I'm curious how this story came to NPR now! Great to see Pr. Duncan featured, for sure. Fascinating to hear the history at Messiah. The NPR piece hit some of my congregation at a good time. We, a rather white ELCA congregation in rather white Valparaiso, IN were already talking with neighbors in Gary about how to better be church together, about ways to try to strengthen relations long stretched thin (at best). Our Social Concerns committee, hearing the NPR piece, was eager to schedule a series of meetings to discuss Dear Church. Figuring, "Why would we restrict it to just a few of us?" I'm now figuring out how to write the invite to the church. Will hopefully be an interesting ride, and a part of a better way forward.
Such a well done piece! I loved the gospel focus of this story -- not what you usually get from the usual news sources! I'm grateful for this story and for your ministry!
Everytime Lenny uses sibling or non-binary language for people, it feels like literal healing from the many clergy who are close friends of mine and still use binary gendered language regularly. I just can't emphasize this enough. Also, I love/hate the former insurance person from Messiah - I love the idea of a person to person connection happening between you two, but also resent someone who has that much power doing something that feels controlling. I don't know it is definitely more nuanced than that makes it sound. Anyways, those are some thoughts.
I found this conversation so hopeful and wonderful. As a female pastor of 25+ years I am first finding my voice. The verses from Isaiah were the words that called me also. I understand that you will be part of the November Grace Institute Gathering in Dubuque Iowa. I am in that class and look forward to hearing more from you on what you see w.ill advance the Gospel. I loved your book. God bless and lead you boldly.
I'm curious how this story came to NPR now! Great to see Pr. Duncan featured, for sure. Fascinating to hear the history at Messiah. The NPR piece hit some of my congregation at a good time. We, a rather white ELCA congregation in rather white Valparaiso, IN were already talking with neighbors in Gary about how to better be church together, about ways to try to strengthen relations long stretched thin (at best). Our Social Concerns committee, hearing the NPR piece, was eager to schedule a series of meetings to discuss Dear Church. Figuring, "Why would we restrict it to just a few of us?" I'm now figuring out how to write the invite to the church. Will hopefully be an interesting ride, and a part of a better way forward.
Such a well done piece! I loved the gospel focus of this story -- not what you usually get from the usual news sources! I'm grateful for this story and for your ministry!
Everytime Lenny uses sibling or non-binary language for people, it feels like literal healing from the many clergy who are close friends of mine and still use binary gendered language regularly. I just can't emphasize this enough. Also, I love/hate the former insurance person from Messiah - I love the idea of a person to person connection happening between you two, but also resent someone who has that much power doing something that feels controlling. I don't know it is definitely more nuanced than that makes it sound. Anyways, those are some thoughts.
I found this conversation so hopeful and wonderful. As a female pastor of 25+ years I am first finding my voice. The verses from Isaiah were the words that called me also. I understand that you will be part of the November Grace Institute Gathering in Dubuque Iowa. I am in that class and look forward to hearing more from you on what you see w.ill advance the Gospel. I loved your book. God bless and lead you boldly.