Grace in 30

There is a good deal of ignorance about the world's dominant monotheistic religions, i.e., Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.  There are also some who seek to take advantage of this ignorance to stir up conflict and strife for selfish gain.  Today's guest believes that educating people on the shared origins and values of their religions leads them to work more effectively together towards peace.  He has seen the ease and enthusiasm with which Muslims, Christians, and Jews can work together when ignorance is removed, and he's working to apply these concepts to conflicts throughout our country and world.  Joseph Montville is a Director at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University.  He has had a long and distinguished career including serving 23 years as a diplomat with posts in the Middle East and North Africa; faculty appointments at the Harvard and University of Virginia Medical Schools; and serving as Chief of the State Department's Near East Division, and the Director of its Office of Global Issues. 

DC Scores is a non-profit organization serving over 2,000 low-income children in DC through an opt-in program that combines soccer, poetry, and community service.  Their model focuses on reaching children at an early age; changing the relationship between school kids, parents, teachers, schools, and the community; and making a long-lasting impact on all of these groups.  We are joined by Bethany Rubin Henderson, the Executive Director of DC Scores, who describes the program and its impact, her journey to her current role, and some advice that served her well as she made decisions about her career. 

Little Lights is a DC-based non-profit serving underserved youth and their families in Southeast Washington, DC.  Over the past 20 years, it has grown from one man tutoring children at his parent’s store to an organization with 13 full-time and 40 part-time staff; 120 weekly volunteers; and 45 adults who meet with and mentor kids, one-on-one, on weekends.  We are joined by Founder and Executive Director Steve Park, who talks about the kids they work with and the importance of compassion.

The Ballston Metro is a place where the homeless, working class, and affluent mix.  Just across the street, the 70-person Central United Methodist Church has been providing a breakfast, bagged lunch, and shelter to the homeless every Friday morning; and has launched a new non-profit organization (the Ballston Station Housing Corporation) in order to transform its property into a mixed-use facility that will provide affordable housing options in the heart of Ballston.  Pastor Sarah Harrison-McQueen joins us to discuss her church's efforts to engage its surrounding community and make a difference. 

Many people don't see the relevance of the Christian church to today's world, so they don't attend church services.  Others have been hurt by the church and wound up abandoning their Christian faith as a result.  What's needed for them is a new kind of church - one that extends grace and gives people the space and time they need to build a relationship with Jesus.  We are joined tonight by John Slye, Senior Pastor at Grace Community Church - a church for people who don't go to church.