Sanctuary Collective in 2010

Three days into the new year and we are already less than two weeks away from the kickoff to our first cycle of the Discipleship Program. Though the participants will gather together for the first time on January 14, they have already begun working for justice. For many participants, Sanctuary Collective will support the work these young adults were already engaged in. For others, the Discipleship Program will help them formalize their vision for change into a concrete plan of action. And for still others, Sanctuary Collective was the impetus to finally step up and begin organizing!

Here's what the January gathering for the 2010 Discipleship Program has in store:

• Networking -- the powers-that-be within anti-queer Christian establishments make us feel like we're the only ones out there who believe in inclusion for LGBTQ folks. There are many folks inside and outside of Christianity who believe that faith should unite not divide, and liberate not oppress. The gathering in January will connect justice-minded young folks from around the country with each other. We'll inspire each other!
• Education -- We each come from a different background which means there is a lot to learn about each other and about the world. We'll use our time in January to get educated about histories of oppression, histories of struggle for liberation, and the history of each others' traditions and experience. 
• Training -- While in our excitement everything may seem fresh and new, we are not the first ones to think about justice. We'll learn from others who have gone before us and be informed by their experiences. We'll try some things on for ourselves and get comfortable in confident in our abilities to lead and organize.

For those of you in or near New York City, you are invited to join us each evening. I know meeting these young adults will be an experience you won't want to miss. Our evening meals and worship services are open to the public. Join us at Greenpoint Reformed Church at 6:00 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening (Jan 15 - 17). Call Micah at 646-571-8266 if you have any questions or want to bring a large group.

What else is in store for 2010

• We will continue to hold Community Nights in New York City to meet, fellowship, learn, and serve. In the past, we've met on Thursday evenings and we are exploring moving the night or starting a second night for folks who are interested but can't make Thursdays. Let me know if you want to be part of our Community Nights.
• Individual support is available for folks who have questions or need support in organizing (or in their journey toward standing up and speaking out) but can't commit to a year with the Discipleship Program. We're excited about the many opportunities to meet and work with young adults in this capacity as well.
• Micah and I will travel to Austin, TX to lead training and workshops for the 2010 Soulforce Equality Ride. We are looking forward to equipping those young adults with tools to effectively engage the conversation of faith and queer issues. 
• In the coming months, we will begin a series of conversations with local communities in NYC--some congregations and some secular organizations--about the work of Sanctuary Collective and the young adults around the country. It's going to be a dynamic and on-going relationship where we meet with groups regularly to report in on the work we're doing. If you want Sanctuary Collective to come to you (and you're in the NYC area), let me know! If you're outside of NYC, stay tuned, our plan is to expand the discussion groups in the future!

That's all for now. More soon. Cheers! 

Brian