Name: Dan Hammer
Location: Seattle, WA
Affiliated Congregation: Mercer Island Presbyterian Church
My decision to come out last year was partly motivated by my sense of calling. I realized that-- ordained or not-- I needed to be able to serve authentically out of who I am in order to serve a community of faith well. Coming out set in motion a number of life changes including a transition to a new church. Staff and individuals from Parity offered care and support during that anxious season, and attending the retreat last year further affirmed my journey and the possibility of a future in ordered ministry. I'm very much looking forward to reconnecting with friends at this year's retreat, meeting new people, and enjoying/offering a space of belonging.
Dear Friends,
This April, I’ve been offered the amazing opportunity to attend Parity’s 2016 Emerging LGBTQ Pastors Retreat. It is an incredible chance to join other LGBTQ people pursuing ministry, and recently ordained pastors in fellowship, worship and training.
Parity’s retreat gives people like me the unique opportunity to reconcile their identity and faith, and share and learn from one another in a supportive and healing environment. Within the last two years, six LGBTQ pastors from Parity’s community have been ordained -- their past participation and attendance at previous retreats helped them gain the confidence and spiritual support they needed to live into their calling.
I know I will benefit greatly from having that same life-changing experience, and this is where you come in. The gift you make today will go directly to covering the costs of travel, housing, food and training expenses for me to attend the retreat. I am truly grateful for any amount you can donate. Anything I raise over my goal of $500 will go to help others like me reconcile identity and faith.
With deep appreciation,
Dan