A Statement Affirming Calvary’s Commitment to Antiracism

June 18, 2020

Dear Calvary congregation and community:

On June 15, the Session of Calvary Presbyterian Church adopted a Statement Affirming Calvary’s Commitment to Antiracism, as part of our congregation’s response to the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, the understandable protests that have occurred since, and our nation’s need to address and heal from the systemic racism with which we have lived for so long. The statement is attached, and will be posted on Calvary’s website.

The statement ends with a commitment to act. This is both what we believe we as faithful Christians are called to do, and it allows us to live out Calvary’s behavioral covenant that our faith calls us to action, not merely to words.  We propose that Calvary undertake educating ourselves about how we arrived at this place, how we can participate in dismantling systemic racism, and how we can become allies to our Black siblings.  We hope the congregation will participate in a discussion of possible actions, some of which will be discussed at the meeting of Session on June 30.   If you would like to be a part of this planning effort, please contact Joanne Whitt at revwhitt@calpres.org.

Please continue to hold our nation, our City, and our congregation in your prayers as we move towards greater justice, healing, and reconciliation.

On behalf of the Session,

Rev. Joanne Whitt
Betsy Dodd
Alexa Frankenberg
Marion Stanton

More to Explore

Talking with Kids About the Order of Worship in the Bulletin.

If I visited Calvary for the first time and had not been to a Presbyterian church before, I would want someone to help me understand what I was doing throughout the order of worship. This blog provides an example of how some churches annotate their bulletins so children, youth, and adults can learn more about why we choose to read, sing, pray, and listen at certain times during the worship service. Harvey Browne Memorial Presbyterian Church (www.hbpres.net) in Louisville, Kentucky offers a model of how to explain the order of worship. Being transparent about how we worship together is in line with our reformed tradition. We can read and interpret the Bible ourselves, as well as worship and say prayers with our own bodies. Many years ago, a priest would do all of this while the congregation sat or stood. It is important for parents to share with their children that all people have the freedom to contribute to a worship service. By singing, listening, praying, and sharing, we get to know each other and witness each other’s talents and inspiring work. Fellowship and education events are only part of the ways that we form our faith together. Participating in worship is what binds us together each Sunday, so that we can support each other at or outside of church during the week.

Support Trans Kids

Calvary Presbyterian Church continues to support transgender youth and adults. March 2023 is Transgender Awareness Month. We show our continuing support through messages such as, “Trans Lives Matter,” “Believe Trans Kids,” “Support Trans Kids,” and “Protect Trans Kids.” This blog will offer some insight into Presbyterian and San Francisco organizations that actively support and advocate for LGBTQI+ people. I hope that you will take time to read through these resources. There is hope. So many inspired people of all ages are working together for freedom, safety, and love. Now that I am raising two teens I have come to more clearly understand the context and reality that LGBTQI+ youth live in every day. It is crucial to support the growth and development of transgender children and youth who sense that their “gender identity does not correspond with, or sit comfortably with, the sex they were registered at birth.” That is the definition of transgender offered by Twinkl, an education website for children ages preschool to 8th grade. See more definitions at the end of this blog. Transgender children, youth, young adults, adults, and senior adults do not want to be "othered" as they are children of God. We want to believe, support, and protect them, so that they can live safely and freely without fear and shame. When adults do not see or support children or youth as they are, the risks of gender dysphoria and youth suicide increase. God created all of us in Their image. May we have the courage to send out Jesus’ message of love and acceptance to ourselves and all people.

2022 Annual Report