WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT SVPC IS AN AFFIRMING CHURCH?
Here are conversations we've held to learn more about how Christ has called us to be loving, welcoming and affirming of queer people in our congregation.
ABCs of LGBTQ+
Wondering what all the letters mean? Are you confused about the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity? Why do some people use they/them pronouns and what does that mean? And how does using pronouns on our nametags show love and support? Speaker Carol Heath identifies as a fierce, mama bear ally to the queer community and leads a group for friends and family members of LGBTQ+ folks.
Amber Cantorna's Story
Amber Cantorna, most widely known as the gay daughter of a 30-year Focus on the Family executive, lost everything when she came out in 2012. This all-too-often narrative has made Amber passionate about dissolving shame, fostering self-acceptance, and generating messages of hope for LGBTQ+ people and their families, especially those from conservative faith backgrounds.
What Does the Bible Say About Being Gay?
Let’s dig into the scriptures with the Rev. Nancy Brink to discover what the 6 verses that seem to speak to this topic really have to say. Bring your Bibles and let’s learn together.
Rev. Nancy Brink is the Director of Church Relations at Chapman University in Orange, CA since January 2009. She leads a group of just over 60 Disciples and UCC students at this Disciples-related university.
Legal Rights of Queer People
The sixth in our series. People who care about queer people need to know and care about their legal rights. Whether it’s gay marriage, employment discrimination, or transgender health treatments, the decisions of courts and legislatures have a profound impact on the lives of queer people. This program will explore the unique legal issues that queer people face, the advances that have been made in recent years, the challenges that lay ahead, and the role of the church in protecting these rights.
Rev. Michael Kirby has been a leader in the PC(USA) on issues of marriage equality. He was a practicing lawyer in Texas before entering the ministry. Rev. Kirby will be interviewed by Barry Vickrey, Discipleship lead elder and a retired law professor.
A Conversation
The fourth in our series. Sit in on a conversation between longtime SVPC members Carol and Scout Heath. Carol and Scout will share the journey of a parent and her child coming to an awareness and better understanding of Scout’s gender identity. Come for an intimate, vulnerable conversation and the chance to hear questions as we continue to work toward being an affirming church.
Stories
The second in our series on Becoming An Affirming Church. Hear stories from five different people in our church who have experienced many different responses from family and from the church as they chose to reveal their authentic selves.
What is an Affirming Church?
Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, former moderator of the General Assembly of the PC(USA) and current Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto, shared about First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto’s journey to becoming an affirming church (and ultimately a More Light Church).