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“All this from God: THE TRANSGENDER PUZZLE"

the 7th Annual Gathering of the Pacific Northwest Reconciling Ministries Network

On Sunday afternoon and evening, February 15, the Reconciling Ministries Network in the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference will offer its annual Gathering event at the Des Moines United Methodist Church.

“ALL THIS FROM GOD: THE TRANSGENDER PUZZLE” is the theme of our 2009 annual Gathering event. This year’s focus and theme was selected in the awareness that the “T” of LGBT remains far more of a mystery, even to very “pro-gay” people, than the LGB dynamics, and that effective ministry to all (means all!) can be significantly limited by lack of information and understanding. Recent discussions have made clear that the “T” world is extraordinarily complex and that Transgender/transsexual persons present a particular challenge even to the most accepting and inclusive persons and congregations.  Thus, the affirmation of the theme that, while “all this is from God” (2 Cor. 5:18), the transgender realities remain very puzzling to many, with much to be learned. Various elements of the day will help us move forward in understanding. This focus also dovetails with a current emphasis of the national RMN program as highlighted in the FLASHNET e-mail communication dated November 5, 2008.

Again this year we will be at the Des Moines UMC for Sunday afternoon and evening.  Again we are assured of a great evening meal at the hands of Chef David Edman. Again our worship will be shaped by a team led by Crystal Sygeel.  But from that point on many things will be different.

Headlining and kicking off the afternoon this year will be Peterson Toscano, who calls himself a “Performance Activist exploring queer issues through comedy.” Many in this area have seen his one-gay-man production as stand-up comic, multi-role actor, and illuminator of both biblical narratives and contemporary social oddities. One of his most well-known productions is the 90-minute “event” titled “Doin’ Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House—How I Survived the Ex-Gay Movement.” Other productions he has written and acted are “Queer 101—Now I Know My gAy,B,C’s” and “The Re-Education of George W. Bush.” Most recently he has developed and presented “Transfigurations—Transgressing Gender in the Bible.” It is this latest production that led to the decision to engage his talents and very different “educational style” for the 2009 Gathering. No lecture this year; rather, an entertaining and challenging experience! There will be time to interact with Peterson after the initial performance. That response time is a very important part of his “activist” ministry. Peterson is now a Quaker, following a long journey inside many parts of the Christian faith community as he sought to come to terms with himself, his world, and his faith. 

The Gathering will begin with Registration at 1:30 P.M. and open with a brief time of welcome and worship. Following the Toscano presentation and response, there will be an offering of several workshops. A light supper of soup, salad, beverage, and dessert is scheduled for 5:45, and that will be followed by a closing time of worship, including communion. Benediction and Send-off will be by 7:30, allowing time for distance travelers to get home and get rest for the week ahead. 

In addition to the opportunity for good fellowship with others who share the RMN passions and concerns, and a rime to learn more about transgender issues in particular, there will be a Cokesbury book display of important resources for purchase, and also displays and information for a number of groups and organization which share RMN goals. 

See the PDF flyer for full details [PDF, 1.56MB].
Registrations forms can be printed and mailed in. Be sure to note the savings for pre-registration.

For more information, contact Bartholda Manderville, Registrar at 206.870.8540 or registrar@pnw-rmn.org

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