iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Faith calls us beyond comfort and into courageous action. Join us June 25 for The Sacredness Is in the Streets with Tahil Sharma of the National LGBTQ Task Force. We'll explore justice, safety, de-escalation, and faithful resistance. OpenandAffirming.org/Streets

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Karen from Second First Church showed up to “show what democracy looks like.” She came with hope “that we can save our country” and faith that calls us to love our neighbor. Church, it’s not enough to be ONA. A.C.T OUT: Advocacy. Community. Transformation.

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

We had whistles. They had guns. And still we showed up! If you were at a No Kings action, share your photos + story. Text NoKings1 to 855-589-2210 or use this link: openandaffirming.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/no-kin... We would love to share your story! #ACTOUTONA #OPENANDAFFIRMING #NoKings

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

Will you be there? Faith requires public witness. On March 28, people across the country will gather for No Kings events to stand for democracy, dignity, and justice. Learn more, sign the pledge, and download free signs: openandaffirming.org/nokings3-2026/

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Churches across the country are asking how to become truly welcoming and affirming for LGBTQ+ people. Join us tomorrow for Walk With Us, a guided roundtable to start the Open and Affirming journey. March 11 • 7PM ET openandaffirming.org/walk #UCC #OpenAndAffirming #UnitedChurchOfChrist

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United Church of Christ @unitedchurch.bsky.social · 25/01/2026

🕯️🙏🏾 The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO issued a special statement and prayer last night, following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis. 👉🏾 ow.ly/xAfw50Y31Py

The United Church of Christ joins the faith community in strongly condemning the on-going actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as it continues to bring death and violence to the streets of Minneapolis. The use of lethal force on unarmed and non-threatening individuals continues to result in loss of life and injury.

The abduction of people on the streets of major cities, the profiling of individuals, the targeting of immigrants, and the escalation of deportations are violating the human rights of millions. Added to the increased militarization of cities, communities that house some of the most vulnerable now find themselves under siege.

It is time to stop the murdering. It is time to stop the violence. It is time to return peace to our nation’s cities.

Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson
General Minister & President/CEO, UCC

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

📢 Your voice matters! Congress is considering H.R. 7147, a bill that would fund DHS & ICE amid serious concerns over federal enforcement actions—incl. deadly shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis. Ask your Senators for accountability first. ✉️ act.faithinaction.org/a/tell-your-...

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

On this 3rd day of Christmas, I’m grateful for brave, ONA churches—communities that go beyond symbolic welcome to practice courage, care, and advocacy, especially for trans people, immigrants, and those on the margins. – Rev. Derek A. Terry Full post: openandaffirming.org/christmas2025/

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

9 days until Christmas. We share Beloved and Affirmed, our ONA Christmas card art by Rev. Derek Terry—a witness to love, vulnerability, and LGBTQ+ lives named beloved by God. 🌈✨ openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/projects/265...

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Today is #GivingTuesday! 🌈 Your gift to the Open & Affirming Coalition is TRIPLED with a 2-for-1 match. PLUS: The first 30 people to give $250+ get a FREE COPY of The Story of Bob! Help us reach 1/4 of our goal today! Strengthen the LGBTQ+ faith movement! give here👉 openandaffirming.org/grant2025

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

World AIDS Day calls us to remember, to honor, and to keep fighting stigma and neglect. Even as the U.S. stays silent, we will not. Read our full World AIDS Day reflection: openandaffirming.org/wad2025/ #WorldAIDSDay

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

For anyone pushed out, ignored, or unwelcome this week — hear this: God holds you close. You are fully, fiercely BELOVED. No family, no church, no politician can take that away. The Open and Affirming Coalition is with you. You matter. 🌈❤️

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for every church and every person committed to courageous affirmation. 💛🏳️‍🌈 From 11/24–11/28, new monthly gifts to our Sustainers Circle are matched up to $250! Join us: openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/projects/264...

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

As hate and fear rise, ONA churches stand firm for love and justice. Join Faithful Resistance: The Sustainers Circle and help us reach $2,000/month in sustaining support. Every gift matters. openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/projects/264...

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

We’re building A.C.T OUT — Advocacy, Community & Transformation, a national ONA movement for justice and inclusion. Take 5–10 mins to share your voice! Every response helps. 👉 forms.gle/Ci4nA6kPwMGK...

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Heather @velociheather.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

LOVE these, @onaucc.bsky.social! I will be handing them out to friends when I get home! #UCCsynod #gs35 #generalsynod

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Rev Derek (he/him/his) 🏳️‍🌈 @revderekterry.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

“Silence is not safety, neutrality is not love, and the church must not be a bystander.” Grateful to speak these words at #UCCSynod for 40 years of Open and Affirming ministry. Watch here: vimeo.com/1101670425?s... #LGBTQ #openandaffirming #addlgbtsky #addblackgaysky @unitedchurch.bsky.social

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

🎶 A night of sound + soul 🎶 Rise in Resilience w/ Calvin Arsenia 🗓️ Thurs, July 10 | 7:30 PM 📍 KC Marriott Downtown 🎟️ riseinresilience.eventbrite.com Music. Healing. HIV justice. #RiseInResilience #ONA2025 #CalvinArsenia #FaithfulResistance #HIVAIDSMission #BlackQueerArt #SacredSeenCalled

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

The Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee’s cruel ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth. We grieve. We rage. We resist. Trans youth are sacred. This fight is not over. Read our full statement: openandaffirming.org/trans-youth-... #TransRightsAreHumanRights #UCC #ONA #SacredResistance

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

We've partnered w/ the Alzheimer’s Association to launch two new resources for ONA churches: a Purple Sunday Toolkit (drive.google.com/file/d/1y0hF...) + Clergy Guide (here: drive.google.com/file/d/1i3kN...) Plan a Purple Sunday to show up for LGBTQ+ caregivers #PurpleSunday #ONAChurch #ENDALZ

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

Rev. Derek Terry wrote & shared this sacred text for the National Trans Visibility March at World Pride in DC. It's a holy reminder: trans lives are sacred. Feel free to share & use it in your own spaces. #TransVisibility #ONAChurch #FaithfulResistance

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 07/06/2025

Rev. Derek Terry shares a painful moment on the eve of his birthday at World Pride. It’s a powerful reminder of why intersectional, affirming ministry matters. Watch the video and give if you can: www.giveoutday.org/organization... #GiveOUTDay #ONAChurch

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Final 55 mins of #GiveOUTDay! This isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a declaration: LGBTQ+ people of faith deserve affirmation, safety & joy. Every gift helps us build a Church where love leads. www.giveoutday.org/organization...

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

A message from our Acting Exec. Director Rev. Derek A. Terry, filmed at WorldPride in DC. On Give OUT Day, he shares why this work matters—and why your support does too. Watch & give: www.giveoutday.org/organization...

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

Tomorrow is #GiveOUTDay—and we need you with us. Early giving is open, but we’re still far from our goal. 🎯 5,000 donors. Just $10 each. Show up with love. Fuel this movement for justice + joy. 🌈 Donate now: www.giveoutday.org/organization... #ONA #Pride2025

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Last day to register for World Pride with the UCC! 🌈 Join us in DC June 6–8 to march, worship & volunteer at the ONA Coalition’s booth. Let’s show up for justice & joy! Register now: ow.ly/wTJO50VU96B #ONA #WorldPride2025 #UCCPride

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

Registration is still just $250 for the 2025 ONA National Gathering! Join us in Kansas City, MO July 9–10 for worship, justice, and community. Featuring Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson! Register: openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/events/83144...

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

Building an Affirming Church (formerly ONA 101) 📅 May 21 | 🕖 7–8:30 PM ET | 💻 Online A practical, powerful intro to starting—or renewing—your ONA journey. 🎙 Rev. Derek Terry & Barb Biedenstein 👉 Register: openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/events/86046... #ONAChurches #UCC #LGBTQFaith

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 11/05/2025

Happy Mother’s Day from the Open and Affirming Coalition! 🌈💐 We honor all who mother—with love, strength, and sacred care. Biological, chosen, spiritual, queer—your love changes the world. #MothersDay #ONA #ChosenFamily #LGBTQFaith #UCC

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

🌟 Early registration for the 2025 ONA National Gathering is extended until May 15! 🌟 Join us July 9–10 in Kansas City. Spots and hotel rooms are limited—register now at OpenAndAffirming.com! #ONA2025 #SacredSeenCalled #ONAChurches

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

🚨 Don’t miss this! 🚨 Get 20% OFF the first 10 tickets to our webinar: Building an Affirming Church (formerly ONA 101) 🗓️ May 21 | 7–8:30 PM ET 🎟️ Use code ONA20 🔗 openandaffirming.org/events #ONAWebinar #ONA2000 #OpenAndAffirming #LGBTQChurch

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United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities @welcome-to-united.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

If you’re interested in ministry, but do not desire an MDiv, United’s MA in Ministry (MAM) offers focused academic and practical ministry training that gives you foundational knowledge and skills at a fraction of the time and cost. 🎓 See if the MAM is right for you below!

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Masters of Arts in Ministry Degree | Minnesota

The Master of Arts in Ministry degree is a focused academic and practical ministry training program, designed for flexibility and efficiency.

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

🎉 Welcome to ONA Church #1911: Middlebury Congregational in CT! This historic, vibrant church now boldly affirms LGBTQ+ people. We’re one step closer to 2,000 ONA churches! 🌈 Ready to start your journey? Message @revderekterry.bsky.social #ONA1911 #CountdownTo2000 #UCC

A digital certificate with a gold ribbon and a seal featuring the Progress Pride Flag. It reads: “ONA #1911 — Open and Affirming Congregation. Middlebury Congregational Church of Middlebury, Connecticut is hereby recognized as an Open and Affirming Congregation in the United Church of Christ.” Signed by Rev. Derek A. Terry, Executive Director, and dated 2025. Logos for the United Church of Christ and the Open and Affirming Coalition appear at the bottom.

A two-part image featuring a celebratory cake. The top half shows a chocolate sheet cake with white and pink icing that reads “MCC welcomes YOU!” decorated with sprinkles and purple flower designs. The bottom half shows a slice of the cake on a paper plate, revealing vibrant rainbow-colored layers inside.

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

@revderekterry.bsky.social is now the Acting Executive Director at the Open and Affirming Coalition. Read the full statement about the leadership transition at the coalition on FB/IG or at OpenandAffirming.com/News #LGBTQ #openandaffirming #progressivechurch #GodisLove #blackgaysky #gaysky #queer

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United Church of Christ @unitedchurch.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Trans Day of Visibility is March 31st. Is your church doing anything to affirm trans & non-binary siblings? 👇🏾 Resources: -Love is Louder: www.ucc.org/loveislouder/ -ONA, @onaucc.bsky.social: openandaffirming.org/resources/ -Speak up with @justiceucc.bsky.social: www.votervoice.net/JAWM/Campaig...

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

🌈✨ Welcome ONA Church #1908! ✨🌈 We celebrate The Reformed Church of Highland Park, NJ, affirming that all people—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity—are valued and loved. 🌟 Who’s next? #CountdownTo2000 📩 Start your journey: ONA@openandaffirming.org #OpenAndAffirming

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

Altadena Community Church, UCC, has tragically lost its building to the Eaton wildfire. For over 80 years, this #OpenAndAffirming church has been a beacon of justice and love. Support recovery efforts through the UCC: support.ucc.org/california-w... #WildfireRelief #UCC

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 02/01/2025

Art connects us, nurtures our spirit, and helps us engage with history. Tools like Vibrant Voices: Coloring the Stories of Black Visionaries and MLK Jr. Paint-at-Home Kits inspire learning, self-care, and hope. 👉 Visit derekterry.com to learn more! #CreativeExpression #VibrantVoices #MLKJr

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

🎉✨ Happy New Year! ✨🎉 As we step into 2025, we embrace hope & acknowledge the challenges faced by many in our community. For over 53 years, we’ve supported churches in becoming life-saving spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. This year, we strengthen our mission to love, justice, and radical inclusion. 🌈💜

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 Welcome Mattapoisett Congregational Church of Mattapoisett, MA, as ONA Church #1903! 🌈✨ They live out God’s call to joy, love, and service, welcoming ALL who seek to know God. 👉 Support ONA: openandaffirming.org/justice100/ #ONA #WelcomeAll

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 Welcome Bridgewater Congregational Church UCC in CT as ONA Church #1899! 🌈✨ With roots dating back to 1803, they embody love and inclusion, celebrating diversity as a beautiful puzzle where every piece matters. 👉 Support ONA: openandaffirming.org/justice100/ #ONA #Justice100

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 Welcome Nelson Congregational Church in Nelson, NH, as ONA Church #1898! 🌈✨ With 250 years of faith and justice, they boldly embrace inclusion and love. Let’s celebrate this milestone in creating a more just world! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Learn more: openandaffirming.org/justice100/ #openandaffirming

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 30/12/2024

We mourn the passing of #JimmyCarter, a devout Christian and advocate for #LGBTQ+ inclusion. From welcoming LGBTQ+ advocates to the White House to supporting marriage equality, Carter’s legacy shows faith can be a force for justice. Rest in peace, a champion of love and affirmation. #RestInPeace

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 27/12/2024

🌟 Habari Gani (what's the news)? 🌟 🎉 Today, we celebrate the start of Kwanzaa 🕯️🖤❤️💚, honoring African heritage, culture, and values. As we reflect on Umoja (Unity) 🤝✨, let’s build inclusive, loving communities that embrace diversity and justice for all. #Kwanzaa #ONA #Umoja #LoveAndJustice 🌍💖

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 27/12/2024

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 Sunnyside Reformed Church in Queens, NY, is ONA Church #1897! 🌈✨ With 127 years of faith and service, they boldly welcome all, affirming LGBTQIA+ people, women, and all seeking God’s love. Join us in celebrating their commitment to justice and inclusion! 🕊️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 #ONA #UCC

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉 We welcome St. John’s UCC in Mokena, IL, as ONA Church #1896! 🌈✨ With 162 years of faith and service, St. John’s boldly embraces a covenant of welcome, love, and justice for all. ✊ Support Justice 100: openandaffirming.org/justice100/ #ONA #UCC #LoveAndJustice

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

🎉 Welcome Our Shepherd UCC in Howards Grove, WI as ONA Church #1891! 🌈✨ Boldly living their sacred covenant of love, justice, and inclusion. Join our Justice 100 fundraiser to help more churches say YES to welcome and affirmation! 💡 Give today: openandaffirming.org/justice100 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ #ONA #Justice100

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

🌈✨ Welcome Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine, UCC #1895! ✨🌈 Founded in 1820, this historic Maine church now joins the Open and Affirming family—embracing inclusion, justice, and the worth of every person. 🎉 📧 Learn more: ona@openandaffirming.org #ONA #InclusiveChurch #UCC

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

We mourn the passing of Donna Enberg, co-creator of the ONA program with her wife, Rev. Ann B. Day. We hold Ann & all who grieve in our prayers. Donna’s tireless work empowered hundreds of congregations towards affirmation: openandaffirming.org/honoring-donna-enberg-a-legacy-of-inclusion-and-justice

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