What are you reading this summer? I’m reading this in preparation for our @cofchrist-iwest.bsky.social Book Club this fall. Sitting on my porch drinking my coffee reading a book before work is one of the best things in the whole world.

An important history lesson from the Grandmother of Juneteenth herself. op: blkcultureunlocked (via TikTok)

This weekend's little joys: fresh raspberries and finding a thrifted shirt that perfectly matches my earnings.

“Pride is what we celebrate — not because it’s trendy or political, but because we made it,” one Utahn said. “We’re the kids who grew up, despite the hate, the fear and the silence. And now we’re living full, beautiful lives.”

A God of Many Names open.substack.com/pub/ogdensee...

Happy Saturday 😍

Every Kind of People, Every Kind of Gift open.substack.com/pub/ogdensee...

As I prepare for my new role starting in October, there has been sone media interest. I just want to say, for the record that Community of Christ is not an offshoot, branch, or break off of the LDS Church. :)

My friends Carrie and Shannon were ordained to the second highest body of our church tonight. Ugh. My heart is so happy. I love how much we respect women in ministry. These two are ardent supporters of LGBTQ+ rights and Carrie has a trans son. I love them both to pieces.

“Let the mountains ring with freedom, let the valleys sing with peace, let the rivers swell with justice, let our unity increase, may the sun’s warm healing and the ocean’s mighty roar bring the day of justice when peace shall reign forevermore “ - Community of Christ Sings #314

Another day of @cofchristofficial.bsky.social 2025 World Conference! We started by singing Happy Birthday to our new prophet-president Stassi Cramm. 🎂 So glad to be part of a church that embraces joy and humor in the midst of serious conversations and debate.

Stassi D. Cramm was ordained the prophet-president of Community of Christ (formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), the first woman to lead the faith in its 165-year history.

This week of church legislative meetings, worship services, dinners with friends, and trying to squeeze in work in between is brought to you by Celsius and stickers.

We’re here but tired. @mphillips801.bsky.social

Did Paul say women can’t have authority over men? #maklelan2731 youtu.be/yOcjkEsf33s

Our Mission Center staff are making their way to Independence Missouri for 2025 World Conference. Stay tuned for updates, photos, and more! @cofchristofficial.bsky.social

Jesus said he came to bring good news to the poor. Those in power who are claiming they want a “Christian nation” are only bringing good news to the rich and powerful while creating cruel conditions for the poor. They want “Christianity” without the inconvenience of Christ.

I think I found my next children’s book purchase…

Gorgeous hike today at Mueller Park Trail with friends.

Breath prayer is a simple spiritual practice with ancient roots, often used in the Christian tradition and similar to Buddhist mindfulness and breath awareness. It’s about slowing down, connecting with your breath, and repeating a short phrase: one part as you inhale, one part as you exhale.

We don’t have to fear the past, but we also don’t have to live in it. Regret isn’t the same as reflection. The Spirit calls us to learn from where we’ve been, while staying rooted in the grace of now. What helps you stay grounded in the present when the past feels loud?

Oisín Rowe writes about faith, fear, and the hope that Christian community can offer trans people safety and belonging.

Loving and present God, tonight we are showing up just as we are. We’re carrying joy, grief, weariness, wonder, questions, hope. It’s not always easy to feel your presence. Sometimes life is heavy, noisy, or uncertain, and it’s hard to know where you are. So we ask: help us find you in one another.

buff.ly/JyrHRcl via @sojourners daily Verse & Voice

In the Episcopal Church, Frances Perkins has a feast day on May 13th. She is celebrated as a "Public Servant and Prophetic Witness,” recognizing her significant contributions to social justice and workers' rights. francesperkinscenter.org/2018/01/17/f...

“My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God.” —1 John 4:7 (The Message) We may not always understand or see God clearly, but when we choose to love each other, with kindness, compassion, and care, God becomes visible in us. Love is sacred. Love is connection.

“Neurodivergent people aren’t broken — we’re brilliant. When we’re supported, we bring hyperfocus, creative problem-solving and loyalty to our work. But we can’t contribute if we’re pushed out before we’ve even been given a fair shot.”

Utah religious leaders from multiple faiths used the vigil to speak out against “racist, dehumanizing policies” and in favor of ensuring Utah is “a safe place” for all.

What are small ways you can encourage the people around you today?

“True love that comes from God is abundant, not subtractive. It makes room for more and more love. God is expansive, and so love, which is of and from God, is also expansive.” Rev. Lizzie McManus-Dail @revlizzie.bsky.social

Happy Monday! Today’s mug was gifted by a friend who saw it at a thrift store and knew I’d love it. 😍 I thought it was the perfect mug for Mental Health Awareness Month.

The time to build emotional resilience in ourselves and our communities is now. This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth and beyond, we encourage people to think about what best helps them cope with challenges and move beyond basic “self-care” to consider true resilience.

I can’t wait to read this.

One of our Pride stickers this year says, “God is proud of you.” Just in case no one told you today, God loves you and is proud of you.

Everything is on fire, but everyone I love is doing beautiful things and trying to make life worth living, and I know I don’t have to believe in everything, but I believe in that. @nikitagill.bsky.social

please stop sharing this. it is completely misinformation. it is putting vulnerable people at risk. 1. the number given is for the Canadian Trans Lifeline, not suicide hotline. 2. the US Trans Lifeline, 877-565-8860, is still operational 3. Trans Lifeline is not part of the US 988 network 1/3

Overcast and drizzly, but still beautiful. It was good to get out on the trails again.

It's Arbor Day — plant a tree if you can. If not, go outside and marvel at their beauty. That, too, is an act of resistance.

Happy Friday from Emma and the rainbow kraken. I needed the extra large coffee mug option today.

I don’t want to be invincible. I want to be astonished by loss. I want to be stunned and defeated by wonder, shocked into a new creation where only dancing is allowed. - Alfred K LaMotte

Amy Kenny’s 'My Body Is Not a Prayer Request' — part memoir and part disability justice hermeneutic — is a challenge the church desperately needs, writes Oisín Rowe.

Lessons in Trying to Save the World by @nikitagill.bsky.social If you name it hope instead of impossible. If you hold it with tenderness. If you call it the blessing of your ancestors.

"People need to know that something will be made right. We need to know something of God’s justice — something of God’s mercy — in the land of the living."

Mourning the loss of Pope Francis today with my Catholic friends and the world. He made us better, more Christlike, and more human.