By Shan Sullivan

This past summer, when I became the owner and managing director of Exploring Sainthood, I decided that above all else, my primary mission was to facilitate a spirit of service as the bedrock of this project and community. I believe that as we truly learn to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, we can create within Mormonism a refuge from the pain and evils of the world. As we show others that our hearts are with them, both we and they begin to believe that there is room for everyone in God’s plan. As part of our commitment to serving others and “to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort,” we have chosen two ongoing service projects. I am pleased to announce that the first of these will begin this week.

OUTreach Resource Center, whose mission is to provide resources for LGBTQ teens and their allies, is a community center offering support groups and classes that deal with coming out, responding to bullying, education and employment training and suicide support. They meet every Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 to 7:30pm at their location in Ogden, Utah, and they are currently in the process of adding new locations throughout the coming months.

Starting on November 13 at 5:30pm, we will be providing and serving dinner at the center. We are looking for donations of time and/or money to help make our involvement possible. We need people to help cook and serve food that night and we are seeking donations to pay for the food. 100% of the money donated will go to the purchase and preparation of the food each month. If you are interested in helping, please contact Shan at exploringsainthood@gmail.com or donate here.

I thought long and hard over the decision to involve Exploring Sainthood with this organization. OUTreach is trying to do good things. They need our help. I believe that our service to these teens and those who work with them will help them to realize that they are not alone. Many of the kids who receive support at the center are hurt by the exclusion that they feel because of who they are. They are hopeless that things will get better for them. I chose this group to show these kids that we care about them and that we are working to make Mormonism a more accepting and loving place for all of God’s children. Please join Exploring Sainthood in our efforts by donating your time and/or money to ensure this is a success.

http://tinyurl.com/ES-Outreach

We hope you will join us at one or more of our events this week:
Nov. 12 Opening in Logan
Nov. 12 Community Forum in Brigham City
Nov. 13 OUTreach in Ogden
Nov. 14 Opening party for OUTreach Brigham City and OUTreach Tremonton.
Tuesday, November 12
Community Forum: GSAs and Box Elder High School
7:00 – 8:30 pm, New Hope Crisis Center
435 E 700 S, Brigham City
Two students have requested a GSA at Box Elder High School, but the Box Elder School District will be voting Wednesday, November 13 to ban all non-curriculum related clubs, making a GSA not an option for youth.
Box Elder County has the highest youth suicide rate in the state, and it is more important now than ever for those who care to help LGBT and allied youth to be supported. Be a part of the discussion, ask questions, and hear from panelists involved with with requesting the GSA and with special expertise.
Panelists include:
Box Elder students, present and past
Box Elder parents
ACLU Lead Counsel, John Mejia
Dr. Rebecca Brower
Dr. David Parker

 

Tuesday, November 12
Logan Cache Youth Resource Center Opening 
7:00 – 8:30 pm

Cache Valley Unitarian Universalist Church

596 East 900 North, Logan, UT 84321

Learn about the unique challenges of homelessness in Logan and Cache Valley, and how OUTreach and Rachel Peterson are stepping in to help!
 
Wednesday, November  13 – OUTreach in Ogden
All afternoon: Homework and employment help!
Give help, get help! Complete with after school snacks. 🙂
Winter coat and Gear Swap and Giveaway!
With a HUGE shout out to Recreation Outlet of Ogden, Laura Warburton and Rep. Gage Froerer for their donations last week!
3:30 – 4:15  S’More Support Group
4:15 Tiffany’s Workshop:  Make Hemp Jewelry!

5:00 A visit from Kirstin, Shan and our new friends from Exploring Sainthood, video and discussion 

Born and raised in Northern California, Pablo received his education at Ricks College and BYU with a BA in Spanish, minor in PE Coaching. Pablo served his LDS mission during the years 94-96 in Rosario, Argentina. He now runs a skate shop and batting cages in Orem, UT. He's married and has 4 boys.

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