The below list of resources is being compiled for your consideration. You are invited to add resources by sending them to the pastor or the church office. We are proceeding carefully, and at the same time, the inclusion of something on this list does not mean it is 1) current – because this is an extremely fluid situation, or 2) deeply vetted and endorsed by PPUMC.
Opportunities to Give
Opportunities to Rebuild
- Want to help rebuild the affected neighborhoods? (Reclaim the Block)
- Midway Neighborhood Relief
- Migizi is an organization of, by and for Indiginous People focused on Youth. Their building – which they just moved into last year and which they conducted a capital campaign for – was completely destroyed by fire during the protests. You can help them re-build by going to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-migizi
Opportunities to be an Ally
Opportunities to Learn
Learn about language used in conversations about racial equity:
- Racial Equity Tools Glossary
- Georgetown University Anti-Racism Toolkit
- W.K. Kellogg Foundation – Racial Equity Resource Guide
Documentaries & Videos:
- Love Them First: Lessons from Lucy Laney Elementary
- Let’s Talk About Race in America, by Phil Vischer
This 17-minute video presents a clear, straightforward overview of the construction of systemic racism in America, concluding with a powerful call-to-action for all. It’s 17-minutes that could change your life. - Jim Crow of the North (TPT Originals)
Roots of racial disparities are seen through a new lens in this film that explores the origins of housing segregation in the Minneapolis area. But the story also illustrates how African-American families and leaders resisted this insidious practice, and how Black people built community — within and despite — the red lines that these restrictive covenants created. - There is a Time for Silence
This video was created as part of the Columbus Mennonite Church “Worship in Place” service from June 14, 2020. Worshiping during a time of pandemic has allowed us to explore creative ways to offer our gifts as we process the events of our world. The Black Lives Matter protests in Columbus, OH and the incredible street art painted over the boarded up businesses downtown provides a reflective backdrop to the moving words and music of this song.
Other Education Resources:
- Anti-Racism 101: Required Skills for White People Who Want to be Allies from the UMC General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR)
- Free Online Courses on Race, Racism, and Racial Justice
- Some of these courses include: “Love as a Force for Social Justice”, “Negotiating a Changing World: 1920-1950”, “Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History”, plus many more. Courses are offered from respected universities such as Stanford, Yale, Rutgers, etc.
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture
- United Methodist Creation Justice Movement – Justice on Climate, Race & Immigration
- Additional Anti-Racism Resources
- Scaffolded Anti-Racist Resources
From Our Community
Today I want to talk about a hidden source of democracy’s troubles: War fever. It pervades public life, polarizes, stirs up hate toward the “enemy” and diminishes ourselves, and fuels a search for great leaders to save us. The war mentality also affects activities like sports, games and movies, while it drains energy from democratic practices like voting and shrinks democracy. The spiritual, “Ain’t gonna study war no more,” sung by Louis Armstrong¸ is for our times. We need to study democracy, not war, building a culture of collaborative work. Voting gains power if we see democracy in larger ways, as We the People democracy where government is “with” the people. I conclude with stories of this emerging movement.
Harry C. Boyte, “The State of Our Democracy:
We Need to ‘Study War No More’”
Additional resources from
Thriving Together: A springboard for Equitable Recovery & Resilience in Communities Across America
POST-WORSHIP CONVERSATIONS: Developing a Common Vocabulary for Racial Justice
In 2020-2021, we held congregation-wide conversations immediately following our weekly worship services. To see the resources that have been shared Sunday-by-Sunday, click here.