Hello, y'all...

[TheOrigenalHeretic]

I'm not entirely new to this forum, but it has been a number of months since I posted on here, perhaps even more than a year ago, so I thought I'd better reintroduce myself.

I'm a 29 year old ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. I am originally from Southwestern Virginia, but I spent eight years in college and seminary in Northeastern Tennessee, a year in West Michigan, and now I'm back to Virginia for a while. I'm not currently serving a parish, but I'm writing three books, one of them being a book on reconciling faith and sexuality. The other two books are a book of daily prayer for the Christian year using inclusive language for God and human beings and then a novel on the disillusionment of 20 somethings with life after college.

I care a lot about justice and peace issues, particularly about helping young people claim their dignity and worth as BELOVED children of God. I do a lot of counseling with LGBTQ youth and young adults. I came out while I was in seminary and had a wonderfully supportive group of family, friends, and Church folk, so I feel an obligation to be there for others. I have been blessed to walk the journey out of the closet and then to go back and hold the hand of others as they have taken those first uncertain steps to freedom.

I am currently attending a UCC/American Baptist church in Blacksburg, Virginia, but I'm also looking for a call to a parish to serve as a pastor again.

I love good friends, good food, and good conversation. I love to read and meet new people.

Feel free to contact me, if you'd like to chat.

May the increasing light of this season bring us all out of the nights of our souls and into the glorious light of love.

Grace and Peace,

The Rev. Wes Jamison

[Daniel]

Dear Rev. Wes aka TheOriginelHeretic,

You are so welcome here- again!

You mentioned writing a book (nay 3!) on faith and sexuality. For what it's worth, there is a thread on this topic currently active. (I must say that I admire- and find encouragement- in your goals. I am working on writing a book of my own - in the area of music- and find this one task daunting enough! )

My first serious boyfriend was the son of a Disciples of Christ minister. Good people.

Hope to see you around the place.

You signature line makes me smile. Well spoke! Tis a gift to be simple.

[Zerbie]

Hi Wes,

Thanks for the fascinating introduction! You sound like a high-energy individual. Happy to have you.

[TheOrigenalHeretic]

Thank you for the warm welcome. I appreciate it. I'll definitely check out the thread on reconciling faith and sexuality.

I look forward to talking to y'all further.

Take care.

Grace and Peace,

WES