Identity, Naming & Story

Come and make space to explore who we are and the stories we carry with us. Through a series of stations, you’ll be invited to reflect on identity, the names and language we use for ourselves, and some of the experiences that have shaped us. Along the way, you’ll also create your name tag for the weekend as a small way of choosing how you would like to be known in this space.

We’ll then come together for a time of story sharing, with an opportunity to listen to the story and experience of another person. There is no expectation to arrive at a particular answer or to share more than you want to. The evening is about curiosity, listening and beginning to know ourselves and one another.

From there, we’ll move into wine and cheese together, with space to connect, settle in and continue conversations as the weekend begins.

Self-Defined and Sacred: How God's Limitless Names Encourages Queer Flourishing

At the heart of the Christian story is a God who chooses their own name (Yahweh) and defines their own limitless, liberating identity. This morning session will be lead by Steff Fenton, as they help us to break open God as a Divine presence that refuses to be boxed in, defined, or constrained by human categories and reveals a nature that is fluid, expansive, and beautifully queer. This sacred revelation is mirrored in the lives of many LGBTIQA+ communities, who so often embrace a liberated identity, name themselves, and refuse to conform.

Christian communities need LGBTIQA+ folks to teach us how to embrace the fullness of God’s own limitless name and nature. The Church needs LGBTIQA+ people to live our lives authentically and shine our lights brightly, for the sake of God’s mission. Because when queer people nurture the boundless possibilities of their names and identities, the church moves closer to the heart of our limitless and liberating God.

Who and What would we like more of in this Space

What would help us, our communities, and the wider church to flourish in this space?

This collaborative session invites everyone into the conversation. Our faciliator, Kelly Woods, will lead us in exploring what we would like to see more of, what might be missing, and what we need from one another and the church to support communities where people can belong, grow, participate and flourish.

Rather than beginning with a predetermined answer, this is a chance to listen to one another, share from our different experiences, and begin naming our hopes and priorities together. What emerges from the room will help us imagine not only what could be different, but what we might begin creating together.