In February, members of eight African Methodist Episcopal Zion and three United Methodist Churches gathered to share a unique meal at Camp Don Lee. The teams of both laity and clergy shared more than just food that night! Each course brought with it guided discussion questions to help the hearts at each table learn about each other.
“If your voice has had to fight to be heard elsewhere, know that tonight, you don’t have to fight,” was one of the guiding principles that allowed for healthy dialogue. Other principles included:
- Challenge the idea, not the person.
- If you’re someone who’s never had to fight to be heard, make space for those who have.
- Speak your truth.
With the appetizer, participants were asked questions including, “What did you leave behind to be with us this evening?” Another asked team members to consider if they were a biblical character, who would they be and why? Laughter filled each table as strangers began the journey of building relationships.
The entrée had them dig a little deeper asking, “How can we do better TOGETHER?” The dessert provided not only cheesecake, but a challenge to find ways that would encourage the participants toward a greater faith walk with one another.
Lifting their voices TOGETHER as participants joined hands and ended the night by singing, “We are One in the Spirit,” left everyone with a sense of hope for their future TOGETHER. This model of bringing people together around a table, is one that can be modeled almost anywhere.
The New Bern Connection has been in the planning phase for months. The vision being to simply bring people together around a table to begin a journey of relationship and faith building. This first gathering will be followed by at least two additional opportunities within 2023.
The Sound District Teams were from Centenary UMC, Oriental UMC, and Cherry Point UMC. AMEZ churches included: Jones Chapel, Hyman Chapel, Wesley Chapel, Piney Grove, Trinity Chapel, Holts Chapel, Bryant Chapel, and Mt. Olive AMEZ.
If you would like more information about The New Bern Connection, contact Jon Strother jstrother@nccumc.org
If you are interested in joining the Dismantling Racism Team or would like more information, contact Sunny Limm slimm@nccumc.org.