Opening Prayer

Lord, Jesus Christ

who reached across the ethnic boundaries

between Samaritan, Roman and Jew

who offered fresh sight to the blind and freedom to captives,

help us to break down the barriers in our community,

enable us to see the reality of racism and bigotry,

and free us to challenge and uproot itfrom ourselves,

our society and our world.

Amen.

~ written by John Bucki, SJ, and posted on the Social Justice Resource Center website.  https://socialjusticeresourcecenter.org/prayers/racism/

Blessing

May you trust in God’s promises to his people:

peace

security

blessing

even when they are difficult to believe.

May you know that God’s news is good news,

nourishing

true

even when people tell you it is not.

And when you encounter doubt,

may you strengthen your belief

guiding you in his perfect wisdom and counsel.

~ posted on Jeff’s Blog. https://blog.wisch.org/category/benedictions-and-prayers/

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Resources

On Race

Award Winning Documentary 13th

Acts of Racial Injustice: a Letter From American Baptist Churches

Raising Race Conscious Children

Be the Bridge: Racial Healing, Equity, and Reconciliation

On Spiritual Guidance

A link to the daily devotional series the First Fifteen

Instructions guiding you through an Examen prayer 

A good app for an Examen prayer for your phone or tablet

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Supporting God’s Work through Central

We encourage you to continue your faithful support of Central’s ministry in these days. Offerings can be mailed to Central’s office (501 S. 4th St Springfield, IL 62701) or you can make an online offering here:
https://cbcchurchfamily.churchcenter.com/giving/to/local-operating