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Racial Justice Ministries encompasses our efforts to bring awareness, make a difference, and inspire change.
We believe in the equality of all peoples. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, email us at office@mcfarlanducc.org. |
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Our Racial Justice Ministries Mission Statement
We at McFarland UCC recognize the ongoing acts of injustice against people of color, and we stand in support of those who bear the burden of inequity in our nation. We believe in our interconnectedness as human beings, and we pledge to work together as a congregation to educate ourselves and to take action to improve the lives of those who have been oppressed. Psalm 82:3 (New International Version) exhorts us to “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” As we begin to understand the extent of racial injustices in our nation, we are called to work toward a more just and equitable future for all of God’s people. 2023 Activities to Work Towards Racial Justice: Taking a Journey of Hope and Discovery Come Friday, June 2, or Saturday, June 3, from 7:00-9:00 p.m., when McFarland UCC will be hosting a highly acclaimed multimedia exhibit and program called, “Taking a Journey of Hope and Discovery.” The program will explore why there is a greater need now more than ever for understanding the interconnectedness of our common humanity and our relationship to each other and to nonhuman life on this planet. We are at the crossroads of truth in History, Science, Technology and Indigenous Wisdom, as we move toward the frontiers of the future. Our presenters are McFarland residents Dawn and Art Shegonee. Art is a member of the Menominee and Potowatomi tribes in Wisconsin and has been a cultural consultant, teacher and presenter at over 400 schools and colleges throughout Wisconsin and neighboring states. In the 1990s, Art and Dawn co-founded the Call For Peace Drum & Dance Company, which has traveled around the world performing in Russia, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Israel, Puerto Rico and Ireland. They also performed at the openings for the Monona Terrace and the Overture Center for the Arts. We hope this program will engage and inspire all of us to “Make a Difference” as the exhibit takes us around the world on a “Journey of Hope and Discovery.” This presentation is free and open to the public. Racial Justice Video Series Join us for a three-part video series on “The Color of Compromise.” This is an acclaimed, timely study of how some people of faith have historically, and even up to the present day, actually worked against racial justice. It’s a call to urgent action for all Christians today. “The Color of Compromise” is enlightening, compelling, and also painful, telling a history we either have ignored or just do not know. It details how some churches have helped create and maintain racist ideas and practices. We will think through practical solutions for improved race relations and a more racially inclusive church. This series will be offered in person at McFarland UCC and also on Zoom. We will view one episode on each of the following Tuesday evenings: Feb. 28, March 7 and March 14, beginning at 6:30 p.m. After the 20-minute video, we will break into groups either in person or on Zoom to consider and discuss the video, based on a few questions that we will provide to everyone. Then we’ll come back together to report on what we discussed, finishing no later than 8:00 p.m. We are also inviting members of Wisconsin Conference and local McFarland churches to participate in this discussion. If you would like to join online, please send an email to office@mcfarlanducc.org and include “The Color of Compromise” in the email subject line. You will receive the Zoom link and password several days before the event. Let’s learn and discuss what we as Christians can do to support the cause of racial justice. 2022 Achievements
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