On Saturday, November 9, Presbyterians from across South Carolina gathered for a Covenant Conversation entitled “Making Space at the Table: Faithfully Responding to Gender and Sexuality.” This Covenant Conversation was designed to equip faith leaders and congregation members with resources for taking the next steps in navigating important conversations and creating more welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
A service of worship incorporated inclusive liturgy and music. At the end of the day, participants had opportunities to share ideas, hopes and commitments. Registration is $20, including lunch, and $15 for those who register 3 or more from the same church.
This Covenant Conversation was sponsored jointly by the Covenant Network of Presbyterians New Harmony Presbytery, Foothills Presbytery, Providence Presbytery and Shandon Presbyterian Church in Trinity Presbytery.
This event will be at Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow St, Columbia, SC 29205. All are welcome!
SCHEDULE
9:30 Registration opens
10:00 Welcome and Opening Plenary Session
11:15 Workshop #1
12:15 Lunch
1:15 Workshop #2
2:30 Closing Plenary
2:45 Closing Worship
3:30 Go in peace
Panel Discussion
Our day begins with a panel featuring voices who have experienced and observed the full range of the church’s support for LGBTQIA+ people–or the hurt that it can sometimes cause. From intersectional realities faced by queer people of color, to the specific needs of parents of queer kids, to practical ways congregations have navigated difficult conversations and communicated their welcome, the panel will draw out helpful questions and offer meaningful answers. Moderated by the Rev. Brian Ellison, this panel discussion with Maureen Coburn, Ken Feaster-Eytchison and Nick Carson will provide a foundation for our day together.
Nick Carson (he/they) serves on the Board of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians and at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC. Previously, he served as Resident Pastor at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Originally from Laurel, Maryland, Nick is a graduate of North Carolina State University and Columbia Theological Seminary. A creative at heart, he is passionate about engaging ministry with creativity and joy. In his free time, Nick enjoys trail running, practicing yoga, watching reality TV, learning to quilt, doing the daily crossword, playing with his dog Hazel, and reading in coffee shops.
Ken Feaster-Eytchison (he/they), who holds specialized certifications from both Cornell University and the University of Pittsburgh in diversity and inclusion, has dedicated 35 years to creating inclusive workplaces at Micron Technology. As Global Talent Innovation Program Manager, he transformed the company’s employee resource groups from a small initiative into a thriving program with 14,000 members across 79 global chapters. Beyond his corporate work, he serves as Director of Pee Dee Equality while consulting with organizations nationwide on building stronger diversity programs.
Maureen Coburn (she/her) was confirmed at age 29 at a PC(USA) church in Virginia after many years of searching for a faith home. When she and her husband, Andy, moved back to her hometown of Greenville, SC, they joined Fourth Presbyterian, and they and their three amazing children have been loved on by that church family ever since. She works for Public Education Partners, a nonprofit supporting Greenville’s public schools, and volunteers at Fourth Pres on the Stewardship and Allied4th Committees.
The Rev. Brian Ellison (he/him) has served as Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians since 2012, preaching, teaching and providing overall strategic leadership in implementing the organization’s mission. Brian also serves as Stated Clerk of the Synod of Mid-America. He has served previously as pastor of Parkville Presbyterian Church (near Kansas City, Missouri) and as stated clerk of Heartland Presbytery, and as moderator of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission and the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment. He and his partner Troy Lillebo live in Kansas City, Mo., with their two dogs, the recalcitrant Willoughby and the dopey Sage.
Workshops
LGBTQIA+ 101: Understanding the Fundamentals of Allyship with Ken Feaster-Eytchison
Are you interested in learning the basics of how to be an ally to the queer community? In this workshop, we’ll talk through terminology of gender identity and sexual orientation and seek to understand together what being an ally is all about.
See above for more information about Ken Feaster-Eytchison.
Practical Steps for Expanding Our Welcome with the Rev. Jackie Putnam and the Rev. TJ Remaley
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 offers creative ways of thinking about welcome and belonging that is authentic and effective, including in a church’s worship, publicity/marketing, practices of hospitality, building facilities, community outreach and more.
The Rev. Dr. Jackie Putnam (she/her) is a Presbyterian pastor, speaker, and community builder who is passionate about healing religious trauma, creating embodied spiritual practices, storytelling, and co-creating a just world. Jackie specializes in providing spiritual companionship and fostering safe and brave spaces for exploration and growth.
The Rev. TJ Remaley (he/him) is the pastor of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho, and has previously served congregations in South Carolina and Florida. He serves on the board of the Covenant Network, and sits on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Council of the Association of Partners in Christian Education. In life and in ministry, TJ is a bi+ advocate, cat lover, news junkie, theatre fan, enneagram enthusiast, amateur foodie, and wannabe barista.
The Bible’s Witness to Welcome of LGBTQIA+ People with Amy Cerniglia
Through in-depth study of a few of the texts that have been used to condemn the LGBTQIA+ community, we can reclaim the Bible as a tool of inspiration rather than a weapon of domination and exclusion. This workshop will equip participants to reassert the good news of Jesus Christ’s expansive love grounded in God’s vision of a diverse, abundant and beautiful world rooted in peace and justice.
Amy Cerniglia is Communications Coordinator for the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, where she publicizes events, leads workshops and develops resources for congregations. She holds a Master of Divinity from The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and has contributed to publications such as The Presbyterian Outlook, The Hymn Society’s Songs for the Holy Other and the PC(USA)’s Call to Worship journal. A Candidate for Ministry of Word and Sacrament under care of Peace River Presbytery, she currently serves at First Presbyterian Church of Iowa City.
The Presbyterian Church and LGBTQIA People with the Rev. Brian Ellison
CNP Executive Director Brian Ellison will provide an overview of the Presbyterian Church’s evolving stance on LGBTQIA+ inclusion, focusing on recent developments from the 226th General Assembly and proposed amendments to the Book of Order. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the denomination’s current position and the ongoing journey towards fully welcoming LGBTQIA+ individuals.
See above for more information about the Rev. Brian Ellison.
Supporting Youth/Young Adults Who Are LGBTQIA+ with Cynthia Gordon, LISW-CP
This interactive workshop is designed to equip community leaders and partners with knowledge and tools to provide inclusive and affirming support to LGBTQIA+ youth and adults. Participant will explore the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, including discrimination mental health concerns, and barriers to accessing supportive resources. By the end of the session, participants will be better prepared to understand the diverse experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community, recognize the importance of allyship and how to practice it effectively, and advocate for policies and practices that create safer spaces for LGBTQIA+ community members.
Cynthia Gordon (they/them) serves as the Director of Training at Affirm SC’s Queer Wellness Center and practices as a therapist and clinical supervisor at Amaryllis Counseling. They hold degrees in Psychology from Winthrop University and Social Work from the University of South Carolina. As an LGBTQ+ advocate and community member, Cynthia is dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of purposely marginalized groups, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Their diverse background spans child welfare, advocacy, hospital systems, court systems, nonprofit work, and community engagement. Through humor and engaging dialogue, Cynthia focuses on empowering under-resourced communities and improving access to resources.
LGBTQIA+ On Campus with the Rev. Julia Watkins
This workshop will discuss the unique needs of young adults and LGBTQIA+ Christians on college campuses. Participants will explore the spiritual landscape of college campuses, as well as resources for exploration, formation, and belonging at the intersections of faith, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
The Rev. Julia Watkins serves as the College Chaplain and Director of Religious & Spiritual Life at Davidson College. She holds a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Science from Davidson College. Watkins joined Davidson in this capacity in August 2023, returning to her alma mater. Prior to her current position, she worked as a pastor with Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations in Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Greenville, SC, focusing on local justice initiatives and community building. Watkins is also a member of the Board of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians.
Queer Intersections with Matthew 25 with the Rev. TJ Remaley
The Matthew 25 vision of the PC(USA) lists building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty as the three main foci with three additional intersectional priorities. This workshop explores the intersections between the Matthew 25 foci and the lives and realities of our neighbors who are LGBTQIA+ people.
See above for more information about the Rev. TJ Remaley.
Worship
Our time together in worship will lift up expansive prayers, music and liturgy with preaching by the Rev. Leigh Stuckey.
Born in Charleston and raised in Columbia, Leigh serves as the Executive Associate Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC. She has degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary (Th. M., M. Div.) and Presbyterian College (B.A.). She is presently pursuing a D. Min. at Duke. Leigh is married to Jen, and they are daily privileged and daunted to raise three teenagers. She enjoys listening to and playing music, eating Southern food and trying to read more than she can.