Anne Scalfaro and Buster

Ilán Carlos Pabellon-Román (Content Warning- Suicide)

Ilán Carlos was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and has been a member of the American Baptist Church in Puerto Rico and currently congregates and is pre-ministerial candidate in Comunidad Mesa Abierta, A church in the Evergreen Association. Ilán Carlos received a Bachelor's degree in Humanities and Music from the University of Puerto Rico, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He based his ministry in music at first before accepting his calling to ordained pastoral Ministry. Ilán Carlos is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from Seminario Evangelico de Puerto Rico, where he is the first openly trans student. As a trans man, Ilán Carlos' ministry now revolves around creating visibility in our churches for the LGBTQ+ community and educating, not only churches, but members of the LGBTQ+ community and Spirituality within the Community. He helped create a Transvisibility Toolkit with and for the UCC, giving conferences in their Synod and at the National LGBTQ+ Taskforce. He raises his voice for dignity, understanding, love, and acceptance of all of God's creation. Ilán Carlos shares his life experiences and struggles to humanize the LGBTQ+ community in religious spaces to show God's grace, love, and mercy for all.  Trans Visibility Kit  https://new.uccfiles.com/pdf/The-UCC-Trans-Visibility-Toolkit-2022.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0DGkUA8wQuRgUVXF_i2DXuLurLzJiljjTZaFHyNy4bAoRBqQm21FS-_Jo [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnew.uccfiles.com%2Fpdf%2FThe-UCC-Trans-Visibility-Toolkit-2022.pdf%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0DGkUA8wQuRgUVXF_i2DXuLurLzJiljjTZaFHyNy4bAoRBqQm21FS-_Jo&data=05%7C02%7C%7C17da688660aa4960d9c108de89e99dfc%7Ceddd919c7565493f94ee6a31158d6fe7%7C0%7C1%7C639099833653500691%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=uZSc1zXmiQNGdKpDdqPM25P6%2FpwFqzHgDMFil5ydd3E%3D&reserved=0] True Self Foundation: IG:@trueselffoundation FB: True Self Foundation trueselffoundation.org [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrueselffoundation.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C17da688660aa4960d9c108de89e99dfc%7Ceddd919c7565493f94ee6a31158d6fe7%7C0%7C1%7C639099833653541747%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=coF6s7t6tVLlPRdd%2Fz7%2F4b868okpQmlpsOVL%2FcJYv80%3D&reserved=0]

Margaret Marcuson

Margaret Marcuson helps clergy get lighter and less burdened by their ministry so they can have more influence with less stress. She has worked with leaders from over 20 denominations as teacher and coach over 25 years. She is the author of Leaders who Last (2009) and Money and Your Ministry (2014). An American Baptist minister, she served as pastor at First Baptist Church, Gardner, MA for 13 years. She lives in Portland, OR, where she sings in two choirs. Check out her new book, Sustainable Ministry: How to Lead (and When to Nap) coming on July 9th! Don't miss it! You can learn more about Margaret at margaretmarcuson.com

Author, Melinda Mitchell

One of my favorite authors is back, Melinda Mitchell! My colleague and friend is back with her second book, Fortunate Son (Stardust and Ashes), which was released in December 2025. It's a spicy retelling of David with a sci-fi twist. Can love save us all?

Dan Cash

This week, Meg chats with Dr. Dan Cash about 35 years in ministry, the wisdom found in everyday faith, and the inspiration behind his three books. It’s a heartfelt conversation about calling, growth, and finding grace in the beautiful mess of ministry. You can find 8 Questions Jesus Asked and Changing Church at www.judsonpresss.com and his first solo project, Dakota Dreams & Hoosier Heartland, a historical fiction on Amazon.

Alicia Dixon-Garrard

Rev. Alicia Dixon-Garrard is a dynamic American Baptist clergywoman whose life’s journey reflects a rich tapestry of faith, resilience, and transformation. Alicia's early experiences shaped her understanding of spirituality as both a personal and communal endeavor. Her passion for serving others and commitment to her spiritual journey inspire her to foster community and nurture the souls of those around her. As a beacon of hope within her congregations, Alicia’s authentic sermons often draw upon her personal journey of faith and perseverance, inviting her listeners to explore their own spiritual paths. Beyond her pastoral roles, Alicia is a passionate advocate for mental health, racial justice, and healing. She hosts the Graced Conversations podcast, engaging in meaningful dialogue with experts and community members on topics such as healing ethnic tensions, spiritual formation, and addressing family violence. Her diverse experiences include leadership in community outreach, discipleship, chaplaincy, and teaching. As she navigates the complexities of life and faith, Alicia remains a passionate advocate for love, understanding, and community connection, inviting others to join her in this sacred journey of spiritual growth and healing. Currently, Alicia is the enjoying her new role as Associate Executive Minister of Rochester/Genesee region of New York. Her and her husband of twenty-two years reside in Western New York where they enjoy drinking tea, catching action and sci-fi movies, and TV crime series together. Alicia's Podcast: www.anchorfm./gracedconversations (More Episodes coming this fall) The HEM Network for child loss support website:https://hemnetwork.org/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhemnetwork.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C884dd91e245244a7a9e608ddf54d81ae%7Ceddd919c7565493f94ee6a31158d6fe7%7C0%7C1%7C638936435763737528%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=r040jwPxtvdrPKnfo6Npf%2BsZQcdL3M8gs6hSMchC3cM%3D&reserved=0]