Wednesday, March 19, 2025:  SAGA @ St. John’s Lenten Learning & Discussion Series - 
SAGA @ St. John’s invites families, allies, and community members to a special three-part learning and discussion series designed to equip participants with the skills to better understand and support LGBTQ youth. This welcoming and interactive series is open to all ages, including youth and their support networks. The sessions will take place on Wednesdays, March 19, April 2, and April 9, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., with the possibility
of extending to 8:00 p.m. for additional questions and discussion. They will be held in Hunter Hall on the first floor, with entry through the ramp off the parking lot. Each evening will begin with snacks, fellowship, and preparation at 6:00 p.m., followed by learning and skill-building discussions at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include creating supportive home environments for LGBTQ youth, strengthening relationships through understanding, policies and protections for LGBTQ students, addressing trauma and fostering healing, and building meaningful, long-term connections. The series will be facilitated by Paula Kerner, Program Manager for the Safe and Healthy Schools Initiative at Fairness WV. While registration is not required, it helps with planning. Those interested can sign up at https://forms.gle/efJoi2kwJRzVFbUcA. In addition to the discussion series, Rev. Eric Miller will offer a time of prayer from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. each Wednesday for those who wish to participate.  SAGA will have a display and will have LGBTQ+ books for sale at each session.

 

Wednesday, March 26, 2025:  Beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Hunter Hall: A brand-new ministry at St John’s, SJ@SJ (Social Justice at St. John's) is committed to following the example of Christ by engaging the church and surrounding community in identifying and eliminating systemic and systematic injustices that impact our lives. We will kick off on March 26 in Hunter Hall by focusing on gender identity awareness. Isabella Cortez from Fairness WV will speak on transgender/nonbinary facts and myths, share her lived experience, provide an update on the current state of legislative affairs in WV and discuss ways in which faith communities can be supportive. We will share a simple meal of soup and salad and each participant can make a small gift for our trans/non-binary neighbors. Craft materials will be supplied.  

 

Saturday, June 7, 2025:  Get ready, Charleston—PRIDE IS COMING! Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7, 2025, because Rainbow Pride of WV is bringing THE event of the summer back to Slack Plaza in downtown Charleston!

Prepare for a day bursting with color, community, and unapologetic joy! From the streets lined with parade magic to a festival filled with electrifying performances, fierce drag, live music, and endless dancing—this is where the party meets purpose!  SAGA will participate in the parade as well as sponsor a booth and will have items for sale and free gifts and information.