Amos Group
Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24
Quick links
The Amos Group was formed in mid-2020, as a part of CPC's mission and outreach, in response to the social unrest that intensified after the death of George Floyd in late May 2020.
The members of the Amos Group believe we are each called by God to stand up for people in God’s family -- people who have been harmed, intentionally or unintentionally, by systemic racism and by policies that have unfairly affected health and economic well-being and placed a ceiling on people’s advancement. The Amos Group is committed to help our church and our communities understand the history of racism and the laws, policies, and institutional barriers that are holding people back. In addition to seeking to understand and communicate the context and history of racism in our society, the Amos Group will help to facilitate conversations that recognize the role of White people in perpetuating those laws, policies, and barriers.
The Amos Group is committed to actively work on behalf of changes that will move our church, communities, and nation towards equity and justice for everyone. We are also committed to the hard work of identifying our own complicity in a system that privileges most of us – to do the self-examination that may identify our own racism, and to work to change ourselves.
In accordance with our statement of purpose and conviction -- “Following Christ, we stand against racism and strive for social justice” -- the Amos Group will work to accomplish its goals through study, conversation, advocacy and action.
Amos Group News
11/30/20
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Webpage resource listings get updated: The resource listings on our webpage, are updated regularly. One listing includes books, articles, movies, TED talks, and webinar recordings. The other shows webinars that are coming up, so that you can register and attend them. If you have other resources to recommend, please let us know.
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Discussion groups coming in January: We are working on a program to start this winter, in which people will be able to learn and share with each other in small, confidential groups. As the details are finalized, you will hear more and receive an invitation to join in.
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More Sunday School classes: In February, we will lead Sunday morning classes to finish the material from the Racism Study Pack, which we started this fall.
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Making a difference: We really want to help to make a difference -- through advocacy and activism -- to counter systemic racism and injustice. Give us your ideas about things that you would like to see us tackle. We hope that you would tackle them with us.
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Looking for youth members: We want to add a teen or two, plus people in their 20s or 30s, to make sure that our planning and programs address the issues of our younger members. Please make recommendations or volunteer by contacting Gregg Morton.
Please send your ideas and your comments to Gregg Morton.
Amos Group Presents: Talking About Racism
If you missed this course, course materials and resources can be found on the Adult Ed page
Amos Group Resources
The Amos group has gathered resources that include books, articles, movies, TED talks, and webinars. We hope that it stimulates your growth, as it is doing with ours.
Upcoming webinars:
keep checking, we keep updating as webinars become available!
Sunday, September 20, 2020
"Dialogue on Faith and Racism"
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Wilson from the Chicago Presbytery (bio here)
Participants will begin to consider the ways in which our Christian faith as Presbyterians informs our understanding of our Calling as the Church in relationship to systemic racism
Click here to watch a video for the session
Click here for lesson materials
Sunday, September 27
"Why Is It So Difficult to Talk About Racism; Racism 101"
Kris Veenbaas, Leader
Why Is It So Difficult to Talk About Racism: Participants will begin to consider the ways in which our Christian faith as Presbyterians informs our understanding of our Calling as the Church in relationship to systemic racism. Kris Veenbaas is facilitating this Sunday's discussion on "Racism 101" and "Why it is so Difficult to talk about Racism?" Please come join us in the sanctuary or on Zoom. Reading the materials prior to the lesson is highly encouraged but is not required!
Why Is It so Difficult to Talk about Racism Handout
Sunday, October 4
"A History of Racism in the United States: 1492 – 1954 "
Amy Hall, Leader
How we are wrapped into our history even if we do not mean to be and are shaped by it?
History of Racism Part 1 Handout
History of Racism Part 2 Handout
Sunday, October 11
"A History of Racism in the United States: 1954-present"
Geoff Silver, Leader
How we are wrapped into our history even if we do not mean to be and are shaped by it?
History of Racism Part 3 Handout
History of Racism Part 4 Handout
Sunday, October 18 from 10:45-11:45 am
"White Privilege and the Implications for Our Segregated Church"
Gregg Morton, Leader
What is White Privilege? We will work to unmask manifestations of white privilege in our everyday lives and discuss the impact of white privilege on people of color. Do Segregated Churches Imply Racism? Consider which is the call for the body of Christ – segregated worship or fully integrated worship
Reading Material:
"Do Segregated Churches Imply Racism?"
"White Privilege" Slide Presentation (handout version)
"Do Segregated Churches Imply Racism" Slide Presentation (handout version)