All posts by Robyn Hyden

Congregational meeting for pastoral vote, Oct. 9th

Almost one year ago, the members of Beloved Community Church entrusted a search committee to select a pastoral candidate for the church’s approval. Since then, we have spent hundreds of hours diligently and prayerfully reviewing in-depth ministerial profiles of fifteen applicants, including candidates from all over the United States, the UCC and other denominations. With great consideration, we narrowed our search to a few.

After interviewing each candidate twice, hearing them preach in person and talking to their references, we recommend Jennifer Sanders as the best candidate to pastor Beloved Community Church.

Continue reading Congregational meeting for pastoral vote, Oct. 9th

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Alternatives to Gentrification panel at Beloved August 2nd

Public opinion about Birmingham’s redevelopment has shifted from one of outright support to the acknowledgement that it is uneven.

A panel of experts will explore alternatives to gentrification; specifically, the cooperative economy and ongoing projects in the region and from around the world.

Panelists include Randall Woodfin, Board Member of Birmingham Board of Education; Myeisha Hutchinson, Oak Ridge Park Neighborhood President; Susan Diane Mitchell, President of Dynamite Hill-Smithfield Community Land Trust; Dr. Zac Henson, professor-owner at The Cooperative New School; and Samir Rohlin Hazboun, Highlander Research and Education Center. Moderated by Reverend Majadi Baruti of Udja Temple Ministries.

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Cuba Caravan coming to Beloved Monday, July 11th at 6 pm

As we do every year, we will host a busload of pastors and other members of the faith community traveling on a caravan to Cuba to raise awareness of the US blockade against Cuba. This event is not only educational – it’s a fun, celebratory occasion featuring Cuban Jazz from DJ Bart Grooms, optional dancing, maybe even mojitos!

This is a critical year in US-Cuba relations. Our attention will focus on advocating for Cuba here in the US. Our Cuban partners have told us that what they need most at this moment are our voices in solidarity.

The Caravan will educate about the important role US citizens can play in lifting the US blockade of Cuba and the travel ban. We will visit congressional offices and invite caravan event organizers and supporters to join us in these meetings.

We need you to meet with your Representatives and Senators when the caravan comes to your city. Our elected officials need to hear directly from you, their constituents! Members of Congress need to know that they represent people who support Cuba with no preconditions. Many legislators don’t have an opinion on Cuba or know much about Cuba, so this is a great time for you to share with them why you support Cuba and why US-Cuba relations must be fully normalized while respecting Cuba’s sovereignty.

This year, we will host 8 Caravanistas as they stay the night, share their story with us, and then meet with US Senators and Representatives the next day. This event is sponsored by the Birmingham Peace Project. Contact Diane McNaron at Birmingham Peace Project for more details or to volunteer.

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99 Films presents Free Angela and All Political Prisoners Thursday, May 24th

Free Angela and All Political Prisoners is Shola Lynch’s documentary about the scholar and activist Angela Davis and her 1972 murder trial. Join Birmingham Institute for Social Change for their monthly movie and discussion group. The film will start at 7 pm, and will be followed by a brief discussion.

This event will have a potluck-style snack bar. All are welcome to bring a snack for yourself or to share.

Magic City Agriculture Project and Birmingham Institute for Social Change will accept STRICTLY VOLUNTARY donations at the event.

[Optional] RSVP on Facebook.

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99 Films screening of Black Power Mixtape Tuesday, April 19th, 7 pm

Join Magic City Agriculture Project and Birmingham Institute for Social Change for another movie in their series of films on race.

Featuring footage shot by a group of Swedish journalists documenting the Black Power Movement in the United States and edited together by Göran Hugo Olsson, the filmmaker behind our first 99 Films choice: Concerning Violence.

$5 suggested donation.
Light refreshments provided.

RSVP on Facebook

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Lenten Reflection from Deborah Nell: Beloved


This post appeared on the blog Daily Painters of Pennsylvania. All artwork and words are the copywright of painter Deborah Nell. 

“So there is a story to this painting. I went into my studio the other day to get something and happened to glance at the newsprint covering my art table. I haven’t changed it for quite some time. Continue reading Lenten Reflection from Deborah Nell: Beloved

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Lenten Reflection from Robyn Hyden: Am I Really Doing This?

So, I used to think that I don’t “do” Lent. The part about fasting or giving up something for 40 days is just hard for me to get with.

Continue reading Lenten Reflection from Robyn Hyden: Am I Really Doing This?

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“Beasts of the Southern Wild” screening December 15th

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The next film in the 99 Films Series, presented by Birmingham Institute for Social Change (BISC), will be hosted at Beloved on Tuesday, December 15th.

“Beasts of the Southern Wild” is narrated from the point of view of a young girl in New Orleans. It shares her experiences living through Hurricane Katrina, with her family and community binding together to overcome the injustices that followed.

This is the third film in BISC’s five-film series which focuses on land, cultural identity and community. These five films (Daughters of the Dust, My Brooklyn, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Holding Ground, and Gaining Ground) all serve in BISC’s popular education platform to address common themes and issues of land as sacred space; cultural identity, migration, and community; and gentrification, resistance and just transition in Birmingham black and brown communities, and tying our lived experiences in with other marginalized peoples in global sites of resistance.

RSVP and more info on Facebook.

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Interfaith service for fair lending November 4th

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RSVP + more details on Facebook!

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“My Brooklyn” film screening Tuesday, October 20th, 7 pm

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RSVP and more info on Facebook.

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