Beloved Community
In 2020, Trenholm Road United Methodist Church embarked on a church-wide initiative to understand and discuss the impact of racism on its desire to become the Beloved Community. These resources, developed by TRUMC members and with the United Methodist Church framework on ending racism as a guide, are offered here to help other Churches, organizations, small groups and individuals on their own journey as they work to combat racism. We hope these faith-based approaches will create deeper dialogue and discussion among your community.
Tools and Resources for Small Groups
Sermon Series
In September 2020, three sermons were central to our conversations about race. Each sermon below has a discussion guide that can be used with individuals or small groups.
Rev. Walter Strawther
Our Blindness
Mark 10:46-52
Rev. Walter Strawther compares the request of James and John of Jesus—to have seat beside him on his throne— to the request of the blind, beggar Bartimaeus—to regain his sight. One is a request for power, and one is a request to be healed and to belong.
The Violence Silence
Luke 4:17-19
Rev. Dr. Robin Dease talks about the post-9/11 sentiment, “If you see something, say something.” Meant as a way to engage citizens in preventing further terrorist attacks, it sometimes has the effect of making us suspicious of our neighbors. Rev. Dease explores what this sentiment means for Christians today and how as the church, we are compelled to speak up in opposition to oppression when we see it.
Rev. Dr. Robin Dease
Rev. Joel Jones
Repentance and Remembrance
Matthew 9:9-13; 22:34-40
Rev. Jones shares the poem “Outwitted” as a call to action for Christians and encourages us to do as Christ did: seek out, befriend and speak up for the marginalized.
Book Clubs
The Color of Compromise and My Vanishing Country were book club selections. Find links to our guidelines and discussion questions below.
Educate Yourself
Important to our effort was giving our members ways to further educate themselves on the topics of racism as well as understanding others’ experiences. Below find a resource list and some personal reflections (Racial Justice Moments) from our church members.
Sample Documents
These documents may help as you develop efforts in your Church. The first was shared with Sunday School class leaders. The second is a schedule of events.