Join us after worship on Sundays, Sept. 26-Nov. 7, 10:45-11:45 am in the Fireplace Room, for discussion based on a book by Elizabeth Hagan titled “Brave Church: Tackling Tough Topics Together.”
In today’s deeply divided world where discussions can quickly become heated and uncivil, our society needs brave churches where people can talk about the real struggles they are experiencing without fear of being dismissed, shamed, or judged. “Brave Church” helps congregations learn tools and strategies for talking about controversial topics with sensitivity. It guides readers to think through how they can foster conversations about such challenging topics as infertility/miscarriage, mental health, domestic violence, racism, and sexuality.
As our world is rapidly shifting and changing, our values and vision will be challenged and stretched. How do we talk together, with clarity and compassion, to address issues and questions where our opinions and objectives might clash? Brave Church lends us vocabulary and practices for healthy congregational conversations.
DISCUSSION SCHEDULE:
Sept. 25 – Chap. 1 – “Let’s Talk” (general principles of “brave”
conversations) – Rev. Jan
Oct. 3 – Chap. 2 – “Let’s Talk about Infertility/Miscarriage” – lead TBD
Oct. 10 – Chap. 3 – Let’s Talk about Mental Illness” – Rev Jan
Oct. 17 – No Brave Church due to Cong’l Meeting
Oct. 24 – Chap. 4 – “Let’s Talk about Domestic Violence” – lead TBD
Oct. 31 – Chap. 5 – “Let’s Talk about Racism” – Lisa Bowe
Nov. 7 – Chap. 6 – “Let’s Talk about Sexuality/Gender” – lead TBD
Nov. 14 – Chap. 7 – “Let’s Keep Talking” (maintaining a “brave” culture) – Rev. Jan
Place your order for a copy of Brave Church by calling or email the church office. Some copies are available first-come-first-served during coffee hour in September. This series is jointly hosted by our Board of Missions and Social Justice and Board of Christian Education.
