In 2016, our congregation realized we were unintentionally practicing Isolationism. We were a white congregation in a white suburb, living in a “bubble” but feeling genuinely troubled by the growing chasm between black and white people. We decided to reach out intentionally across the color line to meet each other, to talk, to create friendships, to learn and to walk in solidarity with one another in the community. I would like to share our story with you: by building relationships we build racial unity.

Jeanne is a recently retired, married, mother of two teenage boys. Her faith tradition is United Methodist and she is a member at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church in Flower Mound, whose motto is Open Minds, Open Hearts and Open Doors. Jeanne is passionate about meeting new people, building relationships and learning new things.