Diversity series presented at UCC

Members of the First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) of Alexandria are offering unique opportunities for members of the community to address the question, “Can somebody please explain this ‘diversity stuff’ to me?”

Participants in the five Wednesday night discussions will have the opportunity to approach this issue from a Christian perspective, offered in the setting of the church with presenters from the “Imagine Alexandria” speaker’s bureau.

The speaker’s bureau is made up of 21 individuals who have completed more than 72 hours of study and training in the area of cultural diversity and inclusion.

Pastor Scott Keehn of UCC is a certified member of this group.

The sessions, led by Keehn and assisted by different members of the Imagine Alexandria speaker’s bureau, will meet on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, February 29 through March 28.

The sessions will start with a light meal at 5:30 p.m. followed by the program from 6 to 7 pm. The public is invited to attend; registrations are not required and there is no charge for the meal or sessions.

Following are the topics:

February 29: Defining “diversity” and exploring biases, assumptions, prejudices and stereotypes.

March 7: Exploring effective ways of responding to prejudice and hate.

March 14: Exploring religious diversity. How can we make room for everyone at the table?

March 21: Exploring cultural diversity. What are the cultures “within the culture” we live in?

March 28: Exploring and preparing for the future. What steps can the church and

community take to become more inclusive?

The church is located at 221 West 7th Avenue in Alexandria and is completely accessible. First Congregational UCC’s belief is that, “Whoever you are, or wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”

For more information, contact Pastor Scott Keehn at (320) 491-6789.

Tags: faith, diversity, session