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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Activities
For the latest news, visit the Events page or the Thursday Blast
Time to Register for a Discussion Group: Social Justice Summer Read
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Many of us have been reading See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love, by Valarie Kaur. At this point, three discussion groups have been scheduled – Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7pm;
Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 7pm;
Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7:30pm.
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Good News: Even if you didn’t read the book – or haven’t finished the book – the discussion group should work for you. The meetings will all be on Zoom. And at the beginning of each, the attendees will watch a video of the author. That will be followed by discussion.
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Visit this FLYER for instructions to register with the hosting group so that you can get the Zoom link for the meeting you plan to attend.
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Please let Gregg M know which group you will attend. Also, let me know if you read the book and none of these dates/times work for you. Maybe another time will be possible.
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​You Can Help!
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The Amos Group seeks to provide helpers for local organizations that support the under-served in our communities. Below are two opportunities for you to consider. Please let us know if you have chosen to help. Thanks!
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Get Support in Your Desire to Make a Difference
Gregg M. has discovered Constructive White Conversations, a network in which people who identify as white “speak freely and openly about race, racism, oppression, isolation, and all related issues.” The idea for the gatherings comes from the Twelve Step design. They offer monthly Zoom discussions with different schedules. Gregg has found the groups very welcoming to new people. For more information, and to sign up for a meeting, use this link.
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Love INC The organization is designed to be a one-stop resource to support people struggling to make ends meet or to resolve a problem. Instead of people having to go from church to church to seek help, they can call Love INC and find out where the resources are. CPC has been supporting Love INC for several decades, including providing people to answer the phones and to direct callers to resources that will meet their needs. Find our more from Ann Hamman or Joanne King, who have been helping there for many years. To volunteer or get more information, call 630.512.8665.
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Statement of Support of Equity Training for District 86 staff
The Amos Group drafted a public response to the outspoken pushback against the school board and the superintendent of District 86. Session approved this response which is published on the CPC website. Read the Session approved Amos statement here.
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Enlarging our network. The Amos Group is thrilled to now be connected to social justice groups in several churches in Hinsdale. We came together initially in response to the pushback against DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) training for District 86 staff. In addition to that work, we are sharing with each other what else our groups are doing. We are hoping that we can all achieve more by working together.
The Amos Lending Library is up and running! Come and borrow a book, or drop off a donation. still taking donations!
If you wish to borrow any materials, you can sign them out from the office. We are still happy to receive more books – including more copies of books we already have. If you have any to contribute, please take them to the church office with a note that they are for the Amos Group Lending Library. (Or you can send Gregg Morton an email and one of us will happily pick up your donations.)
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Self Study Essays by Amos Group Study Leaders
Amos Group Adult Ed
Fall 2021
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Small Groups: We will soon be in touch with the people who have signed up for the White Privilege – Let’s Talk groups to coordinate schedules. We are excited to share this material with you! If you missed our September 30 deadline, please contact Gregg Morton. to see if there is a chance of still getting into a group.
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(See above News Section for more information)
If you missed the 2020-2021 sessions, course materials and resources can be found below
Sunday, September 20, 2020
"Dialogue on Faith and Racism"
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Wilson from the Chicago Presbytery (bio here)
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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
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Sunday, September 27
"Why Is It So Difficult to Talk About Racism; Racism 101"
Kris Veenbaas, Leader
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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?"
Why Is It so Difficult to Talk about Racism Handout
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Sunday, October 4
"A History of Racism in the United States: 1492 – 1954 "
Amy Hall, Leader
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How we are wrapped into our history even if we do not mean to be and are shaped by it?
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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
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How we are wrapped into our history even if we do not mean to be and are shaped by it?
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History of Racism Part 3 Handout
History of Racism Part 4 Handout
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Sunday, October 18 from 10:45-11:45 am
"White Privilege and the Implications for Our Segregated Church"
Gregg Morton, Leader
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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
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Reading Material:
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"Do Segregated Churches Imply Racism?"
"White Privilege" Slide Presentation (handout version)
"Do Segregated Churches Imply Racism" Slide Presentation (handout version)
Sunday, January 17, 2021
10:45 am
"Is Affirmative Action Still Needed"
Leader: Gregg Morton
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In this session, we will discuss
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What is Affirmative Action
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How does it work?
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Pros and cons of continuing the program
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Reading Material:
"Is Affirmative Action Still Needed?" Handout
"Is Affirmative Action Still Needed?" Powerpoint slide show
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Sunday, January 24, 2021
10:45 am
"The Bible and Racism"
Leader: Amy Hall
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Reading Material:
"The Bible and Racism" Part 1 Handout
"The Bible and Racism" Part 2 Handout
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