As Epworth deepens into our commitment to racial justice and reparations in 2025, we're blessed to be in connection with sister congregations like Buena Vista UMC in Alameda who share our dedication to building the Beloved Community. Several Epworth members recently participated in a Reparations Study Group hosted by BVCI, and now we have another opportunity to learn and grow together at their MLK Day Lunch and Community Discussion on January 19th at noon. Join fellow Epworth members at this important gathering to strengthen our connection and work in solidarity for justice in our communities. To coordinate carpooling or learn more, please contact Merrie Bunt, Reparations Action Group co-leader.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Commemoration of MLK’s Birthday
“Where Do We Go From Here?”
Buena Vista United Methodist Church and Buena Vista Community Institute are hosting a commemoration of the birthday of the Rev. Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday, January 19, 2025 with a special worship service and lunch convening titled “Where Do We Go From Here?”. The convening will offer an opportunity to listen to one another regarding our concerns for our country in the wake of the impending Presidential transition. Buena Vista Community Institute will highlight priorities for our social action partnerships and invite church members and community supporters to become re-activated and re-invigorated for 2025.
Join us for a time of listening, discerning, and spiritual renewal as we prepare ourselves for social justice ministry in 2025.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
Worship Service in honor of Human Relations Day: 10:15 a.m.
Lunch Convening and Community Discussion: 12:00 noon in BVUMC Social Hall Non-church members are welcome to attend. BVCI will provide the lunch. You will provide the inspiration and hope!
Please RSVP here to help with planning for the lunch and conversation. For questions, please email bvcommunityinstitute@gmail.com.
On August 16,1967, Rev. King shared a passionate speech titled “Where Do We Go From Here?” on the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Southern Christian Leadership Council (SCLC), the base of organizing for southern black churches in the Civil Rights Movement. The movement had been challenged by violent uprisings in different cities in preceding years. Earlier in 1967, King broke his silence about the Vietnam War and articulated the dangers of the toxic triangle of racism, militarism, and materialism plaguing the collective soul of America. And so on the 10th anniversary of the SCLC King poignantly posed the question “Where Do We Go From Here?” to chart a course for the critical time ahead.
BVCI is an inheritor and extension of the civil rights movement. We continue to envision the building of “Beloved Community” together in all that we do. But as we face a time of great apprehension and anticipation of draconian policies by a new administration supported by Christian Nationalism and Christian Zionism, the swinging of the pendulum begs the question once again, “Where Do We Go From Here?”
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