By Andrea Lauerman

On Jan. 25, more than 60 people from the Sacred Ground community came together in San Carlos, California, for a day of learning, fellowship, and worship.

We were welcomed to the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany by the Rev. Marisa Tabizon-Thompson and spent some time in small groups learning about each other’s Sacred Ground journeys.

A beautiful Sacred Ground worship service, planned by the Rev. Valerie Mayo, grounded the day’s work in our faith. Several local clergy, including the Rev. Canon J. Sierra Reyes and the Rev. Pamela Stevens, shared their gifts as part of the worship team.

The Rev. Miguel Bustos convened a panel of local leaders from both within and outside of the church to share their wisdom about how Sacred Ground participants can become active in the work of racial justice.

In the afternoon, participants attended their choice of small-group workshops relating to facilitation, organizing circles, and moving from learning into meaningful action.

There was plenty of time for fellowship, food, and fun, too. Rev. Miguel even got the intrepid volunteers and staff to take a quick break from their labors for a selfie!

On Sunday, Jan. 26, we were warmly welcomed by the Rev. Maurico Wilson and the people of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to participate in their worship in Oakland, California. We heard a special sermon by the Rev. Canon J. Sierra Reyes, calling each of us to center ourselves in our belovedness in the eyes God, rather than in any earthly identity or accomplishments. 

It was inspiring to be with the people of Sacred Ground, to learn the wonderful things happening with Sacred Ground in California, and to consider together what the path ahead might hold for us—individually and collectively. Thank you for the warm welcome, California, and for your deep engagement in this work.   

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Andrea Lauerman is the Sacred Ground program coordinator.