Gateway ONA

06/25/2026

06/25/2026

🥳🎉 Happy Birthday to the United Church of Christ!

✨ Celebrating 69 years of uniting in spirit, inspired by God’s grace-welcoming all, loving all & seeking justice for all!

🎁 YOU are the true gifts, and we appreciate all you bring to the collective ministries of the United Church of Christ every day!

👉🏾 Learn more about UCC's History: https://ow.ly/ymXC50ZgRUG

05/16/2026

Check out all of the awesome PRIDE events coming up!! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

https://www.pflagstl.org/2026-pride-events/

Also...
June 12 - Circus Flora Pride Night

03/13/2026

From the 2026 Open and Affirming Convocation held on March 7, 2026 at Parkway United Church of Christ, this is the link to the opening worship, coordinated by the Rev. Jen Einspahr and keynote address presented by the Rev. Derek Terry, Interim Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ. Worship begins at 21:45 and the keynote begins at 45:15.

Sacred, Seen, & Called

03/07/2026

Flowers by Walter Knoll Florists for the 2026 Convocation at Parkway UCC in St. Louis.

02/04/2026

Registration Link:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/open-and-affirming-annual-convocation

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Derek Terry, (he/him) Acting Executive Director of the
Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ
and part-time pastor of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He is a nationally known pastor, artist, and activist committed to justice, inclusion, and creative resistance.

Doors open and light breakfast available at 8:00 AM
Worship begins at 9:00 AM

We are once again collecting canned goods to donate to Doorways. We will collect these at the door.

The Eden Seminary Bookstore will have resources available during the event.

Bring your travel mug and enjoy refreshment during the day.

Please complete a separate registration and email address for each person.
Registration cost: $25.00

Registration Link:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/open-and-affirming-annual-convocation

Any questions, contact Lorin Cope at [email protected] or 314-772-4772

Workshops for 2026
Gender Inclusivity; Leader: Jordan Braxton (she/her/hers)
ONA 101 The ONA Process; Leader: Barb Biedenstein (she/her/hers)
The Sacred Honor of Parenting our Trans Kids; Leaders: Lisa Brennan (she/her), Kyle Friels (he/him), Rene Friels (she/her), Karen Rudolph (she/her), Nancy Slusarski (she/her)
Trans in StL - My Experience; Leader: Krissy Avis-Rouse (they/them/she/her)
ONA 201 Living into Your ONA Covenant; Leaders: Rev. Richard Oberle (he/him) and Ashley Ramirez (she/they)
Legislative Issues; Leaders: Katy Erker-Lynch (she/they) & Atem Richardson (they/them)
The Wide Wonderful World of Advocacy: Be Not Afraid; Leader: Jeanette Mott Oxford (ze/zir/zirs)

Purple Sundays A Unique Way to Support Brain Health and Connection; Leader: Sarah Lovegreen (she/her)

Finding My Place; Leader: Beth Boemler (she/her)

Seeds for the Resistance?; Leader: Rev. Monty Jackson (he/him)

Joy at the Crossroads: Intersectionality, Faith, and Resistance; Leader: Rev. Derek Terry (he/him)
Biblical “Clobber” Texts: Leader: Rev. Dr. Deb Krause (she/her)

Rejecting the Christian Nationalist Homophobic Bible and Reclaiming the Heart of Our Faith; Leader; Rev. Dr. Deb Krause (she/her)

Having Difficult Conversations; Leader: Rev. LaVetta J. Ross (she/her)