CULTURAL CONNECTIONS presents
a series of workshops teaching us how to overcome division and
restore unity in a world that divides us. The content of these lessons and workshops includes concepts from the book, Escaping Enemy Mode: How Our Brains Unite or Divide Us. The authors of this book, Dr. Jim Wilder, a neuropsychologist, and retired Brigadier General Ray Woolridge,
are Christian authors seeking to use their knowledge to help
all Christians in their quest to love their enemies.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
John 15:12-13
Lesson series begins in...
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Week 1: Sunday, April 14 & Wednesday, April 17
Location: 151 Shewville Road, Old Mystic, CT
Time: Sunday @ 10am & Wednesday @ 7pm
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Week 2: Sunday, April 21 & Wednesday, April 24
Location: 151 Shewville Road, Old Mystic, CT
Time: Sunday @ 10am & Wednesday @ 7pm
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Week 3: Sunday, April 28 & Wednesday, May 1
Location: 151 Shewville Road, Old Mystic, CT
Time: Sunday @ 10am & Wednesday @ 7pm
Spiritual Practices
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Remember to P.R.A.Y.
Practice Quieting
Relational Input
Awareness of yourself & God's presence
Yearn to Build Bonds, Seek to be Relational
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Understanding QuietingList Item 1
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Practicing QuietingList Item 2
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Quieting and ListeningList Item 3
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Self-Awareness/Check-in
Before you enter any social situation, ask:
How am I feeling?
Why am I feeling this way?
How can I address it?
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Appreciate God's Goodness
1. Reflect on God's goodness in front of you now or remember a moment that makes you thankful to God.
2. Savor this moment or that memory.
3. How do you feel in your body when you remember or reflect?
4. Express your appreciation to God.
Our purpose
The Cultural Connections Team (CCT) of the GNL Church will work to help our church recognize and appreciate the cultural differences in our community in order to strengthen the bonds of unity. We will help the church to solidify areas of strength and to identify and address areas for growth. We will develop and help to implement symbolic, conversational and structural changes that build unity and equity in the body of Christ.
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9
What We Do
Community Learning Opportunities
Throughout the year, the CCT provides opportunities to learn from each other and practice cultural humility. We host book clubs, podcast discussion groups, and more. Check out our calendar for upcoming events.
Cultural Engagement Events
Additionally, we host events or attend community events that help us build cultural competence. Some events include movie nights, Juneteenth celebrations, and museum trips. Visit our calendar to learn about these events.
Books & Online Articles
ICOC New England app - SQUAD section
Michael Burns Teaching Ministry -
Learn more
Carl Spain Center on Race Studies & Spiritual Action -
Learn more
Videos & Podcasts
VIDEOS
Michael Burns teaches during midweek services based on his book, "A Crown That Will Last"
A Life Changing Conversation - Daryl Davis
The Danger of a Single Story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Truth Trauma & Theology with Kyle Spears
PODCASTS
Race & Redemption - Listen Now
Be the Bridge -
Listen Now
Common Grounds Unity -
Listen Now
How to have Constructive Conversations on Race, Culture, and the Church -
Listen Now
Interests, questions, suggestions?
If you have questions, are interested in participating in this team, or have suggestions to help us in our purpose, please submit them using the button below.