Queer today, queer tomorrow - Like God, some things don't change
Reflections from the EDM
A neighboring exhibitor gave me a shirt to wear at the Q Christian Fellowship Liberated to Love Conference in DC. “So you have something to wear tomorrow,” she said.
The shirt reads, “Queer today, queer tomorrow — Like God, some things don’t change.” Check out Kaleidoscope Ministries!
The airline lost my luggage that included nearly all the booth materials for AllianceQ — and my clothes, but not my toothbrush. I had my toothbrush! The t-shirt was the first of many gestures of community and care, and the conference was a phenomenal start to the new year. The luggage eventually arrived!
Many folks are starting 2023 with our New Year, Renewed Hope Community Groups. We *hope* you will join us for connection, conversation, and renewed hope.
I desire newness and continuity. There’s a Lorelai Gilmore quote, “I can be flexible. As long as everything is exactly the way I want it, I can be totally flexible.”
Just kidding. Am I kidding?
For me and for some pieces of our ministry, “some things don’t change” but there’s renewal. And release. And mystery in it all.
Are you familiar with “star words”? You’re familiar with star words. For the second year in a row, the Rev. Sara Nave-Fisher has gifted me with a star word. Oh, Sara. I don’t know about this one… I like to know and I just don’t know…
Sara is facilitating the Monday morning community group. This group and the Thursday evening group and the ways we are coming together this year — are you going to be in-person at General Assembly? — I believe we have the opportunity for renewal and release. AllianceQ continues to renew its commitments to and embodiments of our core values.
Our vision is Affirmation, Love, and Liberation for ALL. These values guide our work:
- justice + liberation
- belonging + affirmation
- connectedness + relationship
- love + grace
- accountability + transparency
and these priorities:
- ensuring organizational sustainability,
- dismantling and divesting from white supremacist structures and practices, and
- addressing the pastoral needs of LGBTQ+ people.
And we continue difficult work to release that which no longer serves us.
By now you’ve likely heard me say that I get paid to answer people’s questions with questions. So a few questions that I’m asking of myself, too.
What does hope look like at the start of this year?
Where or how do you desire renewal? How will you engage this? (Ouch. I/we have to do something…)
What no longer serves you?
How will you release that which no longer serves you?
Who can accompany you on the journey? From who/what/where will you find accountability?
Please accompany AllianceQ. More than ever we desire and need to collaborate and communicate, to work and play together and alongside one another.
Thank you for being part of the holy mystery. <<Remind me to lean into the mystery today and tomorrow.