Raleigh Mennonite Church

As a Christian community, called to peacemaking and reconciliation, we affirm that people of any race, ethnic identity, gender, who are gay or straight, of any ability, age, or economic status, are welcome to full participation in our congregation.

Balm in Gilead – our year of anti-racism learning

Two round tan-colored casks with stoppers.

Raleigh Mennonite continues to grow in its understanding of the bountiful love that God has for all of creation, in all of its diversity, as embodied in the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.

In the coming year we wish to deepen our understanding of our role as a mostly white congregation, with the various racial histories and formation that we carry into this space. At the same time, we find hope and joy in striving together to create a welcoming, inclusive and “beloved community.”

The words and meaning behind the spiritual “There is a Balm in Gilead” provides a guiding theme for the year. We are all wounded by racism and the division it continues to create between us, and the church should be a place to work at that repentance and healing.

AS A CONGREGATION, in the coming year we will be:

  • investigating how systems of white supremacy affect our church’s practices,
  • building joy and relationships through a gospel choir and anti-racism camp,
  • learning from anti-racist practices implemented at other churches, and
  • partnering with St. Ambrose Episcopal Church.

CHURCH VISITS

We want to learn from churches who are intentionally and boldly anti-racist in their vision and practice. We will visit multiple churches, participate in their worship services, and ask questions of their leadership.

MUSIC EXCHANGE WITH ST. AMBROSE

  • During Lent we plan to have a weekly exchange of songs that can be incorporated into our worship services.
  • All who are interested will visit St. Ambrose after our services. One week St. Ambrose will share a song, and the following week RMC will share a song, alternating each week.
  • On May 14, we’ll have a joint worship service at St. Ambrose, singing the songs we have learned.

PANEL DISCUSSION

In Spring 2023, the community will be invited to participate in an online panel discussion on the intersections of racial justice and queer justice.

ANTI-RACISM CAMP

In June 2023, there are plans for a weeklong anti-racism camp for the children of RMC and others in the community.

THROUGH this year-long process, we hope to discern the next steps that RMC will take on our anti-racism journey. We enter this project with questions and an evolving roadmap, but the destination is unclear. How will God speak to us this year?

A branch of a balsam plant, brown branch with multiple branches off of it, each with tear-drop shaped green leaves along with multiple brown nut-like pods attached to the branches.

The original outline for this year-long learning focus is also available as a two-page PDF.

This year-long exploration series was made possible through a Vital Worship Grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Grand Rapids, Michigan, with funds provided by Lilly Endowment Inc

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