Each year we set aside a weekend to consider the intersection of our faith in Jesus Christ and the system of race which impacts each of us. The theme of this year’s workshop is Words from our Neighbors: The Witness of Black Churches.
Speakers
Dr. Vincent Bacote
Professor of Theology and the Director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College
Rev. Nicole Bullock
Interim Pastor at New Community (Logan Square)
Dr. Dennis Edwards
Seminary Dean and Vice President of Church Relations at North Park Theological Seminary
Rev. Dr. L. Bernard Jakes
Senior Pastor of West Point Missionary Baptist Church
Rev. Deborah Penny
Accomplished Spiritual Director
Valeri Chow Tao
Pastoral Resident at New Community Covenant Church
Rep. Curtis Tarver
Illinois House of Representatives, representing District 25
Schedule
Friday, September 23
6:00 pm Church Visit.
We will visit West Point Baptist Church, a congregation which has been serving the neighborhood for over 100 years, and hear about its ministry in the community over the generations.
Saturday, September 24
10:00 am Session One: Words on Justice and Righteousness with Dr. Vincent Bacote
The history of white and white adjacent churches in the USA is splintered between the false choice between justice and righteousness. In contrast, many Black churches have resisted this dichotomy and have held together justice and righteousness in their proclamation and practice.
11:30 am Lunch
12:15 pm Session Two: Words about Politics and the Pulpit with Rep. Curtis Tarver and Rev. Dr. L. Bernard Jakes
Black churches have often developed nuanced relationships with the elected officials who represent their members. How should we think about churches’ political engagement on behalf of marginalized communities?
2:00 Session Three: Words from Mission Friends with Valeri Chow Tao, Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards, and Rev. Deborah Penny
Our denomination historically started as a group of Mission Friends- friends living out God’s mission together. As our church is rooted in the Bronzeville community and continues to grow into our identity as reconciled and reconciling people, we will hear experiences from friends who have been impacted by the Black churches on the journey between monoethnic and multiracial spaces.
Sunday, September 25
10:00 am Worship at New Community Covenant Church with Rev. Nicole Bullock
Locations
Friday: West Point Baptist Church, 3566 S. Cottage Grove
Saturday: West Point Baptist Church, 3566 S. Cottage Grove
Sunday: Kennicott Park Fieldhouse, 4434 S. Lake Park Ave.
Registration
Registration for the Faith and Race Workshop is $50.00. Click here to register.
FAQ
Who is the Faith and Race Workshop for?
The workshop is hosted by New Community Covenant Church for its members and neighbors. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Is there childcare?
Children are welcome to attend with their parents or caregivers but no childcare will be provided.
Will this be livestreamed?
No. Frankly, our vibe is pretty low-tech and we think you need to be in the room to appreciate the presenters and discussions.
Why do you call this a workshop and not a conference?
Our goal is to keep things as interactive as possible. Imagine sitting at round tables and discussing questions and ideas with new friends after each session
I’ve got a question that isn’t answered here. Who should I contact?
Email us at events@newcommunitycovenant.com.