2022 Annual Membership Assembly Discussion Guide

This year’s theme is Together, We Win! Below are questions to use to guide conversation with your congregation after viewing the 2022 Annual Membership Assembly video. We would love to hear from you the thoughts and plans that came out of your discussion. Email us at info@communityrenewalsociety.org. Following the broadcast on October 20, 2022, the video will be available on the CRS YouTube Channel.  

Discussion Questions 

1. How does the theme, Together, We Win! relate to the social justice work that your congregation is currently doing or would like to support? 

2. In her remarks, CRS Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton referenced a common rallying cry at marches, “I believe that we will win!” This cry was an encouragement for her to continue. How does this fit with the actions your congregation is taking to pursue systemic change? 

3. The concept of Ubuntu means I am because we are. We are because God is. How is your congregation reflecting Ubuntu in your community? 

Bible Verses Referenced 

Board Chairperson, Reverend Daryle Brown, cited Zechariah 7:9-10. He shared how God first tells us what we are doing wrong and then provides a simple corrective.  

Zechariah: 7:9-10 This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ 

1. How does your congregation show mercy and compassion to one another? 

2. How do you show mercy and compassion to the widow, the orphan, the foreigner or the poor?  

Keynote Speaker, Rev. Dr. Brad Braxton cited Second Corinthians 13:11 in his address, Communion in an age of Communication. 

Second Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 

1. How has the increase in communication options impacted communion between your members? 

2. How have new communication options affected your work for social justice? 

My Congregation Votes Campaign 

Capacity Building Manager for Organizing and Policy, Keron Blair encouraged congregations to get involved with our My Congregation Votes campaign. They stated, “Social justice is always on the ballot”. 

1. What issues are important to your congregation in the upcoming elections? 

2. How are you encouraging your congregation members to vote? 

3. Which CRS Issue Areas resonate with your congregation? 

• Police Accountability 

• Restoring Opportunities and Justice Reform 

• Just Economy, Community Development and Reparations 

• LGBTQIA+ Faith, Race and Equity 

• Healing Justice and Reconciliation. 

Learn more about Community Renewal Society and share in our collective work and calling by visiting our website at www.communityrenewalsociety.org/platform  

Thank you for joining Together, We Win!