So many of us who are LGBTQ and Christian experienced deconstruction of our faith in the process of self acceptance. Part of this deconstruction occurred because of the hurt and harm that other Christians did in the name of “being a good Christian”, or “loving you as Jesus would call me to do.” Not only do our old ways of believing and experiencing God not feel so applicable anymore, but there’s also the challenge of separating out the harm other Christians have done to us, from God. Deciphering what is a persons doing and what is Gods is essential in beginning to recreate a faith. So we are left wondering, now what?

How to plant a successful garden to feed your family and community (and your soul).
The nuts and bolts and the mental attitude in one presentation.
How and what we eat is a justice issue.
We can participate in ancient eternal systems with a modern understanding and a sense of reverence.
We will have a thoughtful and informative conversation on growing food and herbs and how this affects us.

Find out how this journalist ended up at a seminary and in the process reconnect perhaps with what your faith calls you to do. In this talk, we’ll discuss the exciting new emerging strategies The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church is undertaking, as it, and the broader Church, face challenges of “a rebuild” at all levels. And rediscover how you too can be deeply committed to service and also feel a sense of power in your ability to shape and lead as The Good Lord directs you.

In this session, participants will explore what an evolutionary life might look like and journey towards finding that sweet spot of Blissful Authenticity. Through a spoken word experience, interactive exercises and group discussion, we will explore key principles and extrapolate ways to practically apply our learning. This interactive presentation seeks to bring greater coherence between one’s evolved spirituality and one’s embodied reality.

Even the best people get caught up in the wrong things from time to time. When the stakes are high, and passions run deep, it is easy to overlook the emotional temperature of those around you. How can we stay focused, move toward our goal, and care about those around us all at the same time? Let’s talk though some ideas for creating safe, collaborative spaces even in the craziest situations.

This presentation integrates sensory awareness and breathing techniques to slow thoughts and create mindspace. Once participants’ hearts and minds are prepared, contemplative prayer is introduced surveying multiple traditions.

Come for a special performance by Tracy Howe, featuring music born out of movement work and radically changing life circumstance, her new project, Things That Grow,” and more. “I was born both addicted and blind to the privilege and power that global exploitation, militarism and racism hold in place for a few. Thank God I had music. My early touring career brought me across the continental United States and many parts of Central and South America. The songs opened pathways of relationships and the relationships seeded new songs about the lived realities of people in many different places and the struggles for life and justice everywhere. Now 20 years after I started writing songs for public performance and community building I feel some responsibility as an artist to document what I see happening to demonstrate and declare the movements of liberation alive in the world. I am a songwriter seeking to cultivate my own humanity and the humanity others through lyrics and melodies harmonies and stories of liberation.”