Poetry Slam For Every Voice

Robin Fuller Pastor Lex Liberatore

Today's speakers were Pastor Lex Liberatore & Robin Fuller from First Congregational Church.  They spoke primarily about what they are trying to do to combat loneliness and depression through some of their secular outreach programs. 

Contrary to what many believe, loneliness and depression is more prevalent among teens and young adults than in senior citizens.  Part of this is due to the excessive screen time in the younger generations, so FCC wanted to design something that would get people away from their devices and connect with others. 

Their primary program is “Poetry Slam for Every Voice”.  Rather than being a contest to determine the best poem / presentation of the night, the program is open to all ages and is about community building.  It is a space for younger people, and older, to interact and develop friendships.  The presentations often tell of pain and recovery. 

Poetry Slam is held on the third Thursday of each month at Badger Bros. Coffee.

Pastor Rex also explained some of the rationale behind the church’s efforts to sell their building.  As with so many mainstream churches, membership is dwindling and expenses are rising, so it becomes harder to maintain a building.  They want to convert the building into a multi-purpose community center that could yield to the church being a renter rather than an owner.

L-R: Pastor Lex Liberatore, Optimist President Terri Ellis, and Robin Fuller