Covenant Conversation: New Castle Presbytery
June 17 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Covenant Conversation: New Castle Presbytery
Making Space for Curiosity, Authenticity, and Community
Saturday, June 17, 2023 — 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presbyterian Church of Dover, 54 S. State St, Dover, DE 19901
Plenary sessions and selected worships will also be offered online
What does it mean to make space for LGBTQIA+ people in our faith communities? In the decade since the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved inclusive policies on ordination and marriage, our presbyteries and congregations are still dreaming ways to better welcome the full authenticity of all God’s children. As a community, we’ll worship, share stories, and ask the questions on our hearts and minds:
- How can our presbytery and our congregations have courageous conversations and take faithful actions in extending God’s love to all people?
- How can we reach out to our communities beyond Pride events?
- As discrimination rises throughout the United States, how can we affirm and protect LGBTQIA+ youth in our churches?
- How can churches more authentically proclaim God’s welcome to all people?
These are only a few of the questions that have emerged as the PC(USA) — and New Castle Presbytery — seek to live into the promises of a more inclusive Church and world. Whatever questions you or your church may be asking, we hope you’ll join this opportunity to connect with others wondering alongside you.
Schedule
9:00 Registration opens / Coffee / Snacks
9:30 Welcome and Prayer
9:45 Plenary Panel Discussion: Making Space for Understanding
11:00 Workshop session #1 (See possible workshops below)
12:15 Lunch
1:30 Workshop Session #2 (See possible workshops below)
2:45 Opportunity for discussions by congregation or particular topical groups
3:15 Closing Worship
4:00 Go in peace
9:30 Welcome and Prayer
9:45 Plenary Panel Discussion: Making Space for Understanding
11:00 Workshop session #1 (See possible workshops below)
12:15 Lunch
1:30 Workshop Session #2 (See possible workshops below)
2:45 Opportunity for discussions by congregation or particular topical groups
3:15 Closing Worship
4:00 Go in peace
Our event will gather with worship. Inclusive prayer and praise, thoughtful preaching and joyful music will shape our time together.
Our panel discussion will welcome curiosity and genuine questions. A discussion moderated by the Rev. Brian Ellison will offer a variety of perspectives.
Workshops
(These are possible workshops; final offerings will be posted at a later time.)
- Biblical and Theological Support for Inclusion
- Intersectional Conversations about Queer Inclusion with Matthew 25 priorities (racial and immigration justice, more)
- Community outreach: Pride and beyond
- Spiritual Formation for Queer Christians: Coming Out, Creativity and Identity
- Community among Queer Christians: Finding ways to connect as LGBTQIA+ people of faith
- Ministry with aging LGBTQIA+ folks
- How Welcoming Are We, Really?: Conducting a welcoming inventory of our worship, community and physical space.
- Engaging with today’s politics around LGBTQIA+ issues
- Affirming Youth Ministry: Supporting LGBTQ young people and their friends and families