Every 1st Monday,
we gather on Zoom
for queer-centered worship!
5:30pm Pacific/ 8:30pm Eastern
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Wild Church at Fairhaven ParkSaturday,
October 19th at 11:00am followed by potluck! This month we have reserved the Fairhaven Park Picnic Shelter, but bring camp chairs so we can sit out under the covered porch or in the sun. We'll have extra chairs if you need one! See you there! |
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We've heard a desire for open space to gather and be both Christian and Queer! If you're in an "it's complicated" with either of those identities (or both), you are welcome and won't be the only one!
Gather at the outdoor tables at Brandywine Kitchen to get to know other Queer folks and allies in Bellingham. Conversation will flow freely, with some discussion questions and light facilitation if needed. Hosted by a queer pastor (Rachael she/her). All ages welcome. Snacks and beverages are on us! Vegan and gluten-free options. Email with any questions or requests! pastor at communityofhopechurch.com |
Queer Theology Sunday School
register for the Zoom link to attend any or all QTSS events this year:
Poetry as Prayer: Encountering the Trans-cendent God
Sunday October 27th 2024
3:30pm Pacific/ 6:30pm Eastern
Rev. Jory Mickelson (they/them)
Children's Theology
Sunday January 19th 2025
3:30pm Pacific/ 6:30pm Eastern
Rev. Caitlin Beck (they/them, she/her, he/him)
Three Queer Things- or is it One Queer Thing?- About the Trinity
Spring Date TBA
Rev. Davi Weasley (they/them)
Fourth event TBA!
Sunday October 27th 2024
3:30pm Pacific/ 6:30pm Eastern
Rev. Jory Mickelson (they/them)
Children's Theology
Sunday January 19th 2025
3:30pm Pacific/ 6:30pm Eastern
Rev. Caitlin Beck (they/them, she/her, he/him)
Three Queer Things- or is it One Queer Thing?- About the Trinity
Spring Date TBA
Rev. Davi Weasley (they/them)
Fourth event TBA!
A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers (available in Bellingham Public Library)
& the Gospel of Mark (in the Bible)
& the Gospel of Mark (in the Bible)
Previous Events
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Wild Church at Marine Park
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Hiking Wild Church:
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Queer Hiking Church! As always, you don't have to be queer, you don't have to be Christian (but many of us will be). This will be a bus-accessible hike followed by a snacks potluck! Gather near the playground off Silver Beach Road, downhill from the LaFeens bus stops. We'll gather to hear a short reading to reflect on as we hike about 20-30 minutes west across the stone bridge. We'll pause near St. Clair Park for a water break, and turn around to hike back! There will be shorter/gentler and longer/steeper side loops you can opt in or out of based on your body and mood that day.
Bus directions: Get off near LaFeens, cross the street, pass the tennis courts, and just past the courts there's a trailhead leading downhill, on the far left side of the parking area. Call Rachael if you get lost: 773 234 8108.
Driving Directions: Turn off Lakeway Drive onto Silver Beach Road, go all the way to the end and park!
Bus directions: Get off near LaFeens, cross the street, pass the tennis courts, and just past the courts there's a trailhead leading downhill, on the far left side of the parking area. Call Rachael if you get lost: 773 234 8108.
Driving Directions: Turn off Lakeway Drive onto Silver Beach Road, go all the way to the end and park!
Queer Theology Sunday School Spring 2024
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Queering the Church Calendar
Jan 7th 3:30p/6:30e with Rev. Erica Lea-Simka Approaching the Bible with a Transgender Touch Feb 25th 3:30p/6:30e with Dr. Jaeda C. Calaway, Ph.D. Queer Theology: Beyond Sexuality to Upending Norms March 10th 3:30p/6:30e with Rev. Randy Spaulding Love is a Light through a Dim Glass April 14th 3:30p/6:30e with Madison McClendon, MDiv |
Struggling to remember what the letters in LGBTQ mean? Have some doubts about "gender ideology," but still want to love your neighbors? Sometimes even queer people and their allies struggle to make sense of a changing world, or the identities that aren't so new but are just new to us. This session focuses on love, not as a function of knowledge, but as a patient reality that enables the success of a beloved community that may not always see things clearly, but is committed to trying to see them together.
About the guest teacher:
Madison McClendon [she/her] is a graduate of Furman University and the University of Chicago Divinity School, where she received a Master of Divinity in 2012. She attends North Shore Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois, where she currently serves as Moderator and has past roles chairing both the English worship ministry and a task force for renovating the sanctuary. She has served on the board of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, and the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists. In her free time, she loves cooking, reading, and playing retro video games from the 1990s. She lives in Chicago.
About the guest teacher:
Madison McClendon [she/her] is a graduate of Furman University and the University of Chicago Divinity School, where she received a Master of Divinity in 2012. She attends North Shore Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois, where she currently serves as Moderator and has past roles chairing both the English worship ministry and a task force for renovating the sanctuary. She has served on the board of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, and the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists. In her free time, she loves cooking, reading, and playing retro video games from the 1990s. She lives in Chicago.
Queer Theology Sunday School: Beyond Sexuality to Upending Norms
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Randy (he, him) has served as pastor at Boulder Mennonite Church (CO) since 2018. In 2019 he became the first openly gay male to be ordained with Mennonite Church USA. He is also an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister and serves as a Community Minister with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder. He serves on the leadership team with Inclusive Mennonite Pastors and was one of the writers of the 2022 Resolution for Repentance and Transformation. He is currently one of the reps for the new Queer Constituency Council of MC USA.
Pastor Randy has had a life-long love of music and has taught piano and voice throughout his life. He served as the Project Editor for the Mennonite hymnal supplements, Sing the Journey and Sing the Story and has led music and worship workshops around the U.S. Randy and his husband, Gary Stephens, live in Boulder, CO and are the companions to two happy labs. They enjoy their many nieces and nephews and previously served as foster parents to two young boys. |
Queer Theology Sunday School: Approaching the Bible with a Transgender Touch
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Guest Teacher Dr. Jaeda C. Calaway, Ph.D.
When previously some folks have tried to approach the Bible with transgender interests in mind, they have primarily focused on those who do not fit the sex binary (intersex or eunuchs) or who do not fit gender norms (Jacob, Joseph, Jael, Tamar, Jezebel, Jesus, Paul). Instead, as a transgender biblical studies scholar, I am looking for deeper resonances between biblical passages, themes, and topics and transgender experiences, what I call a “transgender touch across time.” Let’s begin with Paul’s passages of social and embodied transformations for a believer in Christ and spiral out from there!
When previously some folks have tried to approach the Bible with transgender interests in mind, they have primarily focused on those who do not fit the sex binary (intersex or eunuchs) or who do not fit gender norms (Jacob, Joseph, Jael, Tamar, Jezebel, Jesus, Paul). Instead, as a transgender biblical studies scholar, I am looking for deeper resonances between biblical passages, themes, and topics and transgender experiences, what I call a “transgender touch across time.” Let’s begin with Paul’s passages of social and embodied transformations for a believer in Christ and spiral out from there!
Queer Theology Sunday School: Queering the Church Calendar
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As Anabaptists practice congregational polity, there is significant latitude on how to practice traditions including the Church Calendar. Some may even say Anabaptists telling time via the Church Calendar is inherently queer as we approach this typically high-church practice with a sacred nonconformity. Come for a time of learning and reflection as we consider the queerness of the Church Calendar in each season as 2024 gets started. Here's hoping 2024 will be the queerest year yet as we tell time alongside Christians around the world!
Rev. Erica Lea-Simka [she/they] is a graduate of San Jacinto College, Texas A&M University, and Truett Theological Seminary. She has also studied as a continuing education student at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Eastern Mennonite University, and Hebrew College. Pastor Erica has served Baptist and Mennonite congregations, and began serving as Pastor of Albuquerque Mennonite Church November 2017. She also serves as the Southwest Representative for Mennonite Women USA. When not at church, she can be found cooking, visiting the public library, nature-walking, watching British mysteries, and spending time with her interfaith family.
Rev. Erica Lea-Simka [she/they] is a graduate of San Jacinto College, Texas A&M University, and Truett Theological Seminary. She has also studied as a continuing education student at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Eastern Mennonite University, and Hebrew College. Pastor Erica has served Baptist and Mennonite congregations, and began serving as Pastor of Albuquerque Mennonite Church November 2017. She also serves as the Southwest Representative for Mennonite Women USA. When not at church, she can be found cooking, visiting the public library, nature-walking, watching British mysteries, and spending time with her interfaith family.
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Join us Thursdays in April to Reclaim the Bible🌈:
An all gender theology drop in discussion group. We'll be meeting up to discuss Queers of the Word 📖, a devotional written by LGBTQ Christians. Meet us at: 📍Elizabeth Station starting Thursday, April 11th at 5pm, and bring a friend (if you want!). 😊 We'll be providing the devotionals, so just come as you are. Everyone is welcome! 👇 For more info or to RSVP (not necessary but helpful) comment below, send us a PM, or email Pastor Rachael at: pastor at communityofhopechurch.com |
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Queer Christmas Party!
Saturday December 16th 11am-1pm Whatcom Peace and Justice Center 1220 Bay Street, Bellingham 98225 Family of origin about to get you down? Come sing carols with us, share in the queerest of meals (the potluck!), and find queer joy amidst the holidays! BYO decorations to make the space festive- Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, and rainbow decor welcome. You are also 100% welcome whether or not you are LGBTQ+! Bring your friends, children, significant others, etc. We'll do a white elephant gift exchange and watch the old Grinch cartoon movie. DM me for details! -Pastor Rachael (she/ her)
White Elephant: if able, bring a wrapped, unmarked gift (could be something you already have- doesn't need to be fancy!) Potluck note: label your potluck dish for dietary restrictions- vegan, gluten-free, etc. |
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Blue Christmas:
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Wild Church
Saturdays at 11am October 21st & November 18th at Boulevard Park, on the north end by the traffic circle, near the covered stage in case of rain! Wild Church is followed by a potluck! BYO plate, cup, fork, and food to share (or just bring yourself!) Dress for the weather! The heart of Wild Church is a full half hour to wander on your own and connect with God through nature, so if you like to walk, wear good shoes for it! Rain or shine, we'll be there! email or FB message Pastor Rachael with any questions! See the location on Google Maps Accessibility: off the #1 bus line from parking, ground is flat and either paved, gravel, or grass |
Queer Theology Sunday School: The Queerness of Jesus |
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SUNDAY, JULY 23rd, 2023 AT 3:30 PM PACIFIC/ 6:30 PM EASTERN
In this event designed for LGBTQ+ folks and those who love them, we're excited to welcome guest teacher Pastor Shana Green, a Black, lesbian, Anabaptist minister who "advocates for non-linear approaches to wholeness that feature and reference a loving, affirming Creator." Shana will be teaching us about the queerness of Jesus. As always, the teaching will be followed by breakout discussion groups, and we will close in prayer. One discussion group is always queer-only. Register ahead of time for the Zoom link!
In this event designed for LGBTQ+ folks and those who love them, we're excited to welcome guest teacher Pastor Shana Green, a Black, lesbian, Anabaptist minister who "advocates for non-linear approaches to wholeness that feature and reference a loving, affirming Creator." Shana will be teaching us about the queerness of Jesus. As always, the teaching will be followed by breakout discussion groups, and we will close in prayer. One discussion group is always queer-only. Register ahead of time for the Zoom link!
Church Picnic on Pride Sunday!
Bellingham, WA, July 9th 2023
On Sunday July 9th, come by and see us at our table at the Festival after the Pride Parade! Find us in Market Depot Square; our booth will be near the alley, on the side towards Fiamma Pizza. We'll be there 12-4!
That evening join us for a potluck in Elizabeth Park near the playground at 5:30. Bring food to share, a blanket or chair to sit on, and your own plate/fork/cup! Or, just bring yourself and come hungry! Kids, visitors, and musical instruments welcome. It's a y'all come event!
That evening join us for a potluck in Elizabeth Park near the playground at 5:30. Bring food to share, a blanket or chair to sit on, and your own plate/fork/cup! Or, just bring yourself and come hungry! Kids, visitors, and musical instruments welcome. It's a y'all come event!
Queer Theology Sunday School: Reading From the Margins
SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2023 AT 3:30 PM PACIFIC/ 6:30 PM EASTERN
In this event designed for LGBTQ+ folks and those who love them, we'll explore transgender readings of Scripture and how they can be a powerful blessing not just for transgender folks, but for non-trans folks as well. We're thrilled to be welcoming Father Shannon TL Kearns (he/him), of queertheology.com fame, as our guest teacher this time! We'll offer a longer Q&A this time, followed by breakout discussion groups, and close in prayer. One discussion group is always queer-only. Register ahead of time for the Zoom link!
In this event designed for LGBTQ+ folks and those who love them, we'll explore transgender readings of Scripture and how they can be a powerful blessing not just for transgender folks, but for non-trans folks as well. We're thrilled to be welcoming Father Shannon TL Kearns (he/him), of queertheology.com fame, as our guest teacher this time! We'll offer a longer Q&A this time, followed by breakout discussion groups, and close in prayer. One discussion group is always queer-only. Register ahead of time for the Zoom link!
Queer Theology Sunday School: Queer Biblical Hermeneutics
Looking at Scripture through a queer lens, and finding queer figures within the Bible!
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on Zoom
Open to the wider church SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 2023 AT 3:30 PM PACIFIC/ 6:30 PM EASTERN In this event designed for queer folks and those who love them, we looked at Scripture through the lens of queer theology, including Anabaptist interpretation and identifying queer figures within the Bible. Rev. Erica Lea-Simka (she/her) was our guest presenter/teacher; the video opens with hosting pastor Rachael Weasley (she/her), followed by Rev. Erica's presentation (discussion groups were not recorded). Email Pastor Rachael to join the mailing list and hear about the next Queer Theology Sunday School! |
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November Wild Church Earth Altar
The part of Whatcom Creek where we're meeting has a boardwalk. The map address for the trailhead is 600 W Holly St.
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Wild Church: Saturday, December 17th, at 11am. Meet on the north bank of Whatcom Creek just east of Holly Street, then warm up afterwards at the cozy nearby Peace and Justice Center for a snacks-and-snail-mail potluck!
11:00 a.m. Wild Church Western trailhead entrance is at 600 W Holly St 12 noon snacks-and-snail-mail-supplies Potluck! at 1220 Bay St, the Peace and Justice Center bring enough to share, or just come and bring yourself! snacks: grain free gluten free and vegan if possible snail mail/art supplies: bring what you have on hand... paper/stamps/envelopes/collage stuff/scissors/markers/etc. You can have fun making whatever art inspires you, and/or create DIY Christmas cards, solstice cards, and write to a couple of our members who have asked for some support. |
We learned a bit about the area at the mouth of Whatcom Creek!
Indigenous Solidarity and Environmental Justice:
Indigenous Solidarity and Environmental Justice:
- The mouth of Whatcom Creek used to discharge into a wide, shallow, and expansive mudflat (likely looked like Birch Bay). Over the years sediment has been added to the landscape to build more land (Most of the land west of the RR track used to be underwater) and the Whatcom Waterway was constructed from many dredging events so boats could get in; the waterway today is maintained by periodic dredging.
- Darrell Hillaire's ancestors had a dwelling on the banks of the river. His production team is bringing attention to Indigenous perspective and culture. https://settingsunproductions.org/our-team
- Ceremony at Xwotqwen (Whatcom Creek aka Noisy Waters): https://youtu.be/sIr3Rd6UQlE
- The too warm temperatures and too low dissolved oxygen experienced in Whatcom Creek make it inhospitable for salmon. More info: https://cob.org/services/environment/restoration/whatcom-creek-2
- Advocate for more public bathrooms for unhoused people who are currently living on whatcom creek (and, of course, other means to support our homelessness situation)
- Be in solidarity with the Coast Salish who want to build a long house in Bellingham - Whatcom Creek is a culturally significant location for this possibility: https://www.whiteswanenvironmental.org/longhouse-restoration.html
- Cleanup garbage whenever or wherever you see it (all garbage if left will make its way to the water)
- Keep pollution of all types out of our waterways. Learn about stormwater and how YOU can make stormwater cleaner and not be contributing to the problem: https://www.re-sources.org/2020/04/how-stormwater-works-more-info-on-runoff/
The holidays can bring up a lot of feelings. Family of origin can be complicated, and it's easy to feel alone with our sadness when surrounded by "Christmas cheer." Many of us have lost a loved one since last Christmas. This quiet service of music, candles, poetry and prayer will be an opportunity to take a breath and hold space for grief. Your feelings of loss and anger are welcome here. You don't have to be queer or Christian; we use inclusive language for the divine, and all are welcome.
If you prefer to gather in-person, our December Wild Church on Saturday December 17th in Bellingham, WA will also follow on these themes.
If you prefer to gather in-person, our December Wild Church on Saturday December 17th in Bellingham, WA will also follow on these themes.
Queer Theology Sunday School: Trauma, Healing, and the Un/Becoming of GodSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022
AT 3:30 PM PACIFIC/ 6:30 PM EASTERN |
If you use the "Heal, Dismantle, Create" model, please credit the Chicago Torture Justice Center and consider making a donation.
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Event Announcement:
In this event designed for queer folks and those who love them, we'll unpack church trauma and healing through the lens of queer theological resilience. As we enter the holiday season, past (and present) hurts may rise up. What does Queer Theology teach us about healing? How can re-imagining God help us create churches that nourish the spiritual lives of LGBTQ+ Christians? How can this be liberative and healing for the whole church? At this first of four quarterly events throughout the year, we'll open in song; welcome Annabeth Roeschley (they/she) (www.bmclgbt.org/staff) as our guest presenter/teacher; then break into self-selected groups by discussion question, and close in prayer. Let's invite our cognitive learning into conversation with our mystical experience of spirituality, faith, identity, and prayer. We hope these events can resource inclusive congregations who want to do a better job at welcoming, celebrating, and nourishing LGBTQ+ Christians; but our primary audience will be LGBTQ+ folks ourselves! If you are in need of space for your grief during the holidays, we are also offering Blue Christmas, a contemplative Zoom worship service at 5:30p/ 8:30e on Sunday, December 11th.
In this event designed for queer folks and those who love them, we'll unpack church trauma and healing through the lens of queer theological resilience. As we enter the holiday season, past (and present) hurts may rise up. What does Queer Theology teach us about healing? How can re-imagining God help us create churches that nourish the spiritual lives of LGBTQ+ Christians? How can this be liberative and healing for the whole church? At this first of four quarterly events throughout the year, we'll open in song; welcome Annabeth Roeschley (they/she) (www.bmclgbt.org/staff) as our guest presenter/teacher; then break into self-selected groups by discussion question, and close in prayer. Let's invite our cognitive learning into conversation with our mystical experience of spirituality, faith, identity, and prayer. We hope these events can resource inclusive congregations who want to do a better job at welcoming, celebrating, and nourishing LGBTQ+ Christians; but our primary audience will be LGBTQ+ folks ourselves! If you are in need of space for your grief during the holidays, we are also offering Blue Christmas, a contemplative Zoom worship service at 5:30p/ 8:30e on Sunday, December 11th.
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Workers Unite!
Yay, the Sehome Starbucks is our newest local Bellingham store to unionize! The other two are Iowa & King; and the Cordata store up on Meridian. There are more strike dates to come; stay tuned for those and in the meantime, consider supporting their cause by contributing to strike funds, adopting a local store, or buying their merch. Jesus was a laborer! Everyone deserves a good job with safe working conditions. More info about the nation-wide movement here. Starbucks locations within Safeways and Haagens stores are already unionized through the grocery store, FYI. The strike date will be hush hush until the last minute so check our FB page. |
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October Wild Church 2022
the Earth altar we created together during Wild Church
Every 3rd Saturday we gather outdoors to do Wild Church! So many of us feel closest to God when we're outdoors, and as we honor the sacredness of Creation, we heal our relationship with earth and ground ourselves for environmental justice.
Meet near the bathrooms by the East Entrance. We will sing, pray, wander solo to experience the holiness of Creation, share about our solo time, create an earth altar (like the one pictured above), and share communion (some kind of bite and sip to eat and drink together, nut-free GF etc.) Get in touch if you have questions! We meet rain or shine, so wear the clothes and bring the gear that will keep you comfortable (umbrella, blanket or camp chair to sit on, etc.). We're looking forward to meeting you and gathering together! After the potluck, head out or stay to join the RE-Sources Beach Cleanup from 12-2p.m.!
Meet near the bathrooms by the East Entrance. We will sing, pray, wander solo to experience the holiness of Creation, share about our solo time, create an earth altar (like the one pictured above), and share communion (some kind of bite and sip to eat and drink together, nut-free GF etc.) Get in touch if you have questions! We meet rain or shine, so wear the clothes and bring the gear that will keep you comfortable (umbrella, blanket or camp chair to sit on, etc.). We're looking forward to meeting you and gathering together! After the potluck, head out or stay to join the RE-Sources Beach Cleanup from 12-2p.m.!
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All you who love our Earth!
What we love, we take care of. Join us to tell the earth we love her by cleaning up Lake Padden! We've connected with God through Nature during our Wild Church gatherings. This time God will be out there picking up trash with us, or perhaps celebrating with the critters who aren't going to eat our plastic. Or both! Help out our ecosystem and watershed, and meet other local folks who care about the earth too at this RESources-hosted event... AND there will be bagels! Saturday, October 15th, 12PM-2PM at Lake Padden.
Details about this event here at the RE Sources website! They have lots of opportunities to get involved in root-causes environmental justice, too.
What we love, we take care of. Join us to tell the earth we love her by cleaning up Lake Padden! We've connected with God through Nature during our Wild Church gatherings. This time God will be out there picking up trash with us, or perhaps celebrating with the critters who aren't going to eat our plastic. Or both! Help out our ecosystem and watershed, and meet other local folks who care about the earth too at this RESources-hosted event... AND there will be bagels! Saturday, October 15th, 12PM-2PM at Lake Padden.
Details about this event here at the RE Sources website! They have lots of opportunities to get involved in root-causes environmental justice, too.
Nerds, Queers, Activists!
Join us for a book discussion of Becky Chamber's 2nd Monk and Robot book, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy. You don't have to be a nerd, a queer person, or an activist to chat about the made-up economy of this moon where society has learned how to live in harmony with nature after solving their environmental crisis. The two main characters use "it/its" pronouns and "they/their" pronouns, so it will be a gender-non-binary-tastic discussion! Let us know what pronouns you want us to use for you when you show up.❤ We'll talk about religion, gender, vocation, friendship, environmental justice, and alternative economies, plus whatever comes up! Email or text Rachael if you need a copy of the book! Saturday, September 3rd, 2:00PM at Elizabeth Station.
Join us for a book discussion of Becky Chamber's 2nd Monk and Robot book, A Prayer for the Crown-Shy. You don't have to be a nerd, a queer person, or an activist to chat about the made-up economy of this moon where society has learned how to live in harmony with nature after solving their environmental crisis. The two main characters use "it/its" pronouns and "they/their" pronouns, so it will be a gender-non-binary-tastic discussion! Let us know what pronouns you want us to use for you when you show up.❤ We'll talk about religion, gender, vocation, friendship, environmental justice, and alternative economies, plus whatever comes up! Email or text Rachael if you need a copy of the book! Saturday, September 3rd, 2:00PM at Elizabeth Station.
July 2022 Wild Church Earth Altar