1. Fundamentalism in Dallas, led by Margaret Watkins.

   Have you ever wondered why there seems to be a wall between different churches in Dallas, and why we cannot seem to enter into conversation with some fellow Protestants? Are our beliefs really that different? This class will explore the history of fundamentalist beliefs, Presbyterian understandings of these beliefs, and the current landscape of fundamentalist mega-churches and seminaries on the Dallas scene. 

   Margaret Watkin has served as a chaplain at Children’s Hospital, Zale Lipshy, and Texas Health (Presbyterian) and was an interim Pastor at Preston Hollow in Congregational Care. Ms. Watkins grew up in Texas and following careers in tax law and school administration, she attended Perkins Seminary at SMU and was ordained in Grace Presbytery. She is currently retired with a husband, three daughters, two sons-in-law and five grandchildren. 

   January 10 Handout available here. 

   January 17 Handout available here. 

   January 24 Handout available here. 

2. Building Bridges: During Academy, various Building Bridges members will present three different videos and facilitate discussions exploring how Christians are called to acknowledge and act regarding racism in our country today. Publicized news reports of racist acts in 2020 reignited a desire and passion for people of all races and faiths to come together to listen and learn more about inequity and inequality still alive today and make changes for a more just world for all people. Below is a brief description of each video we will watch together and discuss as we remember we are all made in God's image and called to love one another.

   
   

   January 10 - Led by Cherry Haymes

   This Human Race with Andy Stanley
   Description: Jesus modeled building relationships with people from all walks of life and often preached about a more just world for everyone, the kingdom of God. Today as Christians, we must listen to people who experience racism, in order bear their burden and support change. This video opens our eyes to the reality of racism today and prompts us to consider how to make changes as Christians.

   January 17 - Led by Deborah Adams and co-leader Margaret Schieffer

   Skin in the Game with Andy Stanley, Joseph Sojourner, & Sam Collier
   Video description: Andy Stanley hosts a raw and candid conversation about race, racism, and faith with communicator, emcee, and writer Joseph Sojourner and pastor Sam Collier. The honest discussion among black and white Christian leaders sheds

   light on our different experiences of privilege and racism and opens our hearts and minds to ways to support people who continue experiencing racism today.

   January 24 - Led by Keri McCall

   Faith and Racial Justice with Dr. Leah Gunning Francis
   Video description: Dr. Leah Gunning Francis describes herself as a seminary dean, mother and author. As a seminary dean and scholar, she shares a theology of anti- racism and racial justice that begins with the imago dei, the recognition that all human beings are created in the image of God. As an author, Dr. Gunning Francis
   wrote Ferguson and Faith after interviewing more than two dozen faith leaders who participated in the protests following the shooting death of Michael Brown on August 9, 2014, in Ferguson, Missouri. She shares how people of faith joined the work for racial justice, and how we are called to join as well. As the parent of two sons, she also shares some insights on how we can raise children to be anti-racist. This is an important and inspiring conversation.

 Please note that the zoom links for the classes can be found on NPPC's weekly eNews or by contacting Kathy McCarron.