Explorers Forum video archive

Recordings from our "Live at 11" Zoom discussions.

Thanks to Margaret Anne Butterfield for compiling and editing the videos.

May, 2021

Clergy Conversations

Archives of this series are found in this YouTube playlist.

Five weeks of conversations with the retired clergy (and spouses) who make First & Central their worship home. This concludes the program year. We'll be back in fall!

April, 2021

Inner Workings of First & Central

Archives of this series are found in this YouTube playlist.

Three weeks dedicated to the finances of the church, and the Mission Study Report which is part of the pastoral transition process.

January-February, 2021

Racism in America—The History We Didn't Learn in School

Archives of this series are found in this YouTube playlist.

Presented by Sue Linderman, a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Which Gospel? Whose Good News? November-December, 2020

Week 1: November 29

The Reverend Sam Massey leads a Bible study for Advent. In the first installment, he explores the Gospel of John in a session entitled, "Out of Time: The Mystical Jesus."

Week 2: December 6

The Reverend Sam Massey leads a Bible study for Advent. In the second installment, he explores the Gospel of Luke in a session entitled, "All are Welcome: Jesus, Global Citizen."

Week 3: December 13

The Reverend Sam Massey leads a Bible study for Advent. In the third installment this week entitled, "Yippies and Hippies: The Counter-Cultural Jesus," Pastor Sam explores the Gospel of Matthew and asks how we might rethink our identity as individuals and as a church.

Week 4: December 20

The Reverend Sam Massey leads a Bible study for Advent. In the fourth and final installment entitled, "No Deferral, No Denial: The Revolutionary Jesus," Pastor Sam explores the Gospel of Mark.

Explorers Forum will resume on Sunday, January 10, 2021. See you then!

Gratitude and Thanksgiving, November, 2020

Week 1: November 8

This series begins with a presentation by John Hanson about his sabbatical experience, the unexpected turns it took during a global pandemic, and how he turned challenges into positive outcomes. John teaches middle school social studies and history at Wilmington Friends School, and he is a friend of the F&C congregation.

Week 2: November 15

This series continues as The Rev. Shannon T. Hanson leads us through an interactive session:

“Are We There [Muted!] Yet? Gratitude and the Zooming Thanksgiving."

Week 3: November 22

This series concludes with a focus on "Graceful Gratitude." Our guest speaker, Marla Blunt-Carter, shares her journey through life, and how being grateful plays a role in her response to significant challenges.

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Resources:

The Importance of Begin Colorful: A Journey in Black & White - TEDxWilmington with Marla Blunt-Carter https://youtu.be/ycZALZVF4MA

"You've Been So Faithful" - Eddie Jones & the Phoenix Mass Choir

Democracy, Values, and the 2020 Election, October, 2020

Week 1: October 4

Sue and Bill Getman launch the series with a discussion of how political forces have worked (both in the past and in the present) to suppress minority voices.

Week 2: October 11

Sue and Bill Getman continue the discussion by focusing on "Protecting God's Creation: Climate Justice." They are joined by Shweta Arya, the outreach director for Delaware Interfaith Power and Light.

Week 3: October 18

Sue and Bill Getman continue the discussion by focusing on "Moral Health Policies in a Time of Pandemic." They are joined by Scott Siegel of ChristianaCare.

Week 4: October 25

Sue and Bill Getman continue the discussion by focusing on "Respecting the Dignity of LGBTQIA+ People." They are joined by Clarinda Choice and Liz Getman.

Helpful resources include:

The History Around the Word "Queer" on YouTube

https://uwm.edu/lgbtrc/support/gender-pronouns/

Transequality.org/

The Human Rights Campaign

https://www.genderbread.org/

This Ted Talk on intersectionality

How to use gender-neutral language

https://www.glaad.org/how-sexual-orientation-different-gender-identity

Week 5: November 1

Sue and Bill Getman conclude the discussion by focusing on "Restorative and Racial Justice." They are joined by Rebecca Cotto, Director of Racial & Social Justice for YWCA Delaware.

Helpful resources include:

White Privilege and Racial Realities, September, 2020

Week 1: September 13

Jesse and Judie, an interracial couple, talk about their experiences with work, church, and family, over the decades of being a blended family.

(Note: we neglected to click "record" until after introductions were complete, about 5 minutes into discussion. The video begins after the moderator asked Jesse if he felt he had experienced racial discrimination in the workplace.)

Week 2: September 20

Noble and Patrick, an interracial gay couple, talk about their experiences with work, the police, family, and acceptance within the LGBTQ community and beyond.

Week 3: September 27

Glen and Rich talk about their decision to adopt biracial children, and how First & Central will play a part in their children's lives.