Sacred Ground
A film-based dialogue series on race and faith, and one of the fullest expressions of what it means for this parish to go.
What it is
Part of Becoming Beloved Community
Sacred Ground is part of the Episcopal Church's Becoming Beloved Community initiative, an invitation to gather in small groups for honest, grace-filled conversation about our shared history, our neighbors, and our common life as people of faith.
Grounded in story, Scripture and listening, it is a sensitive and prayerful resource that creates space for difficult but respectful and transformative dialogue on race and racism. It invites participants to walk back through history in order to peel away the layers that brought us to today.
The circle is open to everyone, whatever your background or starting point.
Sacred Ground holds as a guiding star the vision of beloved community, where all people are honored, protected and nurtured as beloved children of God, where we weep at one another's pain and seek one another's flourishing.
The process
Four movements, walked in order
One
Truth Telling
Walk through America's history, weaving in threads of personal and family experience.
Two
Repairing the Breach
Develop sacred listening skills to promote courageous conversation and healing between the divisions within our culture.
Three
Proclaiming the Dream
Challenge heart and soul to see how we are called to make a difference in the lives of ourselves and others.
Four
Practicing the Way of Love
Learn how we might truly respect the dignity of every human being.
What it asks of you
Eleven sessions, from September to March
Circles meet every other week for two hours, with breaks for the holidays. Between sessions there is roughly three hours of preparation: free online articles and book excerpts to read, and documentary films and interviews to watch.
Choose a circle
Three dialogue circles, one shared journey
All three circles cover the same ground. Choose whichever fits your week, including one that meets entirely online.
Friday Circle
25 September, 9 & 23 October, 6 & 20 November, 11 December 2026
8 & 22 January, 5 & 19 February 2027
Sunday Evening Circle
27 September, 11 & 25 October, 8 & 22 November, 13 December 2026
10 & 24 January, 7 & 21 February 2027
Monday Evening Circle
28 September, 12 & 26 October, 9 & 23 November, 14 December 2026
11 & 25 January, 8 & 22 February 2027
Everyone gathers twice
Orientation
Sunday 13 September 2026, 12:15 p.m., in the Parish Hall. All who register, and all facilitators, are asked to come. Lunch is provided.
The final session
Saturday 13 March 2027, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., in the Parish Hall. All three circles meet together to close the journey. Dinner is provided.
To join a circle
Dana Guazzo coordinates Sacred Ground at St. Francis and would be glad to answer any question before you commit to anything, including the ones you are not sure how to ask.
Email Dana GuazzoYou may also read more at the Episcopal Church's Sacred Ground website.