From Paralysis to Hope

In my July 8 post, I called upon all Kaleidoscope Institute Associates, Catalysts and trained facilitators to intentionally start interracial dialogue processes wherever they are. Pastor Mark Smutny did just that and here is his report to me about the first dialogue session he facilitated at Altadena Community Church. Notice the simplicity of the design that uses the basic Kaleidoscope Institute tools with some slight modifications.

Dear Eric,

I invited the congregation where Barbara has worshipped for years, the Altadena Community Church (UCC) to a two Sunday gracious dialogue called, "Race, Racism and Gun Violence: From Paralysis to Hope." The first session was this past Sunday where we used RESPECT Guidelines, Mutual Invitation and the three-part structure of KBS (Kaleidoscope Bible Study). However, instead of a scripture, we read President Obama's memorial address he gave in Dallas.

The first question invited people to select a word, phrase or image from the speech. During the second reading, we invited people to reflect on the question, "How have racism and gun violence personally affected your life? The third question was, "What does God invite me to do, be or change about racism and gun violence?"

I must say that the sharing was deeply painful and the resolve filled with hope. I'm now designing the second session.

Thank you for the gift of gracious leadership.

Peace,

Mark