Upcoming events from the COS Anti-Racism and Reconciliation Team:


GPS (God’s People Seeking): What Does Racism Look Like in Grand Rapids?

We continue our series on the impact of racism in our city and our response as God’s people, coordinated by the COS Anti-racism and Racial Reconciliation Team. Please join us in the Cafe at 9am Jan. 20 and 27 to explore:

Racism and Lead Poisoning in Children, January 20
Did you know that more children are poisoned in Grand Rapids by lead in their homes than in any other City in Michigan? Why is this happening here, and what role does racism play in determining whose kids are being poisoned? Come explore these questions with Talor Musil and Paul Han, Community Organizer and Executive Director of the Health Homes Coalition of West Michigan to learn how you can be part of the solution.

January 27: Racism and Housing Discrimination
Can you guess which form of racial discrimination is on the rise in GR? What are the odds that you would face discrimination while seeking an apartment today? Come hear about the role racism plays in housing choice in our city from Liz Keegan, Director of Education and Outreach at the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan. She’ll share the data on this issue, what is being done about it, and some concrete steps you can take to help end housing discrimination.

More Events:

Jan 21 — Dr. Willie Jennings –at January Series and Calvin Seminary —see announcement for further details.

Feb 6 — 6:30-8 p.m. at COS, Michelle Warren, advocacy and strategic engagement director for Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) and author of “The Power of Proximity” will speak about the CCDA national awareness and action weeklong focus on mass incarceration, Locked in Solidarity.

Feb 7 — CCDA Proximity Cafe’ with Michelle Warren @ Bridge Street House of Prayer, 7-9 pm

February 13 — 7 pm, Grand Rapids Community College Diversity Series: “Education, Civil Rights and Equality: Cornerstones for our Future,” Bakari Sellers, CNN Political Analyst, Lawyer, and Activist (Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE in Grand Rapids)

Feb 17 — A gathering after worship for lunch and conversation from noon to 2 pm; All COS members who have attended a CORR Understanding Racism Workshop are encouraged to attend.

Feb 21-23 — CORR Understanding Racism Workshop –register at: https://corrnow.org/

March 23 — (Tentative) COS trip to the Jim Crow Museum