Movie Night: Making Black America Through the Grapevine

Thursday, January 12 (Episodes 1 & 2)

Thursday, February 9 (Episodes 3 & 4)

6:30 – 9:00 pm

Register (Jan 12)

Register (Feb 9)

Making Black America: Through the Grapevine is a PBS mini-series (rated PG). This four-part series hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., chronicles the vast social networks and organizations created by and for Black people—beyond the reach of the “White gaze.”

Episode 1: As Black people fought for full citizenship, this episode explores how free African Americans exercised their self-determination by building communities, establishing schools, and creating associations that would become the foundational pillars of Black America.

Episode 2: As Jim Crow laws went into effect, African Americans built a “life behind the veil” to meet their educational, economic, political, and cultural needs. This episode explores the genesis of these organizations and networks that paved the way for Black life to flourish.

Episode 3: The Great Depression will devastate America’s economy and bring Black America to its knees. To survive, the Black community will use social networks to navigate the oppressive realities of Jim Crow.

Episode 4: How Black political and cultural movements, including Black Power and Black Twitter, provide a safe space to debate, organize, and celebrate.

Join for an optional discussion following the movie. Sponsored by the Racial Truth & Justice Team. Please bring your own beverage.

Book Discussion: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Thursday, January 19

6:30 – 8:30 pm

In-person and Zoom

Register (deadline: January 18)

Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, in vitro fertilization, and more. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks tells a riveting story of the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew.

This discussion will be held in-person and on Zoom. It will be led by the Racial Truth and Justice group. Purchase and read the book on your own.

Walking the Talk: Build Your Skills for Welcoming Your Neighbors

Initial Gathering (small group and other gatherings TBD)

Saturday, January 28

9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Led by: Pastor Peter Harrits

Cost: $75, includes assessment costs and refreshments at gatherings.

Register

Register by January 15. Limited to 24 participants. If you recently took the IDI with Peter, the initial assessment is not needed. The total cost would then be $55. If cost is a barrier or concern, contact Pastor Peter or Julie Opheim to discuss options.

‘Walking the Talk’ is a nine-month commitment that includes a mixture of large group gatherings, small groups, and individual 1:1’s. It is designed for people who want to be intentional about increasing their ability to shift their perspective and adapt their behavior to the swirl of cultural differences and commonalities that surround them. More info at sotv.org.

Community Event: Continuing the Racial Justice Journey - From "Me" to "We"

Saturday, February 18

9:00 – 11:00 am

Cost: $10, includes continental breakfast

Register

Share a light breakfast and engage in conversation about our ongoing work of racial justice, moving from individual education and growth to a community-wide response to knowing and loving our neighbors who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) through authentic relationships.

Guest speakers include The Reverend Bill Smith and The Reverend Audrey Smith from Lily of the Valley AME Church in Apple Valley; and Pastor Kent Claussen Gubrud from Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Apple Valley. Conversation will be encouraged.

This breakfast is sponsored by the Racial Truth & Justice group, and is open to people of all ages in our church and community.

Connecting in community through Christ,

-Pastor Julie Wright