Building Relationships

Our Zoom small groups meet on a weekly basis, for four to seven weeks.

The first purpose of all our small groups is to build relationships among participants as we get to know ourselves and each other better. In these fellowship groups, we also focus on a theme or a book, as a way to keep learning and growing, and to help us have good conversations. Groups generally fall under the categories of Faith Journeys, Race Conversations, or Bible Study.

If you would like to connect with five to seven other people via Zoom for a time of fellowship, relationship building, and spiritual formation, please email Simon Crow.

Mondays, 5:00 p.m., starting October 24 (6 weeks)
Race Conversations: Indigenous Neighbors, led by Cindy and Steve Block

The Native American community has and continues to endure systemic racism and disenfranchisement.  In this study we’ll take a broad look at the history of Indigenous peoples, their treatment in the US, and the resulting historical and current impacts.  The study hopes to provide actionable ways to confront this history through shared learning from written and visual sources and native voices.

Tuesdays, 5:00 p.m., starting October 25 (4 weeks)
Race Conversations: “The 1619 Project,” led by Simon Crow and Lisa Garay

Inspired by “The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story,” we will base our discussion on selections from it and on the Oct. 18 Michigan Avenue Forum “The 1619 Project Revisited: Race, History, and the Future”. We will not be reading the entire book together but expect participants to have some familiarity with it.

Thursdays, 5:30 p.m., starting October 27 (4 weeks)
Race Conversations: “Silencing White Noise,” by Willie Dwayne Francois III, led by Robert Crouch and Janet Love

We are immersed in what prominent faith leader Willie Dwayne Francois III calls white noise--the racist speech, ideas, and policies that lull us into inaction on racial justice. Weaving together personal narrative, theology, and history, this book invites us to engage six practices of anti-racism that aim to repair harm by speaking up and "acting up" on behalf of others. Silencing White Noise offers concrete ways to help people wrest free from the dangers of racism and to develop lifelong Christian anti-racist practices.

Thursdays, 7:00-8:00 p.m., starting October 27 (4 weeks)
Faith Journeys: “Hospitality: The Sacred Art” by Nanette Sawyer, led by Michelle Hayes

This practical book provides you with the tools you need to cultivate the spiritual power of invitation and welcome in your life, and to see how these qualities can significantly deepen your self-understanding as well as your relationships with others and with God. 

For more information about small group opportunities, contact Simon Crow (312.573.3369).

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