Book Recommendation
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness

Book Recommendation - I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness

Marjorie Smink


I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness

by Austin Channing Brown

© 2018


Austin Channing Brown is a speaker, writer and media producer giving inspired leadership on racial justice in our country. Her book provides an intimate view of her life - growing up Black, Christian, and female in White America. She shows how White America’s claim to embrace “diversity” often falls short of its mission. It is an eye-opening look at how white middle-class Evangelicalism has taken part in an era of rising racial hostility, and it invites the reader to confront apathy and identify God’s ongoing work in the world. Austin Brown still has hope for racial equality in American, but it is a shadow of hope.

This post was orignally published in the January 2023 of the Lighted Cross. Please use the links below to view the full newsletter.

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Recap Of Berwyn Umc’s Charge Conference – March 16, 2025

Published: March 17, 2025

Berwyn UMC’s Charge Conference on March 16, 2025, focused on the transition to Berwyn Early Learning Academy (BELA), facility improvements, and financial planning for the church’s future. Key decisions included refinancing the mortgage to fund air conditioning for BELA, addressing building repairs, and strengthening connections with nursery school families. BELA Director Morgan Otto provided updates on enrollment growth and program development, highlighting the church’s commitment to quality early childhood education. You can find the meeting minutes and view the presentation slides here.

Special Session Of Charge Conference - March 16th

Published: February 16, 2025

Sunday, March 16th at 11:15 AM (Following Worship) Berwyn United Methodist Church will hold a special session of Charge Conference on Sunday, March 16th at 11:15 AM, immediately following worship. The purpose of this session is to discuss and decide on the church’s mortgage and funding options for essential building improvements related to our transition to a full-day childcare program. Key Considerations: Our current mortgage rate has increased from 4.14% to 6.73%. Option 1: Refinance the entire mortgage with the United Methodist Loan Board at its current rate of 5.25%, while adding a modest amount to fund necessary building improvements, including: Air conditioning (most pressing need) Bathroom additions (child-sized toilets) Furnishings for childcare spaces Safety and security measures to ensure church ministry can continue while childcare is in session. We have requested three estimates for air conditioning and will explore costs for other improvements. Option 2: Keep the loan as it is and borrow against the $100,000 invested with the Loan Fund, as our endowment is invested with the Mid-Atlantic Foundation and this is a viable alternative. This decision is crucial for the future of our church and the successful launch of Berwyn Early Learning Academy. All members are strongly encouraged to attend, ask questions, and participate in this important conversation. For questions or more information, please contact Pastor Kevin or a member of the Leadership Team.
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