December 4th 2022 : It's Our Affirmaversary

Every year, on the first Sunday of December, West Hill United celebrates the occasion of becoming an Affirm Ministry on December 6, 2009. At the June 2008 Annual Congregational meeting, the community voted unanimously in support full humanity of Two-Spirit and LGBTQI+ communities. They did this as part of a year-long process of study and reflection to become a member of Affirm United/S’affirmer ensemble (AUSE). As of today, over 300 ministries have joined AUSE in a commitment of solidarity with Two-Spirit and LGBTQI+ and their right to their lives in safety and love.
We will examine the history of AUSE from its beginning in a church basement decades ago. AUSE is not actually a part of the United Church of Canada. Rather they are partners. AUSE in its infancy decided not to become subsumed by the UCC but to remain a separate organization. They did this, at least in part, so they could hold the UCC to account. AUSE’s signature program is its Affirming ministries program, which accompanies diverse ministries through the process of becoming publicly, intentionally, and explicitly welcoming of all genders and sexual orientations. AUSE has developed processes to help communities learn what it means to be truly affirming so that the decision is made in wisdom and a real commitment is made.

1st Reading: Our History by Affirming United

Affirm the United/S’affirmer Ensemble Website detailing a short history of the organization. One important thing to remember is that Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble is not part of the United Church of Canada. Rather they are partners with the United Church

Things Haunt  By Joshua Jennifer Espinoza

California is a desert and I am a woman inside it. The road ahead bends sideways and I lurch within myself.

I’m full of ugly feelings, awful thoughts, bad dreamsof doom, and so much love left unspoken.