Wednesday July 3
Pink Menno is collaborating with other Menno justice-building groups to be part of a “big booth” in the exhibit hall. Please come by and support Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery, Christian Peacemaker Teams, Brethren/Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests, Mennonite Palestine Israel Network and Mennonite Jewish Relations Working Group. We will be devoting our time Wednesday to supporting this space.
10:00 Song Circle outside worship hall entrance
3:45 Song Circle outside delegate hall entrance
5:15 BMC Reception – Queer Happy Hour
Convention can be a difficult time for LGBTQ people. BMC is offering a safe space for LGBTQ people to gather each day to share a drink, have some snacks and just relax in the company of one another. Text/call (574)536-3057 for location/directions, or stop by the BMC booth in the exhibit hall.
Thursday July 4
10:00 Song Circle outside worship hall entrance
3:45 Song Circle outside delegate hall entrance
5:15 BMC Reception – Queer Happy Hour
This Little Light and Pink Menno 10th Anniversary Party
Join us for a very special evening together! The film This Little Light tells the story of Wendi Moore-O’Neal, a Black Feminist freedom singer who was fired from her job at Mennonite Central Committee after she married her wife, Mandisa. Following this, we will celebrate ten years of Pink Menno fabulousness, fierceness, and sacredness.
6:30: Doors open
7:30: Film viewing followed by talk-back with Wendi
9:00: Pink Menno 10th Anniversary Party
Expect popcorn, singing, laughter, reflection time, pink punch, and refreshments.
Location: The Bauer, 115 West 18th Street
Groups will meet at the BMC booth to walk over together at 6:15 and 7:00
Everyone of all ages is welcome. Event ends at 10:30.
Friday July 5
Unless noted otherwise, all of the following events will be held at Founder’s Hall at the Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral 415 W 13th St, directly across Broadway Blvd from the convention center (exit on Level 2.) Stop by anytime all day to relax, connect, or work on a craft.
9:00 – 10:15 Youth of Color Conversation Circle
Mind blazing conversation at the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality. (This session is restricted to youth of color.) Facilitated by jack-legged storyteller Wendi Moore-O’Neal.
9:00 – 10:15 Liberation from White Supremacy: A Story Circle
Story Circle for white folks struggling with white supremacy and longing for liberation. Come share stories and community. Facilitated by Ada McMahon.
11:45 – 12:45 For Delegates: Membership Guidelines Process
A session for queer and allied delegates. Hear and discuss updates from leaders of Pink Menno, BMC, and Inclusive Pastors on the beginnings of discussion addressing Section 3 of the MC USA Membership Guidelines, which contain anti-LGBTQ policies and statements.
1:00 – 2:30 Stories of Mennonite LGBTQ Pastors
Celebrated Mennonite historian Rachel Goossen will share her recent research about the experience of queer Mennonites who have felt a call to ministry, how they are confronted with institutional oppression, and the variety of ways that they respond.
2:45 – 3:45 Queering Theology
Join Master of Divinity student Annabeth Roeschley in a workshop exploring queering theology.
2:45 – 3:45 Always My Child: Parents with LGBTQ Children
** Room 2206 in convention center**
When a child or family member comes out, it can impact the whole family. Parents and family members will share about the impact the coming out had upon their own understandings about faith, sexuality and family.
3:55 Song Circle outside delegate hall entrance
4:00 – 5:00 Trans and Non-Binary 101
This training explores gender identity, including unpacking basic terms, challenging narratives, and answering common questions. Facilitated by Kate Becker.
5:30 – 8:00 Queer and Allied Youth Evening
Join BMC and Pink Menno for a youth-focused pizza party, hang out, and facilitated discussion around queerness in the Mennonite church, the intersection between youth and queerness, and hopes and dreams surrounding inclusion and the church.
Saturday July 6
10:15 Song Circle outside worship hall entrance
