The Racial Truth & Reconciliation Committee has embraced diversity through several different forums…
- Monthly movie night in the chapel
- Ongoing book club
- Bible studies (including Waking Up White)
- Guest speakers
- Spotlight tables
- Story walls
- Sunday forums
- Guest pastor (Angela Khabeb)
- Racial justice breakfast (guest appearances by Pastor Paul Harrington and Mark Swiggum)
- Collaboration with the St. Paul Synod
- Much more!
Please join us for our upcoming year starting September 2018, as we look forward to continuing with our ongoing projects as well as adding a Celebration of Diverse Heritages during Pentecost 2019. An Immigration and Refugee Awareness Breakfast will take place on May 18, 2019.
ALL are invited to participate in the Racial Truth & Reconciliation Committee, and spread the word of love and acceptance! Learn more at sotv.org/race or contact Julie Opheim at julie.opheim@sotv.org or 952.985.7331.
About a year and a half ago, a member of SOTV who was at a spotlight table for the Racial Truth & Reconciliation Committee asked me if I was interested in any of the activities they were offering: movie night, book club, planning activities, or being part of the committee. I checked all the blocks!
Having worked in the area of diversity and social justice before, I find myself really enjoying that type of work again. Since my journey started on this committee, we have worked to make people aware of differences that may exist among people of different races and cultures, but more importantly, to highlight that we are one in God and should really look at how we can live in harmony with one another. Yes, we are different in some ways, but those differences do not have to get in the way of how we treat each other. God means for all of us to live and help our neighbor.
The committee strives to cover diverse topics, and like most difficult topics, it sometimes feels that we take one step forward and two back. This has not deterred the committee from continuing the work that we do.
Next time you see one of us working the spotlight table, stop by and say hi. You never know what journey lies ahead! If nothing else, I’m always full of stories and would be glad to share one with you.
– Fernando
