Racial Justice Challenge: A 21-Day Commitment to Listen and Learn
This a 21-day journey led toward a greater understanding of the issues underlying racial justice. Together we engaged with a variety of resources (readings, videos, podcasts), bringing open hearts and minds as we reflected, learned, and grew.
Each week, participants received suggested resources to read/listen to/watch on a daily basis, from July 5 through July 26, 2020. There were ongoing opportunities to share thoughts or questions with the group online and via a weekly Zoom meeting. The expected time commitment was approximately 30 – 60 minutes per day. For more information, contact Margaret Sprunger, margaret.sprunger@gmail.com or 225-328-3942
Natalie Cooper serves as lead teacher for the Joyful Transformers Sunday school class (our 3rd through 5th graders), Children’s Sunday School Superintendent, and as Children’s Ministry Coordinator on Church Council. Each week she writes to the Joyful Transformers class, and here is an excerpt from her most recent letter, sent last week:
Last Sunday, we talked about Psalm 23. It is a wonderful Psalm written by David — it is only 6 verses, but it is so full of wonderful imagery and meaning — imagery, meaning the visual images that come to mind when you picture in your head what you are reading, and meaning, meaning the message and understanding of the text.
Psalm 23 begins with the words “The Lord is my Shepherd,” so we watched a video on shepherding so that we can better understand what it means to be a shepherd; in that way, we can better understand our Loving God. I can tell you this — I learned that being a shepherd is very hard work! And we learned that a shepherd does the hard work of loving and caring for his flock always, simply because he loves his sheep so very much. We also watched a video story that is someone’s interpretation of what Psalm 23 means to them. It was a poetic story video with paper dolls, imagining what it must be like to be a sheep. Another video included the voices of children reading Psalm 23 and sharing their interpretation of the text, interpretation meaning how these children understand these words written by David so long ago. So here’s the challenge I have for you: I challenge you to try, each and every morning before you even get out of bed, while your mind is still quiet, to softly read Psalm 23 aloud. Imagine it as you read it. Before we even start our day we should know that God is our great Shepherd, always loving us, protecting us, guiding us, encouraging us, walking with us, on happy days, and even in scary or unfamiliar moments. And we can trust that there is no joy, no pain, no emotion that we can feel that Jesus Himself has not felt. Jesus gets us. He understands us. He hears our gladness, our anger, our frustration, and wants to bring us to a place of comfort and peace with him always. He loves us fully forever and ever and ever. What a good, good Shepherd He is indeed! Thank you, God, that I am one of your sheep!
If you forget to read Psalm 23 in the morning, you can still do it whenever you remember. Try to imagine being a sheep in the flock, lying in green pastures; beside cool waters… let the words take your mind on a picture journey. Then you will come to know again and again the perfect, sustaining love of Our Good Shepherd. If you practice this enough, one day you will be able to recite Psalm 23 from your heart. More importantly, you will live each day knowing your belovedness.
Dearest children, I pray that each of you are well and blessed. I pray for peace in your life. I pray that you never forget the perfect love of Our Heavenly Father evident by the sacrifice of Jesus, and that the Holy Spirit will surround you and embrace you. I love you more than there are stars in the sky. I love you more than there are living things in the oceans. I love you as God has made me to love you and call you my dear ones. You, YOU, my darling, are so special to me.
What happens when our world falls apart? How do we press onward when our tightly-knit plans unravel into loose threads? What do we become when our identity-or the path we’re on-comes undone? What if all of this is not the end we fear it will be?
In our unraveling, sometimes life surprises us with unexpected joy, love, and hope–with a new beginning we couldn’t have imagined. Sometimes we need God to unravel us, for we long to be changed.
Our summer worship series beginning Sunday, June 21, explores biblical stories of unraveled shame, identity, fear, grief, dreams, and expectations. These are stories where God meets us in the spiraling, unraveling our plans–and us–into something new.
June 21
“Unraveled by Uncertainty” Matthew 14:22-33 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, Lead Pastor View a virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
June 28
“When Grief Inspires Action” 2 Samuel 3:7, 21:1-14 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, Lead Pastor View a virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
July 5
“Discovering a New Path” Acts 9:1-20 Rev. Deirdré Halliburton, Associate Pastor View a virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
July 12
“Seeking Understanding When Things Unravel” Job 28:12-28 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, Lead Pastor View a virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
July 19
“When Our Dreams or Plans Come Unraveled” Jeremiah 29:1-7, 11 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, Lead Pastor View a virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
July 26
“Unexpected Joy” Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, Lead Pastor View a Holy Humor virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
August 2
“Unraveled Journey” Genesis 22:1-14 Rev. Deirdre’ Halliburton, Associate Pastor View a livestreamed virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
August 9
“When Our Control Unravels” Exodus 1:22-2:10 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn, Lead Pastor View a livestreamed virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
August 16
“Unraveled by Shame” A monologue based on John 4:1-42, adapted from an original work by Guy Johnson Rev. Deirdre’ Halliburton, Associate Pastor View a livestreamed virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
Because of the intensity of all that is happening in our society right now, I wanted to reach out with some resources to help support you in processing and reflecting on the brutal killing of George Floyd and the resulting events of this past week. I have been reminded that it’s not enough to be “not racist.” We must become anti-racist, which is one who is actively working to dismantle racist systems and undoing our own biases that help to uphold those systems. For many white people, talking about racism and learning to identify our own privilege can be uncomfortable. Here are just a few resources if you’re not sure where to start.
Don’t know what to say? Feeling overwhelmed? Read up. This is a working document for scaffolding anti-racism resources: https://bit.ly/scaffolded.
Not sure which books to read first? Louisiana United Methodist Bishop, Cynthia Fierro Harvey has encouraged all United Methodists in Louisiana read “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo and “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi. Bishop Harvey says of these books: “They will be challenging but transformative. They helped me understand and name my own sin and complicity and continue to do so.”
Some other great book options are: “I’m Still Here” by Austin Channing Brown, “White Supremacy and Me” by Layla F. Saad, and “Between The World and Me” by TaNehisi Coates. Please consider buying these books from local bookstores – such as Cottonwood Books and Cavalier House Books.
Make time to watch this conversation with University of Washington professor Dr. Robin DiAngelo, who reads from her book “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism,” explains the phenomenon, and discusses how white people can develop their capacity to engage more constructively across race:
For the month of June, the movie “Just Mercy” is available to rent for free across a number of digital platforms. This true story, based on the book by the same name, follows the work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, who defends Walter McMillian, in order to fight a wrongful murder conviction. In February 2019, our pastors preached a sermon series inspired by the book, “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.”
We are blessed to have programs such as Dialogue on Race Louisiana that offer the opportunity for us to grow and learn together with our peers. Pastor Lane and a number of other St. John’s members have attended the DOR original series and each has found tremendous value in the tools gained from it. If the events of this week have inspired you to take action to become anti-racist, consider signing up for an upcoming series.
Where we put our money can speak just as loud as words. Donate to dialogue, justice groups, and bailout funds to help folks on the ground right now do their work:
In Luke 4:17-18, Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Everywhere he went, Jesus disrupted the status quo. He challenged systems, healed broken lives, and brought good news to those outside the places of power. As Christ’s followers, we are called to carry on his work.
Let’s stay engaged, my friends. Even when our newsfeed shifts, the work of dismantling systemic racism is not over. This is the work of a lifetime and something that will take all of us. Please pray for me as I am certainly praying for you on this journey of repentance, listening, growing, and transforming.
I do not think anyone would disagree that the times we are living in right now are scary, frustrating, uncertain and, for many, very lonely. Lonely is where I find myself and I know that I am not the only one who feels this way. In this writing, I pray this confession will remind me, and perhaps you as well, to continually rely on the Holy Spirit, who is our Advocate. I need this reminder during my struggle to keep a positive attitude, in my difficulty staying productive in whatever that may look like, finding a new or different purpose, connecting with others, trusting the solitude, and in times of dealing with the overwhelming quiet.
The battle that rages in me is very real. I began to realize that my attempts to overcome all these things could not be done through my strength alone. I found it was a losing battle. I have come to realize that my losses are in some ways self-inflicted due to my lack of preparedness, poor strategy, and a failure to rely on my personal protective equipment (PPE).
Here is my confession: I would be better prepared if I were to continually rely on the fact that I am never alone and never forsaken. Scripture is filled with so many passages that speak to this topic.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” Isaiah 41:10
A ton of bricks hit me when I realized I had absolutely no strategy for how to confront this new world of COVID-19. How was I to deal with the continual frustrations of staying at home, social distancing, the daily escalating death toll, and a pandemic that has become political? I was faced with not knowing if the end to all of this would ever come, and the BIG question of if my supply of toilet paper would last? Then I realized the strategy I needed was so simple I had simply been overlooking it. My head was full of ‘what ifs’, ‘now what’ and ‘the sky is falling’ that I had allowed these continual, negative thoughts to replace my active prayer time. Prayer is a simple act but it is also so very powerful. In prayer, my fear and anxiety are replaced with a sense of God’s peace and comfort. My strategy must be prayer that is both intentional and frequent.
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
While I have been wearing a mask when grocery shopping, I had failed to utilize my spiritual Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Besides my mask, I have the full armor of God available to me – I just need to remember to put it on daily.
“Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and his powerful strength. Put on God’s armor so that you can make a stand against the tricks of the devil. We aren’t fighting against human enemies but against rulers, authorities, forces of cosmic darkness, and spiritual powers of evil in the heavens. Therefore, pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground on the evil day and after you have done everything possible to still stand. So stand with the belt of truth around your waist, justice as your breastplate, and put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to spread the good news of peace. Above all, carry the shield of faith so that you can extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. Offer prayers and petitions in the Spirit all the time. Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers.” Ephesians 6:10-18.
I miss my St. John’s family so very much and I have come to realize (even more) how important you truly are to me. Until we can be together — really together — stay safe. I hold you in my prayers.
How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number – living things both large and small. Psalm 104: 24-25
The red-eared slider turtles congregate on the mud bank, sunbathing in tranquil communion. From a distance, they could easily be mistaken for a group of World War I army helmets abandoned in the dirt. As I surreptitiously approach, hoping not to disturb the touchingly peaceful scene, their sensitive ears detect my slow steps rustling through the wildflower-filled grass, and in a sudden burst of energy, they all cascade into the safety of the murky canal.
On a recent day, rife with particularly disturbing news of our community’s struggle with the pandemic, I decided to visit “my” turtles. In that special place, I often experience a quick chuckle, a lifting of the spirit, and a renewal of gratitude for all of God’s creation. I carefully approached, breathing in the fresh breeze as I focused my eyes on the pod of ‘helmets’ on the bank. As expected, almost as a unit, the turtles slid down the bank into the water. Except one.
As I drew closer, the sole turtle held his ground, lifting his face toward the sun and allowing me to sit across the water from him to share several minutes of sacred quiet. In those moments I too wanted to lift my face to the light, to feel the peace and presence of Christ. I wanted to be like that turtle – to seek the light in spite of perceived danger.
This brief but precious encounter brought amazing reassurance and reminded me that we can feel God’s presence in any moment if we simply hold ourselves attentive and stand steadfast in our faith.
Prayer: Awesome God, how you bless us with your grace and love! Guide us as we navigate these difficult times and help us to be ever aware of your loving and caring presence. Amen.
Recently, I have intentionally contemplated this question: Who is the God I know? As I pondered the revelations that came to mind, the ending song lyrics from the 1976 Paul McCartney and Wings song called “Silly Love Songs” repeats in my mind: How can I tell you about my loved one? How can I tell you about my loved one?
Just the thought of it takes my breath away. Are there enough words? Do they carry such depth of meaning and greatness of truth to even begin to convey the big and wonderful ways I know our loving God?
Perhaps you might find the God you know in my reflections. Or maybe these reflections will prompt you to know God in new or forgotten ways.
The God I know is:
my perfect, heavenly Father who will lovingly, eagerly pursue me all the days of my life, longing to be with me, his creation, and me with him
my guide; my enlightenment and peace found in persecution, as I travel dark valleys or steep mountains; I know him as my assurance and am so grateful for the presence of Him when the path before me is unclear
my power when I am weak; my self-discipline when I am ill-controlled; my focus when I am distracted
the One that I see every day in those who love him, those who walk upon this earth in His service as his hands and feet to the broken world
in the one with whom I worship and pray in this, His church, and delight in among the church universal
the tie that binds me to you and you to me, my brothers and sisters in Christ
the One that feeds my family through the blessing of the Shepherd’s Market
the One that sends the wisdom of his Holy Spirit, whether in teaching or in learning
the provider, as in the mother by marriage that offers a home and a bed
the loving, patient Father when I flee to those things that are outside of Him, as he waits the return of the prodigal, to embrace and forgive
the voice of reason when I want to cry out
the One that empowers me into servanthood
my courage in vulnerable moments
the One who knows me thoroughly – knows my sins, my brokenness, my weaknesses – and loves me fully in spite of it all
the One who will never turn his back on me, never forsake me, even as the world brings rejection and heartbreak
the One who says lift your head and know the good and perfect purpose I have planned for you
the hope of a future with Him, healed, even as the world brings dis-ease and illness
compels me to seek Him in prayer, to be willing to let this cup pass, should my longings of this life not align with His desire for me
trustworthy and sure – never failing to hold me to account in my errors, to call me to correction, for my benefit and His glory
the One who anticipates my heavenly reunion with him, having prepared a place for me not only in life everlasting, but in this, His kingdom on earth
in the seeing, the hearing, the speaking, the living, the serving, the action…so that others will know Him, too
So, who is the God you know? How can you tell me about your loved one? I pray you have been experiencing and discovering God in new ways during this time apart, but together in spirit.
St. John’s continues to feed others spiritually and physically. Volunteers prepared lunches to feed the hungry at our sister church, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in New Orleans.
Rev. Larry Norman, Chris Alborado, and Ben and Vickie Syboton traveled to St. Mark’s to deliver the food on Sunday, April 19.
More than 450 “houseless” people were served at the church. A local restaurant provided more than 200 meals. The rest of the meals were distributed to those staying at hotels and boarding houses and others who are camped out under the overpasses.
Easter is not just a day. It is a whole season of time when we remember that Jesus’ Spirit lives on in each one of us. The life and death of Jesus had one strong message that was both overt and inherent: love one another. The heart of the matter was love.
In the Bible, the early church was described in this way: “Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.” (Acts 2: 46-47a)
So over the next few weeks, we are following our ancestor’s traditions. We are creating a “temple” of worship in our hearts. Whether we can be physically together or not, we are together in spirit. The earliest Christians worshiped in their homes before they had churches, and so will we, until we can meet again in our sanctuary. Because at the “heart of the matter,” we are connected through the Spirit that makes us one in love.
As we gather each Sunday, we invite you to have your “worry stone” (or “heart stone”) with you and light a candle to set your space and heart for worship.
“Feeling Peace in Our Hearts” Acts 2:24-48, Psalm 16, John 20:19-29 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn View a virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
April 26 – Third Sunday of Easter
“Straight from the Heart” 1 Peter 1:13-23 and Luke 24:13-35 Rev. Deirdre’ Halliburton View a virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
May 3 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
“An Overflowing Heart” Psalm 23, John 10:1-10 and Acts 2:42-47 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn View a virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
May 10 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
“Heart of God” Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 and John 14:1-14 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn View a virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
May 17 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
“Kept in Our Hearts” 1 Peter 3:13-16a and John 14:6-7, 15-21 Rev. Deirdre’ Halliburton View a virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
May 24 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
“Open the Eyes of My Heart” Ephesians 1:15-23 and Luke 24:44-53 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn View a virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
May 31 – Pentecost Sunday
“Apostles of Hope” 1 Corinthians 12:1-14 and Acts 2:16-21 Rev. Lane Cotton Winn View a virtual worship service while in-person worship is suspended during COVID-19
