Name: Sammie Smith

Location: Plainfield, IN

I want to attend because I've been having friction with the church lately and I want to meet and learn from people of faith who might have gone through similar situations. I didn't know any queer people of faith growing up, so I want to meet others and hear their stories. I'm also really interested in queer ministry as a vocation, so I think this is going to be a great opportunity to learn from others. I'm just coming out of a year in the Young Adult Volunteer Program, so I'm hoping this is a time to recharge before starting at divinity school.

Dear Friends,

This August, I’ve been offered the amazing opportunity to attend Parity’s 2017 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,

Sammie Smith