Our monthly “Brewed for Thought” gatherings continue on the 4th Sunday of every month at Casa Mexico on Fairview Avenue. A group gathers for dinner, drinks, and conversation around a theological or ethical topic. Thanks to Nina Chambers for organizing the group and facilitating conversation!
New Small Group Book Study: Transforming
Drew Harenberg will lead a seven-week small group book study of Austen Hartke’s fantastic book Transforming: The Bible & the Lives of Transgender Christians. The group will meet on Monday evenings (February 17 through March 31) from 6:30 to 8:00pm in Drew’s home.
There is no cost, but each participant should have a copy of the book. To sign up, contact Drew or the church office!
Interfaith Equality Prayer Vigils – Wednesdays at Noon
Every week that the Idaho Legislature is in session, we join our partners from the Interfaith Equality Coalition for silent prayer on the steps of the State Capitol. This group works to bring equality, justice, and dignity to all people in Idaho, particularly LGBTQIA+ people. Join us in strengthening our silent witness as we remind beloved friends and neighbors they don’t stand alone. Wednesdays from 12:00 to 12:30pm. Questions? See Pastor TJ.
Covenant Network Updates
The Covenant Network of Presbyterians is profoundly grateful for Southminster’s continuing partnership, prayerful support, and generous financial gifts. The work of affirming LGBTQIA+ people in the church and world is as important as ever — and CNP is being called upon to lead in these difficult times. (You may not be surprised to learn that in the last two months of 2024, calls for support increased significantly!) Here’s a look at the past year, and what’s ahead:
- Held 3 highly-successful regional Covenant Conversations this year (East Iowa/Great Rivers; Twin Cities Area; and South Carolina) with plans for more in 2025.
- Celebrated the passage of several overtures at this summer’s General Assembly in Salt Lake City, and now working alongside advocates as they prepare for votes on constitutional amendments in their respective presbyteries.
- Collaborated in partnership with APCE and the Presbyterian Mission Agency on the creation of a new “Queer Theology” module on the Opening Doors to Discipleship platform.
- Addressed the unique challenges of LGBTQIA+ identity across the lifespan, through an online course for youth ministry and a video series and quicksheet for older adults in partnership with the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network (POAMN).
- Supported our Executive Director Rev. Brian Ellison, who devotes countless hours consulting, preaching, teaching, networking, and offering pastoral support for ministers and elders in crisis on account of their sexual orientation/gender identity.
This work continues in 2025, and Southminster will have a view from the front row! Pastor TJ has been elected by the board of directors to serve as its Co-Moderator this year.
Racial Wealth Simulation – 1/25 at 10am
Saturday, January 25th at 10:00am we will be joined by David Gist with Bread for the World, for a Racial Wealth simulation experience followed by a light lunch. This promises to be a compelling time full of insights, learning, and fellowship. This event kicks off Southminster’s Adult Education letter writing campaign in support of Bread’s ecumenical work to end hunger through legislation and advocacy.
You have probably heard the statistic that the ratio of White wealth to Black is on the order of 10 to 1. According to the Brookings Institution, the average White household wealth in 2016 was $171,000; the same statistic for Black families is $17,150. And the gap is growing. How did we get to the point of such enormous disparity? And what can be done to repair it? As part of Bread for the World’s Hunger Advocacy Workshop, this simulation will help us understand how policies affect families of different races in very different ways. We will learn how this has led us away from our vision of equal opportunity for all to a place where many people of color struggle for basic necessities.
To learn more about Bread for the World, visit their website at: www.bread.org.
You can sign up for the simulation whether you are a member of Southminster or not. The event is free but it may cost you some peace of mind. To sign up, click here.
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