Garet Prior

Garet explores how the voices and influences around us shape our ability to discern between wisdom and folly. Drawing from Proverbs, he describes wisdom not simply as knowledge but as prudence—good judgment that takes practical shape in our lives—and reminds us that fearing God is rooted in reverence and awe rather than guilt or fear. In a culture increasingly marked by distraction, isolation, and division, Garet encourages us to pay attention to what we regularly hear, see, and consume, intentionally choosing influences and relationships that lead us toward wisdom. For circumstances we cannot change, he points to grief, self-care, and healthy boundaries as practices that can help sustain us as we continue pursuing connection, generosity, integrity, and justice.

Garet’s message explores how his experiences with identity, exclusion, friendship, faith, and love have shaped him into someone deeply committed to being open and affirming. Through stories from childhood, church, relationships, and friendships with LGBTQ+ people, he describes moving away from the fear, shame, and rigid boundaries of his upbringing toward a faith centered on inclusion and acceptance. His central idea is that transformational love can free us from old burdens even when the scars remain, challenging us to consider how our own experiences of love might move us toward greater compassion for those society has marginalized or “othered.” He closes with the reminder that we do not possess another person’s identity or journey; our role is to witness, love, and create space for people to fully become themselves.

Garet’s talk centers on the parable of the mustard seed, using storytelling, personal background, and historical context to show that the way of Jesus is not built through grand, exclusive systems but through small, intentional acts that create belonging and community. He contrasts the old, highly structured and restricted access to God with Jesus’ radically inclusive vision, where even the smallest actions like simple connection, shared life, or gestures of trust can grow into something transformative. Drawing from examples like the mustard seed, yeast, and even cultural practices like the DAP, he emphasizes that meaningful change and God’s kingdom unfold gradually through everyday interactions, inviting people into a more freeing, accessible, and communal way of living out faith.

Garet reflected on the Parish’s rhythms and why they matter, emphasizing that faith becomes real through lived action and how we treat others. He described how the church’s Sunday format—balanced between singing, teaching, and practice—intentionally cultivates inclusion based on how people best learn. He shared personal stories about how service, prayer, gratitude, and community have shaped him, and he spoke honestly about the painful experiences and systemic injustices that helped form the Parish’s values, especially around gender and inclusion. Ultimately, he reminded the community that they are ordinary, flawed people shaped by scars, yet called to embody Jesus’ simple command to love God and love their neighbor, living in a way that makes others curious about the hope they carry.

Garet’s message focused on identity, belonging, and the sacred work of inclusion. Through humor, storytelling, and personal reflection, he shared his journey from the “gay ’90s” to today—contrasting how culture and the church have treated LGBTQ+ people and calling for a faith rooted in genuine love and belonging. He spoke of friendships that expanded his understanding of God’s love, the harm caused by exclusionary theology, and the beauty of affirming spaces—both in faith and community. Grounded in Jesus’ simple command to love one another, Garet urged practical steps toward allyship, advocacy, and participation in local inclusion efforts, reminding listeners that true belonging must not only be known but felt.

Garret’s message was a playful yet deeply honest reflection on life as an Enneagram Seven—the enthusiast. Using pool noodles as a lighthearted symbol of joy and energy, he shared both the highs of optimism, humor, and vitality, and the lows of impulsiveness, restlessness, and hidden struggles. He emphasized that while Sevens may appear to have it all together, they often mask deep pain and anxiety beneath their cheerful façade. Drawing from his own story, including moments of depression and self-reliance, Garrett highlighted how faith, self-awareness, and community can ground a Seven in healthier patterns of joy and presence. Anchoring his message in Jesus’ words, “where two or more are gathered, there I am,” he reminded listeners that God meets us in authentic relationship and that the Enneagram can be a powerful tool for understanding ourselves, supporting one another, and leaning into God’s joy together.

Garet explored how environmental justice is a faith issue, showing that climate impacts fall hardest on the poor and marginalized. Drawing from Scripture and his urban planning work, he highlighted how cities like Wilsonville reflect broader systemic inequities. He called for practical, local action—like planting trees and improving housing—to live out our faith. The sermon ended with a powerful poem honoring all forms of motherhood.

What happens when the person with the most power seeks out the one with the least? Garet dives deep into the story of the Samaritan woman at the well—unpacking layers of race, gender, class, and power that still echo today. With storytelling, humor, and disarming honesty, he asks what it really means to be “othered,” and how Jesus subverts every norm to offer dignity and connection instead. If you’ve ever felt out of place, misunderstood, or overlooked, this is more than a story—it’s a challenge to see others differently and remember that no one is beyond belonging.

From a Roman prison, Paul’s letter to a small, struggling church in Colossae brims with wisdom and encouragement—reminding us of the power of recognition and connection. In this exploration of Colossians’ opening chapter, we’re invited to see the parallels between Paul’s call for unity and the work of community organizing today. Starting with small groups—just a handful of committed individuals—Paul’s vision grows into a diverse, resilient movement that transcends boundaries. This reflection bridges ancient truths with modern challenges, from rebuilding broken systems to amplifying voices that often go unheard. By celebrating the ordinary people who quietly bring change to their communities, we’re reminded that recognition isn’t just kind—it’s transformative. Who can you thank, support, or join in their work? And, perhaps most importantly, who might inspire you to go all in on a cause that could reshape lives—including your own?