Shortly after Calvary formed our Racial Equity Initiative (REI) in the summer of 2020, we recognized the importance of partnerships to extend and sustain our work. As a member of the Presbyterian Church – PC (USA), Calvary is a West Bay congregation of the San Francisco Presbytery, a regional group of PC (USA) congregations. Several local leaders formed the West Bay Anti Racism group in the fall of 2020 and have engaged clergy and laity from 20 churches and organizations in its meetings. One of the West Bay Antiracism group initiative’s is a weekly email, “Racial Justice Resources for Presbyterians” sent from Noe Valley Ministry Presbyterian Church. (Email: office@noevalleyministry.org to subscribe). This group also received grant funding to build capacity within participating congregations around antiracism work and to strengthen partnerships with other congregations. All congregants from Calvary are also invited and encouraged to attend West Regional meetings that are currently happening via Zoom and will be posted on the Racial Equity Initiative calendar. You can find more information from past meetings here. One upcoming opportunity for the Calvary community to participate with West Bay Presbytery partners is an in-person African American Musical Educational Event with Dr. Terence Elliot, his wife Amanda Elliott, and fellow musicians on Sunday, May 22nd, at 3:00 pm, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in San Francisco. Dr. Terence Elliot, a local African American musician and professor of music at Diablo Valley College, recently wrote a book called “Spirit, Rhythm, and Story” about the power of rhythm and music in life. His wife Amanda Elliot is a singer, songwriter and Senior Program Officer and Director of California Programs at the National Main Street Center (NMSC). They and their collaborators will present music from different genres of African and African American music, as well as talking about the music. Old First Presbyterian Church is the lead sponsor and Calvary is a co-sponsor for this event. Parking for a fee is available at the Old First Garage, located a block away. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us.  Additional details are on the Racial Equity Initiative calendar.