You are invited to join in a Week of Action
In a response to the urging of the commissioners of the General Assembly, as a priority of being a Matthew 25 denomination, and a yearning for a very tangible way to be engaged in dismantling institutionalized racism, the staff of the Office of General Assembly, Presbytery Mission Agency along with other agencies will host a Presbyterian Week of Action.
Bearing Witness is a priority of our theology and life together as faith communities and as a denomination. Bearing witness to the dismantling structural racism is a collaborative effort of the PC(USA).
During the week there are several events, some will be live and others will be resources to engage you at your convenience. You are invited to join in as many as you can. Let us all engage, challenge and immerse ourselves in bearing witness through actions that will dismantle structural racism. Most event will livestream on the Presbyterian Church (USA) Facebook page.
◾ Monday 8/24: Global Day of Solidarity
All Day — The Global Day of Solidarity is a day to hear about and experience the support of our siblings from around the world and to witness their experiences of racism in their own context. A video for you to view at your convenience will be uploaded on Monday morning and posted on the Week of Action webpage.
◾ Tuesday 8/25: Town Hall
1:30–3:00 p.m. EDT — The Town Hall Gathering is an opportunity to engage with theologians, community activists, pastors and practitioners on the intersectional work of anti-racism, how the PC(USA) in all its expressions grapples with the legacy of white supremacy and racism in our history and theology, finds ways to do prophetic and renewing work in current moments for racial justice, and how we can listen to and come alongside community and national leaders to show up together for racial justice. This event will be livestreams and/or you can register to receive a link.
◾ Wednesday 8/26: Liberation Bible Study and Twitterchat
12 noon – 1 p.m. EDT — On Twitter, engage in discussion around some of the week’s previous events. Follow @Presbyterian for discussion prompts. Use #WeekofActionPCUSA to join the conversation.
1–2 p.m. & 3–4 p.m. EDT — The Liberation Bible Study consists of six videos and two live-streamed conversations. In the six videos, practical theologians will provide their perspectives on how they engage lectionary texts through the lens of liberation and how Jesus informs their support for liberation work. The Bible Study will be livestreamed on the PCUSA Facebook and recorded. The six videos will be posted on the webpage following the presentation.
◾ Thursday 8/27: BLACKOUT Day, COVID-19 Memorial and Farmworker webinar
All Day — All year long, Presbyterian Women joins the World Council of Churches in “Thursdays in Black” to protest gender-based violence. Throughout the day, we will share information about ways Presbyterians can support ministries and efforts that benefit Black communities in preparation for Give 828 Day (also known as “Give Black Day”) the following day, which is a national effort to encourage giving to Black-led non-profits. We urge the entire denomination to wear black in solidarity with both “Thursdays in Black” and the struggle for Black lives.
12 noon – 1:15 p.m. EDT — Join the Farmworkers in the Pandemic: Essentially Disposable webinar — the last in the COVID at the Margins Discussion Series. This 75-minute webinar starts at 12 noon EDT and will update you on the situation and resistance of farmworkers, and offer ways we can accompany and support them. Register in advance for the webinar. We will also livestream it on Facebook Live at facebook.com/presbyhunger.
5–6 p.m. EDT — The COVID-19 Memorial will be a sacred moment to pause and remember those who have died during the pandemic. The service will include Scripture, storytelling, music and prayer. Participants will be invited to share names of those we have lost. Registration will be available early the week of August 24.
◾ Friday 8/28: Give 828 Day, Documentary Premiere and Young Adult Round Table
All Day — On August 28, 2020, the PC(USA) will be joining #Give828, a national day of giving focused specifically on supporting Black-benefitting organizations. #Give828 isn’t like other fundraising campaigns. This day takes place during Black Philanthropy Month and commemorates multiple important historical landmarks in Black Americans’ march toward freedom. Donate now to support the Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries. Gifts to #Give828 will go to support leadership development for leaders of color by funding the Katie Geneva Cannon Scholarship and the Conference for Seminarians of Color.
1 p.m. EDT — Join the Young Adult Round Table for a conversation around how young people are engaging and processing faith in the midst of racial and health pandemics. This event will livestream on the PCUSA facebook.
p.m. EDT — Join the Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency for the premiere of their collaborative documentary series and e-course titled Trouble the Water: Conversations to Disrupt Racism and Dominance.
◾ Saturday 8/29: Justice Rally/March
1–4 p.m. EDT — Engage the entire denomination in multi-city actions that call attention to the racial injustice and social uprising happening in our country. This event will be anchored at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, KY and will include a march for justice. This will be a connectional event and will feature various speakers, music, poets, etc. All are invited to attend and/or watch virtually on the Week of Action webpage and the PC(USA) Facebook. This event will livestream on the PC(USA) Facebook and on the Week of Action webpage. The recording of the livestream will also be posted on the webpage.
All Day — People are also encouraged to advocate for policies affecting marginalized communities. View the Suggested Policy Action sheet here.
◾ Sunday 8/30: Day of Service
All Day — This day encourages congregations and mid-councils to engage in service to their communities following worship. Info sheet with volunteer opportunities and ideas linked here.
