First Presbyterian Church, Elizabethton | More Light LGBTQ Outreach

More Light LGBT Outreach Committee

First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton (FPCe) is an open and inclusive church. We welcome everyone at the table. FPCe is a proud member of the More Light Presbyterians

The goal of FPCe's More Light LGBT Outreach Committee is to serve gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their families and friends — both those who are members of the FPCe congregation and those in the community at large.

Organized in 2014, the More Light Committee grew out of the late Rev. Don Steele's 2013 More Light Sunday sermon that called on FPCe to find ways to educate people both within the congregation and in the community at large about LGBT issues.

This Web page is one of the ways FPCe’s More Light committee would like to serve the Tri-Cities LGBTQ community. If you have any news, upcoming events, or ongoing gatherings you’d like to publicize, feel free to send the information to Jane Woodside, and we'll do our best to spread the word.

Upcoming Events

Pride Spring Music Festival

What is it? The Spring Music Festival is an annual fundraiser for the Pride Community Center of the Tri-Cities. The artists performing are Hunter Grigg (2:45 to 3:45 p.m.), Beth Snapp (4 to 5:30 p.m.), Jake Quillin (5:45 to 6:45 p.m.), and The Bosses (7 to 8 p.m.). The entry fee is $10; proceeds will go toward the goal of opening the Pride Community Center in downtown Johnson City, Tennessee, in 2019. The Pride Center aims to be a place where people can gather socially, hold meetings, have functions, and pool all the resources of the LGBT community.
When? Sunday, April 29, 2 to 8 p.m.
Where? The Willow Tree Coffeehouse and Music Room, 216 E Main St, Johnson City, Tennessee.

For more information
Visit the Pride Center's Facebook Page.

More Light Sunday

What is More Light Sunday? More Light Sunday is a service created and conducted by LGBTQ members of the First Presbyterian of Elizabethton (FPCe) congregation who share their stories and insights. It’s also a chance for everyone to affirm FPCe as a welcoming, inclusive church. In addition, there will be a LGBTQ-themed Adult Forum before the services. Watch this site for more details.
Who is welcome? All are welcome. You do not need to attend FPCe (or any other place of worship) to come and help us celebrate.
When? Sunday, June 3, 2018, 11 a.m. to noon (service); Adult Forum 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Where? FPCe, 119 W F St, Elizabethton TN 37643; the Adult Forum is downstairs in the Tom Dixon Room.

For more information, call (423) 542-4321 or e-mail Jane Woodside or Rev. Brian Wyatt

Tri-Cities Pride Festival

What is the Tri-Cities Pride Festival? Organized by TriPrideTN, the Tri-Cities Pride Festival will include a parade and afternoon festival in downtown Johnson City, Tennessee. The group plans to have future festivals take place in Kingsport and Bristol as well.
When? September 15
Where? The parade will begin at noon at the corner of Commerce and North Roan streets in Johnson City and end in Founder’s Park, where an afternoon festival will take place.

For more information, visit TriPrideTN's Web site or Facebook page.

Monday Night Forum

What is the Monday Night Forum? An open forum for suggestions, discussions, information, planning, and volunteer opportunities.
When? Second and fourth Monday of every month, 5-7 p.m.
Where? Willow Tree Coffeehouse, 216 E Main St, Johnson City, Tennessee.

For more information,
Visit the Pride Center's Facebook page.

Open Space

What is Open Space? Sponsored by UKirk, the Presbyterian campus ministry, Open Space is a support group whose goal is to help you integrate and celebrate your identity as both an LGBTQ individual and a religious/spiritual human being. It’s a safe and anonymous space to share your story and hear someone else’s.
Who’s Invited? Students and student-aged LGBTQ individuals of all faiths.
When? Every Tuesday at 4 p.m. until
May 1.
Where are the meetings? Presbyterian Campus Ministries House behind ETSU, 1412 College Heights Rd., Johnson City, Tennessee.
Snacks provided.

For more information, visit the UKirk’s Facebook page, e-mail Olivia at the Presbyterian Campus Ministries House or call 423-926-2522.

The Social Gathering

What is the Social Gathering? A regularly scheduled potluck.
Who’s Invited? All LGBT individuals in the Tri-Cities and their straight allies.
When? The second Sunday of each month from 6-9 p.m.
Why? To help people build social relationships and to share experiences.
Where? First Presbyterian Church Elizabethton (FPCe),119 West F Street, Elizabethton, Tennessee. (Church membership or attendance is NOT required.)

For more information, contact FPCe at (423) 542-4321, or e-mail Tony Hedrick.

LGBT Organizations

PFLAG Tri-Cities

What is PFLAG Tri-Cities? A local chapter of the national nonprofit PFLAG organization.
Who does it serve? All LGBT individuals in the Tri-Cities and their straight allies.
What does PFLAG do & why? Holds regularly scheduled meetings the third Thursday of each month from 7-8 pm These meetings provide support to, education about, and advocacy for the LGBT community.
Where are the meetings? Presbyterian Campus Ministries House behind ETSU, 1412 College Heights Rd., Johnson City, Tennessee.

For more information,
Visit PFLAG's Facebook page
Visit the Web site
Email PFLAG
Call 423-390-8585

Pride Community Center of the
Tri-Cities

What does the Pride Community Center do? Acts as a sponsor of events such as June’s march and Pride in the Park Day; maintains a web page with information about LGBT-owned and friendly businesses and upcoming LGBT events in the Tri-Cities.
Who does it serve? LGBT individuals in the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas.
What are its goals? It is dedicated to providing a safe space to foster the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of LGBT individuals.
The organization’s long-term goal is to establish a community center in downtown Johnson City, Tennessee, where people can gather socially, hold meetings, have functions, and pool all the resources of the LGBT community.

For more information,
Visit the Pride Center's Facebook page.

SAGA (formerly H.E.R.O.E.S)

What is SAGA? SAGA is an East Tennessee State University (ETSU) student organization committed to the equality of all sexual, affectional, and gender minority individuals and their allies.
What does SAGA stand for? Sexuality and Gender Alliance.
Who does it serve? All ETSU students, faculty, staff, and their guests.
What does SAGA do & why? Provides social support, education opportunities, and campus advocacy.
Where & when are the meetings? Meetings are held every other Monday, at 7:00 p.m., in Rogers Stout, Room 124, on the ETSU campus. The first meeting of the Spring 2018 semester was held January 29.

For more information
Call Beth Evelyn Barber at 423-439-3333
Visit its Facebook page
Email SAGA
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram

Tennessee Equality Project (TEP)

What is it? A statewide public policy organization founded in 2004 that works for the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their families. TEP is a good source of information about proposed Tennessee state legislation affecting the LGBT community.

For more information,
Visit the TEP’s Web site
To keep informed about proposed Tennessee state legislation that affects the LGBT community, sign up for TEP’s Action & Alert e-mail list.

Tri-Cities Area Transgender Support (TCATS)

TCATS is a peer-led support group dedicated to creating an inclusive and safe place for trans/non-binary people to find and cultivate friendships. It seeks to empower and enrich the lives of its members while respecting and affirming their identities.

Note To protect the privacy of its members, TCATS does not publicize specific information about its support group meetings. Specifics can always be obtained by contacting the TCT Facebook page. All such inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

Alleycats

Alleycats is a group of partners, family, friends, and peers of trans/non-binary individuals dedicated to creating a safe space for allies so, in turn, they may provide an affirming environment for their loved ones. Alleycats provides support, education, and advocacy for and on behalf of allies of the trans community.

Alleycats sponsors HUGS (Helping Understanding through Group Support), a peer-based support group. In order to provide peer-focused support, there are currently two groups — one for parents of trans individuals and one for partners of trans individuals.

Each group serves the same purpose: a safe, respectful, judgment-free zone in which participants can freely interact with peers regarding their experiences, concerns, and questions in relation to their trans loved ones.

Note To protect the privacy of its members, Alleycats and HUGS do not publicize specific information about its support group meetings. Specifics can always be obtained by contacting the TCT Facebook Page. All such inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

TriPrideTN

What does TriPrideTN do? TriPrideTN is a nonprofit that plans to produce a great, family-friendly event annually, one that celebrates inclusion, equality, community, and self-empowerment. Scheduled for September 15 this year, the pride event will feature a parade, a festival, and various after-hour venues for community participation.
Who does it serve? Members of the LGBTQ communities in Tri-Cities, Tennessee
What is its goal? To build a stronger and more inclusive community across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

For more information, visit TriPrideTN's Web site or Facebook page.

Keep Informed & Keep in Touch

Suggestion Box If you would like to suggest a way the More Light LGBT Outreach Committee can be of service, please e-mail Jane Woodside.

Invitation to Join Distribution List If you would like to join an e-mail list and be notified about news and events of interest to the LGBT community, send your name and e-mail address to Jane Woodside.

Committee Members
Jane Woodside
Tony Hedrick
Ralph Parr
Vickie Phillips
Jack Woodside
Rev. Brian Wyatt