Station #1
Reflection: Some stories we absorb along the way through cultural context. Some historical narratives we learn in school. Some experiences are passed down from generation to generation through parents and grandparents. When did you first hear about stories like Sergeant Isaac Woodard’s? Whose were the voices that shared these topics with you?
Prayer: O God, we give you thanks for parents, grandparents, pastors, teachers, authors, filmmakers, journalists and all who reveal to us what happens in the world. Help us be mindful of the stories we need to share with the next generation. Amen.
Station #2
Reflection: The desegregation of our country’s military allowed for people of different backgrounds to serve together. Service, as well as a common mission, builds bonds and breaks down barriers. Spending time together also burst the bubbles of myths and unhelpful stereotypes. Reflect on an experience where serving together with someone different than you allowed for imploding and collapsing stereotypes.
Prayer: O God, you call us into a communal life. We are bound to each other. We are not alone. Create opportunities for all your children to partner together in service towards our neighbor. Together we can accomplish so much more. Amen.
Station #3
Reflection: The church at its best represents Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s beloved community. The church at its worst perpetuates sin, violence, and hatred. Sometimes it is the SAME holy institution that calls us to our better selves, while at the same time is preserving the systems of our worst selves. I can think of many ways I experienced racism in my congregation even while it trained me to see the image of God in everyone. As you reflect on the Civil Rights Era, where can you see faithful shining examples of the church in action and where can you see disappointing errors? How about today?
Prayer: O God, if we are only seeing the good in something, open our eyes up to a fuller picture so that we can learn from the harm and hurt. If we are only seeing the bad in something, open our eyes up to a fuller picture so that we can see glimpses of your light and love made manifest in the work of others. Amen.
Station #4
Reflection: Christians should be experts at confession and repentance; yet so often we are slow to recognize opportunities to apologize. No one can apologize for everything, but yet there are still opportunities to recognize participation in systems that benefit one group of people over another. For what are you sorry? What’s the most memorable apology you have every received? What difference did it make?
Prayer: O God, thank you for the gift of confession. There is nothing kept hidden from you. Search our hearts, and help us to come to you in prayer. Amen.
Station #5
Reflection: Those in power may not always recognize the power they have. Power may make us nervous or uncomfortable in how we wield it. How can you use the power and agency that you have to make a positive difference in the life of your neighbor? What does that look like for you in your life?
Prayer: O God, you are our Advocate, our Counselor, and our Comforter. Send your Holy Spirit upon us so that we can use our voices to advocate for others. Amen.
Station #6
Reflection: Judge Waring paid a price and was socially ostracized from friends and neighbors in Charleston. Sometimes doing the right thing is easy and sometimes it costs quite a bit. Think about a time when it cost you something to do the right thing. How can your faith in Christ sustain you in times like these?
Prayer: O God, you walk with us. Teach us to do the right thing not because it is easy or for public accolades, or earning non-existent “points”, but because it is the right thing to do. Motivate us to do good even when no one is watching. Amen.
Station #7
Reflection: So many people in the Civil Rights Era embodied the baptismal call to let their “light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Who is it in your life that has inspired you? Whose faithful witness has emboldened your Christian discipleship?
Prayer: O God, thank you for all the saints who from their labors rest. Thank you for all those who have taught us the ways of love and reconciliation. Awaken in us the desire to be light for the next generation, and live lives worthy of emulation. Amen.
Station #8
Reflection: It is difficult to put ourselves in the shoes of the officers who beat and blinded Sgt. Woodard. No one wants to picture themselves as those who do violent harm, yet careful introspection reveals a variety of offenses. We tend to create hierarchies of sin just to justify how “yours” are worse than “mine”. Even though it is difficult to do, reflect on a time when you were complicit with violence.
Prayer: O God, we often enjoy pointing out the sins of others while are negligent to see our own. Enable us to name our preference for violence so that we may turn from it. As the old hymn says, “Cure your children’s warring madness; bend our pride to your control.” Amen.
Station #9
Reflection: The role of community was vital in the aftermath of the blinding of Sgt. Woodard. From Oscar Wells to Judge Waring to Thurgood Marshall to President Harry Truman, all were representatives of wider groups of people that engaged in this pivotal turning point in our nation’s history. What groups are you a part of? How is a group able to do something individuals often can’t?
Prayer: O God, our human experience is one of need. We need others. We need you. Help us to acknowledge our dependence on you, our need of you and one another. Thank you for the work of the South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Lutheran World Federation. Amen.
Station #10
Reflection: We encounter the world in which we live through the lens of faith as disciples of Christ. What scripture passages come to mind when you heard of this tragic event and the multitude of consequences which followed it?
Prayer: O God, your holy word still speaks to us today. We can turn to holy scripture and find solace, hope, encouragement, conviction, inspiration, etc. Create in us a holy longing for your word that we might witness your truth at work in the world throughout the ages. Amen.
Station #11
Reflection: This retreat series is called “In My Backyard”. How does it change the experience for you when you recognize the names, places, and people in this nationally significant event? We often find ourselves ignorant of things that happened locally. How do you think a community chooses what to remember and what to forget? What do you really know about where you live? Do you know much about the native peoples who historically called this land home? Why or why not, do you think?
Prayer: O God, our hope in ages past, our hope for years to come. You sanctify the past, present, and future and all time is holy. Encourage us to learn from our history and to work to form communities of love and respect for all your precious children. Amen.
Station #12
Reflection: Racism is a sin. White supremacy is a lie. It is a distortion which contradicts the truth, that we are all created in the image of God. One of the first rules in war is to dehumanize the enemy, which allows you to commit unlimited violence against them. How do stereotypes give permission to “dehumanize” the other?
Prayer: O God, you created us in your holy image. Your divine imprint is upon each of us and all creation. Teach us by welcoming others, we are welcoming you. Show us by hurting others, we are hurting you. Amen.
Station #13
Reflection: We tend to think experiences like what happened to Sgt. Woodard as history and things of the past. Yet, we know it continues today. What are some things you can say or do when confronted with racism?
Prayer: O God, open our eyes to see all of our sisters and brothers as one family. Rid us of racism and prejudice and anything that diminishes our unity in you. We are one body with many parts. Bring us to repentance so that we might experience new life. Amen.
Station #14
Reflection: There is a time for every purpose under heaven, including a time for reflection and a time for action. What time is it for you? We are all in different places and our callings vary from one person to the next. Are you craving more reading, learning, and listening? Do you desire becoming more active and involved in social justice issues and advocacy? Are you reluctant and fearful of making “a mistake” and saying the wrong thing? Are you worried about how others perceive you? Acknowledge what you are feeling today and recognize God is in the midst of it.
Prayer: O God, the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Oftentimes, we do not live up to the standards we desire, and fall short of our goals. Help us in this time of discernment to listen to you. At times we pray you give us patience, and at other times we pray you give us holy impatience. Grant to us whatever You see that we need, in, through, and maybe even, in spite of ourselves, O Lord. Help us along this journey. Continue to guide our steps as we walk along the Jesus Way even as we return to our homes, friends, families, and congregations. Amen.
We hope that you are fed by this experience, and that it has been a blessing to you. We have loved creating a variety of themes for walking the Jesus Way! We hope that you will come again.
We can help you plan another visit for individuals, small groups, as well as large groups. Consider building a retreat around one of our themes, or get creative and make your own! We want to be a helpful resource to aid faith formation, so let us know how we can best serve you. You can come to us or we can come to you!
We hope you enjoyed your time at South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers. The mission of SCLRC is to provide holy spaces for God to change lives. We offer experiences like this thanks to the financial support of individuals, congregations, community partners, and the South Carolina Synod of the ELCA. Consider making a financial gift so that we can continue our mission.
We are currently conducting a capital campaign to raise funds to build a chapel, install a new handicap accessible pool, and create a new welcoming entrance way. Make a contribution today!
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