From the Planting to Harvest

Sooooo, Shiloh's annual Black History celebration is in the books. Here are some outcomes:

Shiloh has distinguished itself as a place where hospitality and flexibility trump (forgive the use of the term) orthodoxy and traditional practises. If for no other reason than this, our Sunday celebration was a tremendous undertaking. It genuinely was a tremendous worship experience, featuring as many community participants as it did our own friends and members. We sang and heard great gospel music, participated in liturgical dance, heard a powerful message, stood in a circle and held hands as a community as we sang "Let there Be Peace on Earth." The meal that followed the service was fabulous. Thanks to all who provided food, staffed the kitchen and dining room, and just helped out in so many ways.

Shiloh distinguished itself as a place that is unafraid of broaching difficult issues.The Sunday presentation, made by Rachel Collopy, of the University of Dayton, was a keen insight into white privilege. The presentation asked, "Were our ancestors hard working and deserving of our respect?" The answer is "Absolutely!" Then, "Did they benefit from a system of advantage and privilege?" The answer is, "Absolutley!" I learned much from Doctor Collopy's presentation and deeply appreciate her style and class.

In Monday night's Dialogue on Race Relations, Shiloh continued to face some difficult issues. What can we do, as persons in community and as persons of a church, to improve race relations? The small group began with four areas of interest, each of which had surfaced at our August Dialogue on Race Relations. In each area, the group brainstormed concrete approaches that may function as faithful response to the challenge. These are difficult social, personal and inter-personal issues that Shiloh is willing to address.

Shiloh distinguished itself as a place of action. Shiloh does more than talk about issues. We attempt to deal with them, to address them and to resolve them. As an outcome of our Monday Dialogue, Shiloh will be forming an implementation Task Group, whose task is practical and meaningful ministries, missions and programs that apply directly to issues of inclusion, hospitality, justice and peace. The outcome of the work of this group will be direct action, whether in the congregation, through it, or participation with existing groups, like LEAD, that engage in direct community action.

Shiloh distinguished itself as a place of building relationships. The Friday night event featured Terrence Grimes, an educator and musician, who taught the gathered crowd about Negro Spirituals and Gospel music. The participants varied in race, age and background. New relationships were formed and new interests pursued. The same tone continued throughout the weekend. Sunday's worship and program brought various communities together. The Monday Dialogue included a mix of races, ages and backgrounds. As with the Sunday events, the mix of Shiloh to community was about 50%.

Shiloh built relationships. We faced tough issues. We planned to see from our discussions direct action which may affect our communities, improving the race relations of the Dayton area. Shiloh's impact may be important for the Dayton community. It may not. The potential of Shiloh's celebration of Black American contributions to the family of God may die on the vine, never coming to fruition. It depends on you and your support, your prayers, your involvement and your actions. You can impact the outcome by planning now to join Shiloh's Task Group on Race Relations at its meeting on Monday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m. Let's do something important and meaningful for our community! Come and contribute!