iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

But if you have options, time, money: - Is there a local hardware store that could use your patronage? - Has it been a while since you've stopped in to the town's office supply shop? The pet care shop? - Is there a grocery store or local coffee spot where you ought to treat yourself?

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

Before we are consumers, we are kin. Before we are consumers, we are siblings. Before we are consumers, we are of earth + spirit. Sometimes, we find ourselves having to rely on imperfect options. Those of us who live in rural places or experience poverty, or those of us trying to survive a crisis.

$image contains two buttons – one pink with the label "local economy," and the other blue with the word "billionaires." text says: this last day of amazon’s annual sale is a prime reminder: how we spend our money is one way to live out our prayers. local economy: * build a healthier community * nurture economic creativity & cooperation * foster trust & civic participation * support your neighbors * safeguard local jobs, making it attractive for people to stay billionaires: * subsidize wealthy shareholders and executives * drain dollars out of publicly funded safety nets & projects * reward dishonest business practitioners and abusive employers * invest in a fractured global economy$

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

If you don't know who your representative is, that's okay! You can look them up here: www.house.gov/representati... No need to be polished or speak steadily. Simply tell your elected official, who works for you and your neighbors, to reject this bill on account of the suffering it promises.

Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a budget bill that will endanger U.S. lives.

The bill strips $1 trillion from Medicaid and SNAP food assistance funding.

17 million more Americans will lose life-sustaining healthcare. Families will go hungry. And yet, the national debt will increase by $4.5 trillion – all to pad the pockets of the hyper-wealthy.

The bill now returns to the U.S. House for consideration. If passed by the House, it will become law, casting Americans into poverty and injustice.

Today is a good day to call your U.S. representative – especially Republicans. It is an act of faithfulness to reject the suffering of our neighbors.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

🌎 WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT Immigration Justice & Congregational Care Led by Rev. Becky Schofield Motter (she/her) How can your church move from compassion to action when it comes to immigration justice? 🧡 Wonder. Discern. Act. 🗓️ Join us at Convocation 2025! Register today: rmnetwork.org/uncharted

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

📣 CONVOCATION WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT 🕊️ Come ready to imagine sacred disruption. 🔥 Leave ready to lead with bold, embodied gospel. 🗓️ Join us at Convocation 2025! Register now—both in-person & virtual tickets available! 👉 rmnetwork.org/uncharted

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

Izzy says: "We're not interested in tokenism. If you're really affirming and welcoming, you have to show it by advocating for (pro-LGBTQ+) policies in your community. You have to actively be fighting for us, with us." #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #queer #trans #transgender #pride

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

If you see today's issue of @usatoday.com on newsstands, flip it open and you'll find Rev. Dr. Izzy Alvaran (RMN's Director of Mission Impact) in the middle, speaking about the sacred responsibility of churches.

A screenshot of Rev. Dr. Izzy Alvaran's photo with the USA TODAY article around it.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

... the Georgia House of Representatives during its morning prayer. Uncharted is RMN's biennial Convocation, a gathering of #LGBTQ+ affirming followers of Jesus to co-create the kin-dom of God. Register for Convocation today! rmnetwork.org/uncharted/ #faithfullylgbtq #umc #queer #transgender

rmnetwork.org

Convocation 2025: UNCHARTED - Reconciling Ministries Network

Register! Sponsorship Opportunities Lodging Photos from Convocation 2023 by Joscie Cutchens & Jennifer Von Essen Register! Sponsorship Opportunities Lodging

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

At Uncharted, we're blessed to look forward to preaching from Rev. Andi Woodworth – a gifted speaker and compassionate thinker. You may have seen Rev. Andi highlighted earlier this year in The Advocate and LGBTQ Nation where they lauded her as the first out #trans person to address...

A photo of Rev. Andi Woodworth smiling into the camera and the following text: with preaching from Rev. Andi Woodworth. Uncharted. Andi is originally from Atlanta proper. She is an ordained elder in the UMC and has served churches in various roles in Atlanta, Aragon, and Rome.

Andi loves helping people and communities grow through creativity, courage, and cooperating with God.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Today is #HarveyMilk Day – honoring the life and courage of the first out U.S. politician. In our public sphere, there are some who buy the platform for personal gain – but that's not everyone. TY to our #LGBTQ+ policy-makers who exhibit painstaking courage.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Uncommonly, needlessly cruel – a bill banning gender affirming care for adult Medicaid recipients has passed the U.S. House. It now proceeds to the Senate.

A photo of Harvey milk against a bold background. A caption on top says: Harvey milk day. Honoring those who exhibit, political bravery for the freedom and the dignity of us all. "I have tasted freedom. I will not give up that which I have tasted."

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Not even when we’re ruled by traffickers and profiteers may we ever sell one another, beloveds, for a bag of silver. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #easter #goodfriday #lent

A photo of barbed wire in front of a blue sky and the following text:

Crucifixion was a thousand different horrors.
And among those
horrors was its
normalcy.

Look down the road as you look upon the cross. Crucifixes all along the
highway to the city.
Those are our kin.
Perhaps that is you.
May this suffering
cease to be normal.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Those are our kin, God’s children. Perhaps it is you. May we never glance down the road and call a culture of destruction normal. May we never become adjusted to our neighbors’ cries for mercy.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

When we mourn the suffering and the costly solidarity of Jesus, we cannot help but see the others crucified with him. We cannot neglect God’s lament over all her beloveds, bodies broken all down the road. Look down the road as you look upon the cross.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

In reality, people were crucified commonly enough that they marked the gates to and from cities. Those who were most commonly crucified were enslaved people and religious and political agitators. Jesus was counted amongst them.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Crucifixion was a thousand different horrors. And among those horrors – its normalcy. The folklore of the cross, the image that many of us conjure today on Good Friday, is of three crucifixes on a skull-shaped hill.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

You may have this coming Palm Sunday on your mind – a ritual of scripture and community to remind us that Jesus was about our liberation. Our holy scriptures are full of histories of ordinary courage and extraordinary grace.

A photo of the tearful eyes of a child with the following text beneath it:

What use is a strong dollar in the hands of someone who has none?

What is a king but a terrorist if he disappears your parents in the dead of night?

What is a king but a fool if he wields holy scripture, upside down, like a weapon?

What is a king but a thief if he lines his friends’ pockets with the savings lost by a nation’s families?

On Palm Sunday, we remember:

No empire will overcome the kin-dom of God.

No empire can take from us our inheritance of philia – love between kin.

No empire will last. One day this, too, will be ashes.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Journalist @erininthemorning.com reported that 17 MT Rep. representatives crossed party lines to help defeat a bill that would've threatened trans children's lives by targeting their caretakers. Before the vote, Rep. SJ Howell moved hearts with their speech, advocating for their own community.

A photo of a Montana landscape with a headline from Erin Reed from Apr 8 2025 in front: 17 Montana Republicans Cross Party Lines, Defeat Anti-Trans Bill After Nonbinary Rep's Speech

Then the following text above and below:

You're never "too old," "too old-fashioned," "too uninformed," "too entrenched" to let God change your heart.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Prosperity preachers are as common as fools' gold, preying on our desires for certainty and comfort. For someone to make things right. The way of Jesus, however, is much simpler and harder than that. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #paulawilliams #gospel

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

The way of Jesus promises neither prosperity, health, nor safety. In times that test the texture and timbre of our faith, who do we say Jesus is? Where would Jesus be found today?

Photos depicting people harmed by this regime's actions including kidnapped Americans and green card holders and those mourning the demolishment of USAID. The following text from prosperity preacher Paula Williams says:

"an angel assigned to you
God as your enemies' enemy
prosperity
sickness removed
long life
increased inheritance
a special year of blessing"

These were things she said would alight on those who made a $1k donation to the Trump campaign

At the bottom of the image is a paraphrase of scripture: "what do we gain in exchange for our souls?"

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

Convocation registration is live! Early bird pricing for a limited time. "Uncharted" will be a sanctuary in time and space, fueling and connecting people committed to LGBTQ+ justice at a time when our Church and our world need prophetic guidance. More info & registration: rmnetwork.org/uncharted/

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

In this evening's Virtual Porch, 3 brilliant #trans #UMC pastors connect the dots between trans-antagonism and the current U.S. legislative landscape. And they show us a roadmap for the collective resistance needed right now. Sign up for free here. Hope to see you tonight! hubs.li/Q03f8dsN0

Upheld in Love: a Gospel Call for Trans Flourishing
Trans Day of Visibility
Monday, March 31, 7pm ET | 4pm PT

An RMN Virtual Porch feat. Pastor Katelyn MacDonald of Duke Memorial UMC in Durham, NC, Pastor Ben Weger of Trinity UMC in Madison, WI, and Rev. Andromeda Woodworth of Neighborhood Church in Atlanta, GA.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

In this Virtual Porch gathering, 3 brilliant transgender #UMC pastors connect the dots between trans-antagonism and the current U.S. legislative landscape. They show us a roadmap for the collective resistance we need right now. Sign up for free here: www.eventbrite.com/e/upheld-in-...

eventbrite.com

Upheld in Love: A Gospel Call for Trans Flourishing

RMN hosts 3 trans United Methodist pastors to illuminate the landscape of trans-antagonism today and a roadmap for progress and protection.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Convocation will be filled with inspiring speakers, transformative conversations, and moments of deep connection. And if this is your first Convocation, this will be a great first one. Early bird pricing is happening now. Learn more & register here: rmnetwork.org/uncharted/

rmnetwork.org

Convocation 2025: UNCHARTED - Reconciling Ministries Network

Photos from Convocation 2023 by Joscie Cutchens & Jennifer Von Essen

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Convocation registration is now LIVE! rmnetwork.org/uncharted/ Uncharted is going to be a rich time of Reconciling fellowship, worship, and education. Together, we're going to learn to better embody Christ’s love and justice for LGBTQ+ people in the Church and beyond.

rmnetwork.org

Convocation 2025: UNCHARTED - Reconciling Ministries Network

Photos from Convocation 2023 by Joscie Cutchens & Jennifer Von Essen

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Many thanks to Jesi Lipp @artzfreak.bsky.social for this Affirmation of Faith to accompany this year's Trans Day of Visibility. Let this statement ground and encourage your congregation this Sunday!

A baroque-looking background with an angel whose color changes from pink to blue through 7 slides. The following text is split amongst the 7 slides.

We believe in the Creator, who made the day and the night, not separate but continually transforming into each other, and thus also gave us the dawn and the twilight, neither day nor night.

We believe in Jesus, the Child of the Creator, who is fully human and fully divine, challenging our simple understandings of biology; who before his disciples was wholly transfigured beyond their comprehension and beyond ours; who was tortured and murdered by religious authorities and the government for being who he was called to be; who was resurrected and returned to a body so changed that his dearest friends did not recognize him.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, who does not take one shape but many, coming to us in the form of a dove and of wind and of fire; who guides us into being the truest version of ourselves.

We believe in the God who revealed to Abraham and Sarah and Peter and Paul that their true name was not the one they had been assigned at birth; a God who does not make mistakes, because transgender people are not a mistake, but in their transness show us the image of a transformational and transcendent God.

We know that each of us, as the Church, is called to continual transformation so that we may transform the world. We know that, in that calling, we must work to dismantle systems that attempt to erase our beloved trans siblings from existence.

We believe in forgiveness and reconciliation, which unite us in a new understanding of what it is to be human. We believe in eternal life, in which we will all be made wonderfully and queerfully new in the Kindom where God reigns forever.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

This afternoon + on April 8th, enfleshed, Soulforce, and @queertheology.bsky.social are teaming up to put on an educational webinar re. trans lives and trans rights at stake. Learn how your church can extend welcome and safety. Register here: www.transformingheartscollective.org/people-of-fa...

transformingheartscollective.org

People of Faith: Defend Trans Lives — Transforming Hearts Collective

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

“It’s been one war after another in our community that we have always won. We have always been resilient. We have always stood strong. We have always fought for our truth, and we’re still here. They haven’t been able to erase us.” 19thnews.org/2025/03/trum... #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #queer #trans

19thnews.org

From Stonewall to now: LGBTQ+ elders on navigating fear in dark times

LGBTQ+ elders share what survival looks like under a hostile political regime and their advice to young people on taking action, even when they're afraid.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

"I’m not scared in the least. Because we have fought so many battles — the elders. We have fought so many battles, with medicine, with HIV, with marching on Washington, with watching our friends die,” [says Renata Ramos, a 63-year-old trans Latina]. From @19thnews.org

19thnews.org

From Stonewall to now: LGBTQ+ elders on navigating fear in dark times

LGBTQ+ elders share what survival looks like under a hostile political regime and their advice to young people on taking action, even when they're afraid.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

If you're at the Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) General Meeting, we'd love to see you! Come by the RMN table for some merch and good company. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #bmcr

A photo of a hand holding the RMN bookmark that came in the BMCR tote bag

A photo of the swag at the RMN table at the BMCR General Meeting

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Our homes of worship are special places in our communities – full of potential for transformation and healing. Here are some attainable ways to extend an invitation when many are looking for religious community as a shelter for the soul. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch

What can your Reconciling Church offer a hurting world right now?

There are lines connecting to 9 photos representing the nine ideas on the next slide]

[text on second slide includes the following ideas:
- host a gentle movement class
- lead a group study with Reconciling resources
- host a sober meet-up like a game night or drag performance
- provide a basic legal clinic with church or community experts
- host a dance party
- offer cover letter & resumé review for people recently fired
- provide childcare so LGBTQ+ parents can have a date night
- put on a queer/trans-focused worship service
- watch a queer/trans movie or show & discuss]

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

...LGBTQ+ members might be unsure if they can share all of who they are; LGBTQ+ kids aren't receiving the guidance they need; and LGBTQ+ newcomers may not step through the doors. Making a Reconciling commitment is one step in changing lives and changing the Church: rmnetwork.org/become-a-rec...

rmnetwork.org

Become a Reconciling Ministry - Reconciling Ministries Network

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

One of our top 10 reasons why your church or community should still consider becoming Reconciling is that it's a way to extend God's love. Did you know that only 2-3% of United Methodist churches around the connection are Reconciling? That means that in up to 97% of United Methodist churches:

The following text in speech bubbles:

- Wait, didn’t they vote out the anti-LGBTQ+ policies at the last General Conference? So...

- Why should we become a Reconciling Ministry?

- 1. To extend God's love

Like all of us, LGBTQ+ people deserve a place where they can worship, serve, and find faith community. Jesus intentionally invited all and uplifted those who were downtrodden. As followers of Jesus, so should we.

Especially in a time of heightened cruelty against LGBTQ+ people, it is countercultural and sacred to live in the courageous spirit of love.

Stay tuned for all top 10 reasons

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

With Lent already underway, we don’t want you to miss out on what this Lenten devo has to offer – centering, invitation, delight, and gentleness. Use the code devo50 to take 50% off now. If price is a barrier for you, then DM us. We’d love for you to have it: hubs.li/Q03bT8xL0 #devo #umc #lgbtq

hubs.li

Into the Wilderness: a Reconciling Lenten Devotional - Reconciling Ministries Network

Through this devotional, you will explore what it means to be a people of justice, mercy, and love in the face of discomfort and uncertainty. In the wilderness, transformation is possible, both in us and in the world we are called to help shape.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

The PCUSA has just voted to "[enshrine], for the first time, recognition of LGBTQIA+ people in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and declaring the denomination’s commitment to their full participation and representation in the church’s worship, governance and emerging life."

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

The Electronic Frontier Foundation has put out a #Surveillance Self-Defense guide to protecting ourselves from online spying by government entities and others. If you're a justice-seeking church or individual, check out the guide for free here: ssd.eff.org #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #trans #queer

ssd.eff.org

Surveillance Self-Defense

We’re the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an independent non-profit working to protect online privacy for over thirty years. This is Surveillance Self-Defense: our expert guide to protecting you and y...

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

What does your anger tell you? Where is your anger leading you? How does your anger challenge you to draw close to the God of the whole heart? #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #justice

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

Many of us may have come to believe that anger was sinful or fearsome. When we clue into Jesus' anger over mistreatment of people on the margins or our desecration of the image of God in one another: we can learn what matters to God.

An image of daisies with large, bold text in front: "Be angry without sinning." - Ephesians 4:26

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Please give a warm welcome to the newest Reconciling Ministry of the movement: Hanford First UMC of Hanford, CA! You can visit their website here: fumchanford.org #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch

Two photos – the top is of Hanford First UMC, which is a large white Spanish-style building. The second is of the congregation's people in the sanctuary looking into the camera, mostly smiling.

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Reconciling Ministries Network @rmnetwork.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Let us not rush to concede that which we and our ancestors have worked so hard to build. The kin-dom of God will be built upon truths boldly lived and spoken. #faithfullylgbtq #lgbtq #umc #unitedmethodistchurch #dei #diversity

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