On May 2, nearly 100 people, including many members of our congregation, gathered at Catonsville Presbyterian Church for A Way Forward: Discovering the Power and Beauty of Restorative Justice & Reconciliation, an evening organized by the Dismantling Racism Committee. The event included a shared potluck meal, fellowship among partner congregations, and a powerful address from Rev. Jemaine Ross-Allam, Director of the Center for the Repair of Historic Harms at Presbyterian Church U.S.A. His message challenged those gathered to see dismantling racism not as a side issue, but as part of Christian worship, witness, repair, and transformation. Christian Temple was represented by Rev. Dr. Kelly Sisson and members of the congregation.
Click here to read more about this impactful event.
Bible Study Goes on Summer Break
Our Bible study group has enjoyed a rich and meaningful year together. Last fall, the group began New Figures in the New Testament with Professor Amy-Jill Levine, and this spring continued with Understanding the New Testament led by Professor David Brakke. As summer arrives and many participants will be traveling, spending time with family, and heading to the beach, the group will take a summer break.
Bible study will resume on Wednesday, September 2, with Understanding the New Testament. Thank you to everyone who participated so faithfully throughout the year, and best wishes for a fun and safe summer!
For more information, please contact Vaughn Ouellette.
Most observers were shocked by the violence they saw at the nation’s capital on January 6, 2021. Many were bewildered by the images displayed by the insurrectionists: a wooden cross and wooden gallows; “Jesus saves” and “Don’t Tread on Me;” Christian flags and Confederate Flags; even a prayer in Jesus’ name after storming the Senate chamber. What was happening is Christian Nationalism in action - a familiar ideology: white Christian nationalism. If you are interested in learning more about this movement, the threats it poses to religious freedom and democracy this Forum study is for you. We will use as our guide the book, “The Flag & The Cross,” by Philip S. Gorski and Samuel L. Perry.
The study will focus on what white Christian nationalism is and is not; when it first appeared and how it has changed; where it’s headed and why it threatens democracy. The study will trace the development of this ideology over the course of three centuries - and especially its influence over the last three decades – showing how, throughout American history, white Christian nationalism has animated the oppression, exclusion, and even extermination of minority groups while securing privilege for white Protestants. It has enabled whites to demand “sacrifice” from others in the name of religion and nation, while defending their “rights” in the names of “liberty” and “property.”
The study begins on Sunday, April 12 at 9:30 am in the library in person and on Zoom with Dr. Joe Pettit as leader/guide. This is a five week study. The book is available at the local library, and you can buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and other book outlets. If you have any questions, please contact Joe Pettit or Vaughn Ouellette.
The weekly market is every Wednesday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm in lower parking lot. The market switches to every other week from January to April. For more information, including a list of vendors updated weekly, visit https://catonsvillefarmersmarket.com/.
