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First Light

FIRST LIGHT CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Ministry of Racial Reconciliation

 

First Light Christian Fellowship was founded in February of 1996 by the Rev. Rufus Johnson and Betty E. Johnson, who shared a vision of a city-wide racial reconciliation experience in which people from churches throughout our community would join together to worship God and seek God's inspiration in overcoming racial conflict.

To share in our community's important reconciliation ministry, please contact Rufus and Betty at 319-377-9710 or EMAIL the webmaster. Many opportunities are available. Thanks for visiting our web site!


What does the Bible say about Racial Reconciliation?

Biblical truth is that to be members of the body of Christ means that preferences based on class, culture, or race are totally unacceptable to God, and people who make such preferences are candidates for his judgment. See James 2:9-13.

The Bible is our common ground. It is the guidebook that links black and white Christians to God’s eternal truth. Therefore we should all look to it for an understanding of race relations, just as we read it to know how to make our everyday decisions.

Please study the following scripture:
Ephesians 2:14-15-- For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace: And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.

The Scofield Reference Bible  

 

FIRST LIGHT T-SHIRT SALE

 
Share the message of racial reconciliation everyday! Purchase and wear a First Light T-Shirt. Our shirts have bright, beautiful colors and a positive message on both sides. First Light T-shirts are proudly worn in many geographical locations. (See photo in right side column) ----->

Sizes: M-L-XL-XXL-XXXL

Colors: Blue, Yellow, White, Gray

Cost: $15 to 17.50 (includes shipping & handling).

ORDER NOW: T-SHIRT


First Light Christian Fellowship encourages donations. Tax-exempt status: 501 c3. All proceeds will be used to address the ongoing needs of this ministry. Thank you


"Of all forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhuman." Martin Luther King, Jr.  

 

BLACK HISTORY EVERY DAY - 2008

 

Month of March African American Facts

3/1 Pennsylvania became first state to abolish slavery (1780)
3/2 Howard University chartered (1867)
3/3 Garrett A. Morgan born (1877)
3/6 Dred Scott decision (1857)
3/7 Estenica explored south western part of U.S. (1539)
3/10 Harriet Tubman born & died (circa 1820-1913)
3/11 “Raisin in the Sun” opened on Broadway (1959)
3/12 Army paycheck issued to William Kitchen, a slave (1770)
3/13 Bill authorized slaves as soldiers in Confederate Army (1865)
3/14 Eli Whitney patented cotton gin (1794)
3/15 John Lee became first Black officer in Navy (1947)
3/16 First Black newspaper published (1827)
3/17 C.B. Scott patented street sweeper) (1896)
3/18 Louis Lautler, first Black congressional newsman (1947)
3/21 54 mile voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Al began (1965)
3/22 State troopers sent to put down student rebellion on Cheyney State College campus (1968)
3/23 Abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico (1873)
3/24 Dorothy Height born (1912)
3/25 Scottsboro boys falsely accused of rape (1931)
3/26 William H. Lewis became U.S. Assistant Attorney General (1911)
3/27 Soledad Brothers acquitted by all white jury (1972)
3/28 Sol Butler set track record (1914)
3/29 Napoleon banned slave trade (1815)
3/31 First person votes under provisions of fifteenth amendment (1870)

 

 

CHURCHES CARE BROCHURE
(A Ministry of First Light)

 


For Counseling, Testing, Referral Sites from the Iowa Department of Public Health HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis Program click on this link: CTR SITES

 

 

Guidelines for Hosting
a First Light Worship Service

 
Because First Light Christian Fellowship is an interdenominational ministry of racial reconciliation, our worship services express the love of God and its reflection in our love for ALL of God's children. Hosting a worship service is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship with other Christians as we strive together to break down racial and denonminational barriers by sharing the love of Christ.

First Light is available to meet with you and assist in planning any element of the fellowship time and service. 

 

Racial Reconciliation
Suggested Reading List

 
There are three kinds of racism: individual, institutional, and indirect racism.

Individual racism is the personal view one holds, affecting people on an individual level.

Institutional racism is a systemic and sociological condition that creates an environment whereby particular kinds of people are excluded from the positive norms of that institution.

Indirect racism could be individual, institutional, or the integration of both. However, indirect racism is not a targeted form of racism. It is better described as “neglecting” certain kinds of people from the positive norms of an institution or society as opposed to “creating” an environment of exclusion.

Please plan to read the following books. By doing this you will begin to understand the three categories mentioned above.

The Holy Bible, God's Word

Beyond Roots 11, McKissic, William Sr. and Evans Tony, Renaissance Productions, Inc. 1994

Breaking Down Walls, Washington, Raleigh and Kehrein, Glen. . Moody Press 1993

Letters Across the Divide, Anderson, David and Zuercher, Brent, Baker Books, 2001

The End of Racism, D’ Souza, Dinesh, . The Free Press, 1995

God’s Dream Team, Tenney, Tommy, Regal Books,1999

Overcoming Racism, Joyner, Rick, Morning Star Publications, 1996

Breaking Down Barriers, Perry, Dwight, Baker Books, 1998

Race & Reconciliation, Hayford, Jack W., Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1996

The Three Battlegrounds, Frangipane, Francis, Arrow Publications, 1989

Play the Cross-Cultural Evangelism Game, Dawson, John, , Aloha Ke Akus 1997

Black History Through Blue Eyes, Seymour, James J. . Morris Publishing , 2000

“And don’t call me a racist!” Mazel, Ella, Argonaut Press, 1998

Let’s Get to Know Each Other, Evans, Tony, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995

Warriors Don’t Cry, Beals Pattillo, Melba, Washington Square Press, 1994

Please feel free to share your responses to the above books with us.

 

 

First Light Values

 

There is one race -- the human race

Racism is contrary to God's will

The Church is commanded and empowered to overcome racism with God's love

As Christians, we are called to carry on the ministry of reconciliation, respecting the dignity of every human being

Institutions and policies that cause oppression must be confronted by the power of god's love.


First Light Ministry Opportunities

Worship Services

Education/Awareness Events

Youth Participation

Annual Picnic and Socials

Community Outreach Projects 

 

BACK TO TOP OF PAGE

 
 
 
News
 
 
Rufus and Betty have provided a suggested reading list of books on racial reconciliation. Check out the list in our main articles section, center and below.  
 
We have added the Churches Care Brochure to our web site. You will find it half way down in the middle section. Below the brochure is a link to counseling, testing, and referral sites from the Iowa Department of Public Health HIV/AIDS/Hepatitus program. Call or email First Light if you have any questions. 
 
 
 
FIRST LIGHT T-SHIRTS FOR SALE


 

 

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