Churches focus on Racial Reconciliation

First UMC in Ellwood City, along with Wurtemburg UMC, will host an ecumenical worship service and discussions on racial reconciliation on Thursday, Aug. 25 from 7-9 p.m.

 
Spurred by recent incidents of racial violence around the nation, Rev. Chad Bogdewic, pastor of the Wurtemburg church, and Rev. Angelique Bradford, pastor of Ellwood City First UMC and Homewood UMC, convened a group of area clergy to plan the service and followed by conversations.
 

“In recent news, we have seen the ugliness of humanity as two more African American men were shot and killed and five officers were targeted in an ambush,” they wrote in a letter inviting colleagues to take action with them for racial reconciliation.  “Racism, my friends, is alive and well in our country and as spiritual leaders, it is time we did something about it.”  
 
In addition to the service, the two pastors proposed praying each month “in the public square, weather permitting, as we continue interceding on behalf of our nation.  We need your help as we avail much to the Lord to change hearts and minds, even our own.  Help us be the hands and feet of God in this important endeavor.”
 
The response was good. Clergy from several denominations turned out for the first planning meeting.

At the Aug. 25 service, Rev. Bradford will preach using Luke 10:30-37 and Micah 6:6-8 as the texts. Conversations in small groups will follow.

The planning group also hopes to organize opportunities for on-going small group discussions.