Keeping In Touch
Part II, September 22, 2020
JESUS CHRIST AND THE 'DIVIDING WALL': RACE AND GOD'S MISSION
Mission matters. Race matters. Are you or your church looking for resources on how to have deep conversations on race? As our nation continues to grapple with the consequence of racial injustice, we as Christians need to have a truthful conversation with one another on how our understanding of race impact the way we engage in God's mission. Join us for this virtual McClure Lectures and WMI Month of Mission Series, where we will gather online for four Wednesday evenings to explore issues of racial justice with world-class speakers. More information and registration.
Shia Islam and Politics: Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon
A conversation with Jon Armajani, Ph.D.
moderated by Jason Schlude, Ph.D.
Tuesday, September 22, 2020, 4:45 – 5:45 PM
This program will be an online event open to the public.
The webinar is Sponsored and organized by
Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning at Saint John's University.

Jon Armajani is professor in the Peace Studies Department at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. Armajani is also a minister member of the Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys.

Please save the dates for our virtual McCormick Days 2020
Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16. This year's theme is Legacy and Realities of the Penal System: Investigating Power, Justice and Liberation. We are proud to honor Rev. Dr. Jorge L. Morales, along with Rev. Dr. Nayoung Ha as our 2020 McCormick Distinguished Alumni.

For more information about McCormick Days 2020, visit https://mccormick.edu.
Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area seeks to hire Anti-Racism Institutional Assessment Coordinator

The Anti-Racism Institutional Assessment Coordinator will coordinate administrative, programmatic, and communication work for both the Anti-Racism Spiritual Pilgrimage and the Institutional Assessment for Race and Equity initiatives of the PTCA. This person will also identify and facilitate connections between PTCA congregations engaged in complementary anti-racism initiatives. Minimum qualifications include experience in administrative assistance, communications, and anti-racism work; and proficiency with commonly used computer software programs and platforms. For a full job description click here; for more information or to apply, please contact Executive Presbyter Jeff Japinga, at [email protected].
New picture book encourages activism and advocacy

Flyaway Books’ ‘For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World’ includes a guide for parents and teachers by the Muhammad Ali Center
by Flyaway Books | Special to Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE — On Tuesday Flyaway Books released the powerful new picture book “For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World” by author Michael W. Waters and illustrator Keisha Morris.

The book, which celebrates African American boys and focuses on the importance of working together to create a better world, tells the story of a young boy named Jeremiah who is exposed to gun violence both personally and through the media. As Jeremiah reflects on the stories of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, the Charleston Nine, and other victims of gun violence, he discovers that he can help improve our world by participating in hopeful forms of activism and advocacy.

Ideal for ages 6-10, “For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World” includes a discussion and activity guide for parents and teachers to use with children.

Are you doing something in your presbytery or synod from which others might learn? You have a standing invitation to send Tricia Dykers-Koenig articles to share.