Dear Keystone Family,
This past weekend, your moderator Barb and I had the privilege of traveling to Yakima for the annual Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ. What an inspiring time it was! We connected with members from across the conference, celebrated the welcome of new churches, explored uplifting and challenging ideas, and listened to some truly transformative preaching.
Friday kicked off with a variety of workshops led by passionate and knowledgeable presenters. I attended a powerful session on religious trauma led by Rev. Dr. Christie Love, Senior Pastor at Englewood Christian Church in Yakima. As a trauma theologian, she shed light on the kinds of experiences that lead to religious trauma and the groups most affected by it, such as LGBTQ+ individuals and those who’ve been homeschooled in strict religious environments. She also shared profound insights into how we, as a church, can offer pastoral care to those seeking healing.
Next, I joined a workshop on anti-racist practices in churches. I was deeply moved and inspired by the work of Sunnyslope Church in Wenatchee, who recently hosted a community workshop with Sarah Augustine, author of a thought-provoking book on the Doctrine of Discovery. Meanwhile, Barb dove into sessions on faith advocacy and support for church moderators, gathering valuable tools for leadership.
The weekend was full of meaningful moments, including a keynote address by Reverend Freeman Palmer, the Conference Minister for the Central Atlantic Conference. Reverend Palmer’s message was both thrilling and thought-provoking as he preached from Luke’s Gospel, in which Jesus encourages his host to invite the marginalized to the feast. Reverend Palmer posed the question: Who in our day is left out of the invitation? He challenged us to consider our trans siblings, immigrant neighbors, and those who’ve traditionally been excluded. Even more, we were urged to ask, “Who is setting the table, and what barriers are keeping people away?” It was a call to self-reflection, justice, and radical inclusion.
On Sunday, the weekend’s message culminated in a sermon by Reverend Bianca Davis, a powerful and prophetic Black woman preacher whose voice was vibrant with liberation, empowerment, and the call to uplift God’s people. She shared a compelling vision for the church, reminding us that as old structures fade, we are given the opportunity to create something entirely new—rooted in love, justice, and compassion. I left her sermon thinking how incredible it would be to have her bring her message to Keystone one day!
Barb and I returned to Seattle filled with hope and renewed energy, ready to share the spiritual momentum we experienced. As we journey forward together, I’m excited for what lies ahead. Remember, on May 18, we will gather as a congregation to discern the future of Keystone. This will be a chance to share stories, enjoy a meal, celebrate our accomplishments, and dream together about what God is calling us to become.
I am so grateful to be on this journey with you all. Let’s continue to grow, evolve, and set the table for a vibrant and inclusive future!
With joy and hope,
Pastor Adina