in Vestry Papers and filtered by Capital Campaigns, Worship, Youth + 8 other(s)
By Alex Montes-Vela
In The Gifts of God for the People of God, Alex Montes-Vela draws on his childhood memories, and on words that we all have spoken innumerable times, to explore the concept of abundance in our lives, communities and faith. This article is available in English and Spanish.
By Lee Curtis
In Critical Missions: Stabilizing and Supporting Small Congregations, Lee Curtis tells the story of the Diocese of Rio Grande and their work with ECF and the Lilly Endowment “Bridges to the Future” grant, which enabled them to ask challenging questions and explore solutions that invigorate ministry, halt chain reactions, and move to a place of sustainable thriving.
By Cathie Caimano
What could sustainable part-time ministry look like? In Serving Congregations Sustainably, Cathie Caimano describes the fundamentals of how small changes to an established model can be life-giving, transformative and hopeful.
By Gerlene (GJ) Gordy
La idea principal de los bienes de la comunidad es conservar la cultura para las generaciones futuras en lugar de maximizar su uso con fines de lucro.
By Gerlene (GJ) Gordy
While Western culture often equates assets with things one can own and that have monetary value, in Reimagining Assets GJ Gordy shares a Navajo perspective, reminding us that culture, relationships and intergenerational wisdom are also essential community assets.
By Charis Bhagianathan
June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month. In this, our second Pride issue honoring the LGBTQ+ community (find the previous issue here), we embark on a journey of understanding, inclusion and acceptance through Christ’s eyes, honoring the sacred worth of every individual.
By Keith Voets
In Do We Actually Want to Be Inclusive? Keith Voets leans on personal experience to describe why it is easier to place marginalized groups into neat boxes for the sake of comfort, rather than celebrating and inviting unique differences in individuals, all of whom are created in God’s image.
By Hannah Wilder
As humans and Christians, our vocal and emphatic support of queer people can not only have a positive impact on their lives but can also actually help them survive. In Gifts of Queerness, Hannah Wilder shares wisdom on queer theology, sexuality, and intentionally creating spaces for individuals to be accepted and celebrated as God’s children.
By Craig Bossi and Matt Foreman
In recent years, we have seen an unprecedented rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, rhetoric and initiatives. In Silent No More, Craig Bossi and Matt Foreman raise questions that encourage us to reflect on how we as Christians and human beings will respond, not performatively but through positive action to support our LGBTQ+ siblings in their struggle for equity and respect.
By Craig Bossi
These four offerings – two videos and two articles – are a reminder of the work to be done. We hope they speak of courage and belief for a world made more beautiful by these LGBTQ+ Christians and their commitment to a Church where all God’s children are loved and valued.
