At a Glance
Theme:
Life in the Spirit: The Church as a Community of Reconciliation
Faculty Speaker:
Dr. Tammy Williams, Assistant Professor of Theology and Black Church Studies
Lectionary Texts:
Genesis 18:1-8; Psalm 82; Ephesians 2:11-22; Luke 14:12-23
Rebecca Young and Katie Gichner do yard work at Isaiah House in Durham. |
Moriah Webster and Allen Bower provide percussion during evening worship. |
Angela Hobby, Florence Clemons, James Wood,
Brett Yusiewicz, and
Kendall Baker enjoy music during evening worship. |
Reflections on the Lecture
Dr. Tammy Williams opened plenary this morning by asking the students what comes to mind when they hear the term “reconciliation.” She invited students to likewise consider what they think about when they hear “reconciliation” in conjunction with “church.” Too often, she said, we seek reconciliation between divided groups – race, class, gender, creed – through cheap thought or action, trying to ignore differences in favor of seeing everyone as exactly the same. What might it look like, she wondered, if being one in Christ meant that the ranking and hierarchy didn’t exist, but we could still celebrate our diversity? Can there be reconciliation as Christians without justice, and vice-versa?
Students spent the second half of plenary in small groups discussing these questions, as well as exploring various scriptures that speak to the issue of reconciliation (1 Cor. 5:16-21; Gal. 3:26-28; Eph. 2:15,16). They discussed Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work, “Paul’s Letter to American Christians,” and concluded by exploring ways of naming and overcoming divisions in the Body of Christ.
Quotable Quotes
“How do we learn to not see one another as some kind of pure, generic Christian?”
— Dr. Williams talking about color-blindness and looking past social status
“Homey don’t play that. I don’t do that division thing.”
— Dr. Tammy Williams, narrating an anecdote from an experience in the local church
“We’re not supposed to ignore the fact that we’re different. We’re supposed to accept it and embrace it.”
— Maggie Cupit’s answer Dr. Williams’ question, “What does this mean to you?” during plenary
“What do you suggest we do about reconciliation?”
— A DYA student
“Do what King did. Look at your own church, school, society, and ask what the social divisions are for your generation.”
— Dr. Williams’ answer
Other Activities
Today the students went on their second trip to service sites around Durham and Raleigh. Groups visited Threshold Clubhouse, Nazareth House, Wheels4Hope, Anathoth Community Garden, Isaiah House of Hospitality, TROSA, and Croasdaile Assisted Living Community. We welcomed Rev. Trevor Hudson of Northfield Methodist Church in Benoni, South Africa as our preacher in worship. Rev. Hudson has been an influential figure in reconciliation efforts in South Africa. Again, DYA students were responsible for planning the service, which had a global feel focused around reconciliation. DYA mentor Julian Pridgen, Sr. presided at table.
What’s Ahead...
Tomorrow we conclude our three-part exploration of Life in the Spirit. Dr. Lauren Winner will lecture on “Life in the Spirit: Heeding the Spirit’s Prompting.” In the afternoon, students will attend their final Arts Village and prayer practice workshops. We will welcome Anathoth Garden and Cedar Grove UMC at dinner as they provide a simplicity meal for the community. Rev. Donna Battle will preach at the final service planned and led by DYA students.
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Duke Youth Academy
for Christian Formation
The Divinity School,
Duke University
Box 90966,
Durham, N.C. 27708-0966
919-660-3542,
DuYouth@div.Duke.edu |
