Lessons From In-Laws: The Church and Racism

The story of Ruth and Naomi illustrates the power of loving the same God, loving each other and the transforming power of love in overcoming differences. The principles and processes of awareness, relationships and commitment are observable in this biblical narrative.

Join this dynamic Bible study Saturday February 1, 8 and 15, time to be determined. The group will meet in Laskey 105.

Overall Objectives                                                                                                                           

– To challenge Christians to become one and reflect the Church as God planned (John 17:22-23)

– Raise awareness of individual and systemic racism

-Realize the power of relationships

-Commit to individual and systemic change – healing going forward leading to better relationships

Facilitators

Eleanor Newhouse Graves is a consultant, counselor, therapist, writer, college professor, diversity trainer and motivational speaker. She holds an undergraduate degree from George Washington University  in Zoology, a  graduate degree from Tennessee State in Guidance and Counseling and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Faith Christian University and Schools. As a professor, she taught multicultural education and cultural competency to prospective teachers. She served as the Director of Multiethnic Services at Austin Peay State University for five years. She is the author of the book, “Dreaming With Your Eyes Wide Open”, published in 2012. As a diversity trainer and coach for over forty years, her clients include The TENNESSEAN newspaper, WTVF Channel Five (Nashville), Whirlpool Corporation, Motlow College, Oasis Center. First American Bank, School Systems of Davidson County, Marshall County, Knox County

She is the widow of Bishop Michael Lee Graves , the founding pastor of the Temple Church in Nashville, Tennessee. They have four adult children and seven grandchildren. She dedicated her life to Christ at the age of eleven and loves Psalm 37:4: “Delight thyself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

James Sawyers attended Fisk University and was a member of the highly acclaimed “Jubilee Singers.” Sawyers graduated with the Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education and started a thirty-year career with the Metropolitan Public Schools, as a Music teacher and administrator. He desired a move into administration and entered Trevecca Nazarene University and earned the Master of Education Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision. Sawyers began his administrative assignments in 1991 as assistant principal at Stratford High School, then as principal at DuPont-Hadley Middle School, and executive principal at Maplewood Comprehensive High School with the thirtieth year at Wharton Arts Magnet Middle School. During that time, Sawyers served as Adjunct Faculty at Fisk University teaching Methods of Music. He retired as a full-time faculty in the Teacher Education and Certification program after eighteen years. He was the Associate Project Director of SITES-M, and Director of Instruction and Curriculum for “Race To The Top” grants at Fisk University. He also served eight years as Minister of Music at Holy Name Catholic Church. Rev. Sawyers was able to fulfill a promise to “study to show himself approved”. He gained the Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University after retirement from Metropolitan Board of Education. He earned a doctoral degree in Theological Studies from Mid-West College of Theology in Missouri.

Sawyers has amassed many awards of excellence in education and served in several consultantships.  He is a trainer for Cultural Diversity and Conflict Resolution through Peer Mediation Reverend James Sawyers is a licensed and ordained Associate Minister at The Temple Church where Rev. Darrell Drumwright is the pastor. He served four years as the coordinator of the Minister’s Fellowship assisting in preparation of ministerial duties and activities.

A native of Beaumont, Texas, Edith Costanza has made her home in Nashville, Tennessee since 1974.  She earned her Master’s degree from Vanderbilt University in Human Resource Development.  Ms. Costanza lives life as a consultant, focusing on substance abuse and addiction, career outplacement, job development and diversity training. Diversity training has now morphed into anti-racism workshops.  She is an actor in commercials, voiceovers, film, music video and theatre.  In 2008, she wrote a one woman show entitled “Snapshots from the Road.”  She performs monologues from the show as a performance, but also markets the show as a workshop to the general public.  In terms of visual art, she makes paintings that reflect a wide variety of topics.  She is constantly experimenting with different mediums.  She published her first book called Regrouping After Job Loss which can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel websites. Follow her blogs: EdithCostanza.wordpress.com and EdithCostanza.tumblr.com