Covenant Conversation: Indiana
"A Deeper Welcome, A Wider Table"

Over the past two decades, our congregations and communities have become more affirming of people and more intentional in our efforts to welcome all God’s people. Even so—even as we work for justice and equity--we frequently struggle to live into our frequent declaration that “All are welcome,” and many LGBTQIA+ don’t feel safe or at home in our churches, our state, or our nation.

At Covenant Conversation: Indiana, we’ll bring together congregations so we can help one another take next steps in extending the church’s inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people, whatever those steps may need to be. We’ll hear and honor the experience of queer folks in the church and share practical examples of ministry that makes a difference. In worship, learning, fellowship and conversation, we’ll build a stronger church by widening our table and deepening our welcome of all.

On Saturday, September 27, Presbyterians across Indiana will gather at Northminster Presbyterian Church (1660 Kessler Blvd. E Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46220) for Covenant Conversation: Indiana from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. (EDT). Registration and refreshments begin at 9:30 a.m.

The event is co-sponsored by the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, Northminster Presbyterian Church, and the Presbyteries of Ohio Valley, Wabash Valley and Whitewater Valley.

Read below for downloadable resources from this event.

Schedule

9:30 - Registration opens
10:00 - Welcome & Introductions
10:15 - Opening worship with the Rev. Jenny McDevitt
11:00 - Plenary: Panel Discussion
11:45 - Lunch
12:45 - Workshop #1
1:45 - Break
2:00 - Workshop #2
3:00 - Free time for reflection/conversation by congregational or community groups
3:15 - Closing plenary/worship
3:45 - Go in Peace

Panel Discussion

A panel discussion moderated by the Rev. Brian Ellison will explore the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people and allies in building inclusive faith communities that embody generous hospitality and faithful justice.

The Rev. Dr. Winterbourne LaPucelle Harrison-Jones is the pastor of the historic Witherspoon Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is a scholar, author, ecclesial leader, and distinguished Churchman out of the lineage of Dr. William Augustus Jones, Dr. James Forbes, Dr. Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, The Reverend Marvin Chandler, and Dr. Howard Thurman.

A fifth-generation minister, Rev. Dr. Harrison-Jones is widely sought after as a preacher, speaker and workshop facilitator. He is a 2006 graduate of Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School in Washington, D.C. and a 2010 graduate of the historic Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Religious and Philosophical Studies. Rev. Dr. Harrison-Jones simultaneously matriculated in two national doctoral programs, earning the Doctor of Ministry from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and is currently pursuing the PhD in Urban Education from Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI). As a scholar, Rev. Dr. Harrison-Jones investigates how theological and homiletic resources within Christian traditions are valuable for interpreting and responding to such pressing public issues as economic deprivation, religious bigotry, racism, class inequity, and structural inequality.

The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Reinink (he/him) is a first-generation Canadian, a new American citizen, the firstborn son of Dutch-Canadian poultry farmers, and has always felt like he never really fit in. A perpetual student and eternal optimist with a friendly smile, Jon spent years traveling, learning, and encountering God's beloved children, fascinated by the variety of expressions of faith he found. He found a spiritual home in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) while in Seminary, and was embraced by his chosen family of faith--a network of Presbyterians across the country who accompanied him through the newly-reopened path to ordination for queer Presbyterians.

Since 2014, the Rev. Dr. Reinink has served churches in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Missouri, and at the denomination offices in Louisville. In 2023, he received a call to be the tenth Senior Pastor of the Irvington Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. Calling it a testimony to God's will being perfect and unexpected, Jon shares, "I'm a gay, immigrant, farm boy working at a beautiful historic church in a 'big American city' ...and I have never felt like I fit in and belong more than I do in this family of faith." Jon lives with his partner, Bobby, in Historic Irvington where they are often seen being taken for a walk by their "Labra-Dane-ish," Buddy.

Rebekah Ryan is a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church and Collections Manager at the Eiteljorg Museum, where she has served in various capacities for seven years, caring for the museum's collection of Native American and Western American art. She also teaches Collections Care and Management as an adjunct in the Museum Studies program at IUPUI, sharing stories that represent diverse communities.

Brian Ellison (he/him) has served since 2012 as Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, leading its mission of strengthening the Church through equipping and engagement, advocating and educating for the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the Church’s life and leadership.

Brian also serves as stated clerk of the Synod of Mid-America. He has served previously as pastor of Parkville Presbyterian Church (near Kansas City, Missouri) and as stated clerk of Heartland Presbytery. He has previously served the national Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in numerous roles, including as moderator of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission, the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment and the Stated Clerk Review/Nomination Committee. His writing on matters of faith and theology has appeared in numerous church and independent publications. A graduate of Harvard University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Brian also is host/contributor at NPR affiliate KCUR-FM. He and his partner, Troy Lillebo, live in Kansas City with their two dogs, the recalcitrant Willoughby and the dopey Sage.

Workshops

Queer Intersections with Matthew 25 with the Rev. TJ Remaley - Click for PDF

The Matthew 25 vision of the PC(USA) lists building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty as the three main foci with three additional intersectional priorities. This workshop explores the intersections between the Matthew 25 foci and the lives and realities of our neighbors who are LGBTQIA+ people.

The Rev. TJ Remaley (he/him) is the pastor of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Boise, Idaho, and has previously served congregations in South Carolina and Florida. He currently serves as Co-Moderator of the Covenant Network board. In life and in ministry, TJ is a bi+ advocate, cat lover, news junkie, theatre fan, enneagram enthusiast, amateur foodie, and wannabe barista.

Gender and Sexuality 101 with Slats Toole

As our understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity continues to evolve, new words to describe these experiences emerge. This can be overwhelming when seeking to understand the LGBTQIA+ community! This workshop examines the history and language of LGBTQ+ people, with a particular emphasis on gender identity, equipping participants with greater comfort and confidence in welcoming diverse neighbors.

Slats Toole (they/them) is a writer, musician, preacher and theater professional currently based in Minneapolis, MN. Slats’ Lenten poetry series has been compiled in the collection Queering Lent, and their work has also been published in places like Call to Worship, The Presbyterian Outlook and Sacramental Life. Slats has led workshops on expansive language and queer theology (with a particular emphasis on gender identity) throughout the United States and Canada, and is proud to serve as co-moderator of the Covenant Network Board of Directors.

Expanding Our Welcome and Worship: Practical Steps with Amy Cerniglia

Many churches say, "All are welcome," but how can churches demonstrate that commitment on Sunday morning and beyond? From the words we pray and sing to the ways we engage our wider community, this workshop offers practical steps for churches to more fully embrace LGBTQIA+ people inside and outside the church walls.

Amy Cerniglia is a Candidate for ministry with a Master of Music from Mississippi College and Master of Divinity from The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. In 2025, Amy co-directed the Worship and Music Conference for the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. Currently, Amy serves at First Presbyterian Church of Iowa City and as Communications Coordinator for the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. Amy's inclusive hymns and liturgy appear in publications such as Call to Worship and The Hymn Society's "Songs for the Holy Other."

Faithful Witness in Unfaithful Times with the Rev. Marci Glass

How can you help your church find its voice in a discordant and loud world, both in person and online?

Public witness has always been a part of faith, but it isn’t always easy to navigate the line between public witness and partisan politics.

Whether you think you are in a red, blue, or purple context, your congregation can witness to the Good News of the Gospel in your community.

Marci Auld Glass is the Pastor and Head of Staff at Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco. She has also served in churches in Idaho, New Mexico, and Washington state. She is a graduate of Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

She serves on the Board of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, Planned Parenthood’s Clergy Advocacy Board, the San Francisco Interfaith Council, and chairs Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) for the General Assembly.

Marci and her husband, Justin have two sons: Elliott, in Colorado, and Alden, who lives with his wife Katrina in Charlotte, North Carolina. Marci also has an older son, Eric, who she placed for adoption when she was in college. He and his wife Ashley live in Dallas, TX, with their children.

In her free time, she studies the Enneagram, and attends as many Golden State Valkyries (WNBA) and Warriors (MNBA) games as possible. She occasionally blogs at www.marciglass.com.

Preparing Officers for an Inclusive Church with the Rev. Matt Gaventa

The Presbyterian Book of Order now requires incoming officers to be examined both on the church’s recent commitments to inclusion and also on its historic commitment to freedom of conscience. How do we train, equip, and examine church officers who can help shepherd truly inclusive ministries? How do we do so while respecting and honoring the historic principles of church order? How can we approach our polity in such a way that honors our traditions and also helps imagine a truly inclusive future?

Matt Gaventa is Pastor and Head of Staff at University Presbyterian Church, Austin, TX. He regularly trains those elected to the office of ruling elder and deacon and poses thoughtful questions to those being examined by Mission Presbytery to serve as Ministers of Word and Sacrament.

Empowering Voices: Leading Writing Workshops for the LGBTQ+ Community with Gwynn Wills

In this engaging and transformative presentation, we will explore the art and impact of leading writing workshops specifically tailored for the LGBTQ+ community. Writing can be a powerful tool for self-expression, healing, and connection, and this session will provide valuable insights into creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their stories utilizing the Amherst Writers and Artists Method.

Gwynn Wills is an Amherst Writers and Artists Affiliate. Since obtaining her certification in 2021, she has conducted numerous workshops at various venues and is the founder of the Calliope Writers Group. Currently, she leads workshops for the QWERTY Writers Group, which comprises members of the LGBTQIA2S community, the Alphabet Soup Recovery Group, the Roots and Reflections Memoir Workshop, and a monthly poetry workshop for the Indiana Youth Group in Montgomery County. Gwynn is a member of Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church in Crawfordsville, where she serves as a Deacon.

Let's Talk: Allyship for Queer Children, Family, and Friends

This workshop is for people who have queer children, family, or close friends and are seeking a safe space to share stories, struggles, joys, fears, hopes, and challenges. Come join us as we share ways to grow in our allyship together.

Karen Herbst-Kim is one of the pastors at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. She has previously served in congregational ministry and urban public education. She and Won Ho are the parents of Ryan and Fynnley.

Brian Shivers is one of the pastors at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. He has lived and served churches in Indianapolis for 35 years. He and Jennifer are the parents of Allison and a chocolate lab, Latte.

Worship

Registration

Registration is $20 and includes lunch.

Groups of three or more from the same congregation receive a $5 discount per person using discount code: GROUP.

Registration is free for students and anyone with financial need using discount code: FREE, thanks to the generosity of Northminster Presbyterian Church.

Covenant Conversation: Indiana: "A Deeper Welcome, A Wider Table"