Reconciling Ministries of Louisiana

Look at us!! Thanks to everyone who walked with us!

Louisiana Reconciling United Methodists and Reconciling Ministries showed up at New Orleans Pride! Thank you for your witness and celebration of LGBTQ+ lives.

Join us tomorrow at 6:00pm!

Here is a good break down of the committee work from General Confernece so far. Lots of votes to be held this week as a whole, so continue to pray for our delegates and for the wisdom and love to rid the UMC of its harmful policies.

we could leave the second advent candle
unlit.
and we would be right to do so:
steeped in the peacelessness of our days.

ours is a time not unlike jesus’.
the deaths of the first-borns are all-too-familiar –
the families seeking refuge.

and yet, in the deepest of night,
what a difference a single candle makes.
look how it throws its light with abandon
against the walls of our spirits, our imagination.

Welcome, beloveds, to the season of Advent.

To hope may feel vulgar at a time of such suffering in the world. And yet, as so many have said before: hope is a muscle. We must exercise it to strengthen it.

image is a dark background with flowers and the following text in front:

trans day of remembrance 2023

lost to us but
held in god’s embrace

we mourn the loss of every trans life,
which is fashioned by the loving hands of our mutual creator.

"I remember the hope we felt when the Northern Illinois Conference voted to be a Reconciling Conference in 1986. It now has 62 Reconciling congregations, campus ministries, and communities through the work of hundreds of committed laity, clergy, seminarians, and the Spirit! There is still much to do, so I remain grateful for advocates everywhere."

- Bonnie Beckonchrist

Do you have a story about how the Reconciling movement has impacted your life or ministry? If so, we'd love to hear your story: bit.ly/52rums

The United Methodist Association of Retired Clergy (UMARC) invites you to a free webinar: Empowering United Methodists for Inclusive Mission & Ministry. November 18, 10:30am ET. Sign up at the link below!

https://www.umarc.org/

Let’s Not Forget Why - Mainstream UMC Dear Friends, This past week, I had the privilege of attending the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) Convocation in Charlotte, North Carolina.  It

RMN's third annual virtual auction is now open! This year, the auction will be BOTH virtual and live at Onward to Perfection in Charlotte, NC. You can start bidding or purchasing raffle tickets today, and all proceeds benefit RMN's pursuit of LGBTQ+ justice in the Church.

Thank you for your support, and happy bidding!

https://app.galabid.com/rmn-auction-2023/register

National Coming Out Day Is not a challenge for LGBTQ+ people to come out, but a reminder to us all to create the kind of world where it is safe to be our whole, God-beloved selves.

Next Monday, get ready for RMN’s third annual virtual auction! This year, the auction will be BOTH virtual and live at Onward to Perfection in Charlotte, NC. Pre-register now to get bidding on Monday, October 9th:

https://app.galabid.com/rmn-auction-2023/register

Virtual Convocation attendants, we're looking forward to being with you online next week! You should be receiving your Convocation swag box in the mail soon.

If you'd like to be a part of the Convocation magic online, there's still time to register here: https://rmnetwork.org/convocation2023/

October 12 @ 9:00 am - October 16 @ 5:00 pm

Convocation Photo Submission Form - Reconciling Ministries Convocation 2023: Photo Submissions At Convocation 2023: Onward to Perfection, we’re looking for your photos to help tell the story of the Reconciling movement. Of course, you’ll be credited for any submissions. Thank you for sharing your photos with us! Name First Last PhoneEmail Photo Upload: ...

Parents Reconciling Network (PRN) invites you to a FREE afternoon of programming and fellowship on Oct. 12th, the day before Convocation begins, in Charlotte, NC. If you're coming to Convocation, we'd love to see you at the PRN gathering!

Register for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/parents-reconciling-group-gathering-tickets-668150725807?aff=oddtdtcreator

Next Tuesday, join Parents Reconciling Network and the Trevor Project for "Crisis Intervention & Mental Health Support for LGBTQ+ Teens," an interactive discussion helping us learn to be better advocates and wells of support.

Register for free: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crisis-intervention-with-the-trevor-project-tickets-709751685397?aff=oddtdtcreator

9 exceptional LGBTQ+ children’s books your kids should read immediately Books play a vital role in showing different experiences, allowing readers to see themselves reflected in the world around them...

Embrace this divine truth, beloved Believe Out Loud community: "Love is love, and God loves you." Just as the sun's rays warm all it touches, so does God's boundless love envelop every heart. In a world that seeks to define and divide, remember that God's love transcends all labels. Your identity, your love, your journey are all embraced within God's unwavering grace.

Let this truth guide you, inspire you, and empower you to love with an open heart. For you are a cherished child of the divine, and your love is a beautiful reflection of God's boundless compassion.

At Convocation, RMN will celebrate the courage and love of the Reconciling movement with two historic awards: The Voice in the Wilderness and The Cup of Justice.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their efforts for LGBTQ+ justice in the Church? Nominate them by Thursday, August 10th!

https://rmnetwork.org/convocation2023-awards/

In the coming weeks, we'll highlight the incredible speakers, preachers, and workshop leaders at RMN's Convocation 2023: Onward to Perfection.

This week, we're honored to introduce Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas.

Juan Carlos Huertas is the Minister of Proclamation & Practice of Justice at First-Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln, NE, and a graduate of Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Before his position at First-Plymouth, Juan Carlos served congregations throughout the state of Louisiana for sixteen years.

A native of Puerto Rico, he is passionate about helping congregations get reconnected to their neighborhoods, about a decolonized Church, and about worship that expresses the human need for ritual and spiritual community in the messiness of life.

To come hear from Rev. Juan Carlos Huertas and other phenomenal speakers and preachers, register for Convocation here: https://rmnetwork.org/convocation2023

Convocation's early-bird deadline is extending until Monday, August 14th! That means that you still have a chance to purchase tickets at a discounted price. Come for the fellowship, the unparalleled worship, the justice work, and a glimmer of holy kinship.

Register: rmnetwork.org/convocation2023

We're hiring!

RMN is seeking an event planner on a contract basis to help us make RMN's values and vision tangible through regional and national events. Click for more details and application instructions: https://rmnetwork.org/hiring-event-planner/

Honoring Courage and Inclusion: St. Mark's United Methodist Church Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Up Stairs Lounge Fire On any given day, the sanctuary of St. Mark's United Methodist Church can hold roughly 200 people. Saturday was not an ordinary day. It was the 50th ...