1. Celebrating Diversity The Clothing of Equality

2. Disciples of ChristDemographics • 3000 Anglo congregations • 432 Convocation congregations • 172 Hispanic congregations • 85 NAPAD congregations (approx.) • 100 Haitian congregations Ethnic constituencies represent approximately 21% of total Disciples congregations

3. Culture • Relating to ethnicity, as well as socio-economic circumstances and gender, in a group, society or institution; including values, beliefs and patterns of thinking

4. Interpersonal Relationship • Concerning or involving relationships between people. Interpersonal behaviors may be intentional or unintentional.

5. Prejudice • A preformed opinion, usually an unfavorable one, based on insufficient knowledge, irrational feelings or inaccurate stereotypes. This could be based on a pre-judgment and evaluation using one’s own or one’s group’s standards as the right (and only) way.

6. Discrimination • Treating people differently through prejudice. Unfair treatment of one person or group, usually because of prejudice about race, ethnic group, age group, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical disabilities and/or physical characteristics

7. Transformation • A complete change, usually into something with an improved appearance or usefulness and understanding, as in a paradigm shift (which is a radical change in somebody’s basic assumptions about or approach to something).

8. MOVIE

9. Have you seen any of these practices in your own community or workplace? Describe What impact do you believe these practices have on the society in which you live? Movie Discussion Questions

10. Life Walk

11. Life Walk Discussion Are there things in your life you have taken for granted that you now see have not been available to everyone in this room? Discuss.

12. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long. PSALM 146: 1-2

13. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I praise the Lord for my deep faith roots, planted by my ancestoral family. I sing praises to God for the gift of nurturing new life into its fullness. I thank God for the experiences and wisdom gained through friendships with my sisters of faith. Praise the Lord, O my soul! Adonna and Judy’s Psalm

14. One by one relationship building Attend one another’s churches and events Make everything we do inclusive of 100% of the people in our area Find our voices and use them Teach Be the role model for others OUR RESPONSIBILITY

15. Mine is the church where everybody’s welcome. I know it’s true ‘cuz I got through the door. We are a dazzling bouquet of every kind of flower. Jump in the vase ‘cuz we’ve got space for more. A Dazzling Bouquet

16. Come here all you six foot gladiolas, Come, all you purple lilacs shining bright. Come, let us all bloom together in the garden: A carnival of fragrance and delight.

17. Mine is the church where everybody’s welcome. I know it’s true ‘cuz I got through the door. We are a dazzling bouquet of every kind of flower. Jump in the vase ‘cuz we’ve got space for more.

18. We don’t simply tolerate each other; We ask and tell; we don’t just turn away. We give attention to every bud and blossom. Let every face come grace the grand bouquet.

19. Mine is the church where everybody’s welcome. I know it’s true ‘cuz I got through the door. We are a dazzling bouquet of every kind of flower. Jump in the vase ‘cuz we’ve got space for more.

20. Our demons keep trying to divide us; They document their lies to make them true. Today we’re freed from our judging and excluding. Just look around, enjoy the lovely view.

21. Mine is the church where everybody’s welcome. I know it’s true ‘cuz I got through the door. We are a dazzling bouquet of every kind of flower. Jump in the vase ‘cuz we’ve got space for more.