The response to COVID-19 varies throughout the conference – from district to district, county to county, family unit to family unit. The Be the Bridge Racial Reconciliation Training Seminar is an important and excellent opportunity for us to come together and learn, share and commit to actively engage in our efforts to End Racism in Our Lifetime. As such, we want as many as possible of the clergy under appointment and the select lay leadership invited to register and participate. While strict COVID-19 safety protocols will be enforced (see ctcumc.org/be-the-bridge-event next week for more details), there are some who are not at ease with being at in-person event.
Be the Bridge Event Replay Videos Now Available
Click above to access the event videos.
Click here for a listing of the recommended pre-event reading materials, videos and more
Be the Bridge Training Seminar Handouts
Be the Bridge Event Evaluation Form
During these times of pandemic, an undeniable light has been cast on to the ongoing problem of racism in our culture. The reality of racism and its impact can no longer be dismissed. A clear call of Christian discipleship is the call to help those who are suffering and oppressed. The Central Texas Conference is committed to living out this call of Christ in ways that lead to transformation.
While the United Methodist Church and the Central Texas Conference have long stood against racism, we have renewed our commitment to END RACISM IN OUR LIFETIME. As part of our effort to end racism in our lifetime, Latasha Morrison, author of Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation, will lead a two-day racial reconciliation training scheduled for Oct. 29-30 in a socially distant environment at White’s Chapel UMC in Southlake, Texas. Bishop Lowry’s expectation is for all appointed or assigned pastors to attend this training event and key lay leadership of the conference will also be invited. (Clergy unable to attend should contact their District Superintendent.) The training seminar will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29 and is scheduled to run until 4 p.m. Friday's (Oct. 30) sessions are currently scheduled from 10 am - 2 pm. A lunch break is built in to the schedule on both days, but there will be no onsite food service. While there are plenty of dining options available close to White's Chapel, participants are welcome to bring a lunch. There are plenty of outdoor spaces in which to enjoy it.
Addressing the problem of racism has a direct impact on our ability to reach our communities with the message and love of Christ. This training will help us become more aware of the history and effects of racism, while also offering practical and actionable steps we can take to end racism in our lifetime.
Registration is required for this event and there is a $25 fee due at registration [CEU Credit is available]. Please click here or the button above to register, and watch this page and your email for updates and more information as they are available.
Please click here or on the link at the top of this page for a listing of the recommended pre-event reading materials, videos and more.
Replays of Bishop Lowry’s Brown Bag Book Study sessions on Latasha Morrison’s book Be the Bridge are available at ctcumc.org/be-the-bridge.