ALJ Class: Welcoming In Difficult Situations: Active Bystander Training

On Sunday, September 28, from 11:45am–1:15pm in the Fireside Room, the Welcoming Congregation and Adult Learning Journey teams will offer “Welcoming In Difficult Situations: Active Bystander Training,” a class to help us learn how to intervene in interpersonal situations where one of our transgender and nonbinary beloveds is subtly excluded or marginalized at church.

• Date: 9/28/25
• Time: 11:45 to 1:15
• Location: Fireside Room + Zoom
• Presenters: Matt Rosin and Susan Owicki

Drawing in part on resources from the Transforming Hearts Collective, we will explore different scenarios you might encounter at church and practice strategies for responding to them. In the process, you’ll learn about why solidarity in the moment sets truly-welcoming churches apart, and you’ll strengthen your ability to act in uncomfortable situations, on behalf of our church’s values.

Although we will focus on meeting the needs of our trans and nonbinary beloveds, the skills we will practice apply to any interpersonal situation where you need to intervene on behalf of another person.

Because we will be role-playing and practicing, we encourage in-person participation.

Later this Fall, Rev. Cat Boyle will follow up with a class to help us recognize and understand more generally how subtle acts of exclusion (sometimes called “microaggressions”) draw painful lines between “us” and “them” at church, contrary to our values and mission. More information on this class will follow as the date approaches.

Fourth Sunday Waffles and snacks will be available after the service. Please use a paper plate.  Suggested contribution $2.

Child care will be provided.