Dignity & Affirming Ministries

Whatever your background or age, history or lifestyle, race or ethnicity, gender identity, LGBTQIA+, relationship status or political affiliation, and whichever path you choose to commune with God, we believe that Jesus unites us all and makes us part of a greater family, one that is ever-connected by love. Serving behind the altar or sitting in the pew next to you on a Sunday, you’ll see people with whom you can identify. As an affirming church, CLICK HERE to learn more about how we provide sacraments for all.

Every day we are called, as the prophet Micah reminds us, “to act justly and to love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” (Micah 6:8) As Christians we are called to be repairers of the breach, to join with God and others to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. St. Michael’s Dignity & Affirming Ministries are loosely categorized in LGBTQIA+ ministries and Race & Reconciliation Ministries.

To learn more about our affirming ministries, continue reading …

  • Pikes Peak Pride - Colorado Springs’ LGBTQIA+ festival and parade.

  • BeYou - LGBTQIA+ Affirming Ecumenical Youth Group

  • Gather - Worship & Formation for young adults of all backgrounds, faith, and identities.

  • Sacred Ground - A faith based dialogue circle about race & racism.

Pikes Peak Pride

Each June Colorado Springs hosts Pikes Peak Pride with the LGBTQIA community featuring information booths, food, music, and a parade. Check the Weekly eNews for opportunities to get involved and volunteer. CLICK HERE for the Pikes Peak Pride website.

BeYou

Youth from all over Colorado Springs come together for worship, fun, discussion, and a meal. BeYou! is a space for all youth to feel loved, welcomed, and safe, especially LGBTQIA+ identifying youth. Join us at 6:00 PM downtown at the Peel House on the campus of First Lutheran Church (1515 N Cascade Ave). CLICK HERE for the BeYou Instagram page.

Gather: Pikes Peak

Join young adults from the pikes peak region in fellowship, worship, community, and discussion. Gather meets twice a month to spend time asking challenging questions of ourselves, our faith, and our world. All young adults (18-35) from across race, faith background, gender, sexuality, and perspective are welcome here to meet, to be, to gather. CLICK HERE for the Gather website.

Sacred Ground:
Race, Racism, & Reconciliation

In 2020 St. Michael’s embarked on an ambitious collaboration with two other local Episcopal Churches to facilitate numerous “Sacred Ground” dialogue circles. As a result we have launched multiple Sacred Ground dialogue circles with facilitators from numerous churches and participants from 13 different churches around Colorado. To learn more about Sacred Ground, a film-based dialogue and discussion about race and racism CLICK HERE to be directed to the national Episcopal Church webpage. This is a no-charge ministry opportunity but participants are requested to purchased two books.

New Sacred Ground Groups Forming

September 27, 2023 Every other Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:30 PM. THIS GROUP IS CURRENTLY FULL & IN PROGRESS.

Already registered? Don’t forget to purchase the two required reading books listed below:

An evening with Wanda Battle

Wanda Battle is a native of Montgomery Alabama, was born during the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, and grew up during the 1960's Civil Rights Movement. Wanda has led thousands of visitors, from around the world, through Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist church where Martin Luther King Jr. pastored for six years. Wanda is a powerful voice and advocate for human rights, civil rights, and equal rights. CLICK HERE to watch the recorded event from April 7, 2021.


RACIAL RECONCILIATION RESOURCES

CLICK HERE to download the St. Michael’s Social Justice & Racial Reconciliation Resource Document. Resources include articles, books, films, and initiatives.
This document is updated often and you are encouraged to check back periodically for the most updated list. To add a resource to this document email Deacon Gary Darress.