spirit people

My friend Ema just returned from a trip to the Deep South, where she was training undocumented Mexican and Guatemalan people so they can be even stronger leaders in their local church. She lit up as she spoke of the men, some of whom cannot write in Spanish or English, but who love the Bible and meet regularly to talk about it (yes, they make the time, though they work 7am-7pm at a local poultry processing plant). And the women! They are such healers, Ema said, that it seems they just hold out their hands and transformation happens. Some of them are afraid to believe God is acting in their lives and that their stories and ministries matter. Ema was there to help open their eyes. I feel sure that, when she left, they could see more of God in their midst, more of God in each other. Just hearing her stories had that impact on me.

As we move into this season of the Holy Spirit -- that is, the season of Pentecost -- I'm so grateful for Spirit people like Ema. Who has opened your eyes, helped you to see God's love more clearly, participate in God's life more fully? Be sure to thank them. And thank God.

coming up @ the crossing

WORSHIP and COMMUNITY // Thursdays @ 6pm
Rev. Steph opens June with a reflection on Luke 7:11-17: Jesus resurrects a young man so he can go home to help his mother (um, thanks?). Following worship stay for community OR the Hope in Action Training.

• BEFORE WORSHIP: Come at 4:45pm to help with worship set-up or 5:30pm to join a prayer circle
• AFTER WORSHIP: Community hang-time, then Fajitas n Ritas OR Hope in Action Training re: getting equipped to lead talks on faith and transgender welcome
• BY SUBWAY: 138 Tremont St -- across from Park St T stop (Red or Green Line); near Downtown Crossing T (Orange)
• PARKING: Boston Common Garage, Charles Street between Boston Common and Public Garden
• FOR MORE INFO: Head to our website -- www.thecrossingboston.org

TRAINING for HOPE IN ACTION // THIS Thursday, June 3, after Worship (8-9:30pm)

One more training for people who want to facilitate discussions around transgender inclusion at local churches and organizations, using Jesse Begenyi's documentary short film "The Crossing" as the conversation starter. Read under "justice and service @ the crossing" for more details about the Hope in Action campaign and getting engaged.

PRIDE PARADE // NEXT Saturday, June 12, ~11am-2pm in Boston's South End

The Crossing will lead the Episcopal crew marching in the Boston's LGBT

Pride Parade. An amazing day to share the love and life of God out in the open! Starts in the South End (precise starting location TBA) and ending at Boston's City Hall Plaza near Government Center. I

f you'd like to 1) help with planning and prep, 2) be part of the Episco-Disco Dancers or 3) just march, then

CONTACT Justin at justice@thecrossingboston.org.

SUMMER FUN @ THE CROSSING // Coming up

The Community Life crew has quite a plan for the summer. Yes, there will be Thursday afternoon pick-up games on Boston Common. Yes, there will be day-trips all over Boston. Yes, there will be a day to paint and help out at Waltham House for LGBT homeless youth. Yes, there will be kickball and a picnic (and yes, it's called a "KickNic"). Yes, there will be monthly dinners at homes. I feel sure Leigh Foster will host at least one pool party in Brookline (hi Leigh!). It's quite a lot of community and life. Be sure to share it. Dates and more to come SOON -- CONTACT Jason at community-life@thecrossingboston.org.

justice & service @ the crossing

HOPE IN ACTION ADVOCACY ON BEACON HILL // NOW

As a part of the city-wide Hope in Action campaign -- shepherded by our partners in the Life Together young adult intern program in the Diocese of Massachusetts -- many of us have made a

1% commitment to action that makes a difference. CONTACT our Hope in Action Strategy Leader Natalie Finstad at hope@thecrossingboston.org for lots more info. Here's the most recent news:

• The State Legislature is getting set to revisit a stalled bill that would add sexual expression to the state's non-discrimination clause, at last granting transgender people protection from discrimination in housing, jobs, public accommodations and so much more. Please consider writing a letter, calling a legislator and/or praying. Go to www.masstpc.org for info.
• If you made a 1% pledge and plan to participate in the trainings with other faith communities, be thinking NOW about the church, school or other group you'd like to visit to do a training. We'll go to the places where we each have relationships. That's the way lasting change happens!