affirm
affirm
The Affirm Circle meets to plan worship, lunch and learns, protests, and other important justice related events. We have an Action Plan for our Affirm work and we make sure we follow up on our promises to the 2S and LGBTQ+ community.
The Affirm Circle works closely with the God’s Beloved group as well, ensuring that we know what is needed by the group spiritually especially.
Members: Norah, Laurie, Mia, Mary, Valerie, Kate
KITCHISSIPPI UNITED CHURCH AFFIRM ACTION PLAN
ACTION | DESCRIPTION | DATE | STATUS |
Oversight and support | KUC Council and the Affirm Ministry circle (reporting to Council) will oversee the Action Plan | ongoing | |
Affirm focussed services | A minimum of three special services will be held each year, will renew KUC commitment to Affirm ministry and activities on a regular basis | March – PIE day June – Pride Sunday November -Trans Awareness | Since 2018 to date |
Celebration | Have a celebration worship and gathering when we become an Affirming church (meeting for congregation vote to request membership in national AUSE ministry is anticipated for early Winter 2023) | June 2023 | |
Educational | Programs and services for the congregation to highlight diversity issues. This could include, but not be limited to, guest speakers, learning Sundays, collaboration with other churches and outside organizations. Could have the first such session on inclusive language; could have another one on visuals for affirming space – banners, posters, etc. Create a resource library for the congregation. | On going | |
Worship | Minutes for Diversity – have regular updates during service on events, provide snippets of information (Did you know?) etc. | On-going | |
Inclusive language | Work with other circles in the church to educate and identify opportunities to ensure use of inclusive language within Kitchissippi programs and services. | An educational session on the common use of language that does not reflect/respect diversity. Identify one or two key circles to have a more detailed session. Fall of 2022 | |
Outreach | Provide information to the congregation about opportunities within the greater community related to celebration of diversity. Could be part of summer student’s goals to research and find out what is happening and relevant organizations. | On-going | |
Outside Organizations | Develop relationships with other churches or organizations such as Capital Rainbow Refugee Project, Trans youth and families of trans youth organizations to identify opportunities to work together. Share resources and identify opportunities. | On-going | |
Partnerships | Explore opportunities to partner with other United Churches (or community partners) to co-sponsor events etc. | On-going | |
Technology | Review existing web site to highlight diversity and ensure inclusive language Explore how our new technology capabilities can be used by outside partners and congregation in support of diversity. | By the end of 2022 On-going | |
Signage | Use AUSE logo (and others) on external signage, website, other documents and visuals. Create new signage both internal and external to ensure public display of diversity. | June 2023 | |
Finance | Continue financial support for Affirm activities in the church, for the national AUSE (including membership fees and attendance at annual meeting and training) and for use with activities with the greater community. | Ongoing |