Tell Your Story: A Writing Workshop for Women
You have a story to tell. You have memories to recount, wisdom to offer, and faith to pass on to your loved ones. Women’s stories have always been important to God and to God’s people, though our culture has at times undervalued or suppressed them. Stories have the power to move, heal, and change us, and by stewarding yours, you can honor God and leave a lasting legacy.
In this workshop we’ll celebrate stories only women can tell — coming-of-age stories, faith stories, love stories, motherhood stories, and more. We’ll study sample texts and then we’ll write, learning techniques to strengthen and bring clarity to our storytelling, whether for publication or for memory-keeping. And there will be time to share our stories with one another in small groups. You will walk away ready to pick up your pen, tell your stories, and discover the grace threaded through the very fabric of your life. This workshop is led by Lutheran authors Erin Strybis and the Rev. Kimberly Knowle-Zeller.
Book discussion: Love Without Limits: Jesus’ Radical Vision for a Love with No Exceptions (Friday only)
How many times do you get to engage in a book discussion with the book’s author? You can do that at the Just Love Gathering by joining Dr. Jacqueline Bussie for a discussion of her book Love Without Limits: Jesus’ Radical Vision for a Love with No Exceptions. All are welcome at this workshop; having read the book is not a prerequisite for attending the workshop. This workshop will focus on how we love across difference in these troubled and polarized times and will include lots of good conversation!
Love Without Limits: Jesus’ Radical Vision for a Love with No Exceptions won the Reader’s Favorite Bronze Medal International Book Award for Christian Living, the 2020 IAN Outstanding Religion Book of the Year Award, and third place IAN Non-Fiction Book of the Year Award. Also, Publisher’s Weekly named Love Without Limits “a must-read for all Christians interested in inclusivity for their communities.” In August 2022, Love Without Limits was released in second edition paperback and also on Audiobook with Jacqueline narrating. It’s the second edition that she encourages you to read in advance of the Just Love Gathering. This workshop is facilitated by Dr. Jacqueline Bussie.
Indian 101 (Friday only)
The general population knows very little about the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. Even the most basic topics are often grand mysteries. This is by design; for centuries, the colonial project has prioritized the complete erasure of Native people. “Indian 101” explains some of these basics to build a foundation for students to stand in solidarity with Indian people across the United States as we work together to dismantle longstanding systems of oppression. Both workshops are presented by Vance Blackfox.
Introduction to Truth & Healing Movement (Saturday only)
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has commenced its Truth and Healing Movement, inspiring us to grow in better and right relationships with Indigenous people and tribal nations on Turtle Island. This workshop will explore the truths we seek to learn and the healing we hope to experience, as well as how the movement began, among Indigenous people and within the ELCA. It will also explain the work the ELCA has done recently and how you can participate in this justice movement.
Spotlight with Authors of Call to Allyship: Preparing Your Congregation for Leaders of Color
Join the Rev. Angela T. !Khabeb, Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy, and the Rev. Viviane Thomas-Breitfeld, three authors of an inaugural book in a new series called Mouth House by Augsburg Fortress. They will share perspectives on writing chapters for the new book titled Call to Allyship: Preparing Your Congregation for Leaders of Color. Pastor Thomas-Breitfeld will read from her chapter on equity in compensation. Dr. Sherman-Conroy will read from her chapters on intersectionality and on calling non-rostered leaders. Pastor !Khabeb will read from her opening and closing chapters and will speak about the process of editing this book.
Through vivid (and sometimes painful) storytelling and profound insights, these leaders in the ELCA will invite participants into deeper conversation about the work that can be done by predominantly white congregations before calling a leader of color. Prepare to learn and understand more about your own call to allyship as an act of living out your baptismal calling.
