Becoming A Beloved Community

From The Rector

In 2023, seven members of our Becoming a Beloved Community ministry spent twelve weeks participating in "Sacred Ground: a Film Based Series on Race and Faith," developed by the Episcopal Church.

Sacred Ground is a sensitive, prayerful resource that creates space for difficult but respectful and transformative dialogue on race and racism. It invites participants to walk back through history in order to peel away the layers that brought us to today, reflecting on family histories and stories, as well as important narratives that shape the collective American story. It holds as a guiding star the vision of the beloved community—where all people are honored and protected and nurtured as beloved children of God, where we weep at one another's pain and seek one another's flourishing.

This was truly a transformative experience for our members. Here are some reflections on their experience:

"Sacred Ground allowed me to better learn the scope and breadth of the racism people of color have experienced are experiencing in our country. The discussions we had about the subject were lively and illuminating. Sacred Ground was a valuable experience." 

-Richard Tullie.

"I have been committed to racial justice and healing since I was in high school and pursued this interest through educational pursuits and professional development until now as a retiree. Before Sacred Ground, I didn't know what I didn't know. Now, I feel and think that the Sacred Ground curriculum and dialogue circle experience has enlightened me and rounded out my knowledge. I am truly grateful for this wonderful learning experience about the true American history and how being engaged as a member of the Beloved Community of the Episcopal Church, can be transformational." 

-Cheryl Fells.

"Sacred Ground helped me understand the far reaching consequences of individual, institutional, societal, cultural and generational racism.

I didn’t know what I didn’t know, and ignorance impairs understanding, justice and healing."

-Betsy Wenzel.

"Because I was raised in the southern part of our country and lived through the Civil Rights era plus supporting progressive organizations regarding race relations, I assumed I had a deep understanding of myself regarding prejudices. After taking the Sacred Ground program, I realized that my grasp of the pervasiveness of institutional and personal racism was only partial, and I had more emotional and spiritual work to do." 

-Bill Brockman.

"The richness of the Sacred Ground experience was anchored by the faithful, abiding presence and attention of my fellow group members, and our heartfelt engagement with one another and with the abundance of excellent course material. This was a transformative pilgrimage for me, as it can be for anyone who undertakes it."  

-Anita Sherman.

Sacred Ground is an eye-opening history lesson, heartbreaking at times, however, the program renewed my desire to continue to work to create an inclusive community within St. Gregory’s. Paula Behul.

"Sacred Ground definitely had a strong transformational impact on my knowledge, attitudes and emotions. It taught me the most loving thing a person, or a group of people, can do for another is to examine the ways in which your own insecurities and assumptions interfere with others’ ability to thrive, grow and prosper."

 -Bill Lintz.

I invite you to consider joining me in our next "Sacred Ground Circle in 2024.

-Andrew Sherman+

The Rev. Bishop Curry discusses the Sacred Ground series.

St. gregory’s Becoming a Beloved ministry

St. Gregory's congregation thrives on its diverse tapestry, which enriches our community in countless ways. We warmly embrace the profound significance of unity, understanding, and healing in our congregation. Guided by our deep-seated values and commitment to fostering Racial Justice and Healing, we established a ministry dedicated to these very principles.

As part of our Racial Justice and Healing Ministry, St. Gregory’s has adopted the "Sacred Ground" series, created by The Episcopal Church. This video series offers a transformative journey through America's intricate tapestry of race, identity, and faith. Our ministry’s mission is to build and nurture a beloved community where love, justice, and reconciliation flourish.

ABOUT SACRED GROUND

Sacred Ground is a film- and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith.  Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity.

The 11-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories.

Sacred Ground is part of Becoming Beloved Community, The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society.  This series is open to all, and especially designed to help white people talk with other white people.  Participants are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all while grounded in our call to faith, hope, and love.

TO LEARN MORE

Sacred Ground:

To learn more about the Sacred Ground Series by The Episcopal Church, please click here

St. Gregory’s Racial Justice and Healing Ministry:

We warmly invite you to join us, as together, we seek to understand our past, shape a more inclusive present, and envision a harmonious future.

To learn more about St. Gregory’s Racial Justice and Healing Ministry, please email the church office at office@st-gregorys.com.