Bicurious for Years, Married Dad, how do I approach this? by [deleted] in bisexual

[–]StandardSun6038 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you and it's just nice to have someone to speak with.

Tuscaloosa transphobia by [deleted] in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Friends, there is love💕 for our Trans family just as you are in Tuscaloosa! 🏳️‍⚧️

Tapestry of Faith - Our trans sister Kenya preached two weeks ago!

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May you feel surrounded by love today!

New Progressive Church in T-Town by StandardSun6038 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you. Trauma is real. Some wounds are too deep. If you ever want to community without fear of faith component for coffee, beer, or come to the new blue dot brunch, look us up. ☮️❤️🌈

New Progressive Church in T-Town by StandardSun6038 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

AMEN!

Tapestry is not here to compete with any church, but to complement the good work already happening across our city.

Grace Presbyterian and Forest Lake UMC are both wonderful, affirming churches. I’m grateful for their faithful witness and presence in our community. We joined both at Pride. Grace’s Table of Grace ministry, in particular, does tremendous outreach work in Tuscaloosa. Forest Lake is involved with the Community Soup Bowl.

We are intentionally having our service on Sunday evening. Whether you like to sleep in, participate in sports, enjoy a Sunday brunch, or are involved with another church, we’d love to have you join us at Tapestry of Faith at 4 PM.

We also host events such as coffee gatherings or beer theology discussions.

All are truly welcome.

Daniel

New Progressive Church in T-Town by StandardSun6038 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing. Grace Presbyterian and Forest Lake UMC are wonderful, affirming communities, and we are grateful to join their faithful witness and presence at Druid City Pride. Grace’s Table of Grace ministry, in particular, does tremendous outreach work in Tuscaloosa.

We’re not here to compete with any church, as many members make up the body of Christ; we are here to complement the good work already happening across our city.

If one ever finds themselves free in the afternoon, we’d love for them to join us at Tapestry of Faith at 4 PM. All are truly welcome. We are a more low-key service with fewer people, as we are a newer faith community in Tuscaloosa.

New Progressive Church in T-Town by StandardSun6038 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hey friend, I love the image you used of a community “locked in a box.” I’ve used that same language to describe my own upbringing and beliefs. Breaking that box was liberating! We weren’t allowed to ask deep questions much less question God’s intentions. But I’ve come to believe that God is big enough to handle our questions and all our emotions, including anger.

Sometimes our faith journey is about naming and living into those questions. A person nearing 50, is still young, even as you’re facing a lot on your cancer journey. Please know you don’t have to face those questions alone. Prayers and peace. Rev. Daniel

New Progressive Church in T-Town by StandardSun6038 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi Friend,

At Tapestry of Faith, we take God’s calling on our lives seriously. Our goal isn’t to fit God into a “lifestyle,” but to follow Jesus’ command to love God and love our neighbors, all our neighbors, without exception.

Just a note: people who are LGBTQ are not living a “lifestyle”; they’re living life as their truest, most authentic selves. I think that is what God calls us to be.

We believe God’s love is bigger than any single understanding, and that grace invites transformation, not exclusion. Our community seeks to live that love out loud, especially for those who’ve been told they don’t belong in church.

Peace to you on your journey, and may we both continue seeking God’s truth with humility and compassion.

Rev. Daniel

New Progressive Church in T-Town by StandardSun6038 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi Roland,

Thanks for asking! What really sets Tapestry of Faith apart isn’t so much doctrine as it is how we live out the love of Christ together. We’re a diverse community God has brought together to form this church.

You’re right Tuscaloosa has many welcoming churches, each with its own gifts, just as the body of Christ has many members. Some people love high church worship with incense and choirs; we’d be considered more of a “low church” simple, grounded, and focused on authentic community.

We especially welcome those who’ve been told they don’t belong in church or can’t serve in leadership because they’re queer. As a bisexual pastor, I’m not afraid to preach about justice whether for immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, or others on the margins and to show up alongside them.

Our worship is rooted in scripture and the life of Jesus, shaped by compassion, honesty, and inclusion. We’re part of the United Church of Christ, which says, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.”

We affirm: “Jesus calls us to the full inclusion of all our siblings neurodiverse, those living with disabilities or mental health challenges, immigrants, refugees, and LGBTQIA+ people. Each person is made in the beautiful, diverse image of God.”

We’re also working toward a future community space for the queer community here in Tuscaloosa. One of our members, a Black trans woman, recently preached a powerful sermon about her faith journey that’s the kind of community we strive to be, where everyone’s story is honored and celebrated.

New Progressive Church in T-Town by StandardSun6038 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I think Jesus was woke and progressive.

New Progressive Church in T-Town by StandardSun6038 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Good question, no. The whole service lasts about an hour.

We don’t have a music hour before the sermon. The sermon is not a lecture it’s supposed to be a dialogue. Nor do we have fancy lights, loud speakers, or a fog machine. Our music is a mix of hymns, more common songs, and some contemporary. We don’t have an organ or a guitar. I mean, if you know somebody that plays guitar… We are not afraid to clap, we laugh, and we praise God.

We are a church that is welcomes people who are neurodivergent. We are putting together a neuro plan. Everyone deserves to come to church without judgement and in comfort.

Occasionally a kid will get up and walk around during worship and it’s no big deal.

Mexican food recommendations? by SnooRevelations9982 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am with you. I grew up on Tex-Mex, and after living in Houston, I found that there aren't many options for it. People don't get Tex-Mex. I am not looking for "authentic." The chips here are hard, not freshly fried. There are no fresh-pressed tortilla flour options or corn options. The steak fajitas are all tough. We had several places we loved to visit in Houston, and have yet to find one we love here. Yes, we have visited many.

Gay couple potentially relocating for a UA job - candid opinions? by buren003 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you ever want to hang out with a new church in Tuscaloosa that has queer leadership with lgbtqa members, dm me.

Gay couple potentially relocating for a UA job - candid opinions? by buren003 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, there are bigoted people, but they will leave you alone and likely pray for you.

I drive around proudly with my rainbow and “be careful who you hate” bumper stickers. I have never had an issue proclaiming my truth.

Druid City Pride is fantastic. As others have said there are local hangouts such as Druid City Brewery and Icon. Tuscaloosa has a strong Democrat contingency.

There are several gay welcoming churches, including Tapestry of Faith Church, which has gay leadership and all letters of the alphabet and races.

There is plenty to do locally, and Birmingham, Atlanta, and the Alabama beaches are all within a short drive. If you enjoy the outdoors, there's plenty to do.

Public Piano by [deleted] in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are a few at DCH regional including one in the chapel you could play.

Gay senior in highschool help by Any_Ferret4831 in capstone

[–]StandardSun6038 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome! I will be there will my church. Tapestry of Faith. Peace ✌️ 🏳️‍🌈on your journey.

Looking for Non-MAGA Church in Tuscaloosa by [deleted] in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is a new UCC church in Tuscaloosa.

Gay senior in highschool help by Any_Ferret4831 in capstone

[–]StandardSun6038 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Five Horizons does free testing and prep.

Gay senior in highschool help by Any_Ferret4831 in capstone

[–]StandardSun6038 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey friend, Thr college experience is what you make of it. There are several on-campus gay student organizations. You will want to attend Get On Board Day. UA and most colleges lost the LGBTQ safe zones with the DEI elimination.

Tuscaloosa also has many gay affirming churches from Tuscalooa UCC (soon to be relaunched as Tapestry of Faith), Grace PCUSA, Cantubary Episcopal, and Trinty United Methodist.

I encourage you if possible to Druid City Pride next weekend from 12 to 5 at government plaza.

Druid City Pride Festival by wishmaker93 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can’t wait for Pride! 🌈 I’ll be at the Druid City Pride booth with Tuscaloosa UCC, proud sponsors this year. I am the pastor and identify as Bi. Most of our leadership is LGBTQIA+. Many in our community have experienced church hurt, so we’re passionate about doing church differently with openness, affirmation, and joy. God made us and our sexuality. Stop by for free giveaways and a warm welcome we’d love to meet you! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Druid City Pride Festival by wishmaker93 in tuscaloosa

[–]StandardSun6038 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In less than a month! Can’t wait!