The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse's foundational principle is that LGBTQIA+ people are a part of God’s good, beloved, and diverse creation, wholly worthy of full access to everything that the church has to offer. These gatherings offer friendship and connection in an affirming environment.

The Lighthouse Youth Community is an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ youth in middle and high school, led by Catherine Montgomery.

Lighthouse participants have the opportunity to share experiences of identity and connect with others in friendship. Our gatherings are open to everyone in Jacksonville and the Beaches area, including people of all faiths and no faith. The Lighthouse does not provide therapy or counseling, but we are able to recommend resources for those who may need additional support. The Lighthouse meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

The Lighthouse for Families is open to parents and families of LGBTQIA+ children (of any age), led by a parent and featuring special guests who provide supportive services in the community. Like the youth gatherings, family gatherings provide an important opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences. The parent community also provides education, support, and encouragement with the goal of supporting parents as they seek to fully affirm their child’s identity. Parents at all stages in this journey are welcome. The Lighthouse for Families meets on the first Thursday of every month (at the same time as the youth, in a different space).

Follow The Lighthouse on Facebook
Follow The Lighthouse on Instagram

The Lighthouse Youth Community participant information form (for communication and safety purposes only)

For more information about The Lighthouse, contact Catherine Montgomery at [email protected]

The Lighthouse was originally made possible by Christ Church’s participation in The Missing Voices Project, an ambitious effort led by Flagler College Youth Ministry, with funding from the Lilly Endowment. This project has engaged 12 churches throughout the state of Florida to develop new expressions of ministry to youth on the margins – those who are not reached by traditional youth ministry programs, and who we are called to serve in the example of Jesus.

At Christ Church, our work is focused on LGBTQ youth. We know that LGBTQ young people are often fearful of expressing themselves in their families, schools, and social circles, and that the dangers of emotional and spiritual trauma inflicted by those communities are very real. At The Lighthouse they find love and acceptance, community, spiritual care, and support for the unique challenges they face. Our approach is wholeheartedly affirming, rooted in our belief that a person’s orientation and identity are not in conflict with their identity as a beloved child of God.

This work requires the church to live into our baptismal covenant – especially our promises to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being. 

Through relationships built on unconditional love and a desire to understand the experiences of God’s people in all their wonderful diversity, we are drawing nearer to the abundant life that God intends for us all.

To make a donation to the Lighthouse at Christ Episcopal Church please use the form below:

 

Additional Resources:

NEED HELP RIGHT NOW?
Call the Trevor Project Lifeline: 866-488-7386

Baptist Health Jacksonville 24-hour Crisis Line
Call 904-202-7900 or text LIFE to 741741.

If you or someone you love is in crisis, there’s help available. Support is available for adults, kids and teens, and offered at no charge. If there is an immediate safety concern, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 

Christ Church Youth Ministry Guide to Supporting LGBTQ Youth
Includes basic definitions and expectations for all who work with youth at Christ Church.

Covenant for Lighthouse Youth and Family Communities

PFLAG Jacksonville
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays) is a national organization with state and local chapters that provide education, information, and support for parents and families with LGBTQ family members.

The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. The site includes results of a National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health and a Support Center where LGBTQ youth and their allies can find answers to frequently asked questions. The Trevor Project’s Help Line is available 24/7 by phone, text, or online chat (866-488-7386).

Beloved Arise
This resource celebrates the life, creativity and gifts of LGBTQ+ teens of faith. The site includes a library of resources for developing an affirming theology that may be especially helpful. Beloved Arise also hosts an online youth group which is open to youth all over the world.

Q Christian Fellowship
Q Christian Fellowship is cultivating radical belonging for LGBTQ+ Christians and allies. Q Christian’s resource page is especially robust, with extensive offerings for individuals, families, and all who desire to explore affirming theology. The annual conference gathers hundreds of LGBTQ+ Christians and allies for worship, fellowship, workshops, and keynote speakers.

Gender Spectrum
Gender Spectrum works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens, providing a wealth of online programs, resources and information for young people, parents, and professionals who need support in navigating rapidly changing gender understandings.

LGBTQ in The Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church has a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being. Learn more at the link.

The Genderbread Person
A teaching tool for breaking the big concept of gender down into bite-sized, digestible pieces.

Reading Recommendations:
Queerfully and Wonderfully Made: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Christian Teens by Leigh Finke
Unconditional: A Guide to Loving and Supporting Your LGBTQ Child (Book for Parents of a Gay or Transgender Child) by Telaina Eriksen
Walking the Bridgeless Canyon: Repairing the Breach between the Church and the LGBT community by Kathy Baldock
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon