Anti- Racism Pro-Reconciliation Training
January 12 – January 13, 2018
As a part of our commitment to ongoing education and conversation as a team, CCIW Pro-Reconciliation/ Anti-Racism Team invites you attend our January training at the Regional Office, 401 West Jefferson, Bloomington, IL. During our time together we will engage in conversations that focus on analysis of systemic racism as obstacle to the Beloved Community. We will engage in discussion of the Wall of History and analysis of power, IRO and IRS, and more
Schedule:
Friday January 12 will begin with dinner at 5:30 and conclude by 9:30.
Saturday January 13 Worship at 8:30 AM and conclude by 5 PM.
OUR TRAINERS
April G. Johnson
April serves as the Minister of Reconciliation for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. She brings to this work a deep passion for racial justice and compassion. As Minister of Reconciliation, Rev. Johnson facilitates the church-wide process of awareness and action toward healing the fractures in the body of Christ caused by systemic racism. She collaborates with trained facilitators, regional and congregational staff leadership, and ecumenical partners to guide the Church’s effort toward racial reconciliation.
In her capacity as both pastor and administrator, Rev. Johnson emphasizes the importance of relationship-building across difference to promote pro-reconciliation as a guiding principle of the church’s global witness.
Prior to her current call, Rev. Johnson served at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois as Assistant Dean of Students/Director of Diversity Services and as Associate College Chaplain. During her tenure at the College, Rev. Johnson provided leadership in developing a campus climate of welcome and inclusion. She also led several cross-cultural short-term service-learning opportunities for students in Belize, Central America and Kenya, East Africa.
Rev. Johnson received her Bachelor’s of Arts from the University of Illinois-Champaign/Urbana and her Masters of Divinity from Howard University in Washington, DC. While at Howard, she was the Assistant to the Editor for the Journal of Religious Thought and the editor of the school’s weekly student-staff newsletter. She enjoys writing, travel and would like to return to playing golf. Rev. Johnson is a native of Chicago, Illinois.
Nathan Hill
Nathan was born and raised in Anadarko, Oklahoma, and graduated from Cameron University in Lawton, OK. Nathan experienced his call to ministry while attending Cameron Campus Ministry and, later, First Christian Church. At both places, he developed his skills as a church leader, helped launch contemporary worship services, and connected with young adults curious about faith.
After college, Nathan participated in a year-long internship through National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C., which focused on urban ministry. After the year of service, Nathan decided to attend Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. He graduated in 2008.
Throughout his time in seminary, Nathan continued to be an active member of National City Christian Church, helping to lead their growing young-adult group. He also worked with their evangelism team, helping the church think of new ways to reach out to their neighborhood. He was employed by the Capital Area Region of the Christian Church, developing and assisting their regional young-adult program. In addition, Nathan served as one of the founding members of the denomination’s Young Adult Commission.
In the last four years, Nathan served as Minister of Church Life for East Dallas Christian Church in Dallas, TX. In that diverse neighborhood, he led the congregation in launching a new missional worshipping community, the Table, a Faith & Grief luncheon program in partnership with Baylor Hospital, Faith in the City pub ministry, and other outreach opportunities. Nathan also completed a three-year HeartPaths spiritual leadership and direction program.
Nathan is married Yunkyong, and they have two kids, Emily and Joseph.