Poetry as Prayer: Encountering the Trans-cendent God

Sunday October 27th 2024 at 3:30pm Pacific/ 6:30pm Eastern

Many people feel as if God might be hiding themself, or at least be a mystery too big to approach or know. For some, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community, the idea that they are made in the image and likeness of this God might seem improbable or even beyond imagination. Luckily, poetry has the ability to stretch the imagination, open doors to fresh possibilities, and make the everyday new. In our time together we will see how poetry can help us experience our Loving Creator in new ways, give shape to our longings, and revive our spirits. No previous writing experience is necessary. All are welcome in this space.

Jory Mickelson (they/them) is a trans, non-binary Lutheran pastor in Northwest Washington. They are the author of three collections of poetry, most recently All This Divide (Spuyten Duyvil Publishing, 2024). They have received awards and fellowships for their writing and in 2022 were named a Joel R. Workin Memorial Scholar, which recognizes LGBTQIA+ people working for justice.

Will Someone Please Think of the Children: 
Exploring a queer and trans inclusive theology of childhood and faith development

Sunday March 16th 2025 at 3:30pm Pacific/ 6:30pm Eastern

There is trepidation of various kinds about what and how to teach kids about gender and sexuality and the intersection between these topics and faith. What is the theological basis for attempting this? What are some things to consider when doing so? What does it make sense to avoid? Together we will explore a theology of childhood and faith development that is inclusive of the wide variety of experiences of gender, bodies, relationships, family structures, and queer and trans identities.

Caitlin Reilley Beck (they/she/he)
I am a fat, queer, neurodivergent, polyamorous, genderqueer, white settler who lives on stolen Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-waututh land. I am currently one of the co-pastors of Open Way Community Church and a board member and song leader for Music that Makes Community. I cannot be stopped from acquiring an ever-increasing list of special interests and hobbies including drumming, grassroots ecumenism, photography, intersectionality, liturgical geekery, values based administration, singing in harmony, empowering young people, godparenting, eating french fries, jigsaw puzzling, making art, and being a feminist killjoy. I believe that every voice is important in the song of God’s creation and I aim to empower people of all ages to use their voices as leaders in their churches and communities by first of all learning how to listen.

A Queer Approach to Scripture and Art:
Parable of the Talents and the Creative Process

Sunday May 11th at 3:30pm Pacific/ 6:30pm Eastern 

Artists Claes Oldenburg & Coosje van Bruggen make sculptures that often depict everyday items made larger than life. Scripture is full of stories that are also larger than life. In this gathering we'll explore the Parable of the Talents, as recorded in Matthew 21, through the lens of Oldenburg and Van Bruggen's artwork to discover how scripture and art in relationship can invite us into unique and expansive experiences of each. We'll also consider how the pairing may encourage each of us to join in enlarging life space, for ourselves and others, by creatively living our own unique and expansive selves into the world.

Michelle Burkholder (they|them) is a queer/non-binary/trans artist and pastor currently serving as Assoociate Pastor at Hyattsville Mennonite Church in Maryland. Michelle was born and raised in Harrisonburg, Virginia and studied art and theatre at Eastern Mennonite University. After college, Michelle and spouse Becky moved to Minnesota for Michelle to attend United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. UTS offered Michelle the chance to explore theology and art in relationship. The connections between art/faith/spirituality fill Michelle with wonder, curiosity and joy. Michelle shares life at home with spouse Becky, son Simon, and an Irish Setter named Milo.

Three Queer Things- or is it One Queer Thing?- About the Trinity
Sunday July 27 at 3:30pm: Rev. Davi Weasley (they/them)

I love the Trinity, and many of the reasons I love it are the same reasons I love queer theory: the ability to authentically encounter difference without disparity, cross-cultural imaginings that avert wars, and a centuries-long commitment to a God that is NOT a binary.
  
Come goof off with and tell stories about the wildest troublemaker I know, the Trinity Hirself.  A little bit of lecture, a lot of "why does this even matter?" group exploration, and an extremely silly youtube video about leprechauns. 

Davi Weasley grew up in Western New York, and studied at Oberlin College and Chicago Theological Seminary. In addition to theology, they have a background in spiritual direction, community organizing, and storytelling. They are passionate about communities that celebrate people for things and characteristics that other people have rejected.
Davi is a pastor at the Everett United Church of Christ, and is the proud parent of Zeke (primary schooler, philosopher, engineer) and Jubilee, (poet, explorer, baby), and partner to Rachael (songwriter and pastor).


Find Davi at www.blusteryhearts.com.