A Happy Church Story

that you might find helpful! (in the midst of my vulnerability hangover)

Yesterday my interview with Katelyn Beaty of The Beaty Beat, about our ongoing church fallout, went live. I spent the day cycling through oceanic bouts of anxiety and relief. Last night I received a shocking and intensely validating message, which is often what it takes to realize (again) that the ones who expose the darkness are not the ones in the wrong.

A vital part of justice work is being clear-eyed about injustice and corruption. In the truth-telling, word spreads to the people who need it most - the ones who have been harmed, the ones who feel unheard, the ones who don’t believe they can face powerful institutions and crooked people. My heart goes out to them.

You can read the interview here:

Why Shannan Martin Had to Leave Her Once-Beloved Church

For today, I have what might seem like a weird topic for discussion. It’s a little random, a little basic, but has truly brought me joy in its brilliance. I think you might love it, too.

Around the time we left St. Mark’s, Silas was invited to a youth group at a nearby Mennonite (MCUSA) church. It’s a tiny little group and he has loved being part of it. (He expressed this affection last winter when, on a trip to a local ski park, he crafted a realistic snow toilet and was photographed sitting on it in full winter gear. This is the energy Silas brings at all times, except for when he’s ignoring us and/or hiding in his room.)

I remember being SHOOK that all of the youth group activities - and there were many - required no money. They did all sorts of fun stuff, and somehow, it was all paid for. Never have I ever!

Then, last spring, I found out how they accomplish this, and it’s genius.