I just heard about this opportunity that is taking place at my church (TCBC) and thought others might be interested, too.  It’s open to everyone, not just members of Twin City.  Here’s the text of the announcement:

After a semester of studying ways that the body of Christ can “move out” into our community, do you wonder what our community’s specific needs are? What can we do? Who can we help? Who needs to see the tangible evidence of Jesus’ love for them? We want to influence Champaign-Urbana with the Gospel but how should we best do that?

TCBC is sponsoring a 5 week Justice Institute to address these questions. There will be a series of Sunday evening seminars hosted by godly men and women with expertise in local justice issues and the role of the body of Christ in alleviating these systemic wrongs. Topics include a Biblical Foundation class regarding justice, Healthcare, Domestic Violence, Homelessness, and Inequality in Education. Along with the seminars, there will be multiple opportunities for those who attend to participate in practical “labs”—getting out into the community and serving in ways directly related to the areas of injustice addressed. These seminars and labs will help us identify needs in our community and future opportunities to reach out with the love of Christ in meaningful ways that make lasting change.

Course Description
We are influenced by the gospel of Jesus Christ and want to influence others and our community regarding God’s heart for justice and mercy through a survey of local social justice concerns. Attention is given to Biblical foundation, healthcare, domestic violence, homelessness, racial tension, and various types of inequalities. The series of lectures by various speakers will equip the church to make a difference in the Champaign County area by disseminating intellectual and practical information along with passion for social justice.

Course Schedule
Seminars will take place in the Twin City Bible Church sanctuary on the designated Sunday evenings from 7-8:30pm. Labs will take place on-site within our community.

Sunday, Jan. 24 - Biblical Foundation for Justice
Sunday, Jan. 31 - Domestic Violence
Week of Feb. 7 - several lab opportunities
Sunday, Feb. 14 - Healthcare
Sunday, Feb. 21 - Homelessness
Sunday, Feb. 28 - Inequality in Education
Week of Mar. 7 - several lab opportunities

Register here (http://www.tcbc.cc/forms/justice-institute-registration-form) by Jan. 20, 2010! The Justice Institute is open to anyone - students, community members, parachurch organizations, other churches and so on! We welcome this opportunity to learn and grow together.

Course readings will be available online by January 15.  http://tcbc.cc/about/justice-institute

This looks very interesting and good   Thanks for letting us know about it.  I will consider attending this course.

Justice institute registration deadline this week (1/20).

Mark and I have found a babysitter for the kids and are really excited to be able to attend the Justice Institute!  I’ve heard the organizers of the Institute are trying to organize child care at the church, too.

I am excited for you Sue.  Take good notes because I want to hear all about it!  I think Don (Barbra’s husband) may be going to all or most of it too.  Not sure on that one though.

Jenny