Well, it's a confusing time. This week, a (pretty) earnest email from us, in the name of clearing some things up.
First, Mom, I wouldn't assume it's your age that's creating the confusion. Ever since Vince penned the now iconic sentence, "We are open and affirming, anti-racist, local, organic, slow-church, just peace, free range, real butter Christians," people of all ages have wondered which parts are real (and whether free range Christians are a thing).
Gilead is a place where a lot of things are simultaneously a joke and the most serious, life-saving work in the world. (And, to be clear, "free range Christians" aren't a thing, unless you count us Gileadites and other people like us who roam around the world, living like the chickens God made us to be, being who we are out in the open air and sunlight and, by so doing, glorifying God. See? Clarity.)
More clarity: we are in the middle of our annual pledge campaign. (That's what all the fake/real/jokey/serious reviews are about.) We are asking people who call Gilead home (or who are glad it exists as a home for others) to make a financial commitment to support this community in the coming year. We are asking you to click on this link which is our online pledge card and let us know what you plan to give next year.
If you’re still on the fence about whether the world needs a queer storytelling bar church like Gilead, here are some very, very real reviews we pulled off the internet:
“What do puppets have to do with Jesus?” - Jason
“I'd be willing to show up to your church.” - Jo Firestone*
“Yikes. Remind anyone of Handmaid's Tale???” - Caitlyn, Katelin, Kaytlen
Give to a church where you get (some of) the jokes. Pick an amount that’s meaningful and doable for you. Then fill out an electronic pledge card and don’t forget to set-up your online giving!
Thank you for all you do to make this community possible. Seriously.
*We have receipts! Check out the recording on our podcast feed.