The Common Table is a place where all are welcomed and valued as members of community. In this session we will explore what it looks like to have respectful and honest conversations with people across differences of opinion and beliefs. 

Facilitators: Rev. Laverne March and Rev. David Williamson

Rev. Laverne March is known for her dedicated love for her community, leading multicultural education efforts one-on-one and in group settings with St. Augustine and St. Johns County government leaders and concerned residents. She has been using and coaching others to use the VISIONS model for building communities of belonging since the summer of 2018.

Rev. David Williamson is an Elder in the Florida Conference United Methodist Church. He is a skilled facilitator providing education, support, and leader development services for clergy, congregations, and communities who want to build communities of belonging where cultural differences are recognized, understood, appreciated and utilized as strength for God’s mission in the world.

In this session, our facilitators will share real stories about the challenges currently facing local non-profit organizations in light of policy changes that impact funding and access to services. Participants will be equipped with information on how faith communities and individuals can help.

Facilitator: Dr. Theresa Beachy

Dr. Theresa Beachy came to GNV to attend UF and fell in love with the city. She has dedicated her energy to social change work, volunteerism and raising her son Nate, a talented jazz musician. Theresa works as the Chief Organizational Strategist at the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, serves as the Chair of the Board for the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

From Stranger to Neighbor will provide an opportunity to learn more about current immigration policies and their impact on people in our own community and beyond.  Participants will also learn about vital services being provided to care for persons in the immigration process and how to get involved. Through fact-based assessment we will explore how hope and love can transform strangers into neighbors.

Facilitator: Joan Anderson

Joan Anderson has been a member of University Lutheran Church in Gainesville for thirty years. For ten years she has served as program coordinator for Baker Interfaith Friends, volunteer visitors connecting with people in immigration detention in Baker County.

Steady in the Storm is designed for event participants who need a space to focus on their own well-being and the well-being of others around them. Uncertain times can take a toll on mental health. This session will offer practical tools, honest conversation, and encouraging perspectives for navigating life in the here and now.

Facilitator: Damita Hartz, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Damita Hartz is a dual-licensed mental health counselor and acupuncturist who leads Florida Acupuncture and Counseling, bringing a compassionate, integrative approach to healing mind, body, and spirit.

Change is never easy, especially when it challenges the core of what we've long believed to be true. Becoming Free invites participants into a courageous and compassionate space to explore what it means to experience a shift in heart or mind, and how to wrestle with that change faithfully.

Facilitators: Gaye and Andy Foote

Andy and Gaye Foote have been married for 44 years and they share a deep commitment to faith and service.

Andy has dedicated over 20 years to youth ministry and serving in different ministry capacities in his local church. His life reflects a passion for guiding others, building community, and fostering growth in both spiritual and professional settings.

Gaye has recently retired after a wonderful career teaching music to K-2nd graders in public schools. Guided by the belief that all people are of sacred worth, she now volunteers with the local homeless community and has launched a unique outreach ministry to connect with the local Pride community.

During this self-guided breakout session, you are invited into creation to take a deep breath and to center your heart and mind. Spaces available to you during this time include Trinity’s prayer labyrinth, meditation path, and memorial garden. This time is yours to pray, meditate, walk, or sit as you feel led.

What We See is an open space for middle school and high school participants to speak openly and freely about their concerns and their hopes and dreams for our community. It’s a place where they can bring the hard questions that might not have easy answers, or any answers at all. It’s also a place where they can be invited into action.  

Facilitator: Rebekah Saveland

Rebekah loves serving in youth ministry at Trinity, where she teaches the Bible, shares spiritual practices, and helps students experience God. Originally from North Carolina, she moved to Brunswick, Georgia, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Master of Divinity. Her time in college and seminary shaped her call to full-time ministry, which includes youth and college ministry. Rebekah feels at home at Trinity and enjoys life with her husband Alex, their daughter Elena, and their two dogs, Harvest and Jovie. She loves audiobooks, movies, Universal, Harry Potter, and family adventures.

Co-facilitator: Miranda West

Miranda West serves as the Pastor of Operations at Meizon Church, where she also leads the student ministry. A part of Meizon since its launch in 2020, she brings steady leadership and a deep commitment to building meaningful community. Miranda and her husband, Scott, have two wonderful kids and are active in a guide-dog training program.