COVENANT CONVERSATION: NEBRASKA

Beyond Words:

From Mere Welcome to True Belonging

Westminster Presbyterian Church – Lincoln

Saturday, August 26, 9:00am-4:00pm

Thanks for joining us at Covenant Conversation: Nebraska! View resources from the event below:

What Can I Say?: Theological and Biblical Reflection about LGBTQIA+ issues with the Rev. Robert Keefer

Bearing Faithful Witness – Advocating and Caring for Those affected by Negative Legislative Outcomes with Emily Killham and Sarah Phelps

Poem from Opening Prayer: Please Come Home

Song from Closing Worship: All Belong Here

As Christians who believe that God’s love truly extends to all people, how can we show true hospitality to anyone who walks through our church doors, especially members of the LGBTQIA+ community?

We’ve said we’re welcoming, but how can we show this welcome beyond the walls of our churches and offer God’s love to the broader community?

At Covenant Conversation: Nebraska, we’ll worship, learn, and converse together about how we can live into a “new day” in the church and renew our commitments to witnessing to God’s love for the whole world.

Schedule

9:00   Registration opens / Coffee / Snacks
9:30   Welcome and Prayer
9:45  Plenary
11:00  Workshop session #1 (See workshops below)
12:15  Lunch (included in registration)
1:30   Workshop Session #2 (See workshops below)
2:45   Opportunities for questions and connections 
3:15   Closing Worship
4:00   Go in peace

Our time together in worship will lift up prayers, music and liturgy that is expansive in its language and hopeful in its message, as we claim our shared identity as the children of God. In the morning, we will open with a welcome and brief service of prayer, and we’ll close the day in worship with preaching by the Rev. Lauren Peters.

Our plenary panel discussion includes authentic LGBTQIA+ voices speaking to experiences of welcome and belonging, especially for trans kids and families in Nebraska. The Rev. Brian Ellison, Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, will moderate the discussion with Amy Cerniglia, CNP Communications Coordinator; Biannah Peji-Palm, member of Presbyterian Church of the Master, Omaha; the Rev. Doodle Harris, chaplain at Hastings College; and Sarah Phelps, director of outreach and programs at Out Nebraska.

Panelists

Biannah Peji-Palm Bio is honored and humbled to be here. She became a member of the Presbyterian Church of the Master after her dad tried helping her find a welcoming and community of believers where she wouldn’t be frowned upon as someone in the LGBTQIA+ community. When not reading, singing, playing piano, or dancing around, she’s the Manager of the Rose Studio for Youth Artists. She finds fulfillment in being part of an organization that promotes a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for all youth through the performing arts.

The Rev. Doodle Harris currently serves as chaplain and director of service learning at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. She is also the faculty sponsor for the Gender/Sexuality Alliance student group.  She is a frequent author for Presbyterian Publishing Corporation and has keynoted and preached several youth and tween events throughout her career.  

Amy Cerniglia is the Communications Coordinator for the Covenant Network of Presbyterians and Director of Music and Outreach at Peace Presbyterian Church in Bradenton, FL. She is also a student at The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and an openly queer Candidate for Ministry of Word and Sacrament. 

Sarah Phelps is the Director of Operations and Programs at OutNebraska and provides education throughout the state on a variety of issues affecting LGBTQ+ folks, including Caring for LGBTQ+ Elders, Identity and Storytelling, and LGBTQ+ Mental Health. She specializes in leading founding boards and currently serves on the executive committee of MomPower Inc (working moms) and is the national board chair of Umbrella Alliance US (Neurodiversity). She is also a DEIBJ facilitator for Hummingbird Humanity and Inclusive Communities, and is providing brand and content support for the work of several BIPOC owned organizations. 

Workshops

What Can I Say?: Theological and Biblical Reflection about LGBTQIA+ issues with the Rev. Robert Keefer 

Do you ever feel stumped when your friend says to you, “But the Bible says…”? Or do you have experiences with Scripture and theology that you think will help someone else who feels stumped? In this workshop we will talk together about ways to work through some of the things people say in support of hostility to welcome and acceptance.

Robert (“Bob”) Keefer is a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA), recently retired from service as a Pastor, a Middle Governing Body officer, and a seminary administrator. He has served in New Jersey, Arizona, Ohio, Iowa, and Nebraska; he is a former President of the Presbyterian Association on Science, Technology, and the Christian Faith and has a PhD in Religion and Science. He has been married to Kathleen for thirty-three years; she is currently serving as Vice-Moderator of Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Creating Welcoming Space in Words and Places with the Rev. Brian Ellison 

Many churches would proudly welcome a sign that says “All Are Welcome.” But how do people who have been hurt by the Church before, especially LGBtQIA+ people, know they can believe it? This workshop will offer creative ways of thinking about welcome that is authentic and effective, including in a church’s worship, publicity/marketing, practices of hospitality, building facilities, community outreach and more.

Brian Ellison has served the Covenant Network of Presbyterians since 2012, preaching, teaching and providing overall strategic leadership in implementing the organization’s mission. Previously, Brian served as pastor of Parkville Presbyterian Church (near Kansas City, Missouri) for 13 years after his ordination by Olympia Presbytery in 1999. He is Stated Clerk of the Synod of Mid-America and the current moderator of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission. A graduate of Harvard University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Brian also is host/contributor at NPR affiliate KCUR-FM. He and his partner, Troy Lillebo, live in Kansas City.

LGBTQIA+ 101:  An introduction to sexual orientation and gender identity with Amy Cerniglia

What do all those letters stand for, anyway? As our understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity continues to evolve, new words to describe these experiences have emerged. This workshop will explore the history and language of LGBTQIA+ people, equipping participants with greater comfort and confidence in welcoming diverse neighbors.

Amy Cerniglia is the Communications Coordinator for the Covenant Network of Presbyterians and Director of Music and Outreach at Peace Presbyterian Church in Bradenton, FL. She is also a student at The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and an openly queer Candidate for Ministry of Word and Sacrament. 

Everyday Advocacy: Talking Points for How to Show Up As an Ally with Dr. Amanda Boyd and the Rev. Doodle Harris

Join our conversation about what to say, what not to say, and when your presence is more powerful than your words as we explore how to advocate for and show support for your LBGTQIA+ neighbors in your places of work, in your schools, your churches, and your neighborhoods.

Dr. Amanda Boyd currently serves as a music educator in Red Cloud, Nebraska.  Previously she been a professor or Musical Education and Vocal Performance at the University of Louisville and served as the artistic and managing director of Voices of Kentuckiana, an auditioned GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association) Choir.  Throughout her career, she has specialized in teaching methods and advocacy for neuro-diverse and transitioning students. 

Rev. Doodle Harris currently serves as chaplain and director of service learning at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. She is also the faculty sponsor for the Gender/Sexuality Alliance student group.  She is a frequent author for Presbyterian Publishing Corporation and has keynoted and preached several youth and tween events throughout her career.  

Bearing Faithful Witness – Advocating and Caring for Those affected by Negative Legislative Outcomes with Emily Killham and Sarah Phelps

From the local library council to the state government, there is a great deal of legislation impacting members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their families. Learn what is happening and what you can do, no matter where you sit. Our hope is that you leave this session feeling passionate, empowered, and challenged to be an active and powerful witness for your neighbors — not just at the state capitol but in your own congregations, community organizations, and workplaces.

Emily Killham is a mom, a wife, an employee experience expert, a community organizer, and an activist. She has held numerous positions in local, grassroots organizations from the local parent-teacher organization to Nebraskans Against Gun Violence. She is currently serving as a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Board of Elders and a member of the Welcoming Task Force. She brings a passion for standing up to injustice and affirming the full dignity and humanity of all God’s children.

Sarah Phelps is the Director of Operations and Programs at OutNebraska and provides education throughout the state on a variety of issues affecting LGBTQ+ folks, including Caring for LGBTQ+ Elders, Identity and Storytelling, and LGBTQ+ Mental Health. She specializes in leading founding boards and currently serves on the executive committee of MomPower Inc (working moms) and is the national board chair of Umbrella Alliance US (Neurodiversity). She is also a DEIBJ facilitator for Hummingbird Humanity and Inclusive Communities, and is providing brand and content support for the work of several BIPOC owned organizations. 

Ministry and Support for LBGTQIA+ Youth, Family and Friends with the Rev. Lauren Peters

How can we in the church do a better job of showing understanding and enthusiastic support for young people of all gender identities and sexual orientations … and their parents and friends? We’ll talk about critical questions of identity formation and spend some time on best practices and “things not to do.” We’ll also share concrete actions you and your congregation can take to make the space more welcoming and inclusive for youth, especially LGBTQIA+ youth.

Lauren Peters received her B.S. in Psychology with a Minor in Business Management from Georgia College & State University. She received her M.Div from Columbia Theological Seminary and is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Lauren served as a ministry consultant and was a campus minister for a new worshipping community on a college campus. She served on the board for Young Clergy Women International for one year. Lauren has her Nonprofit Management Certification from the University of South Alabama and is a fully trained Executive/Leadership Coach through training at the Coaching Institute at Columbia Theological Seminary. She is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).