Sacred Ground – A Faith-based Way of Conversing about Race
To engage parishioners in exploring the multi-layered racial challenges we face, St. Peter’s teamed up with nearby St. David’s last year to offer Sacred Ground, an 11-part series developed by the national church as part of “Becoming Beloved Community,” its long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, ministries, and society. The dialogue was fruitful and well attended. In response to requests that we offer the series again, we have scheduled a second Sacred Ground, beginning in mid-September and ending before Lent (with a break between Thanksgiving and the second week of January).
Small Group Format
Every other week, from eight to twelve participants and a pair of facilitators from both parishes come together in “circles” to reflect on the week’s historical and theological readings and documentary films. The members of each circle explore European, Native American, African American, Latin American, and Asian and Pacific Rim history, considering how the intersection of those histories has contributed to today’s challenges and divides, both personal and societal. Each week’s circle is framed by scripture and prayer, keeping us grounded in our call as Episcopalians to faith, hope, and love. To learn more and to preview some of the materials the series uses, please visit the national Sacred Ground website: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/sacred-ground
The “Nuts and Bolts” of the 2022-23 Circles
This year we are offering three circles: the Tuesday afternoon circle meets in person from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the two Wednesday evening circles meet concurrently from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., one in person and the other via Zoom. The circles begin on September 20/21 and then meet twice a month between October and March (but not in December).
If you are interested in joining a circle, please visit https://stdavidschurch.org/adult-formation/#sacredground and use our shared sign-up tool there.
A binder containing copies of the Sacred Ground reading assignments is available at cost ($15) from the Rev. Emily Zimbrick-Rogers at St. David’s and at the opening service. (The readings are available online, but many of last year’s participants found it more useful to read them in hard copy.) Also at the St. David’s website (above) is information about purchasing one required and one recommended book.
If you have questions about Sacred Ground, please contact the rector (abigail@stpetersgv.org) or Trudi Graves (beacon@stpetersgv.org).
The Adult Inquirers Class
The Adult Inquirers Class meets periodically, as announced, to provide an opportunity to learn more about the Episcopal Church and Anglicanism. This class is intended for those who desire Confirmation, Reception into the Episcopal Church from another denomination, Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, or simply a chance to go deeper in one’s knowledge of God and the Church. For more information, please contact The Rev. Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt.
The Lenten Evening Series
This series consists of five Wednesday evening formational offerings, beginning with a soup supper, followed by a presentation and discussion. For more information, please contact adultformation@stpetersgv.org.