We are grateful to have the Rev. Dr. Kristen Leslie as our guest preacher and Adult Formation leader on Sunday, Sept. 28.

A friend and dear colleague, Dr. Leslie, Ph.D., is a feminist pastoral theologian who addresses issues of survivor resilience in the aftermath of sexualized violence in the U.S. military, on college campuses, and in post-genocide Rwanda. An ordained United Methodist minister, she has served as a parish pastor, college chaplain, pastoral counselor, rape counselor, and seminary professor including at Yale University Divinity School and Eden Seminary in Webster, retiring from that call in 2024.

In the winter months, she serves on the core team of St. Louis Winter Outreach, whose mission is to provide emergency shelter for unhoused guests on the coldest of nights. In the fall and summer, she serves as the co-founder and director of the Eden Gleaning and Garden Project. With a mission to reduce hunger, reduce food waste, and connect communities, the project partners with farmers to glean produce from their fields.

At the end of 2024, Dr. Leslie served as the spiritual advisor for a man executed by the state of Missouri. Some people of faith believe that the death penalty is a fair means of justice for victims. Some believe that the death penalty is a form of unholy vengeance. In the Hybrid Adult Formation session at 9:10 a.m., in conversation with Dr. Leslie, we will explore both practical and theological implications for accompanying someone on death row. Join the session in-person or via this Zoom link.

We are blessed to have this opportunity to have her preach and lead us in conversation. Do join us!