Iowa BMCR

10/12/2026

On October 12 at 8:00 PM CST, join SBC21 for Mobilize Monday: From Voters to Mobilizers, a national webinar series designed to help clergy, laity, and faith communities move beyond individual participation toward greater engagement within their congregations and communities.

Tonight’s featured speaker is Rev. Kendal McBroom, Director of Civil and Human Rights for the General Board of Church and Society.

This week’s session, PLAN: Make Your Voter Plan and Mobilize Others, will focus on understanding voting options, preparing when, where, and how to vote, and exploring practical ways to help others develop their own plans.

Access this Zoom link to get registered: https://upperroom-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4M3z8mzVRFeRiqDMWrigzw?utm_source=SBC21&utm_campaign=681d54a4cd-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_10_02_07_17_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-9103dd4a7a-587082783&mc_cid=681d54a4cd #/registration

10/05/2026

NEW STUDY: LEAVING THE BLACK CHURCH MAY CHANGE BLACK POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT

A new study highlighted by the Brookings Institution suggests where Black Americans worship may be associated with how they engage politically. Researchers found that Black adults attending multiracial congregations were more likely to report no partisan identification than those worshipping in predominantly Black churches with church leadership and institutional power, rather than racial diversity itself, as important factors.

The findings underscore the Black church’s historic role as more than a place of worship. From the civil rights movement to modern voter mobilization, Black congregations have provided a base for organizing, leadership development and conversations about racial inequality and public policy.

Earlier Pew Research Center data found that 47% of Black Protestants attending predominantly Black churches reported hearing sermons about voting, protesting or other political engagement, compared with 33% attending multiracial churches. Black-led multiracial congregations, however, showed substantially less political disengagement in the research than those led by white clergy.

As younger Black Americans increasingly find community and civic engagement outside traditional churches, the research raises a larger question: If the Black church’s role changes, which institutions will carry forward its historic civic and organizing functions?

10/02/2026

Join SBC21 for Mobilize Monday: From Voters to Mobilizers, a national webinar series designed to help clergy, laity, and faith communities move beyond individual participation toward greater engagement within their congregations and communities.

Every Monday throughout October, we’ll explore a different aspect of voter readiness and community mobilization as we prepare for the November 2026 elections. Each conversation will build upon the last, providing information and practical strategies participants can put into action.

We begin with Week 1: READY — Get Registered. Get Verified. This session will focus on voter registration, checking registration status, and identifying trusted sources for election information.

Registration link: https://upperroom-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4M3z8mzVRFeRiqDMWrigzw

10/01/2026

Five faculty voices. One continuing conversation.

Louisville Seminary’s Faith Talks: Where the Black Church Speaks returns for 2026–27 with a new series exploring the history, theology, witness, and future of the Black Church.

This year’s theme, “Rooted in Faith, Speaking to the Future: Black Theology for the Church and the World,” brings Louisville Seminary faculty scholarship into conversation with clergy, congregations, students, alums, and community leaders around theological questions shaping Black church life today.

Fall Dates:
📖 October 13 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. ET
Dr. Justin Michael Reed
“Who Taught Us to Read the Bible This Way? Race, Scripture, and Black Biblical Interpretation”

⛪ November 10 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. ET
Rev. Dr. Perzavia Praylow
“For Such a Time as This: The History, Mission, and Witness of the Black Church”

Conversations are online and open to the community.

🔗Register for Faith Talks: lpts.edu/BCSFaithTalks

Spring dates include: (more details coming soon!)
📅 February 9, 2027
Rev. Dr. Debra Mumford, VP for Academics; Dean of the Seminary, Frank H. Caldwell Professor of Homiletics

📅 March 9, 2027
Dr. Amina McIntyre, Asst Professor, Pastoral Care/Spiritual Care & Chaplaincy

📅 April 13, 2027
Dr. Elizabeth J.A. Siwo-Okundi, Asst Professor, Congregational Studies & Leadership

Throughout the 2026–27 series, five LPTS faculty voices will guide conversations moving from the historical foundations and mission of the Black Church to Scripture, prophetic proclamation, healing and care, congregational leadership, and the future of Black church life.

🔗Register for Faith Talks: lpts.edu/BCSFaithTalks

Learn more about Black Church Studies at Louisville Seminary: lpts.edu/bcs

09/24/2026

BLACK SU***DE PREVENTION WEEK 2026

On September 24, 7:00 - 8:30 PM EDT, please join Jewel Woods, founder and clinical director of Male Behavioral Health, for “In Defense of Suffering,” an important discussion about depression and suicidality among Black men and boys. This presentation is Part 2 of a series on Black Men and Su***de. Part 1, “My Worries Are in a Hurry,” focused on Anxiety and Su***de among Black men.

The conversation draws on “In Defense of Despair,” an essay by Hanif Abdurraqib in The New Yorker that offers an intimate account of one Black man’s experiences with depression, su***de attempts, and recovery. Everyone interested in understanding and supporting Black men and boys is welcome.

This hybrid event is part of Black Su***de Prevention Week 2026. Join us online using the Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89300611849

Link to “In Defense of Despair” New Yorker article: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/essay/in-defense-of-despair

09/24/2026

Every Christ believer is called to love, serve, and lead with compassion. You don’t need a title to make a difference. You simply need a heart for Christ and a willingness to love, serve, and lead wherever God has placed you.

Join us for Disciples Equipped to Love, Serve & Lead, a morning designed to encourage and equip everyday believers to live out our faith more intentionally, in our homes, churches, workplaces, and communities.

Together, we’ll explore:

LOVE BOLDLY — Pastor Vera Wallican, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Waterloo

How do we love others the way Christ calls us to love, even when it isn’t easy?

SERVE JOYFULLY — Pastor Karen Nelson, Cedar Falls 1st United Methodist Church, Cedar Falls

How can serving become an expression of joy rather than simply another obligation?

LEAD COURAGEOUSLY — Pastor Quovadis Marshall, Hope City Church, Waterloo

How can we courageously use our voice, gifts, and influence to create a positive impact wherever God has placed us?

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
207 West Louise Street in Waterloo

Register by October 11:
📞 319-232-4790
📧 [email protected]

Let’s grow together as the body of Christ as we learn to Love Boldly.
Serve Joyfully. Lead Courageously.

Tag your friends to invite them to join you.

09/24/2026

09/01/2026

Get your steps in for a good cause. We need your help. Will you help us to something good in our community? If so, sign up with Burns: https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/10C0F4DA9A729A5F5CE9-64852198-amos?useFullSite=false