A LAST ACT
FROM THE ELIZABETH PRESBYTERY
In a season of setbacks and simply sometimes holding on, you take the good news with both hands. I got some good news the other day. The Presbytery is giving us $15,000 to fund an event in April. The grant comes from the Grey-stone and Peacemaking funds and will cover 75% of the total cost of offering a virtual lecture and dialogue with Dr. Ibram X Kendi on April 28th.
Ibram X Kendi is the author of a number of books. His most recent work, Four Hundred Souls is an anthology of writers, politicians, preachers, activists, martyrs, and people who have fought the fight against slavery, segrega-tion, and systemic racism. Currently we are hosting a book study on one of his works, How to be An Antiracist. The Presbytery of Elizabeth grant will provide a copy of this book to churches with less than 200 members.
The evening with Dr. Kendi will be virtual. His presentation will last an hour and there will be a follow-up as well as preparatory opportunities with local clergy and leaders. The evening will also feature Amanda Ripley who will ask questions and serve as a dialogue partner.
More details of the event will be forthcoming and there are a lot of logistics to work out. Sometimes Zoom makes things easier; sometimes more complex. An interesting note for this event/grant:
It may have been the last official act of the Presbytery of Elizabeth. The Presbytery of Elizabeth will dissolve in a few months and become a part of three different presbyteries. Our congregation will be joining the new “Central” Presbytery of New Jersey. This is interesting not only for the novelty of being a “last” act. But it is also of interest because the event itself could be the first act of the new Presbytery.
Hopefully, this evening and the relationships that form will create a powerful direction for the new Presbytery, as well as moment of thanksgiving for the life of the Elizabeth Presbytery.