Menu
North Shore Baptist Church
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • About Us
    • Three Congregations
      • Congregación Hispana
      • English Congregation
      • Karen Congregation
    • Our Covenant
    • Pastors
    • Staff
      • Office Staff
      • Music Staff
      • Missionaries
    • Newsletters
  • Ministries
    • Children & Youth
      • Children's Stories Online
      • Youth Fellowship
      • Scholarship Program
    • Adult Small Groups
    • Counseling
    • Refugee Ministries
    • Mission Projects
    • Affiliate Ministries
    • Wilbur Warner Grant Program
  • Worship
    • Worship Schedule
    • Weekly Bulletin
    • Online Resources
      • English Language Sermons
    • Music
  • Donate
  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • About Us
    • Three Congregations
      • Congregación Hispana
      • English Congregation
      • Karen Congregation
    • Our Covenant
    • Pastors
    • Staff
      • Office Staff
      • Music Staff
      • Missionaries
    • Newsletters
  • Ministries
    • Children & Youth
      • Children's Stories Online
      • Youth Fellowship
      • Scholarship Program
    • Adult Small Groups
    • Counseling
    • Refugee Ministries
    • Mission Projects
    • Affiliate Ministries
    • Wilbur Warner Grant Program
  • Worship
    • Worship Schedule
    • Weekly Bulletin
    • Online Resources
      • English Language Sermons
    • Music
  • Donate
  • Contact Us

Reflections on "Habits of a Liberating Church in Community"

11/8/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Guatemala and Nicaragua table at October 28's celebration of the Hispanic congregation's diverse countries of origin
By Dr. Peggy Griffin

​The newly formed NSBC Outreach Ministry organized the October 28th panel discussion on the “Liberating Church”. The idea spiraled from the 2018 Martin Luther King Weekend Teach-In. Dr. Nancy Bedford from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary was our guest theologian.  Pastor Rony Reyes and Lupe, a member of the Hispanic congregation, were the other panelists.  Pastor Michael Ware was the panel moderator, and Pastor Kathryn Ray was the translator.

The evocative discussion followed a luncheon that had a selection of delightful tastes from several Spanish speaking countries around the world.  The food and table discussions helped tune the ears of listeners to grasp meaningful content coming from the in-depth panel dialogue.  This physical nourishment was preceded by spiritual sustenance in the sermon of Pastor Michael in the morning service.  He reminded us that “It is not what we have, but what we share.” The total worship experience on that day involved sharing substance, ideas, sentiments, and action strategies.

One could sense the desperation of the travelers on the bridge between the borders of Guatemala and Mexico as Pastor Rony explained that he too had crossed that bridge.  He shared some history that built a case for the advantage of admitting the Caravan travelers    into the United States.  He spoke of “the law of proximity” in which human nature compels individuals to seek the closest and most convenient way to escape from oppression.  Lupe confirmed his statements as she shared her own story of finding refuge in the United States.  She made the situation real for us.  She emphasized the fact that people are coming with willing hands to work and make positive contributions to this country and to society at large. 

Dr. Bedford stated that “God is no respecter of borders.”  Peripheries and confines are constructions that are usually centered around aspirations for power and economic gain. She gave us the charge to put out truth narratives by collecting and disseminating testimonies of history.  Christian education includes presenting history in the proper perspective and reaching beyond borders.

The panel discussion was more than informative.  The question & answer period revealed that participants were ready to act on the ideas triggered during the discussion.  From the outcome of this event, members of North Shore Baptist church can watch for some positive new initiatives.  Several members signed up for the formation of an Immigration Task Force.  The Outreach Ministry is working on ways to collect and publicize the rich narratives in the congregations.  We have renewed inspiration in planning for our 2019 MLK Teach-in.

Pastor Michael began the panel discussion with reference to a triune plan for action that emerged in the Adventures in Learning Sermon Talk Back. These actions are: 1. Write to legislators to advocate desired changes. 2. Watch our words. Use “us” language rather than words that cause division.  3. Use the power of the vote to bring positive change.

Days have passed since the discussion of the Habits of a Liberating Church in Community, but the spirit and desire for action are rising from incubation.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    August 2024
    February 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017

    Categories

    All
    By Church Members
    David Gregg
    Events
    Kathryn Ray
    Saw Solomon Opehtoo
    Yuki Scroggins

    RSS Feed

Who We Are

worship

Donate

contact

calendar

North Shore Baptist Church
5244 N. Lakewood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640 | Phone: 773-728-4200| Website by RyTech, LLC
Picture