There’s a lot of conversation around the idea of deconstruction. For many of us, the categories that we inherited for understanding the world and our place in it are no longer convincing. The restlessness created by this destabilization has led to rethinking and reformulating our faith. The basic content of words, like God, Jesus, and Scripture, has been transformed. One key reason for this shift is the loss of fear as a motivator. We’ve discovered that not attending Church or not reading the Bible doesn’t mean we will contract an illness or get a flat tire. So, why would anyone still be Christian? If hell and damnation are no longer the motivation for engaging and participating in this tradition, why would anyone want to do so? In this session, Josh will explore these themes and share his own reasons for (still) being Christian.

Enjoy some of the finest singer-songwriters that the Goose has to offer, with all of the fun and spontaneity of a song-writing circle. Hosted by Kiya Heartwood, this is a chance to hear more about the stories behind the songs and experience the magic of musical community being formed in the moment.

What does ‘access’ mean – especially when it comes to communities of faith? How do faith communities become accessible for people across the physical and neurodiverse disability spectrum? How do issues of economics, race, gender and sexuality impact accessibility needs? The answers to these questions are not simple. We propose these answers come as we listen – and listen deeply – to the stories of those with lived disability and faith experiences.
Building on our panel discussion, these convo hall conversations will give us an opportunity to sit together and listen to each others’ stories – the painful and the joyful. Through sharing we can dream and inspire a world where all have full access to faith community.

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?

In this breakout session we’ll explore where to begin in the reconstruction of our faith. I believe our experience of the Bible, relationship with God and sense of the spirit in our lives will be even more vibrant, alive and embodied after the deconstruction of old beliefs and healing from wounds caused by the church. It takes work for us queer people to grieve the harm that has as done and yet to not stop there and see what God still has for us. We’ll explore where and how to experience God in our lives and the beauty that comes when we open ourselves to seeing and experiencing the divine in more than just the church pews. We’ll also explore how to begin to think about the Bible and trust there is still deep meaning in it even after we’ve left a way of seeing it in a traditional fundamentalist way of encountering the scriptures. There is hope to be LGBTQ and still have a whole and deep spiritual life.

If you enjoyed your sneak preview of the award-winning documentary “Same God” – or even if you missed it – don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from Director Linda Midgett, Dr. Larycia Hawkins and Dr. Michael Mangis. They will discuss the process and challenges of filming, and answer any questions you may have about the film, what this experience has been like and “where they are now.” Curious minds welcome!

Walk as a group to the nearby swimming hole or hiking trail. Begins at 2 pm, goes to 4 pm.