Here are five things worth paying attention to this week. These are designed to expose you to a perspective you may not normally come across.

1. Dove’s Nest – Over a year ago, our church adopted a safe church policy. This was created so that children and other vulnerable persons in our congregation could have the structures in place to keep them safe and to hold caretakers (all of us) accountable. To that end, I was in contact with Dove’s Nest with my questions on how to further help our congregation understand what it means to be a safe place. Dove’s Nest’s mission is to “empower and equip faith communities to  keep children and youth safe in their homes, churches and communities.” They were amazing in helping us find a training that would suit our desires and needs. If your congregation is on the same journey, I encourage you to check out more information on Dove’s Nest website.

2. Pastoring as a person of color – As a person of color pastoring in a mostly white context, this article hit so close to home for me. My experience has not echoed this man’s entirely, but there are many situations and feelings he expresses that I find connection with. Many thanks for Sue Park Hur for posting this to Facebook.

3. La Caccina – My women’s choir had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a workshop here in Goshen led by La Caccina, a women’s acapella group based in Chicago. We then sang in a concert with them as well as with the World Music Choir of Goshen College. Their timbre and blend are exquisite, and it was an honor to have a chance to work with them. Check out La Caccina singing “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”:

4. Avocado tuna cakes – These are healthy, filled with protein and delicious. Try them over a salad or a grain bowl. They’re very easy to make and only take four ingredients.

5. Black History Month – Teen Vogue has been branching out lately and covering such topics as politics, racism and income inequality. Here, Jenn M. Jackson talks about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how we should be engaging his entire career, not just the portions that make white Americans comfortable. During this month, may we all engage with the parts of our own histories that make us uncomfortable.

Joanne K. Gallardo is pastor of faith formation at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen, Indiana.