Missionary Renegade: Save the date for Convocation 2018 for Tuesday, 9 May 2017 from Reconciling Ministries Network in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Save the date for Convocation 2018 for Tuesday, 9 May 2017 from Reconciling Ministries Network in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Save the date for Convocation 2018 for Tuesday, 9 May 2017 from Reconciling Ministries Network in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Save the date!

Mark your calendars! We've got a date and location for our national gathering in 2018 where progressive United Methodists will join together for organizing, community, worship, and preparation for LGBTQ advocacy at the special called General Conference in 2019.
We'll be making a big reveal of the location next month and we can't wait to it share with you. Keep an eye out for hints on social media!
SAVE THE DATE: JULY 26-29, 2018
Our Bible App - devos for LGBTQ Christians and allies

"Our Bible App" is a meditation app for LGBTQ Christians, their friends, family and allies. Be the first to know when the app is made available to the public by entering your email at the site below. The app will launch in June and will include a library of devotionals that are pro-women, pro-LGBTQ, and inclusive of other faiths; the ability to chat with the Our Bible App community; a variety of Bible translations; and podcasts, videos, and other media.
Sign-up for the Our Bible App launch
Rooted Scholarships and promotion

You've probably heard by now that RMN is hosting an ecumenical gathering for trans and gender non-conforming people this August called Rooted. We're featuring facilitators J Mase III and Rev. Erin Swenson. We couldn't be more excited about this unique opportunity for art, collaboration, worship, and connection among a community often left on the sidelines of faith - if acknowledged at all.
If you're an ally and would like to help support this event, there are two ways to do so. The biggest barrier to participation in this event for most trans and gender non-conforming people is the financial cost. Would you consider making a donation towards a scholarship? It will cost approximately $1000 to fully fund a participant's travel, housing, food, and registration. Make your donation by purchasing a "donation ticket" here.
Also, will you consider downloading the PDF flyer of the event linked below and hanging it in your faith community? We're trying to reach trans and gender non-conforming Christians of every denomination and we need your help!
Download the flyer
Discovering identity at a UM Seminary

Last week, Kelly Rhyne, program associate at Wesley Foundation at Georgia Tech and candidate for ministry in the Florida Annual Conference came out live by sharing this beautiful testimony of how she discovered her bisexual identity at a United Methodist Seminary. Has your church done any study or taken action to ensure you are fully embracing bisexual lay and clergy members in your community?
Bisexual identities and individuals are often erased by the Book of Discipline and by society at-large. This is just another way harm is done to the children of God! If you're bi or a bi advocate, consider writing a blog for RMN to help us draw much needed attention and awareness to the needs, gifts, and unique challenges of being a bi person of faith. Send your blog or reach out with questions at blog@rmnetwork.org.
Watch Kelly's testimony here