Reel Conversations: Building Beloved Community

The Becoming Beloved Community committee continued its series of movies and discussions in October with a dinner screening of Will and Harper, a 2024 movie that explores the relationship between actor Will Farrell and one of his closest friends, who has transitioned to live as a woman following decades of struggle and depression.  As Will and Harper take a road trip across the U.S.,  they explore the transgender experience, from the challenges of “passing” as a woman after a late transition, to how to navigate a decades - old friendship under these new circumstances. 

More than 20 St. Barnabas members and guests came together to share dinner, watch the movie, and discuss the trans and nonbinary experience with parishioners who have trans and nonbinary family members.  In small groups and together, participants’ discussion ranged from practical issues, such as understanding some of the terms, to theological questions.  The most common questions, and the biggest source of discussion, centered around a more immediate question: how to welcome our trans and nonbinary siblings as children of God, both inside the Red Doors and in the rest of our lives.

Traces of the Trade

St. Barnabas members and guests will have another opportunity to share discovery, discussion and a meal on January 18, 2026, when we will share the experience of the movie Traces of the Trade. This Sundance Film Festival documentary follows the experience of nine members of a New England community as they grapple with their family’s historic role in the slave trade, and consider how they can play some role in repairing the breach.  This is a powerful movie that explores how we understand our history and move forward as people of faith. Learn more about the movie.

Movie begins at 4 p.m. Dinner will be provided. Please register below.