John is an educator, impact strategist, and minister who helps individuals and organizations identify small yet mighty ways to accomplish radical social justice goals. He is the founder of There’s Room of North Carolina, a grassroots organization that works to improve the economic and spiritual well-being of Black LGBTQIA+ individuals in the South. Overall, he feels best when empowering others to leverage their agency to transform their communities for good.
Scoping things out? Fantastic.
Here is a short summary of last Sunday and a brief preview of this upcoming Sunday.
Last Sunday’s Conversation:
June 22, 2025 — Ordinary Time (2) — Matthew 5:1-12
Another sermon on radical nonviolence. Is there such a thing as “good violence”?
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Children of God.”
How is it that we might actually see the Kingdom of God on earth — peace, mercy, love, and justice? By becoming completely useless to empires seeking to rule by violence.
May we find ourselves on the high grounds of dissent.
God Rests Under a Tree of Many Colors by J Kirk Richards
Coming up this Sunday:
June 29, 2025 — Ordinary Time (3) — Galatians 5:1,13-25
This Sunday, we are welcoming Rev. John D. Blackshire, PhD as our guest preacher. Celebrating Pride Sunday together and coming by way of North Carolina, John will offer a sermon from Galatians 5.
Pastor Ari is excited to welcome and introduce this excellent human, brilliant mind, and good friend to the Grant Park Church community. I hope you will consider joining us!