NATIONAL ONA GATHERING IN SAN DIEGO THIS JULY!
We had the rare opportunity to participate with other Open and Affirming Churches (ONA) of The United Church of Christ (UCC) in the UCC’s National ONA Gathering, “Any Body, Everybody, Christ’s Body,” right in our own “back yard,” in nearby San Diego this July. Click here for full details! If you attended, post a comment now or contact the church office so we can include your reflections on this important event!
WHO IS ONA FOR???
LGBT folk seeking brothers and sisters from across the UCC and partner organizations.
Straight allies who want to learn more about supporting LGBT folk within the church and secular society.
Those who want to learn what your church can do after your ONA declaration.
Non-ONA church folk who want to find out more about the ONA process and how to have graceful conversations in difficult circumstances.
ONA activists who want to help develop the Coalition’s strategic plan for expanding the number of ONA congregations.
Parents looking to network with others in a setting where it’s comfortable to be a person of faith who’s also a parent of an LGBT person.
Anyone who believes in God’s extravagant welcome.
Workshops, keynote addresses, and worship will reflect our call to inclusion and extravagant welcome, including topics specifically geared to Youth and Young Adults, justice advocates, churches striving to grow even more inclusive and welcoming, leaders striving to understand and include persons with differing abilities, and all children of God seeking support and inclusion in the community of faith.
This year’s speakers and teachers included:
- Rev. Geoffrey Black, UCC President
- Carolyn Thompson, former board member of UCC Disabilities Ministries and the Wider Church Ministries and recently retired from the Commission for Persons with Disabilities in Cambridge, MA. Carolyn will be our keynoter, addressing “Creation, Communion and Community” and the realities of living life with a disability. She will also present a breakout session discussing A2A (Access to All).
- Gregg Brekke, News Director and Editor, Proclamation, Identity, and Communication, Office Of General Ministries.
- Tim Brown, Youth & Young Adult Coordinator, UCC Coaltion for LGBT Concerns.
- Miguel Close-Rodriguez, San Diego Co-Chapter Leader, Marriage Equality USA.
- Carlos Correa Bernier, Minister for Environmental Justice and Coordinator for the Centro Romero, Justice and Witness Ministries.
- Harry Knox, Director of HRC’s Religion and Faith Program and member of the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
- Sandy Sorensen, Director of the Washington Office of Justice and Witness Ministries.
- Michael Schuenemeyer, Executive for Health and Wholeness Advocacy, Wider Church Ministries.
- Gwen Thomas, Interim Executive Director, UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns.
- Rebecca Voelkel, Director, Institute for Welcome Resources, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force