Author | Lightnews

Reposted by Open and Affirming Coalition

Heather @velociheather.bsky.social · Jul 13

LOVE these, @onaucc.bsky.social! I will be handing them out to friends when I get home! #UCCsynod #gs35 #generalsynod

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Reposted by Open and Affirming Coalition

Rev Derek (he/him/his) 🏳️‍🌈 @revderekterry.bsky.social · Jul 17

“Silence is not safety, neutrality is not love, and the church must not be a bystander.” Grateful to speak these words at #UCCSynod for 40 years of Open and Affirming ministry. Watch here: vimeo.com/1101670425?s... #LGBTQ #openandaffirming #addlgbtsky #addblackgaysky @unitedchurch.bsky.social

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Jul 1

🎶 A night of sound + soul 🎶
Rise in Resilience w/ Calvin Arsenia
🗓️ Thurs, July 10 | 7:30 PM
📍 KC Marriott Downtown
🎟️ riseinresilience.eventbrite.com

Music. Healing. HIV justice.
#RiseInResilience #ONA2025 #CalvinArsenia #FaithfulResistance #HIVAIDSMission #BlackQueerArt #SacredSeenCalled

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Jun 18

The Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee’s cruel ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth.
We grieve. We rage. We resist.
Trans youth are sacred. This fight is not over.

Read our full statement:
openandaffirming.org/trans-youth-...
#TransRightsAreHumanRights #UCC #ONA #SacredResistance

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Jun 14

We've partnered w/ the Alzheimer’s Association to launch two new resources for ONA churches: a Purple Sunday Toolkit (drive.google.com/file/d/1y0hF...) + Clergy Guide (here: drive.google.com/file/d/1i3kN...) Plan a Purple Sunday to show up for LGBTQ+ caregivers

#PurpleSunday #ONAChurch #ENDALZ

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Jun 8

Rev. Derek Terry wrote & shared this sacred text for the National Trans Visibility March at World Pride in DC. It's a holy reminder: trans lives are sacred. Feel free to share & use it in your own spaces.

#TransVisibility #ONAChurch #FaithfulResistance

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Jun 7

Rev. Derek Terry shares a painful moment on the eve of his birthday at World Pride. It’s a powerful reminder of why intersectional, affirming ministry matters. Watch the video and give if you can:
www.giveoutday.org/organization...
#GiveOUTDay #ONAChurch

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Jun 6

Final 55 mins of #GiveOUTDay!
This isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a declaration: LGBTQ+ people of faith deserve affirmation, safety & joy.
Every gift helps us build a Church where love leads.
www.giveoutday.org/organization...

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Jun 5

A message from our Acting Exec. Director Rev. Derek A. Terry, filmed at WorldPride in DC. On Give OUT Day, he shares why this work matters—and why your support does too. Watch & give: www.giveoutday.org/organization...

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Jun 4

Tomorrow is #GiveOUTDay—and we need you with us.
Early giving is open, but we’re still far from our goal.
🎯 5,000 donors. Just $10 each.
Show up with love.
Fuel this movement for justice + joy.
🌈 Donate now: www.giveoutday.org/organization...
#ONA #Pride2025

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · May 23

Last day to register for World Pride with the UCC! 🌈
Join us in DC June 6–8 to march, worship & volunteer at the ONA Coalition’s booth. Let’s show up for justice & joy!

Register now: ow.ly/wTJO50VU96B
#ONA #WorldPride2025 #UCCPride

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · May 21

Registration is still just $250 for the 2025 ONA National Gathering! Join us in Kansas City, MO July 9–10 for worship, justice, and community. Featuring Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson!
Register: openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/events/83144...

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · May 20

Building an Affirming Church (formerly ONA 101)
📅 May 21 | 🕖 7–8:30 PM ET | 💻 Online

A practical, powerful intro to starting—or renewing—your ONA journey.
🎙 Rev. Derek Terry & Barb Biedenstein

👉 Register: openandaffirming.networkforgood.com/events/86046...

#ONAChurches #UCC #LGBTQFaith

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · May 11

Happy Mother’s Day from the Open and Affirming Coalition! 🌈💐 We honor all who mother—with love, strength, and sacred care. Biological, chosen, spiritual, queer—your love changes the world. #MothersDay #ONA #ChosenFamily #LGBTQFaith #UCC

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Apr 28

🌟 Early registration for the 2025 ONA National Gathering is extended until May 15! 🌟 Join us July 9–10 in Kansas City. Spots and hotel rooms are limited—register now at OpenAndAffirming.com! #ONA2025 #SacredSeenCalled #ONAChurches

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Apr 17

🚨 Don’t miss this! 🚨 Get 20% OFF the first 10 tickets to our webinar: Building an Affirming Church (formerly ONA 101) 🗓️ May 21 | 7–8:30 PM ET 🎟️ Use code ONA20 🔗 openandaffirming.org/events #ONAWebinar #ONA2000 #OpenAndAffirming #LGBTQChurch

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Reposted by Open and Affirming Coalition

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities @welcome-to-united.bsky.social · Apr 15

If you’re interested in ministry, but do not desire an MDiv, United’s MA in Ministry (MAM) offers focused academic and practical ministry training that gives you foundational knowledge and skills at a fraction of the time and cost.

🎓 See if the MAM is right for you below!

Masters of Arts in Ministry Degree | Minnesota

The Master of Arts in Ministry degree is a focused academic and practical ministry training program, designed for flexibility and efficiency.

buff.ly

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Apr 15

🎉 Welcome to ONA Church #1911: Middlebury Congregational in CT! This historic, vibrant church now boldly affirms LGBTQ+ people. We’re one step closer to 2,000 ONA churches! 🌈
Ready to start your journey? Message @revderekterry.bsky.social
#ONA1911 #CountdownTo2000 #UCC

A digital certificate with a gold ribbon and a seal featuring the Progress Pride Flag. It reads: “ONA #1911 — Open and Affirming Congregation. Middlebury Congregational Church of Middlebury, Connecticut is hereby recognized as an Open and Affirming Congregation in the United Church of Christ.” Signed by Rev. Derek A. Terry, Executive Director, and dated 2025. Logos for the United Church of Christ and the Open and Affirming Coalition appear at the bottom.

A two-part image featuring a celebratory cake. The top half shows a chocolate sheet cake with white and pink icing that reads “MCC welcomes YOU!” decorated with sprinkles and purple flower designs. The bottom half shows a slice of the cake on a paper plate, revealing vibrant rainbow-colored layers inside.

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Apr 1

@revderekterry.bsky.social is now the Acting Executive Director at the Open and Affirming Coalition. Read the full statement about the leadership transition at the coalition on FB/IG or at OpenandAffirming.com/News #LGBTQ #openandaffirming #progressivechurch #GodisLove #blackgaysky #gaysky #queer

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Apr 1

"Trans lives are holy, trans people belong, and their visibility is sacred." #transgender #trans #translivesmatter #tdov #openandaffirming #lgbtq #progressivechristianity

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Reposted by Open and Affirming Coalition

United Church of Christ @unitedchurch.bsky.social · Mar 20

Trans Day of Visibility is March 31st.

Is your church doing anything to affirm trans & non-binary siblings?

👇🏾 Resources:
-Love is Louder: www.ucc.org/loveislouder/
-ONA, @onaucc.bsky.social: openandaffirming.org/resources/
-Speak up with @justiceucc.bsky.social: www.votervoice.net/JAWM/Campaig...

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Mar 20

🌈✨ Welcome ONA Church #1908! ✨🌈

We celebrate The Reformed Church of Highland Park, NJ, affirming that all people—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity—are valued and loved.

🌟 Who’s next? #CountdownTo2000

📩 Start your journey: [email protected]

#OpenAndAffirming

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Jan 10

Altadena Community Church, UCC, has tragically lost its building to the Eaton wildfire. For over 80 years, this #OpenAndAffirming church has been a beacon of justice and love. Support recovery efforts through the UCC: support.ucc.org/california-w... #WildfireRelief #UCC

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Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Jan 2

Art connects us, nurtures our spirit, and helps us engage with history. Tools like Vibrant Voices: Coloring the Stories of Black Visionaries and MLK Jr. Paint-at-Home Kits inspire learning, self-care, and hope.
👉 Visit derekterry.com to learn more!
#CreativeExpression #VibrantVoices #MLKJr

Open and Affirming Coalition @onaucc.bsky.social · Jan 1

🎉✨ Happy New Year! ✨🎉 As we step into 2025, we embrace hope & acknowledge the challenges faced by many in our community. For over 53 years, we’ve supported churches in becoming life-saving spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. This year, we strengthen our mission to love, justice, and radical inclusion. 🌈💜

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