Have you ever had a season that felt like an endless cycle of two steps forward and three steps back?
I once preached about the Israelites making their way out of Egypt and into the wilderness. They prayed. They complained. They wondered why they left slavery in the first place. And then, somehow, there was manna: daily bread for a hungry people.
Here was a surprising part. Some scholars believe the manna we read about wasn’t a magical miracle from the sky, but a natural substance associated with desert insects and plants. Others disagree. Whatever it actually was, it certainly wasn’t a heavenly feast. Yet somehow, it was enough for the journey…
Seeing the Scars – and the Gems – That Shape Our Communities
Last month, Jody and I spent four meaningful days in Dayton, Ohio, alongside our affiliate partners from the National Federation for Just Communities. We are deeply grateful to the team at NCCJ Dayton for their warm welcome and for creating space to learn—not only about Dayton’s rich history, but also about the inspiring work taking place across the country to build stronger, more connected communities.
Throughout our time in the “Gem City,” one idea stayed with me:
You cannot see the gems without acknowledging the scars…
This year’s Breaking Bread & Barriers civil discourse series is inspired by the national motto, E Pluribus Unum—“Out of Many, One.” Through four facilitated dinner conversations, participants will explore how our diverse identities, experiences, and beliefs shape both our individual lives and our shared community.
The first session, Becoming American: Who Belongs?, invites participants to explore immigration, identity, citizenship, and belonging in the United States. Immigration has long shaped our nation, while questions about who can enter, become a citizen, and be recognized as fully American have evolved over time. There is no single immigrant experience—and this conversation offers an opportunity to listen, learn, and engage across perspectives.
📅 Monday, October 26, 2026 🕕 5:30–8:00 p.m. | Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner, the program will begin at 6
📍 WJCT Studios | 100 Festival Park Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32202 🍽 Dinner will be served
Space is limited. Register today to reserve your seat for the first conversation in this four-part Breaking Bread & Barriers series.
Save the dates and stay tuned for more details on the full series.
Upcoming Events:
Monday, October 26th: Becoming American: Who Belongs?
Tuesday, January 19th: Freedom of Conscience: Can We Live Together with Our Deepest Differences?
Tuesday, March 30th: The Pursuit of Justice: What Does Equality Require?
Tuesday, May 25th: The Common Good: What Do We Owe One Another?
Building Young Leaders Through Dialogue
LAUNCHpad Interact Summit
Last Saturday, OneJax was proud to partner with the Rotary Club to host the District’s Annual Interact Summit at Terry Parker High School. Thirteen Interact clubs came together for a day of connection, learning, and leadership development. Each club received an official 2026–2027 Rotary banner, pin, and Rotary Basics book from District Governor Bo Norton.
Through OneJax-led activities and conversation, nearly 45 young people practiced the skills that help leaders bring people together: listening with curiosity, engaging respectfully across differences, and working through challenges collaboratively. The Summit gave students practical tools to strengthen their voices, deepen their leadership, and help create more inclusive communities in their schools and beyond.
What’s Next OneJax is continuing to equip young people with the confidence and skills to lead with empathy, understanding, and purpose through our OneYouth programs.
Help us reach more student leaders. Learn more, get involved, or explore opportunities for your school or youth group. For more information, contact Director of OneYouth Programs Joseph Ray at Joseph@onejax.org.
Led by Interfaith Alliance, a nonpartisan, multi-faith The Vote is Sacredbus tourlaunches October 6 in Omaha, Nebraska, and rolls through 16 states right up to Election Day, November 3. These stops feature voter registration, local trainings, partner activations, and multi-faith vigils. They never roll into town alone – every stop is built with local faith partners. And OneJax is partnering with Interfaith Alliance to bring the bus to Jacksonville!
Mark your calendars as the bus comes into Jacksonville on Sunday, October 18th stopping at The Church of Oakland(1025 Jessie Street Jacksonville, Florida 32206.)Join us for worship at 10:30am at The Oak to greet the bus and get out the vote. This event reflects our ongoing commitment to civic engagement as a core pillar of our interfaith work, alongside education and service.
October 5th is the deadline to register to vote in Florida, please contact Rev. Rebekah McLeod Hutto if you would like The Vote is Sacred cards to distribute, in English and Spanish.
Rev. Rebekah Hutto, OneJax Director of Interfaith and Culture, will be moderating an Interfaith Panel at 5:30 on Wednesday, October 21st. See below for more events in this month-long program offered by OneJax partner, St. John’s Cathedral.
Join us as we embark on a journey of inter-faith dialogue through our Scriptural Reasoning series.
The Scriptural Reasoning Series with Atlantic Institute!
Join us as we embark on a journey of inter-faith dialogue through our Scriptural Reasoning series. This unique approach brings people of different faiths together to read and reflect on their scriptures, not seeking agreement but exploring texts and their interpretations across faith boundaries. It’s about learning to ‘disagree better’ and fostering deeper understanding and respect.
Event Highlights:
Topic: “Gates and Doors”
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Jonathan Swanson from Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church
Engage in Genuine Dialogue: Scriptural Reasoning is a genuine opportunity for committed religious individuals to engage in inter-faith practice without undermining particularity. Deepen your own faith commitment and engagement with members of other faiths simultaneously
This is the 16th gathering of this series, where we’ll explore different scriptures, fostering bonds across faith communities and promoting a deeper understanding of our own and others’ scriptures.
Refreshments will be provided, ensuring a warm and welcoming environment reminiscent of Abraham’s hospitality.
🗓 Date: Tuesday, October 20.
⏰ Time: 6:30pm
📍 Venue: Mandarin United Methodist Church
Everyone is welcome! RSVP today and be part of this transformative experience.
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