Missiongathering Bellevue

Happy Easter & Happy Trans Day of Visibility! by Devin Wright

The only constant is change. Change is built into the universe and life on earth has survived by adapting to those changes. Yet, we are so afraid of change!

Religions across the world, older than Christianity, have taught how to process change. How do we adapt to change in a way that makes our lives and the world more healed and whole?

The images of death and destruction in the conflict have been unbearable. How do we make sense of the horror? Did you know white American evangelicals support the Israeli leaders' response to Palestine more than any other group? Why? It has to do with the end of the world. Let's talk about some of the history of the conflict, its connections to American Christianity, and how to seek a compassionate response.

Fall and the Autumn Equinox has had a profound impact on human cultures for thousands of years. What we can learn about the spirituality of Autumn and how to find balance in our lives?

I grew up with a view of faith that was tied to believing in God, reading my Bible, and believing the correct theology about God and the Bible. What if Jesus' view of faith and belief are different?

In June we celebrated LGBTQ Pride. In July, Americans celebrate USA Pride. On the final day of Pride month in June, the Supreme Court ruled that businesses could discriminate against a person based on their sexuality in the defense of religious beliefs. What happens when we value our own religious freedom above the humanity of others?

Jesus placed people above theology and his actions were considered "sinful" by the religious elite.

We believe all trans people are beloved and that God is nonbinary! Hear Riley Aliamus share his journey toward discovering his true self along with practical ways to support the trans community.

Riley's GoFundMe Page:

https://gofund.me/ac22a98e

Matthew 10:35 "I have a come to turn a son against his father." - Jesus. Happy Father's Day!

"Traditional family values" have long been a cry of Christianity in America, but what if Jesus' sayings about the family actually challenge traditional family values? Maybe that's a good thing.

*Content Awareness: Discussion of suicide and eating disorders.*

Missiongathering's Kevin Criswell shares his personal mental health journey that partly led him to a career in psychology, helping people develop the tools to cope with mental health challenges. Kevin's honesty and vulnerability in sharing his story is inspiring and hopeful for all of us who struggle with mental health.

*He was not able to share this during the talk, but Kevin wants listeners to know that he advocates for the use of medication to help with mental health problems as it was beneficial for him as a bridge out of depression. Medication is not a replacement for good social relationships and therapy/counseling, but it can make a difference for some.

The record breaking anti-LGBTQ legislation happening in the U.S. is partly the result of people's interpretation of the Bible and their view that God created and approved of only two genders - straight male and straight female.

But, did you know the biblical tradition of Jesus and ancient Judaism recognized four genders beyond male and female? What if the larger story of the biblical tradition is one that points to love and inclusion?