Anti-Racism & Equity Ministry

Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 5:30-7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Join us for the return of this popular event, where we will consider the perspectives of our Filipino-American neighbors—their histories, voices, culture and contributions to our community and in Lake County today. We will hear stories from members of our own congregation who have family roots in the Philippines. We begin with pizza/salad and fellowship from 5:30-6 p.m. and enjoy program and conversation from 6-7 p.m. This program is best for ages 10-110, and both a children’s program and childcare are provided. RSVP is encouraged for food planning purposes, but not required—drop in if you can.

Sunday, October 29, 2023 after worship (11:15 a.m.) Fellowship Hall

Join us after worship to learn more about the vibrant, life-affirming ministry of these two pastors from Waukegan. Together they founded the Legacy Reentry Foundation, a not-for-profit that helps reintegrate formerly incarcerated people back into the community. The organization also works on community development, gun violence prevention, and more. Join us to welcome them and learn more! Registration is encouraged but not required—drop in if you can.

Kicks off January 21, 2024 and small groups meet every other week until June 2024

Past First Pres participants have been deeply moved by this 11-part study, being offered in partnership with the Annunciation of Our Lady Episcopal Church in Gurnee and North Suburban Mennonite Church in Libertyville. This study is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on black, indigenous, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history on race and racism while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. Participants will have the option of both in-person virtual/zoom groups. The series kicks off with a screening of Traces of the Trade on November 12 (see above) and the study groups will meet every other week from January through June. Find out more about the study here.