A Retreat for LGBTQ Christians
A weekend of friendship and encouragement.
Next month the Tapestry Retreat is coming to the beautiful mountains of Tennessee. The non-profit, CenterPeace, hosts weekend gatherings for LGBTQ Christians to make friends and be encouraged spiritually. If you have felt alone navigating faith and sexuality or just want to hang out with other LGBTQ Christians, come join us May 30-June 1st! This is an intimate retreat with limited space that is filling up fast. See more details and register here.
My first Tapestry Retreat was six years ago in May 2019. I had only recently discovered CenterPeace, which Sally Gary founded in 2006 to help churches have constructive conversations on sexuality. It was the ministry Sally wished had been there as she grappled with her own sexuality within a conservative church that didn’t know how to respond to LGBTQ people.
Sally, a new friend at the time, asked me to provide spiritual care at the retreat. I spent the weekend having multiple one-on-one conversations, listening as people shared their hearts. One person had never been to a retreat like this and almost backed out at the last minute. He was so nervous his leg bounced up and down, shaking the couch we were sitting on. The young man had just come out and wasn’t sure what God thought about it all. But as we talked, his body began to calm. Others attendees had long ago processed their sexuality and simply came to make friends and have fun with other LGBTQ Christians.
Those who come to Tapestry quickly realize it’s a place of unconditional acceptance. There are no litmus tests. What we have in common is a love of Jesus. We eat together, sing, laugh, go for walks, listen to inspiring talks, share our hearts, and play. We leave the weekend with our hearts full.
Tapestry retreats occur each year in different locations, especially Texas and Tennessee (with potential new locations in the future). The gatherings are intentionally small, usually around 20-25 people so attendees can really connect and get to know each other. Past participants report the experience is truly life-giving. Here’s a sampling of feedback:
"I am leaving this Tapestry retreat with a renewed sense of purpose, and re-affirmation of the love found in this community. The stories shared, the laughter, the tears, all remind me of how I am not alone, I am loved, and there is a place for me at the table."
"This was a very special weekend with extraordinary people. I am changed. I'm feeling closer to Jesus, to God, my loved ones and myself, than I can remember."
"There is absolutely no way how I could come here and experience this level of love and passion and openness and not walk out a believer in God, Christ, and his love. This has been the most important experience of my life so far."
Since my first Tapestry experience six years ago, I have attended several others, and I will be there next month! I’m especially excited that my friends Brent Bailey and Steve Slagg will be there as guest speaker and guest worship leader. There’s only a few spots left. Sign up here!
Just signed up! Very excited to see you, Sally, Brent and Steve!