A message from new Festival Center Executive Director Bill Mefford, who began on Feb. 3:
“The values of the Festival Center are values that I hold dear and aspire to in all areas of my life: to be in mutual solidarity with those working for justice, to show generous hospitality to ALL people working for justice, to aid in the collective formation of all those struggling for a just city, and to commit to joyful celebration among those working for justice because nothing is more meaningful or fun than working for concrete change in our world…
“I have worked in all positions in the church – pastor, youth pastor, campus minister, urban missionary, community organizer, and all-around rabble-rouser – and firmly believe that local groups of people committed to sharing their passions and gifts for a common purpose are the primary conduit for God to bring about transformation to this world
Since I have spent most of my life bridging the mission of the church with movements for justice happening on the fringes of society I have found this quote from Gordon Cosby, the founder of Church of the Savior, to be particularly meaningful:
“To really belong to one another and to depend on one another–to really share a common destiny–is difficult for a community that wants to be diverse. It is also the community’s only hope of survival.”…
“And that is why I think the Festival Center is poised to help make Washington DC a just city. There are so many amazing people – leaders, activists, organizers, and dreamers – building needed movements and our work is to support them practically and spiritually. Through welcoming, encouraging, loving, and coming alongside these leaders we fill a crucial gap that will not be filled any other way…
“Please come by and say hi and let’s dream together how we can answer the transformative call to be a faithful participant for the common good.”
Welcome Bill!
Soteria Classes Moved Online for Spring Semester
Due to the Coronavirus, it would be irresponsible to hold classes in person at The Festival Center this Spring. However, the Interlocking Justice and Making the Road classes will be facilitated online and the Beloved Community class will be held as an in-person hopefully this Summer. You can still register on Eventbrite and receive updates for online sessions starting in early April.
1. An Introduction to Interlocking Justice by AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez, En Conjunto founder, Independent Consultant, Educator, Writer, and Artist
No place is immune to recreating what we as a society have spent years internalizing. Those of us in movement spaces (organizers, healers, artists, activists, prophets, teachers and more) can call ourselves liberal, progressive, radical, or woke with all the breath in our bodies but, without constant intentionality, we will continue to enforce the very things we seek to reform and dismantle. This course addresses the question, “What would it look like to approach justice in a way that does not recreate toxic models, prioritizes healing and wholeness, and values the connected nature between all parts of ourselves; between individuals, and between communities and movements?
2. Making the Road by Walking by Daniel Dixon & Matthias Everhope
Based on the belief that decolonization is a necessary process for a meaningful future, this course will introduce various concepts of colonization, decolonization, and solidarity with Indigenous peoples. Using the framework of ‘moves towards connection’ we’ll explore how decolonization facilitates a move towards deeper connection with ourselves, creation, God, and others.
3. –This class has been postponed until summer 2020–
Building the Beloved Community: Organizing for Social Change by Kristin Kumpf, Director of Human Migration and Mobility for American Friends Service Committee
As communities here in D.C., across the U.S., and around the world experience increased injustice and oppression, what can people of faith and conscience do to respond? Join this interactive class to learn about impactful social movements, how to build the Beloved Community, and the organizing skills needed to make concrete, social change happen in our communities and the world.
Register for classes on Eventbrite from the Festival Center’s homepage: https://www.festivalcenter.org/
Ongoing Art Show – “Children of Bethlehem” by Katie Archibald-Woodward
““Children of Bethlehem” is a visual and voiced storytelling project featuring twenty-one 12 and 13-year-old Palestinian children. Through hand-drawn self-portraits and voiced personal experiences, “Children of Bethlehem” expresses the daily life, emotions, fears and dreams of the children at this pivotal age. It was initiated in response to the rampant depression, anxiety, and other forms of trauma among Palestinian youth belonging to the fourth generation who have only known life under military occupation.
“Each child is photographed with their self-portrait held over their face, both as a form of self-expression as well as identity protection. On the right side of the portraits they present their reality and on the left side they convey their hopes for the future. Each photograph is accompanied by an interview in which they explain their drawing, share one primary aspect of living in Bethlehem, and express one of their fears and one of their dreams.
““Children of Bethlehem” is being created in partnership with Creative Visions Foundation and Dar Al-Kalima School in Bethlehem and connects the world with the children growing up in one of the most nostalgically beloved, but barely known cities in our world, Bethlehem. The project invites perspective on how the socio-political-ecological climate is shaping these future leaders of the region and aims to help our global community gain insight into the lives of Palestinian youth and motivate audiences to join ongoing efforts working for justice, equity, and a peaceful coexistence without occupation for all in the region.”
The show will be up in The Festival Center lobby until at least early April.
Although the Festival Center is taking great precautions to ensure its space is clean and disinfected for visitors, if you are at-risk you can view the exhibition online!
“Children of Bethlehem” webpage: https://life-illuminated-travel.org/children-of-bethlehem
Online Exhibition: https://life-illuminated-travel.org/cob-stories
Ask your representative to support House Resolution 2407: https://nwttac.dci-palestine.org/petition_citizen_cosponsor_hr2407
Churches & AA/NA Groups Meeting at FC
Churches & Mission Groups
Sunday, 9:30-11:30am – Heart to Soul Church
10-11:30am – Eighth Day Faith Community (CoS)
12-2:30pm – WOW Church
1:30-3:30pm – Church of the Saviour Ecumen. Council (bi-monthly)
4-7pm – Mercy House Church
Monday, 6-7:30pm – Festival Church (CoS)
6-8:30pm – Racial Justice & Healing Collective Mission Group (CoS)
Tuesday, 5:30-7pm – Eighth Day, New Creation Mission Group (CoS)
Wednesday, 12-12:30pm – Weekly Chapel Prayer (now on Zoom)
5:30-7:30pm – Strength to Love, Church of Christ Right Now (2nd & 4th Wed.; CoS)
Thursday, 5:30-7:30pm – Friends of Jesus (CoS)
7:30-8:30pm – Freedom Circle, GRACE, Church of Christ Right Now (CoS)
Friday, 6:30-9:30pm – Saved in the City (3rd Fri.)
7-8:30pm – Mercy House Church
7-9pm – New Prayer Group, Chapel
Saturday, 11am-12pm – Jethro’s Covenant Center Mission Group, Friends of Jesus (CoS)
AA/NA
Monday, 7:30-8:30pm – Meditation Group
Wednesday, 8:30-9:30pm – Festival Center Group
Thursday, 9-10pm – NA Primetime
Saturday, 8-9am – Saturday Morning Steps
Sunday, 8-9am – Sunday Morning Joy
