DSCF2573“Christ in the LGBTQ Community:  An Open Conversation” will take place on Friday evening, April 25 (7 – 9 PM) and Saturday, April 26 (9 AM – 5 PM) at the Reformed Church of Metuchen NJ.

Co-sponsored by the Justice and Mercy committee of the Classis of New Brunswick, the ecumenical event will include workshops, guest speakers, resource sharing and inclusive worship.  The Rev. Peter Sanfilippo, pastor at RCM, states that the purpose of the event is to explore practical ways that the church can be a more welcoming and affirming place for LGBTQ people, families and allies – to “transform churches and people’s hearts.”  Lunch will be served on Saturday.

The agenda includes an introduction to the work of Room for All, featuring a look at our new video resource, “Body & Soul:  We Belong.”  RfA trainers will also offer an overview of “Building an Inclusive Church” (BIC) workshops, including small-group training in one or two modules from the BIC program.

Guest speakers are Dr. James Brownson, author of “Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate on Same-Sex Relationships” and Dr. Michael LaSala, professor at the Rutgers University School of Social Work and author of “Coming Out:  Coming Home.”  The closing Communion service will be led by Rev. Ursula Cargill.

For further information, contact the Reformed Church of Metuchen at 732-548-2463.