“My adult understanding of leadership was shaped primarily by Black role models, mentors, and leaders. In my exit interview from Howard University, faculty told me to take what I had learned at an HBCU and go back to white communities to address the source of racism. My leadership is marked by a sense of calling to disrupt whiteness and work for racial justice with a vision for reconciliation.”
“Anne is a lifelong Episcopalian. She ran into Sue Mercier at Marvella where they live and discovered they were both Episcopalians. Sue had been attending St. John’s and invited Anne to join her.”
“In 2022, we initially came together out of concern for one issue and quickly realized that we have many passions, many concerns, many hopes. However, it is in gathering together that we are nourished the most. So we went forward, gathering together—sometimes a few of us, at other times the whole group—when undertaking the issues that engaged our attention.”
“First, a caveat — like any other community, disabled people are not a monolith. Every member has their own relationship to their disabled identity. But it is a fact in my experience that many, many disabled people do not want to get rid of their disability.
If you haven’t heard this fact before, it’s understandable that you might feel resistance to believing it unconditionally. Please realize, as you read this article, that the resistance comes from the messages we’ve heard from our society and its systems of power.”
“We give up things to create a space in which we can crack our hearts open. To let God transform us. Creation Care’s activities are in the same vein. On their own, they aren’t going to solve anything, but they can change hearts and get us moving in the direction to heal our planet.”
“Heidi was looking for an LGBTQ+ affirming church and came across the Episcopal denomination. They decided to stay at St John’s and become a member because of the thriving community and the enthusiastic, diverse congregation.”
“Each of our St. John’s staff singers have such unique and beautiful vocal instruments. So I proposed the opportunity of planning a concert with them, and with excitement, we began planning!”
“Ever since moving to Minnesota six years ago, I have discovered so many places to be with God. Yes, God is present everywhere, but how wonderful it is that each of us can find God in our own unique ways.”
“Over the time of Anthony’s excellent leadership, the clinic has increased its status and reputation within the surrounding communities.”
“Sue came to St. John’s through checking out the online broadcasts of services of various churches in the Twin Cities. She appreciated the beauty and comfort of our services as well as the music.”
