For over two years, the Racial Reconciliation Team has been faithfully meeting and learning about racism and racial reconciliation in a Christian context. The team has created a five-week version of this learning experience in small group settings starting in early October. Five topics will be covered: a biblical view of justice, the historical origins of racial designations, systemic racism in America, the traumatic impact of discrimination on people of color, and the history of racial discrimination within the United Methodist denomination. There is no homework and no book to read! Instead, a video for each week’s topic will be shown during each session followed by the Racial Reconciliation team facilitating a discussion of that topic. Also, Pastor Jeff will be doing a four-part fall sermon series starting on September 10 on “All God’s People”. On Saturday, November 11 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. all the small groups will meet together for a half day retreat. It will be an opportunity to share our perspectives and insights on racial justice, build a sense of community, and create a common purpose around what the ministry of racial reconciliation can look like at Royal Oak First. Click HERE to sign up.