The First United Methodist Church is excited to welcome Pardeep Singh Kaleka and Arno Michaelis to Whitewater April 7 for a moving presentation and “hurt people, hurt people” focused youth activity. In these divisive times, two men from drastically different backgrounds, one Sikh and one skinhead, have come together on a mission to stop hate and share the power of forgiveness.

Together Pardeep and Arno will share the remarkable story of how their friendship grew out of a horrific hate crime, the Sikh Temple shooting in Oak Creek. Pardeep and Arno are authors of the acclaimed and moving book, The Gift of Our Wounds.

Event Details:

The public is invited to hear Pardeep and Arno on Sunday, April 7 at the United Methodist Church (145 South Prairie St, Whitewater, WI 53190). From 1:00-2:30 p.m. adults and youth alike are invited to hear from these powerful speakers in the church sanctuary. A brief reception will follow and from 3:00-5:00 p.m. students currently in eighth through twelfth grades are invited to attend a workshop, led by Pardeep and Arno, focused on active listening entitled “hurt people, hurt people.” Childcare is available for children four years old and under with 48 hours reservation to the First United Methodist Church: (262) 473-2131.

This is the first lecture in First United Methodist Church’s Draw the Circle Wide Lecture Series which works to annually bring powerful speakers focusing on social justice issues of interest to the Whitewater community.