversation the A-RT endeavors to think critically, act faithfully and follow the compassionate and peaceful path of Jesus as we learn of the many forms of racism in our church and society.

We will be meeting monthly on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30pm at the Peace First Lutheran Uppertown campus.

ALL ARE WELCOME. Please join us!