BLOG
Statement Against Racism
The Session first took up the issue of racism back in July as protests continued nationwide in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in May. We felt compelled as the elected and called leaders of the congregation to join this outpouring of voices, and to make plain that racism is sin.
We do not offer this view as though our moral insight is superior to others. Rather, we make this statement in deep humility and with profound regret that such pronouncements are even necessary in 21st century America.
While this statement draws from multiple denominational and church declarations against racism, it is equally the result of much prayer, reflection, and discussion within the Session. As the ruling elders and pastor of First Church, we welcome your comments and invite further dialogue.
Statement Against Racism
Adopted by the Session of First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, September 16, 2020
We, the pastor and ruling elders of the First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, as followers of Jesus Christ, affirm that our neighbors are of every race, color, and nation, and that every human being is a beloved child of God with inherent and sacred worth. Thus:
WE CONFESS that the pestilential sin of racism blights our community and that too often our congregation has stood silent;
WE MOURN those whose lives, livelihoods, and hope have been lost to racism;
WE CONDEMN racism in all its forms, wherever it dwells;
WE PRAY for God's mercy and grace for our congregation, and we pray for God's Spirit to usher in a new day of peace, reconciliation, and hope in our community and in the world.
Furthermore, relying on God's grace,
WE RESOLVE to confront racism, within ourselves, our congregation, and our community,
WE COMMIT ourselves to listen carefully to members and neighbors who may look or think differently than ourselves,
WE AFFIRM that seeking equal justice under law is at the core of the Church’s purpose.
WE SEEK God's wisdom for the way forward as we educate ourselves about the experiences of those whose skin is of a different color than our own.
As we move forward toward a more just society, we will deepen our commitment to:
WELCOMING into membership, leadership, and employment those who celebrate diversity and tolerance,
SERVING the poor and homeless of our community with compassion,
SUPPORTING local and global missions that address the needs of the vulnerable.
TOGETHER we denounce prejudice and embrace our members, friends, neighbors, and colleagues of every color, creed and nationality; their lives matter to God and to this congregation.
Resident Partner FBITES Makes History
Chef Bobby Anderson (center) with his barista program students and Niagara Falls School District Superintendent Mark Laurrie
Innovative, life-changing ideas—such as Welcome Hall and the Visiting Nurse Association of America—have been born within the walls of First Church for over a century. More recently, our resident partner, F-BITES, launched America’s first barista training program for high school students—an idea born within our walls!
F-BITES launched in 2009 as an after school program in the Niagara Falls City School District. It has been leasing a single office in the basement of First Church for general operations since 2017. On Friday, November 1, 2019 it made history by launching a six-week training course where students (many of whom have special needs) are trained to be baristas, learn how to manage a business, and develop everyday skills such as self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, and respect for others.
Staff members Christina Banas and Marykate Waringa, along with volunteer Liz Kolken, attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at Niagara Falls High School. The group, representing First Church and One Symphony Circle, Inc., arrived early see the program in action, meet some of the students, sip delicious coffee, and chat with Chef Bobby.
Chef Bobby and volunteer Liz Kolken
Bobby Anderson is gregarious and charismatic, usually smiling and in good humor, and always dapperly dressed. He and his wife and business partner, Jamie Evan, worked tirelessly through seemingly endless hoops to launch this new program. They were forced to use their creativity and ingenuity to navigate issues such as restrictions for charitable organizations, federal school guidelines, Starbucks protocols, near-missed FedEx deliveries, and other dizzying hurdles that might have caused others to give up.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was a joyful, feel-good event that made history. To say that Christina, Marykate, and Liz were inspired is an understatement. Now we will let these pictures and videos speak for themselves.
PS - For those wondering, “F-BITES” stands for Food Based Interventions with Technology, Energy, & Science.
Chef Bobby’s speech at the ribbon cutting ceremony for F-BITES Barista Training Program
Liz Kolken was the first customer!
Students watching the ribbon cutting