NEWS
Happenings and perspectives from Blue Ocean Faith Ann Arbor
Here you can find news, articles and resources of all sorts from our first few years as a Blue Ocean Faith congregation. Enjoy!
Psalm 61 by Susan Shaffer
Can You Be Queer and Christian?
Journalist Jonathan Parks-Ramage writes about a new thing under the sun: churches like Blue Ocean, Ann Arbor, practicing full inclusion. His research indicates there are about 50–60 such churches, with more springing up since 2014 when we got our start.
Election Distress
We’ve seen a great deal of distress post-election, including visitors prompted by the election to look for the support of a faith community. To give you a feel for how we’re approaching this, we offer the following resources…
2016 Blue Ocean Summit Talk: Introducing René Girard, by Emily Swan
Emily Swan provides an introduction to the work of René Girard, a theorist who developed scapegoat theory—a helpful lens for understanding violence from a biblical perspective. The talk was originally given…
Ann Arbor Observer Interview
Ken Wilson and Emily Swan were interviewed by the Ann Arbor Observer. The interview discusses our history and the events that led to the launching of Blue Ocean Faith Ann Arbor.
Sunday, November 22—Happy Birthday Blue Ocean Faith!
Join us for worship on Sunday, Nov. 22, at 11am for a celebration of our first anniversary together. Emily Swan will share our vision for 2016, followed by a luncheon after church in the Social Hall. Hope to see you there!
Michigan Public Radio Interview on Stateside with Cynthia Canty
Ken Wilson and Emily Swan were interviewed on Michigan Public Radio's Stateside with Cynthia Canty. Listen to their 12 minute interview here. The interview gives an excellent summary of the birth of Blue Ocean Faith, Ann Arbor, and the values that hold us together....
Ken Wilson’s Response to Tim Keller’s review of A Letter to My Congregation
Check out Ken Wilson’s response to well-known pastor Tim Keller’s recent book review of A Letter to My Congregation along with Matthew Vines’ God and the Gay Christian. Wilson addresses important gaps in Keller’s review. He speaks to their differences on the role of experience, the value of applying Roman’s 14 to this situation, and what makes a disputable matter.
“End the Suffering” Video Released
Emily Swan and Ken Wilson call pastors and leaders to end the suffering inflicted on gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender people by simply refusing to enforce exclusionary policies.
Ken and Emily tell a bit of their own story and sketch out an approach to controversial issues called “Third Way” that is rooted in Romans 14–15.
Announcing the opening of Blue Ocean Faith Ann Arbor
Blue Ocean Faith Ann Arbor (BOFA2) will hold its first “open to the public” service at 11 a.m. on February 8, 2015 in the Social Hall of St. Clare’s Episcopal in Ann Arbor, Mich. The church has been meeting with founding members and friends for several weeks in preparation for this Sunday’s first official service.
The church is grounded in the Christian tradition but has an approach to worship and involvement that is unique in several ways that the pastoral team hopes will provide a welcome home to those who have felt distanced or rejected by some aspects of religious institutions. BOFA2 is part of a growing affiliation of churches known as Blue Ocean Faith.
contact our pastors
Have a question for one of our pastors? Click on a photo (above) to send a message to either Emily or Caroline. You can also contact our office through our contact page.
Sunday Services
11–11:45 am Sunday Mornings
In-person/Zoom hybrid service
every Sunday at
2309 Packard Street, Ann Arbor
(Social Hall of St. Clare Episcopal Church and Temple Beth Emeth)