John Perkins Center

09/03/2024

Let’s celebrate the work as the chapter changes for the JPC!

update: Seattle Pacific University is in a very challenging place of structural shifts. And unfortunately, SPU leadership decided on repurposing the positions and resources of the John Perkins Center at SPU. Conversations about the JPC at SPU are still being held with senior leadership and the Perkins family.

Amidst these changes, the JPC team offers thanks to the Perkins family, to our students, and to our community partners, for all the years of ministry. We celebrate the space the JPC has held on campus, in the community and in the lives of numerous students; and want to take the time to honor our 20 year history. Thank you for your support and partnership, as key stakeholders within the JPC story.

We invite you to leave a memory with us in the comments, as we celebrate the work together!

04/28/2024

The 2024 Perkins Lecture Series with Sandra Van Opstal: People left full and wrestling with the spirit in formational ways. We celebrated our 20th Anniversary as the JPC, and took time to honor 20 years of partnership with the Perkins Foundation with the Perkins Presidents, Elizabeth and Priscilla visiting this week.

Campus and community were left thinking about shalom, neighboring, and the intersection of worship and justice. Students noted both the timeliness of this space for reflection, as well as the value of truth and insight received.

“You cannot dream about what if, if you cannot name the what is.” Sandra Van Opstal.

04/11/2024

Join us for the 2024 Perkins Lecture Series, April 23 on campus. Elizabeth Perkins in morning chapel and closing with our 18th Perkins Lecture keynote Rev. Sandra Van Opstal. Visit our website for more information on the full day of events.

https://spu.edu/administration/john-perkins-center/news-archive/2024/perkins-annual-lecture-2024

01/16/2024

This morning at the 12th Annual MLK Prayer Breakfast. We had 3 of our JPC students read scriptures in Moni, Amharic and Spanish on program.
Rev. Dr. Efrem Smith preached a keynote titled ‘Let the Dream Ring In An Age of Justice Fatigue’ that named, advising us to… allow God to liberate your story and your soul, recognizing that the work requires a choir (not just solos); and be rooted in and spurred on by love.
There were many in the community gathered to be blessed or affirmed, awakened or stirred within, or gifted something to ponder or wrestle with.

09/21/2023

09/21/2023

On a visit this week to the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation, which started with Tuesday Bible Study. Then celebrating the Perkins family at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. It was fun seeing the family, Seattle friends, partners and colleagues, and meeting new friends.

The 2023 Perkins Foundation Gala speaker, Bryan Stevenson gave thanks to Dr. Perkins “for representing something truly prophetic in our world today.” He gave a keynote sharing about proximity, narrative, hope and truth.

The evening honored 63 years of ministry with John and Vera Mae Perkins and the Perkins family. It held stories of generational impact, community, transformation, and friendships of the heart. The night closed recognizing Co-Presidents Priscilla, Elizabeth and Deborah; intentionally praying over them as they carry the Foundation forward. It was a night to

09/19/2023

Came to Jackson this week to celebrate at the Perkins Foundation Gala, honoring 63 years of reconciliation and Christian Community Development. The morning of course started with the Tuesdays Perkins Bible Study.

06/28/2023

Journeyed from Jackson, Mendenhall to Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma; with a community of students, faculty, staff and partners (11 from SPU-JPC) for the 2023 Perkins Justice Pilgrimage. Hosted by the John & Vera Mae Perkins Foundation

Learning and discovery that cannot be gleaned from the classroom or text books; embodied stories shared and engaged; reflections, prayers, and processing; and space held for all the emotions, as well as for imagining and hope.

06/23/2023

Our team is on the road again with a song to sing!

06/23/2023

This week we have been on the Perkins Justice Pilgrimage with students, staff, faculty and community partners.

05/01/2023

The 2023 Perkins Lecture Series gathered us under the theme of “The Legacy of Where We Are: Lessons from History,” featuring speakers Dr. Jemar Tisby and Rev. Dominique Gilliard. It was a very enthralling couple of days. Dominique Gilliard Jemar Tisby

In partnership with local churches, Dr. Tisby worked with Tymon Haskins at Churchome and Rev. Gilliard preached on Acts 16 at Rainier Avenue Church (RAC) on Sunday (4/23) whose response was a standing ovation. Monday (4/24) held the 17th Annual Perkins Lecture given by Dr. Tisby titled “The Moment of Decision” utilizing stories of Dr. Perkins, Fannie Lou Hammer and MLK in the challenge of conflict, the opportunity of faith, and the cost of one’s call.

Tuesday (4/25) started with the Perkins Chapel where Pastor Genesis Parker (RAC) offered worship, and Gilliard and Tisby shared on a panel moderated by Dr. Joyce del Rosario on history in light of the urgency of now.

Tues afternoon was the CCDA PNW Training Event CCDA PNW Regional Network, where Gilliard offered the theology of CCD principles down at Urban Impact, finding through stories in scripture ways to deepen the grasp of the principles and recognize the interdependence of their work in communities.

And the 2023 Perkins Center Writing Prize awardees were presented with Christina Valdez as 1st prize and Lauryn Keith for 2nd prize.