Message Title: Redeeming the "R" Word
Date: June 6, 2021

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2 Roads to Repentance
1. The bridge initiated by God leads to flourishing within the body of Christ
2. The bridge initiated by shame and self-loathing is a dead end

Repentance = a change in mind that leads to a change in action
It's both personal and communal

God is giving us the opportunity to get our house in order so that we can be an example to the surrounding community

Discipline - from the Greek (paideia) - The imposition of painful consequences upon someone for their dsobedience as part of a process of improving someone's character or actions.

Repentance - willingness to learn and own ways we have been complicit in people's oppression

How to Live out Repentance in everyday life:
--Interrogating the voices that inform us
--Worshiping with different genres of music
--Practicing humble listening
--Practicing courageous calling in
--Remember the next generation is watching

PCC BENEDICTION
May you jump into the arms of Jesus and may He push out into the world. May you be healed as you participate in the healing of others. Not because you must, but because you may. This is why we were born!

Beyond Sunday
At PCC, we want any person from any racial or ethnic background to feel like they are among family. In order to do so, we must become more aware of God’s heart for racial reconciliation, key historical events, and the harm caused to many. Each week, our “Be The Bridge'' (BTB) series will help us journey toward greater understanding, empathy and, in time, action. This week, we focus on understanding how Repentance and reparation are essential elements of being a bridge builder.

Individual / Group Discussion Questions

1. In the past week, what awareness have you gained when it comes to the topic of race and racial reconciliation? Or since the beginning of this study, how has God transformed you?

2. Note the first 3 steps of the process toward racial reconciliation. Now, ponder/discuss why Steps 4-5, which involve repenting (change in mind & action) and repair (reparations, making amends) are so vital to the process. Personally, how have you seen Steps 4-5 be important in establishing reconciliation in your relationships?

Step 1 - Acknowledging and lamenting racial injustice, overcoming your shame and guilt associated with it
Step 2 - Confessing your own part in the injustices
Step 3 - Extending forgiveness
Step 4 - Repent
Step 5 - Repair

3. What are these passages telling us about the kingdom expectations and benefits of engaging in repentance and reparation? (Acts 3:19, 2 Corinthians 7:10–11, Numbers 5:6-7, Luke 19:8)

4. What hinders individuals and institutions from taking steps of repentance and reparation? So then, what will the majority white culture within our nation and churches have to give up in order to move toward racial reconciliation? And what will the minority BIPOC culture have to give up? (see BTB p.157 - last two paragraphs prior to The American Imagination for Reparations section and p.163 - Being a Bridge for Reparations section)

5. What is God calling you to when it comes to repentance and reparation within your family, neighborhood, church, work, city, nation, or world?

As a group or individually, declare the prayers below.

A Prayer of Repentance and Reparation (BTB pp. 148,169)
Lord, may we be transformed by your love for us and in turn become a reflection of your love to those who don’t look like us or share the same background as we do. Forgive us for passing judgment on people based on their appearance, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. May we walk in love and unity with one another.

Lord, those who have come before me were flawed. I am also flawed. Open my eyes, Lord. Am I guilty of muting the pain-filled volume of my sisters and brothers with my skewed sight? Have I prioritized my comfort over the equality and equity of my neighbors? Have I ignored the ways our systems have oppressed and suppressed others? Forgive me, Lord. I am in need of repair. Give me the heart and voice of reconciliation and show me what it means to actively make reparations to those around me. Provide a heart of righteous determination as I work to be the person you want me to become.

Resources
1. Be the Bridge - Reading Schedule

For PCC's budgeted giving:
Fiscal year (June 1 - May 31)

Giving Update
Budgeted Giving: $4,072,377
Giving to Date: $3,774,463
Still Need: $ 297,915