For their faithful commitment to affirmation, love and liberation for ALL, we celebrate the service and leadership of August Laperche.
Give to AllianceQ – the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance in honor of August Laperche.
“The Alliance is healthier and more faithful to marginalized individuals and the Church because of August’s leadership. August has been instrumental in several of the big(gest) projects since my start with the organization. I felt a kinship with August since they initiated an internship with the Alliance and as we navigated the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. August’s ministry as an intern and Co-Moderator was life-giving, to me and to the Alliance. They brought conviction and creativity. I admire August’s authenticity (and color-coded organization!). I will grieve their absence on the Council but not in my life. I *hope* their colorful spirit continues to influence this ministry and the wider Church.” – Rev. Melissa Guthrie, Executive Director + Minister
“To try to encapsulate the brilliance, care, and awareness that August brings to a space is almost impossible to put in words, but their actions speak louder than mine need to. August, our relationship has made leaps in closeness since the bathroom break moment at General Assembly 2019 in Des Moines, IA, where our blooming friendship began. It has been a privilege and honor to watch/collaborate with you in your ministerial endeavors to: create safe and brave spaces for queer persons, center and uplift minoritized voices within the queer community, and naming truth to power with action. Your “Colors of Hope” podcast created a space for multiple people to name their truth and control their narrative. Because you decided to care about my life’s song, I’ve gotten to sing my story in a plethora of new ways. Queerly Beloved, you deserve to be shouted out, so ‘You Betta Werk!’ – DeShay Jackson
“I met August during the depths of the pandemic, and true to the visionary they are, August had dreamed up an amazing project which gave many of us a reason to pour our pent-up creativity into something constructive…so constructive that the Colors of Hope Podcast was later turned into a book! That is who August is, a catalyst for new ways of thinking about ministry and God’s love in action in our world. I know that AllianceQ will miss them, but I also know that their influence will be felt for years to come – and I’m excited to see what happens next! Thank you, August – you inspire and bless me and the world, and I am grateful!” – Rev. Marian Edmonds-Allen
“August’s consideration for others and their ability to listen helped to create a safe space for everyone to participate in all aspects of the AllianceQ Council. I am grateful to have had regular opportunities to share space with them and feel blessed by all August has done to shape the future of Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance!” – Rev. Dr. Steven Blinder
“August you have a knack for working with different people. Your ability to just make people laugh, have a good time, and develop deep connections is noticeable! I appreciate your willingness to listen first and then provide constructive feedback. I will miss your bright and heart warming laughter! Thank you for all your hard work and contributions to the ministry of Disciples Alliance!” – Rev. RJ Robles
“August and I worked together at the same church for our grad school internships and I always looked up to their courage to voice different and unique ways to worship, as well as different ways the church can be more inclusive and accepting. August always had the courage to name systems of abuse and we had amazing discussions on ways to work against those systems, with love and friendship. Our work relationship blossomed into a friendship very quickly and August showed me love and hospitality, especially when I was struggling at my own home. I am inspired by their courage, love, and views on social justice and peace.” – Erin Gresham
“I could not have made it through the past couple of years as Council Moderator without August serving alongside me. Their critical perspective, attention to detail, and pastoral presence will be greatly missed. I am honored to be able to call August my friend and am excited for their ministry ahead.” -Rev. Luther Young, Jr.
Concluding their service as a Council Member, we invite you to give to AllianceQ – the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance in honor of August Laperche.
Thank you for honoring August and joining us in our work of affirmation, love and liberation for ALL.