A Note From Heidi...

These past several weeks, I have been reflecting on 2012 and all that it has held, both for LOVEboldly and for me personally.  It has been quite the full year!  I kicked off the beginning of the year by ending a hiatus I had taken from LOVEboldly during a family crisis (full story here).  The short break was necessary, but it wasn't long before I realized that the work of LOVEboldly brought me the passion and life I most needed, even (and perhaps, most especially) in the midst of moving forward through difficult times.  As I've taken time to review the events of the past year, I can hardly believe the progress we've made together, and none of it would have been possible without all the help and support you all have given, through your prayers, donations, and words of encouragement. 

Here are some of the highlights of what we've accomplished in 2012:
1) A new website and all new marketing materials
2) Our first public outreach at Gay Pride, reaching over 2000 people.
3) Registration with the state and completion of the beginning stages of the 501(c)3 application for non-profit status
4) Consultations with many local ministries and leaders within the LGBT and Christian faith communities in Lexington and across the country
5) Teaching an intense four-week seminar/lecture series for pastors and lay-leaders at a local church
6) Launching the monthly SAFE Discussion Group (with over 40 in attendance at our first two meetings)
7) Over 400 members added to our Facebook Community
8) Some of our most popular blogs to date, including: Why I Hate Being Mistaken For A Lesbian and our popular new series "Consider This Perspective"
9) Invitations to speak in classes, schools, and conferences in Lexington and beyond
10) Many, many, many enriching, challenging, and heartbreaking conversations with members of the LGBT and Christian communities facing difficult decisions in their personal lives, relationships, and churches.

What I am most proud of, though, are our leaders, volunteers, and supporters.  I am continually blessed to work with such a talented, dedicated, passionate group of people who inspire me regularly to be more like Jesus.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to do this bridge-building work, even on the hard days.  Thanks for all your support and encouragement in 2012!  We couldn't keep on without you!

~ Heidi

Testimonials

Allow me to share with you how your support is making a difference in Lexington and beyond!

"Like so many others, I think that this was something that I thought I could handle on my own, and that I didn't need support in, and now I am realizing how wrong that I was....I want you to know how encouraging your blogs, articles, and presence have been to me.  You have started a ministry that the world desperately needs.  Many thanks." - Wilmore, KY

"I am thankful for your leadership and the leadership team, Heidi. I am looking forward to what I will learn and be able to take back to the places where I serve and the places where I love…and hopefully, in time be able to make the same places." - Anonymous

"I am so excited to have stumbled across your website. I know it was totally ordained by God....Thanks for being bold and taking risks and steps forward..." - Durham, NC

In The Works

Here's what's coming up...

Conference Presentation:  In January we journey to Phoenix, Arizona to attend and teach at the annual Gay Christian Network Conference.  While there, we will be meeting with movers and shakers from around the country, bringing you some new (and exciting) interviews, stories, and voices, meeting new friends, and hugging on some old ones.  We also expect to do plenty of learning, reflecting, blogging, and growing!  We have raised enough money to make it to the conference and back, but still have some outstanding expenses.  We need to raise another $250 before January 9!  Help us out by visiting our website loveboldly.net and clicking the Donate Now button on the right hand side.

Non-Profit Status:  Our application for non-profit status is currently under review by our board and some trusted advisors.  We are very excited for the completion of this next step.  In order to file the paperwork, we must raise $400.  As soon as the money is raised, the paperwork will be filed.  Help us get there!  Visit our website loveboldly.net and click the Donate Now button on the right hand side.

New Resources:  In the coming year, we are excited to be bringing you new resources, new voices and perspectives, and new and helpful information via our blog.  This will include people of various backgrounds (and some well known names) contributing their stories, struggles, questions, and perspectives to the conversation.  Stay posted!
 
Community Dinners:  Starting in the new year, we will begin hosting community dinners and game nights for any who are local to the Lexington, KY area to come and enjoy building friendships with one another, no agendas.  There are so many of you we want to get to know so we hope you will join us!  Stay posted to our facebook and twitter for more information!

Prayer Team:

As you can tell, we've got a lot going on!  We appreciate your prayer support more than ever.  If you would like to be added to our regular prayer chain, please email us at loveboldlynow@gmail.com.  We share pressing needs of our clients, upon their request, through this list as well as any upcoming needs for LOVEboldly as an organization.


Happy New Year, One and All!  We are so thankful for each of you!

Heidi Weaver