Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, First Sunday of Black History|Futures Month - February 5, 2023

Pastor Eric and Pastor Todd preaching Reflections by Mary Kay McClure and Bette Felton Music by John Kendall-Bailey Dear Church, This Sunday is the first Sunday of our observance of Black History and Black Futures Month. Since 2020, we have intentionally observed the theme of Black History and Futures within our worship services throughout February. This year, your pastoral team is excited to partner with the Anti-Racism and Justice Ministries Team to collaborate and lead worship. For this first Sunday, we will begin with Black history, specifically the American context of Black history, and lament the evil and sin of anti-Black racism. This will be a service of lament. “How long will we have to cry?” is the guiding question for our worship. The tone of the service may be challenging for some to hear, specifically for those who are particularly affected by anti-Black racism and violence. Wherever you are in your journey, we hope you will come with an open heart and mind as we seek to be bold and honest in lamenting racism. We pray that by acknowledging our brokenness, we will be closer to becoming a church where the good news is lived out, and members of our community are held and inspired by God.