Open Table Liverpool

This sermon was given by Fr Gerry Proctor, at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for a Communion Service for the LGBTQIA+ Community as we marked National Coming Out Day and Asexual Awareness Week.

The readings were:

1. Isaiah 25:6-10
2. Matthew 22:1-14

⁠For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church. The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

2023 marks the 650th anniversary of Julian of Norwich’s book, Revelations of Divine Love. On 7th October Open Table people gathered at the Cenacle Convent in Wavertree to explore this ‘ahead of its time’ work. Lou Ryan from Open Table gave this presentation on the life and times of Mother Julian at the start of the day.

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church. The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by the Revd Poppy Thorpe, Vicar of All Saints with St Frideswyde's Crosby, at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for a Communion Service for the LGBTQIA+ Community. All Saints with St Frideswyde also hosts Open Table Sefton.

The reading was Matthew 16:13 to 20.

⁠For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church. The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by the Revd Canon Dr Crispin Pailing, Rector of Liverpool, at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for a Communion Service for the LGBTQIA+ Community.

The reading was Matthew 15:21 to 28.

⁠For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church. The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This reflection was given by the Jen Williams, Verger at LIverpool Cathedral and Founder of Open Table Sefton at a service held at Liverpool Cathedral celebrating Liverpool Pride.  

The reading was Luke 19:29-40

In the talk Jen mentions the wonderful Elizabeth Frink "Open Hands" statue above the main doors to the Cathedral. Jen advises the following correction: Elisabeth Frink sadly died a week *after* the statue was unveiled. She watched it from home on the television & her son went to the unveiling in her place.  For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church.  The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by the Revd Cate Jacobs at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for a Communion Service celebrating our 15th Birthday.

The readings were Psalm 84, Romans 5:1-6 and Genesis 18:1-15

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church. The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by the Revd Dr Charlie Bell at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for a Communion Service celebrating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2023.  The reading was John 17:1-11

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church.  The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by the Revd Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for a Communion Service for the LGBTQIA+ Community.  The reading was John 20:19-end

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church.  The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by the Revd Dr Louis Johnson at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for a Communion Service celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility 2023.  The readings were Ephesians 5:8-14 and John 9.

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church.  The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by the Revd Laura Ferguson, Team Vicar of St Luke in the City, the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for our monthly Communion Service for the LGBTQIA+ community.  The readings were  Acts 8: 26 to 39 and Matthew 17:1-9.

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

This was an extra special service as community member Lou was baptised during the service

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church.  The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by the Ven Mike McGurk, Archdeacon of Liverpool, at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for our monthly Communion Service for the LGBTQIA+ community.  The readings was John 1:29-42.

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Mike is the Archdeacon of Liverpool and has been a great friend, support and ally to our community and it was great to welcome him back.  While Mike was here he also re-commissioned our LGBTQIA+ Ministry Facilitator which is included in this reflection.

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church.  The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by Mr Warren Hartley, LGBTQIA+ Ministry Facilitator at the Open Table Liverpool Queer Carol Service  hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool. Every year Liverpool Open Table hosts the parish Carol service welcoming EVERYONE to celebrate Christmas.

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church.  The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by Ms Bethany Austin at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for a Communion Service marking Transgender Day of Remembrance 2022.  The readings were Colossians 1:11-22 and Luke 23:33-43.

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Bethany is an ordinand studying at Emmanuel Theological Colleague and a proud members of the Trans* community.

Transgender Day of Remembrance began in 1999 as a result of increasing anti-transgender violence and discrimination. The first memorial event was held in November 1999 to remember and honour Rita Hester, who was murdered on November 28th, 1998 in Boston, USA. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-transgender murder cases — is still unsolved.

Today is a special service where we gather to honour Transgender Day of Remembrance, to remember those who have died due to transphobia and to celebrate the survivors. FFI: https://tgeu.org/tdor/

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church.  The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by the Revd Dr Ash Barker at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for a Communion Service celebrating National Coming Out Day 2022.  The reading was Matthew 5:1-12.  

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Ash is originally from Australia and is a Leadership developer, shalom activist, speaker, author. and URC Minister in Winson Green Birmingham. He also leads ‘Seedbeds’ - growing leaders and communities into fullness of life. Ash will be talking about Creating Inclusive Spaces in our churches and our neighbourhoods.

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church.  The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by the Revd Anne Lawlor at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for a Communion Service celebrating Transgender Day of Visibility 2022.  The reading was Mark 5:24-34

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Anne is a long term friend of Open Table LIverpool and is also a Team Vicar in Kirkby Liverpool. Anne is also undertaking an MA in Theology at the University of Chester and has been interviewing Open Table community members and hearing their stories which she describes as "standing on holy ground".

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church.  The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by the Mr Warren Hartley at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK on Ash Wednesday, 2nd March 2022.  We took part in the global Glitter Ash initiative where folk received on their forehead the traditional ash but with a dash of glitter.  Sounds frivilous but carries a deeply profound meaning. The reading was John 8:1-11.

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Warren is originally from Sydney Australia and how calls Liverpool home with his husband Kieran.  Warren is our LGBTQIA+ Ministry Facilitator at St Bride's and helps co-ordinate the Open Table Liverpool community.

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church.  The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt

This sermon was given by the Revd Sara Doyle at the Open Table Liverpool community hosted by St Bride's Church Liverpool, UK for a Communion Service celebrating LGBT+ History Month 2022.  The reading was Luke 8:22-25.

For details on the Open table Liverpool community visit www.stbridesliverpool.org.uk/lgbtqia

Sara is a long standing friend of Open Table Liverpool. Sara is the Mental Health Chaplain to MerseyCare and an Associate Priest of our parish.

Open Table is a network of ecumenical Christian worship communities which offer a warm welcome to people who are: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer / Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA) and all who seek an inclusive Church.  The first Open Table community began at St Bride’s Liverpool in June 2008. Now Open Table communities gather across England and Wales, hosted by inclusive churches in four denominations (Anglican, United Reformed Church, Baptist, Methodist). To find out when and where you can 'come as you are' visit www.opentable.lgbt