Becomings: The Portrait Project

As the father of a transgender young adult, PFLAG-Granby member and professional oil painter Doug Williams wanted to lift up the joy and profound sense of becoming oneself that he observed through his son’s process. 

Doug, who co-founded PFLAG in Granby, says his vision is to celebrate non-binary and trans individuals through a traveling exhibit of their portraits and stories to promote positive community awareness. The portraits and narratives will be exhibited throughout New England and ultimately returned to the portrait participants. They will not be for sale.

Doug is currently seeking volunteers who identify as trans or non-binary to participate in this project. Participants are asked to collaborate as to the type of portrait they would like, and to also write a brief story of their personal journey of becoming. Doug will meet with each participant in a setting of their choice and take a series of photographs (he works from reference photos rather than live sittings for the project) in a comfortable environment, perhaps with a favorite activity. 

"'Becomings,' says Doug, "refers to changing, growing, and transitioning, as well as a connotation of attractiveness. We are all travelers on this planet in the process of becoming!"

"Becomings" will be at the JPWL Gallery in May of 2027. If you are interested in working with Doug, you can contact him at dnwilliamsartist@gmail.com.

New Signs Point the Way to JPWL

We're very pleased, after several years and a series of little setbacks, to present the new JPWL signs! You'll find one on the south end of First Church's front lawn, and the other hanging from the South Door portico.

Many thanks to the Buildings & Grounds team (past and present!), Business Manager Kathleen Allen, and Building Supervisor Art Peterson for your guidance and encouragement as we watched this project come to fruition!

What a colorful, vibrant way to say, "All are welcome here!"

Exhibit Celebrates the Ministry of

Lee Ellenwood



The ministry and legacy of Rev. Lee Ellenwood is the focus of a special exhibit on the history of the JPW Library currently on display in the Gallery. Lee served as Associate Pastor at First Church for 25 years, helping establish the JPWL while faithfully serving the congregation.

The exhibit includes photographs, newspaper clippings, letters, and other memorabilia, including a copy of his "Reformation Blues" ("I'm going down to Wittenburg, nail my theses on the door / When I get through nailing my thesis / Church be like it's never been before…") and his famous "Book of Revelation Salsa" recipe ("6 swell tomatoes / 6 very pretty jalapeño peppers / and 6 fat cloves of garlic / 666—get it???").

The display can be viewed through August 30. Read Lee's full obituary here. To view a video of his July 18 memorial service, tap here.

The BOHMAN BOOK REVIEW

A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans

In October 2010, Rachel embarked on a yearlong quest to discover the meaning of Biblical womanhood, 365 days in which she strove to adhere as strictly as possible to all of the rules and characteristics assigned to women in the Bible. Each month she selected one such trait, such as dressing modestly, or keeping silent in church, and reflected on the experience with grace and humor. 

What Rachel firmly believed going into this project was that there is no single correct way to be a woman. What she discovered was a much deeper significance behind each of the things the Bible appears on the surface to say a woman needs to be. With wit and a sincere love for the faith tradition that raised her, Rachel shows that one does not have to take the Bible literally to appreciate its beauty and relevance for today. 

-- Molly Bohman, Assistant Librarian

FAITH ON FILM Continues Monday

1 p.m. -- 3 p.m. July 27

JPW Library

Free

This series has explored the search for compassion and acceptance across cultures, lifestyles, and beliefs.

July 27 Cabrini After witnessing disease and poverty in the slums of New York, Italian immigrant Sr. Francesca Cabrini embarks on a daring journey to persuade the hostile mayor to provide housing and healthcare for hundreds of orphaned children. Cabrini was canonized as the first American citizen saint in 1946. Rated PG-13. Running time: 2h 22m. Trailer here.

Thank You!

A big hug and a round of applause for everyone who shopped at our recent used book sale.

With your help, we raised $160, which we feel is great, given you all paid just $5

per bag of books! The proceeds were deposited in the JPWL book acquisitions account

to fund future book purchases. Thank you!