In Albuquerque last weekend, Dr. Toni preached her first sermon and facilitated a racial justice forum on the wealth gap her new role as our Transitional Conference Minister, right after participating in the Common Ground at the Border to see the “amazing ministry taking place throughout this conference.” She said, “Join us in passing the salt to promote transformation in the lives of many. Truly the best is yet to come!”
We heard from some of the Albuquerque folks who were part of Dr. Toni’s visit:
It was such a pleasure to have Toni with us this weekend! I was the lucky one who got to show her around the church and introduce her to people on Sunday morning. She greeted everyone with open arms and an open heart.
The racial justice exercise Toni led was wonderful. The impact on our participants, all of whom are generally knowledgeable about issues of racial justice, was palpable. Our MID, Rhonda, will be using the exercise with students from the University, and she and another member, Emmy, were talking about ways to adapt the exercise for other groups subject to discrimination.
It was also my pleasure to accompany Toni for lunch with a group of about a dozen friends. Conversation ranged from the scholarly to the absurd, from immigration issues to role-playing games. I hope Toni enjoyed it as much as we did.
Martha Phillips
First Congregational Albuquerque was honored to host Dr. Toni Hawkins on January 15 as we celebrated Racial Justice Sunday. Her powerful sermon urged us to be salt in the lives of those around us! After worship we gathered to experience Bread for the World's Racial Wealth Gap simulation game under Dr. Toni's direction. For those of us who haven't directly experienced the devastating impact of racist federal policies, this was a revelatory exercise.
Ruth Striegel
We were delighted to welcome Dr. Toni as we observed Racial Justice Sunday. She preached about being salt and reminded us that salt doesn’t do any good if it stays in the salt shaker. We passed around salt shakers in worship for everyone to take some and reflect on how we will be salt in the world.
Following the service, she led a forum on the Racial Wealth Gap. It was a powerful exercise and gave us a better understanding of policies that have undermined and oppressed people of color.
On Monday, Dr. Toni met with area clergy. We talked about ministry today. She listened to us with great care and was very supportive.
We are excited to have her leadership in the Southwest Conference and look forward to her promise that “the best is yet to come.”
Rev. Sue Joiner
I did appreciate her time and willingness to listen, and I appreciate her focus on curiosity, compassion and connection! It was also wonderful hearing all of the meaningful work clergy across New Mexico are doing.
We also talked a bit about the value of Zoom in uniting us across the distance, and how technology was helping us connect in new ways. We discussed the misconception that New Mexico is the "forgotten child" of the Conference. (I brought this up - not Dr. Toni). I did find it significant that she came to visit us first! NM churches have also been active in leadership across the Conference for many years. Thanks to technology, we're now able to participate on equal ground without the challenges associated with travel. We also talked about doing a better job of sharing what we're up to in NM so that the wider Conference is more in-the-loop about the awesome ministries we're doing.
Sarah TevisTownes
Watch the service with Dr. Toni’s sermon: