We will observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend this Sunday by watching and discussing Hawo's Dinner Party: The New Face of Southern Hospitality. The 30 minute documentary follows the trajectory of Hawo Siyad, a Muslim refugee and former nurse from Somalia, who has come to work at a Shelbyville, TN, Tyson Foods chicken processing plant. Hawo is determined to learn English and connect with her neighbors - and also determined to remain a devout Muslim. But as news of 'home grown terrorism' appears in the national media and as Hawo tries to reach out, we get an intimate glimpse into the honest - and often uncomfortable - encounters that emerge. In addition to being appropriate given the weekend's human rights emphasis, engaging this movie is particularly timely given the recent conflict re: the new tv program All American Muslim. We are fortunate and look forward to Neil Snipes leading the discussion.
Our offering will be designated for West Texas Organizing Strategy, the local grass-roots effort of which we are a part, which is striving for a more just and equitable San Angelo.
As to pot-luck, January's a bit complicated in that we didn't meet the first Sunday, so last Sunday, the second Sunday of the month, we had worship and potluck. This coming Sunday is the third Sunday, which is usually a worship and potluck Sunday. However, we're watching a movie instead - but a movie with the words "dinner party" included. Therefore, you are welcome to bring pot-luck and movie-watching snacks or not, and we will, in the best Gathering fashion, be glad and grateful for whatever unfolds! And as someone said last Sunday, "It always works out fine."
Sunday, January 15
5:30 pm, 618 Locust Street
No comments:
Post a Comment