In our everyday lives, the word “bless” usually is limited to a mere formality after a sneeze or used as a veiled insult (“Bless her heart”). In the wake of syndemic crises from the past 2020-21 year, the power to bless holds poignant promise and opportunity. On Sunday, June 27, at 10 a.m., join Mike Kinman and Erin Weber-Johnson for a discussion on the power of blessing. As we collectively move beyond physical survival, blessing is a powerful tool found throughout the scriptures of giving up one’s power and shifting systems of inequity. Darren Walker, Ford Foundation, notes this moment in 2021 is one where we are called “Not to ask what we could give back, but give up” in order to experience justice. This lens of “blessing” sparks philanthropic imagination and reimagines stewardship as giving for repair of the world.

Erin Weber-Johnson has worked as a fundraising and strategic planning consultant with Vandersall Collective since 2017. A published author, she strives to root her work in practical theology while utilizing her experience in the nonprofit sector. She also currently serves as Primary Faculty of Project Resource, a national training program on stewardship for the Episcopal Church.

In 2017 Erin co-founded the Collective Foundation, which is currently working to address the gap in giving characteristics in faith communities of color. Previously, she served as the Senior Program Director at the Episcopal Church Foundation, as a grants officer at Trinity Wall Street in New York City, and served as a missionary for the Episcopal Church.

Join us for the Forum at 10 a.m. online-only, and then our 11:15 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. services in-person at 132 Euclid Avenue, OR on our Live Stream page: https://allsaints-pas.org/live-stream/.