Inclusive Ministries
U Are Loved. . . No Xceptions!
Please join us!
Overview
DEI:
Who Is Included?
Justice Ministries:
Justice Is Power Wielded in the Spirit of Love
Book Studies:
What We're Reading
It is important that diversity and justice activists make decisions which culminate in problem-solving based on an informed understanding of the issues. Understanding of the issues presupposes an extensive knowledge of what contributes to, as well as resists, oppressive societal structures. Studies that address issues relating to how we serve the marginalized and oppressed are necessary for this understanding. These studies include not only those topics which directly engage these issues but also provide a groundwork of other bodies of knowledge that teach us to be better human beings and Christian-servants.
DEI
Diversity, Eqiuty, & Inclusion (DEI)
We support the United Methodist Church’s committment to “becoming a more diverse denomination — truly reflective of all nations. Welcoming people through your door is one thing, but truly including and giving voice to all people may be more complex. Whether the diversity is based on ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexuality, marital status, abilities or other factors, there are ways to be certain that all are included.” [1st Wed., 4:30-5:30, Conference Room or Zoom; contact Rev. Anna Brook Opalinski, associate minister.]
Justice Ministries
Capital Area Justice Ministry
Our church is a part of the Capital Area Justice Ministry, a coalition of nearly 20 religious congregations across the Tallahassee, Florida, area building a community-wide ministry that will unite faith communities across the Big Bend in answering the call to do justice. Through house meetings, determining two critical community issues, researching solutions, and finally, bringing requests to local elected officials, CAJM uses the power of consensus to create real change in our community.
Trinity UMC Justice Ministry
We help to find new ways to do justice in our community. This group of dedicated and passionate people meets on the third Wednesday of every month. All are welcome to attend! Please email Rev. Anna-Brook Opalinski at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Book Studies
Betty Phifer Advanced Studies
Sunday School Class
This class is for the serious student. Our curriculum includes four thematic areas from which we draw our studies: prayer, devotion, and personal relations to God; theological and Biblical history; social, political, and ecological Issues; and inter-faith dialogue and relations in an increasingly global community; all of these are approached from a Christian perspective. Our books demand considerable attention, research, and reflection on the part of the participant. Class members select the books by means of a nominating and voting process, and generally these books are not popular books that are promoted by contemporary book companies. [Sunday, 9:45-11, Room 307 & Zoom]
Friday Study Group
Members of this group address topics relating to theological writings, scripture, spiritual practices, science, church and religious history, and current issues, such as racial justice, LGBTQ equality, and environmental policies, affecting Christianity today. An important goal of the group is to seek to understand different perspectives on important issues that relate to spiritual, social, historical, and/or ethical questions. [Friday, 10-12, on Zoom]
Resources
Publications
“Taking Their Places and Making New Spaces”
Crossroads Bicentennial Double-Issue Celebrating Women of Trinity
“Guatemala Update”
Tidings
“ZOE Empowers: Transforming Lives Through Sustainable Development”
Tidings
Steps to a More Inclusive Outlook
This figure is based on readings from (among others) Native: Identity, Belonging, and Rediscovering God, by Kaitlin Curtice, God is Red by Vine Deloria, Jr., How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo; Courageous Faith: How to Rise and Resist in a Time of Fear by Emily C. Heath; I and Thou by Martin Buber, as well as contributions to discussion by Friday Study Class and Betty Phifer Advanced Study Class members, many of whom have taken part in the Capital Area Justice Ministry in Tallahassee.
Content added and photo adapted by Pam Crosby. Photo taken by Ferran Perez and used with permission from https://www.pexels.com/photo/high-angle-photo-of-white-spiral-staircase-3427031
Contact Us for More Info!
For more information, send an email to Rev. Anna Brook Opalinski, associate minister.
