Recent events have reignited the conversation about human brokenness evidenced in the sin of racism and perpetuated in our institutional structures and systems.
Your gifts to the Reconciliation Ministry allow your communities and your congregations to ensure the human dignity of every child, to ensure all have access to Christ’s abundance, to fully flourish in education, and financial stability, and friendships across God’s human diversity.
Funds from the Reconciliation Special Day Offering provide grants for pro-reconciliation/anti-racism programs. The Reconciliation Offering is divided, with one half staying in our region and one half used by General Reconciliation Ministry.
Regional reconciliation ministries seeking grants are:
Kansas Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Team
The Anti-Racism Team was initiated by the Christian Church in Kansas (CCK) Regional Board and has been tasked with the following: 1) deepening their understanding of the nature of systemic racism and how it dehumanizes all people; 2) exploring and expanding the resources of the church for the work of becoming an anti-racist institution; 3) evaluating and recommending changes to the governing documents of the CCK in order dismantle any elements of institutional racism. This is a long-term, proactive project aimed at the systemic issues that govern the life of the church, and those who make up the church, in order to expand God’s reign of peace and justice in creation.
Brothers in Blue – Wichita Prison Ministry
Established in 2002, Brothers In Blue is a prison ministry designed to reach inmates with God, to help them get their lives back in order so that they can be productive citizens. This non-denominational ministry, supported by Riverside Christian Church in Wichita, provides inmates with bibles and crosses to those entering a self-sustaining mentorship program developed by the state. They are currently in four prison programs – Ellsworth, Winfield, Lansing and El Dorado – and other facilities are asking for their services.
Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen (LINK)
Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen (LINK) has provided 750,000+ meals since 1985 to homeless individuals and families in Lawrence. LINK serves all persons on an “as needed” basis. No questions are asked, and food is available to any and all who enter and abide by the rules of behavior. These hot, home-cooked meals are served 4 days per week in the basement of the Lawrence First Christian Church, where the homeless receive support and companionship as well. Your Reconciliation Offering makes this important program possible.
Pine Vally CC Birthday Backpack Program, Wichita
Since 1998 the members of Pine Valley Christian Church have presented surprise Birthday Backpacks to economically at-risk children whose families otherwise could not provide such a celebration. They serve about 160 children from three Wichita area elementary schools. Each backpack, which also is part of the gift, contains a cake mix, frosting and candles plus a book, math flashcards, coloring or drawing materials, and toiletries. Your Reconciliation Gift tells a child that he or she is loved and worthwhile!
West Side CC Peace Camp, Topeka
We live in a cultural atmosphere where it is increasingly common to handle rage or hurt feelings with violence. Children see this violence, and some of these events are fueled by racism. West Side Christian Church plans to offer a Peace Camp for the children in the Topeka community during summer 2021. The Peace Camp will serve elementary age children and take place for 3 hours each day for one week. Goals are to help children identify and develop empathy for others, and to help them manage their feelings in non-violent ways contributing to an increase of understanding and a decrease of violence and racism among members of the community.
Thank you for your generosity.