February is Black History and Culture Awareness Month

In 2026, our RIC team is highlighting a different inclusion and justice topic each month. February is Black History and Culture Awareness Month, and we will gather to celebrate the rich artistic, cultural, and spiritual contributions of Black and African American communities that have shaped our shared life and faith.

At the same time, we acknowledge the painful history of racism, inequity, and oppression in both our nation and the church. We invite you to explore this resource from the National Day for Racial Healing to deepen your understanding of how we arrived here and how we can move forward together toward genuine racial equity.

Have Hope

In the wake of events occurring in the city of Minneapolis, MN we look for spiritual guidance on how to offer support and solidarity for our neighbors experiencing unfathomable fear and injustice.

Reading from Matthew this morning, the Holy Spirit offered this.

Matthew 12:18-21 (CSB) 18 Here is my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. 19 He will not argue or shout, and no one will hear his voice in the streets. 20 He will not break a bruised reed, and he will not put out a smoldering wick, until he has led justice to victory. 21 The nations will put their hope in his name.

I know that verse is directly meant for Jesus. But is it possible for us to recognize other people in that verse? When I read it I also think about Martin Luther King, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Gandhi, and Mother Teresa. They were flawed of course, and not perfect as Jesus; but certainly they had the Spirit of the Lord upon them? And certainly their messages gave hope. I too have hope.

January is Poverty Awareness Month

Our FFF discussion group talked about what poverty is, how it impacts our communities, and ways we can help address our community’s needs. This study guide is a resource you can use to learn and think more about poverty in your own community. 

https://www.inclusive-church.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Poverty-Study-Guide.pdf