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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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Previous Events
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Wild Church
The next two Wild Church gatherings will be at Boulevard Park, on the north end by the traffic circle, near the covered stage in case of rain! Saturdays at 11am October 21st & November 18th 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 |
What to expect at Wild Church!
* an opening with some silence and a land acknowledgment
* sharing of names and pronouns
* one or two songs, a capella unless it's warm enough for instruments
* 30 minutes of time to wander freely on your own or stay put, practicing mindfulness and experiencing nature
* prayers using gender-inclusive language for God
* we build an earth altar together (photos below) and share about our wandering time
* a casual ritual of communion with GF & vegan bites and sips (food and drink depend on the season)
* everything is invitational/optional, participate as you feel comfortable, nothing is required or pressured
* we wrap up after about an hour! when possible we do a potluck right afterwards
* theology: universalist, panentheistic process theology, queer theology, no atonement theology (God does not cause or require suffering or violence)
* an opening with some silence and a land acknowledgment
* sharing of names and pronouns
* one or two songs, a capella unless it's warm enough for instruments
* 30 minutes of time to wander freely on your own or stay put, practicing mindfulness and experiencing nature
* prayers using gender-inclusive language for God
* we build an earth altar together (photos below) and share about our wandering time
* a casual ritual of communion with GF & vegan bites and sips (food and drink depend on the season)
* everything is invitational/optional, participate as you feel comfortable, nothing is required or pressured
* we wrap up after about an hour! when possible we do a potluck right afterwards
* theology: universalist, panentheistic process theology, queer theology, no atonement theology (God does not cause or require suffering or violence)
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
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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! |
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
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