Communion

by Rob Hardy

There’s no bread.

The bakers have gone into hiding. 

The seats at the table are empty.

The Twelve are marching with the thousands.

The streets are filled with a new song.

Only Judas sits at Target Plaza, counting his silver, while Pontius Pilate issues a carefully-worded statement.

Meanwhile the centurions have quotas to fill.

But out on the streets there’s a Communion.

Jesus takes the city in his hands and says,

“This is my body, broken for you.”

Rob Hardy

2nd February, 2026

Honoring Black Voices Through Music and Poetry

During our February discussion group, we explored how Black voices have shaped American culture throughout history. Much of our conversation centered on the profound influence Black artists have had on nearly every genre of American music — and how often those foundational contributions have been overlooked, minimized, or erased. We were struck by when many of these works were created and by how powerfully they still resonate today, reminding us that progress toward racial equity has been uneven and incomplete.

Together, we asked difficult questions: Why do societies so often fail to learn from the harms of the past, allowing injustice and division to persist? What is it about fear — of difference, of not belonging — that leads us to construct hierarchies instead of communities?

As Maya Angelou reminds us, “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

Watch this short video from National Day of Racial Healing: Can we end racism? Two African Americans weigh in and share how they are healing.

  

 

(Click on the images above to see examples of their artistic gifts to us)

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.