CRS in Prophetic Witness at 2024 SDPC

February 22 was the final day of the Community Renewal Society (CRS) Sponsored 2024 Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDPC) at Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. 

Reflecting on SDPC from February 19-22, we appreciate those who dropped by the CRS booth to spin our “Platform for Renewal Trivia” wheel for a chance to win CRS merchandise and an array of fabulous prizes, including e-gift cards. We are moved to have gathered in community with you at the workshops and worships to exhange ideas, visioning, and practice.

Throughout the conference week, sessions covered ranged from racism, ecojustice, reclaiming churches as education sites, media narratives, and voter engagement to technology, food insecurity, reimagining the divine, and the impact of trauma on our communities. 

We extend our gratitude to Rev. Dr. Curtiss Paul DeYoung, former CRS Executive Director, who was present during the conversation and book signing we hosted on February 20. This was an opportunity for clergy and lay leadership to learn about Rev. DeYoung’s book titled The Risk of Being Woke: Sermonic Reflections for Activists and secure a copy of Afro-Christian Convention: The Fifth Stream of the United Church of Christ written by Rev. Dr. Yvonne V. Delk, the first person of color and the first woman to serve as CRS Executive Director.

On Tuesday, I humbly gave a testimony during the evening worship session, calling for an end to the genocide in Occupied Palestine and uplifting the parallels of disinheritance and militarized violence from in Chicago to Palestine. A detailed account of my peace and witness journey to that region is forthcoming. 

CRS proudly co-sponsored the General Secretary’s Luncheon on Wednesday, a reception and conversation with Joy-Ann Reid. All registered seminarians received a complimentary copy of Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story That Awakened America, a New York Times Best Seller by Reid, courtesy of CRS.

During Wednesday evening’s “Beautiful Are Their Feet” Honoree Dinner, distingushed honorees of the award with the same name included: Rev. Dr. Dionne Boissiére, Mrs. Myrlie Evers-Williams, Rev. Dr. Ozzie E. Smith Jr. and Rev. Dr. Janette Wilson. A moment was taken to recognize others including Rev. Jesse L. Jackson and Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Congratuations to all honorees! The last evening was filled with soulful music, powerful prayer and heartfelt remembrance.

Be on the lookout for photos and videos from this year’s esteemed SDPC on Facebook and Instagram. To boost our engagement, please like, comment on and share our posts. We look forward to highlighting the amazing network of change makers who took part in this historic event. #WeAreCRS #CRSatSDPC2024

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” – Romans 10:15

Rev. Dr. Waltrina N. Middleton
Executive Director