AllianceQ

Virtual Pulpit Supply

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About VPS

AllianceQ offers Virtual Pulpit Supply with pre-recorded sermons on the lectionary text every fourth Sunday of the month. While drawing from the lectionary texts, you are encouraged to download VPS materials at any time. Materials are relevant for individual spiritual practices, small groups, and worship.

Available for download one week in advance, you will be provided with a scripture reading, sermon, and sending forth.

NEW in 2022: Conversations Starters + Calls to Action! Also in ’22: VPS is available every Sunday during Pride Month. Elevate LGBTQ+ voices the entire month of June.

In ministry alongside the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), AllianceQ – the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance is eager to connect with more congregations and individuals through worship and learning. VPS allows us to connect no matter the distance, and you get the opportunity to receive a good word.

How does it work?

VPS is offered once a month for the lectionary text assigned to the fourth Sunday of each month. To sign up, fill out this VPS request form. By 5 p.m. ET on the Monday before the assigned date, you will receive an email with a link to all downloads. If you request previous months’ materials, your downloads will be sent within 1-2 business days.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to download the VPS materials. However, to sustain this ministry, we ask that you consider making a donation to AllianceQ. You can support the Virtual Pulpit Supply project and donate here.

You may also mail a check to: Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance, P.O. Box 44400, Indianapolis, IN 46244 with the memo “VPS.”

Who are the preachers?

Each month will feature an LGBTQ+ Disciples minister or seminarian. Preachers are active members of AllianceQ and/or Disciples Justice Ministries. Identifying as queer or an ally, each preacher brings a unique perspective for engaging and responding to the scripture. Bios will highlight the preacher’s background and context.

August 28, 2022: Rev. Tyler Heston

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Sermon text: TBA

Sermon Title: TBA

Tyler Heston (he/him) is a minister, writer, and human being. Tyler works with the Christian wisdom tradition to steward spiritual and significant moments and create space for meaning-making. Tyler’s based in Kansas City, MO, where he works as Minister for Youth & Young Adults at Country Club Christian Church and lives with his husband and two rascal pets.

July 24, 2022: Rev. Pedro Ramos Goycolea

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June 26, 2022: Dorian Condre

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June 19, 2022: Rev. Yvonne Gilmore

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Sermon text: Galatians 3:23-29

Sermon Title: ”No longer captive and guarded: As much love as we can bear”

About Rev. Yvonne Gilmore

Rev. Yvonne T. Gilmore currently serves as Interim Administrative Secretary of the National Convocation and Associate General Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. Ever committed to the cultivation of thought leadership and community formation, she co-directs “Living Justice: An Anti-Racist Practicum,” a justice learning and innovation lab that seeks to test out new approaches for connecting transformative leaders and ideas at Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago, and is also a core trainer with Reconciliation Ministries. She also serves as adjunct faculty in the Certificate of African American Ministry (CAAM) program at Lexington Theological Seminary. From 2013-2020, she served as Associate Dean of Disciples Divinity House of the University of Chicago (DDH), and as a co-teacher in the MDiv Arts of Ministry sequence at the Divinity School of the University of Chicago. Rev. Gilmore is also a former member of the Board of Directors of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM), and the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and a former new church pastor, and chaplain. She holds a BA in International Relations from The American University, and an MDiv from the University of Chicago Divinity School.

June 12, 2022: Rev. Dr. Caitlin Simpson

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Sermon text: Romans 5:1-5

About Rev. Dr. Caitlin Simpson

Rev. Dr. Caitlin Simpson works as the Director of Crisis Response with the Center for Women and Families in Louisville, KY serving survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault.

Caitlin was ordained in 2015 as the first openly gay clergy member in the Kentucky Region for DOC. She holds a PhD in Education and Social Change with a focus on trauma informed care and intersectionality education for pastoral care providers. She is a Master Trainer for suicide intervention model Question.Persuade.Refer (QPR) and a trainer for the Kentucky Region Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Clergy Training.

Caitlin lives in Goshen, KY with her wife Courtney, and their two children. 

June 05, 2022: Sergio Centeno

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Sermon text: John 14:8-17

About Sergio Centeno

Sergio Centeno is a Puerto Rican church pastor here in United States who is pursuing ordination in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He born and raised in Puerto Rico as a forth generation of Disciples of Christ. Then after, became a Lutheran. He completed his Masters of Divinity at McCormick Theological Seminary in 2014. Graduated from the University of Puerto Rico majoring in Humanities and Fine Arts, he have been a fine artist, an Art director and Art professor for many years. He also is a worship curator, a faith educator, a trainer, a storyteller and a community organizer. Was the World Council of Churches 50th Anniversary Art Director as well as several advertising agencies as a Senior Art Director and Designer.

Moved to Chicago -a decade ago- to complete his theological education which was focus on Practical Theology – Worship/Liturgy, Anthropology (Ritual Studies) and Arts. His areas of research and practice are at the intersections of Art, Spirituality and Social Justice. After he completed his graduate studies (MDiv), he did work as the Artist-in-Residence and Assistant Pastor at University Church (a Christian Church and United Church of Christ congregation in Hyde Park, Chicago) until he moved to NYC to follow this call to serve the Latinx Community..

Right now Sergio is a council member of the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance, Member of University Church Chicago, La Trinidad Lutheran Church in Chicago and the Intern Pastor at Advent Lutheran Church in Manhattan, New York City where he lives with his two cats: Mauri and Matilda.

May 22, 2022: Rev. Dr. Kim Leon

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Sermon text: John 14: 23-29

Sermon Title: Keeping the Word

About Rev. Dr. Kim Leon

Rev. Dr. Kim Leon (she/her) serves as Chaplain at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. She is a commissioned minister in the Mid-America region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Kim earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently a student in the MDiv program at Phillips Theological Seminary.

She is a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Columbia, Missouri, where she serves as an Elder and as Chair of the Open and Affirming Team. 

April 24, 2022: Rev. Melissa Guthrie

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Sermon text: John 20:19-31

Sermon Title: Stones, flower petals and (trusting in) new life

About Rev. Melissa Guthrie (she/her):

Melissa is the Executive Director + Minister with AllianceQ—the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance and the founding director of Salvage Garden.

She created “The Banquet: A Sensory Worship Experience,” centering disabled individuals. Melissa is trained in faith-based nonprofit leadership through Wake Forest University Divinity and Law Schools. A lecturer on theology and disability, she is passionate about the many intersections of our identities.

 

March 27, 2022: Rev. RJ Robles

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Sermon text: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2

Sermon Title: TBA

About Rev. RJ Robles (he/they/elle): RJ is an Afro- Puerto Rican queer and trans community organizer, minister, movement chaplain, educator, and survivor living in the U.S. diaspora. RJ is among trans spiritual warriors as an ordained Disciples of Christ Christian minister and Puerto Rican spiritualist. They have also been trained as a movement chaplain and continue their training in movement trauma healing. As a mad psychiatric survivor, they currently support trans youth through healing justice-based projects with the National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network. RJ also spends their day providing social services to unaccompanied minors and autistic children within mental health agencies in Nashville, TN, where they currently reside. RJ believes a new world is possible when we center ancestral wisdom, practice radical love, and continue organizing.  

February 28, 2022: Rev. Luther Young, Jr.

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Sermon text: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2

Sermon Title: Temporary Veils, Permanent Glory

About Rev. Luther Young (he/him): Rev. Luther Young, Jr., is an artist, public theologian, and social justice advocate who focuses on racial equity and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Luther is a graduate of Vanderbilt Divinity School and a current Ph.D. candidate in sociology at The Ohio State University. His current research investigates the causes and effects of homophobia in predominantly black churches.

December 26, 2021: Rev. Melissa Guthrie

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Sermon text: Luke 2:41-52

Sermon Title: (Group of) Travelers

Melissa (she/her) is the Executive Director + Minister with AllianceQ and the founding director of Salvage Garden. She created “The Banquet: A Sensory Worship Experience,” centering disabled individuals. Melissa is trained in faith-based nonprofit leadership through Wake Forest University. A Wartburg College alumna (Waverly, Iowa), the Spirit moved Melissa to North Carolina to teach high school English as a corps member with Teach for America. She completed her M. Div. at Wake Forest University School of Divinity (Winston Salem, North Carolina) and is an ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Melissa and her wife Leah live in Greensboro, North Carolina, with their children and a small zoo.

November 28, 2021: Dr. LaTayna Purnell

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Sermon text: Mark 13:24-37

Sermon Title: Welcome to Advent!

Dr. Purnell (she/her) is a second-year Master of Divinity student with a concentration in UCC/DOC studies at the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (UTS). With a  professional career in education she worked as a PK-12 teacher and college professor, as well as a higher education administrator. LaTayna is a Ministry Intern with AllianceQ through December 2021.

October 24, 2021: Rev. Laura Jean Allen (LJ)

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Sermon text: Mark 10: 46-52

Sermon Title: Cloaks and Closets

Rev. Laura Jean Allen (LJ) (she/her) is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She received her Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School, in Fort Worth, TX. She pastors First Christian Church, in Helena, MT, and is the secretary and pastoral care liaison for AllianceQ. She is happily married to her partner, Kit, and they are the parents of two fun and furry kids, Bradley and Nala. Laura Jean also serves on several boards within the General Church, and several committees within the Northern Lights Region.

September 26, 2021: Rev. April Johnson

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Sermon text: Numbers 14: 10-13; 24 – 29

Sermon Title: Holy Burdens

Rev. April G. Johnson (she/her) serves as the Minister of Reconciliation for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. She brings to this work a deep passion for racial understanding, justice and compassion. As Minister of Reconciliation, Rev. Johnson facilitates the church-wide process of awareness, analysis and action toward healing the fractures in the body of Christ that are caused by systemic racism. She collaborates with organizer trainers, regional and congregational staff leadership, anti-racism teams and ecumenical partners in her efforts to guide this work. Rev. Johnson has added mediation to the toolbox of Anti-Racism skills and practices in the church’s pursuit to embody a Pro-Reconciling identity. In her capacity as both pastor and administrator, Rev. Johnson emphasizes the importance of relationship-building across differences as one of the critical ways that we actualize God’s plan for humanity and creation.

August 22, 2021: Rev. Amie Vanderford, MDiv and Thaddeus Shelton, Jr., MFT, CSAYC

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Sermon text: Ephesians 6:10-20

Sermon and Mental Health Moment: About the economy of mutual care and intimacy with the Spirit

Co-Founder & Pastor – Rev. Amie Vanderford, MDiv (she/her)
Rev. Amie Vanderford obtained her Master of Divinity at the Christian Theological Seminary, along with numerous master level courses in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and is an ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She and Thaddeus (spouse and co-founder) believe that mental and emotional health are as critical to a person’s overall well-being as spiritual and physical health, and they have incorporated trauma informed care and mental health services, with a particular focus on relational and community healing, into the mission, vision, and foundation of The LabOratory Church. She is also co-founder of Project LEAST. Amie has had a diverse career prior to taking up her call to prophetic and pastoral ministry. In addition to working in the corporate and non-profit fields, she is an accomplished photographer with a diverse multicultural and international background, having lived all over the world since childhood. She obtained an undergraduate degree in International Relations with a focus on Peace and Conflict Resolution, and she has a strong passion for addressing systemic racial and other social injustices.

Co-Founder & Minister of Mental Health – Thaddeus Shelton, Jr., MFT, CSAYC (he/him)
Thaddeus Shelton, Jr. obtained his Master of Marriage and Family Therapy at the Christian Theological Seminary, and has additionally received his CSAYC (Credentialed Sexually Abusive Youth Clinician) certification. He is currently providing therapy services through a local Indianapolis agency, Family & Community Partners, and he is the founder and facilitator of the Project LEAST (Love Everyone As Self Training) mentoring program which teaches evidence-based pro-social skills in order to equip youth to navigate the world in a healthy and more communal way. He understands the complicated dynamics of systemic oppression, and uses a narrative therapeutic approach to address and help dismantle those systems. Thaddeus has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, and has had a diverse career as an entrepreneur, project manager, and business owner, along with years of experience in the insurance industry, prior to answering his call to service.

July 25, 2021: Dr. Steven Blinder

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Sermon text: Ephesians 3:14-21

Sermon title: Real Strength

About Dr. Steven Blinder (he/him):

Steven Blinder is the senior pastor at Royal Palm Christian Church (DOC) in Coral Springs, FL. However, being a father and grandfather are his most important life roles. He is a student at Phillips Theological Seminary (PTS) and has graduate degrees in human resource management, curriculum, and leadership. He has published reading curriculum, bully prevention programs, and time management materials. Dr. Blinder has presented national workshops on faith-based bias. He is the 2021 recipient of the Peggy and Richard Ziegler Award for Excellence in Christian Education from PTS. Additionally, he is a recipient of the Kathleen Cooper Wright Award for transformational leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Blinder serves on the AllianceQ council, is an active member of his community, and serves the Florida Region as personnel chair. He believes that when we are authentically ourselves, the way we can love God and people will inevitably result in transformation!

June 27, 2021: Rev. Dr. Judy Alston

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Sermon text: Psalm 130

Sermon title: Waiting, Hoping, Praying, and Living in God’s Promises

About Judy Alston (she/her):

Dr. Judy Alston is a Professor and Director of the Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies at Ashland University. A southerner by birth, she hails from Charleston, SC. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from The Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Divinity degree from Methodist Theological School in Ohio, as well as a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration and a Master of Education degree in Secondary Education both from the University of South Carolina, and Bachelor of Arts in English from Winthrop College. She is the author of Herstories: Leading with the Lessons of the Lives of Black Women Activists. She is married to Dr. Cynthia A. Tyson.

May 23, 2021: Rev. Allen V. Harris

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Sermon text: Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Acts 2:1-21

Sermon title: Their Voices Are In My Bones

About Allen V. Harris (he/him):

The Rev. Allen V. Harris was called to be the Regional Pastor and President of the Christian Church in Ohio, one of 32 Regions in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada and began his ministry in April of 2021.  He most recently served as the Regional Minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Capital Area from June 2015 to October 2020.  Previously Allen served as Senior Pastor of Franklin Circle Christian Church in Cleveland, Ohio for 14 years where he helped to transform that congregation’s ministry within its richly diverse urban neighborhood just west of downtown Cleveland.  Prior to that he served as Associate Pastor/Transitional Senior Pastor of the Park Avenue Christian Church of New York City for a decade, the congregation in which he was ordained into ministry in 1991.

Allen has gifts and graces in many areas but is especially experienced in leading congregations and individuals through Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation, Open & Affirming, and Accessible Congregational processes.  He delights in and seeks to grow in transformational leadership for non-profit organizations as well as congregations and communities of faith, using social media for mission and advocacy, and in mentoring new clergy.  In 2021 he will launch a new coaching/mentoring/training practice!

April 25, 2021: Rev. Dr. Caitlin Simpson

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Sermon text: Psalm 23; Luke 8:2; Matthew 28:8-10

Sermon title: Embracing Our Imperfect Worth

Sermon themes: Mental Health, Demons, Worthiness, Healing, Courage

About Caitlin Simpson (she/her): Rev. Dr. Caitlin Simpson serves as the Director of Crisis Response with the Center for Women and Families in Louisville, Kentucky. Caitlin’s doctorate focused on Education and Social Change specializing in Trauma and Intersectionality Informed Ministry in Pastoral Care. Caitlin was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Kentucky Region in 2015 as the first openly gay clergy member.

Caitlin specializes in trauma recovery and resilience for care providers as they seek to assist trauma survivors in healing and recovery. She serves on the Louisville Health Advisory Board – Behavioral Health Committee working to increase suicide prevention in the Louisville area. She is a trainer for Seeing the Face of God in Each Other, Kentucky’s Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation clergy training. Caitlin is a Gatekeeper Trainer working towards becoming a Master Trainer with Question.Persuade.Refer., an internationally recognized bystander suicide intervention program.

Caitlin is a PTSD survivor who works daily to overcome the impacts of trauma and seeks to live into her whole authentic self. Caitlin and her wife, Courtney, are proud foster parents and live in Goshen, Kentucky. In this TEDx Talk, Caitlin speaks about the art of humanization using critical theory and a theology of inclusion rooted in the work of theological giants such as Letty Russel, Katie Cannon, and Richard Niebuhr as well as sociology giants such as Brené Brown and Peter Block, to name a few. 

March 28, 2021: Elijah Burton

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Sermon texts: Isaiah 50:4-9, Psalm 31:9-16

Sermon title: Welcomed. Wanted?

Sermon themes: Belonging, Welcome, Affirmation, Transgender

About Elijah Burton (he/him): Elijah is a seminary student at Phillips Theological Seminary, and he works as a Bookkeeper and Office Manager for an Episcopal Church. Eli and his family are members at First Christian Church of Lansing where he is an Elder, sings in the choir and is a member of the General Board. Eli and his wife Jessica are raising two kids, Lu who is non-binary and Alexis, and they are foster parents.

As a self-identified queer transman, Eli says he knows the struggle of finding an accepting and affirming church home. “I bounced between churches for years, all of which stated they were ‘open and affirming,’ but fell short of affirming me as I am. When I found the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and subsequently AllianceQ, I knew I had a found a place that was open, accepting and working to affirm me as a child of God.”

Eli was elected for the AllianceQ Council in October 2020 and serves as Treasurer.

February 28, 2021: Rev. Erin Wathen

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Sermon text: Mark 8:31-38

Sermon title: Part of the Neighborhood

Sermon themes: Interconnectedness, denying self, economy of interdependence

About Rev. Erin Wathen (she/her): Erin joined the staff of Week of Compassion after 15 years of congregational ministry, having served churches in the Kentucky, Arizona and Kansas City Regions; and serving in multiple Regional and General Church leadership roles.

A graduate of Transylvania University and Lexington Theological Seminary, she recently earned a post-graduate certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Rockhurst University. In addition to working for Week of Compassion, Erin is also a writer and has published two books–one of which was a Publisher’s Weekly Book of the Year in 2018.

In her 2016 Patheos article “Get Off the Fence: Why ‘We Welcome Everyone’ Isn’t Enough,” Rev. Erin Wathen writes:

“We have to say it, because ‘come on in, it’ll be fine,’ does not cut it for marginalized communities that have been hurt by the church, repeatedly and systemically.”

​Erin lives in Louisville, KY with her family where they enjoy music, the outdoors, and just generally being in the Bluegrass state again.

January 24, 2021: Rev. Luther Young

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Sermon text: Mark 1:14-20

Sermon title: Keep it Moving

Sermon themes: repentance, justice, calling, faith and works, gifts, inclusion

About Rev. Luther Young (he/him): Rev. Luther Young, Jr., is an artist, public theologian, and social justice advocate who focuses on racial equity and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Luther is a graduate of Vanderbilt Divinity School and a current Ph.D. candidate in sociology at The Ohio State University. His current research investigates the causes and effects of homophobia in predominantly black churches.

Words of Gratitude

We are thankful for the inspiration and resourcing from More Light Presbyterians. More Light launched Virtual Pulpit Supply in late 2020. AllianceQ continues to be in collaboration with queer church leaders, especially at the intersection of race, gender and sexuality.

We extend deep gratitude for the time and gifts of our preachers with appreciation for your openness to our voices and ministry together.

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