Author: Canton Church of the Brethren

The Canton Church of the Brethren (CCOB) is a community of faith that values dignity, putting it into practice by fostering wholeness, balance, and peace through respect of God’s creation .

S2 – Episode 01: What Are Sundown Towns?

Published on by Canton Church of the BrethrenLeave a comment

On the first episode of our second season, we were extremely fortunate to interview Dr. James Loewen about his book “Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism.” We asked the essential question: What are Sundown Towns? 

Image result for james loewen

 

Dr. Loewen is a talented author, historian, and sociologist. He is best known for his 1995 book, “Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong” (Reprinted in 2009).  In 2005, Loewen published “Sundown Towns: A Hidden Dimension of American Racism” which focuses on communities throughout American where African Americans, Jews, and other minorities were forced or strongly encouraged to leave town prior to the sun setting.  An Illinois native hailing from Decatur, Dr. Loewen earned a Ph.D. in sociology from Harvard University.  He has taught at Tougaloo College in Mississippi, the University of Vermont, and the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C.

Continue reading “S2 – Episode 01: What Are Sundown Towns?” →

S1 – Episode 13: Media and Children’s Well-Being – How is Screen Time Impacting Our Kids?

Published on by Canton Church of the BrethrenLeave a comment

On Wednesday May 2, we were pleased to welcome Dr. Tim Kasser to Cuba, IL to share his presentation titled “Media and Children’s Well-Being”  (The first 30 minutes are Tim’s talk while the last 20 minutes Tim answers some questions from the audience). This presentation was part of our Screen Free Week Activities that took place in our community (April 30 – May 4).

After receiving his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Rochester, Tim Kasser accepted a position at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he is currently Professor & Chair of Psychology.  He has written over 100 scientific articles and book chapters on materialism, values, goals, ecological sustainability, and quality of life, among other topics. He is also the author of five books, including The High Price of Materialism (MIT Press, 2002) and the cartoon book HyperCapitalism (The New Pres, 2018).  Tim spends a good deal of his time working with activist groups that protect children from commercialization, that promote ecological sustainability, and that encourage a more “inwardly rich” lifestyle than what is offered by consumerism. Tim lives with his wife, two sons, and assorted animals a few miles south of Knoxville, Illinois. And his work has been a big inspiration for why we wanted to participate in Screen Free Week activities this week.

Continue reading “S1 – Episode 13: Media and Children’s Well-Being – How is Screen Time Impacting Our Kids?” →

S1 – Episode 12: Parent Panel on Technology – What Advice can Parents Offer about Raising Kids in the 21st Century?

Published on by Canton Church of the Brethren1 Comment

On Thursday May 3, 2018 we enjoyed facilitating a conversation with parents about their experience with screens and kids. This event was part of our week-long Screen Free Week experiences at Cuba High School. Our parent panel consisted of Jackie Scharping, Samantha Gilham, Tiffany Clark, and Amy Willett.

The panel was moderated by high school senior, Ms. Alexis Clark and high school history teacher, Mr. Joe Brewer.

Continue reading “S1 – Episode 12: Parent Panel on Technology – What Advice can Parents Offer about Raising Kids in the 21st Century?” →

S1 – Episode 11: Student Panel on Technology – How are Young People Using Technology in the 21st Century?

Published on by Canton Church of the Brethren1 Comment

On Wednesday May 2, 2018 we enjoyed a conversation with students about their experience using technology. This event was part of our week-long Screen Free Week experiences at Cuba High School. Our panel consisted of about a dozen students in Cuba High School’s Sociology class. The panel was moderated by Mr. Joe Brewer.

Continue reading “S1 – Episode 11: Student Panel on Technology – How are Young People Using Technology in the 21st Century?” →

S1 – Blog 07: YWCA Hosts ¨Stand Against Racism¨

Published on by Canton Church of the BrethrenLeave a comment

On Sunday April 30 from 2-2:30 PM the Canton area YWCA led by Executive Director Brooke Denniston held a ¨Stand Against Racism¨ rally at Jones Park in Canton, IL.  Please visit the links below for more information (Photo taken from YWCA logo)

Continue reading “S1 – Blog 07: YWCA Hosts ¨Stand Against Racism¨” →

S1 – Episode 10: Conversations on Race and Rural America – How Should We Respond to Disparaging Humor About Race?

Published on by Canton Church of the Brethren1 Comment

Listen in to part 2 of our conversation about race and rural America with Dr. Alphonso Simpson.  In case you didn’t hear part 1, you can check it out by clicking the link here.  You can also listen to our class podcast by searching “Forgottonia Project” on iTunes or wherever you find podcasts.  Also don’t forget to check out some outstanding resources that Dr. Simpson shared with us which he uses in his classes at WIU.  You can check them out by clicking the link here .

Continue reading “S1 – Episode 10: Conversations on Race and Rural America – How Should We Respond to Disparaging Humor About Race?” →

S1 – Blog 06: Salvation Army Field Trip Experience

Published on by Canton Church of the BrethrenLeave a comment

On Friday April 6, 2018 students from Cuba High School had the opportunity to visit Lt. Sarah Eddy at the Salvation Army.   This experience was part of our unit on poverty in Fulton County.  Students participated in the following activities

  • A tour of the facility and overview of the history and mission of the Salvation Army
  • A budget simulation: living on low-income wages facing various obstacles in life
  • Various service projects that included working in the food pantry and preparing food assistance sacks

Continue reading “S1 – Blog 06: Salvation Army Field Trip Experience” →