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Social Justice and Community Engagement (SJCE)
This ministry looks into long-term solutions to social issues. We recognize that understanding the system, barriers to the system, and the lack of access to the system are key components in empowering individuals/communities to self-sustainability. Issues of poverty, education, human trafficking, racism, clean water and sanitation, child and domestic abuse, and the environment are some of the many areas where we, as Christians, are called to make a difference. We are able to experience a transformation through engaging with our community and experiencing how we can truly be the church and live out our baptismal covenant. This is an invitation to us and for us - not from defining ourselves and following our hearts but from letting God define us and following God’s heart. Jesus says “come to me all that are weary and carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) This invitation asks the question, whose burden can we help ease? Be the Bridge Book Study
Beginning Sep. 8 | 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. or Sep. 10 at 10 a.m. Join Rev. Dara Austin and Rev. Ramon Smith as they guide followers of Jesus to become bridge builders -- committed to pursing justice and racial unity in light of the gospel. "Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation" is a book study by widely-acclaimed author, Latasha Morrison. This study will help one face the hard truths of history in order to effect change in the present and build a better future. For more information, please contact Rev. Dara Austin. Register for 11 a.m. class: Register for 1:30 p.m. class:
Register for Sept. 10 - 10 a.m. class:
Social Principles of the United Methodist Church
Beginning Sept. 16 from 6-7 p.m. in Room 3201 Join Rev. Dara Austin in this study of the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. While they are not considered to be church law, they speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in United Methodist traditions. They are a call to faithfulness and are intended to be instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic spirit. They are a call to all members of the United Methodist Church to a prayerful studied dialogue of faith and practice. There will be small discussion groups and focus will be how to listen and have meaningful conversations with people who may not always agree. Study will be based on how we interpret them through the Wesleyean Quadrilateral. For more information, please contact Rev. Dara Austin. Resources for Racial Reconciliation Information
Central Texas Conference Fort Worth
General Commission on Religion and Race of the United Methodist Church
Books:
Movies:
From the Inside Out
This is a video series where pastors, staff and community members share personal stories about issues that have impacted their lives. We seek to address these issues because we believe it is part of our call as followers of Jesus Christ to raise awareness that puts us on the road to reconciliation. In episode 1, Pastors Ramon and Todd have an honest conversation about racism. Pastor Ramon shares a personal account of when he first experienced racism and how it led him on a journey to understand the origins of racism.
Race in America - Phil Vischer
We need to talk about race. Why are people angry? Why so upset? Didn't we elect a black president? Pass civil rights laws? Isn't racism illegal now? Three years ago my brother Rob and I co-taught a class that discussed issues of racial injustice. That class turned into a popular podcast episode, which we've now turned into this video. Why are people still angry? Let's take a look at race in America... Racial Reconciliation Task Force
Mission For God to be glorified and God’s church to become a credible witness.
To prayerfully listen, self-examine, repent, reconcile, engage and be challenged.
So that we may equip ourselves to do good works and seek justice-for and with our neighbors and friends—through the dismantling racial discrimination in all its forms.
Values We value Love of God and love of each other, Grace in honesty, Engagement in earnestness and the Intentional pursuit of truth as a means to challenge and change our learned assumptions, perceptions and understanding of those who are different from us. We value that a bridge to racial unity requires Awareness, Acknowledgment and Lamentation, the recognition of Shame and Guilt, Confession, Forgiveness, Repentance, and Restoration. We value a shared struggle and collective call to realize the possibility of God’s kingdom on earth, where every member of our human family lives, loves, and expresses themselves in freedom and peace.
The real truth for black couples is that racism has an impact on everything, including marriage. Jackie and Stephana Bledsoe join us to share their stories of the racism growing up and even now as they raise their own family. They also share the hope of what happens when we stand for and with people of color.
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Meet the Pastor
Dara Austin
Associate Pastor Social Justice and Community Engagement Reverend Dara Austin grew up in Dallas. She graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio/TV/Film/Journalism, and from Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth with a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry. |
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