A few weeks ago, Amanda and I had the opportunity to join one of our Multiple Belonging Circle1 participants, Brandon, at a luncheon his organization, the JCRC, to celebrate local leadership. The luncheon was an opportunity to gather leaders and partners from across Colorado who are committed to strengthening community, advancing shared values, and showing up for one another during challenging moments.

During Brandon’s welcoming remarks, he said something along the lines of:

“Some people in our community speak with conservatives, and some people speak with liberals, and I see this as a strength, not a betrayal.”

And I have not stopped thinking about this idea. When we engage with people who think differently, hold different worldviews, or even act in ways we personally disapprove of, is that engagement an act of betrayal? Does it actually go against who we are and what we believe? Are we really that quick to throw someone away or disregard them because they are speaking with or in some sort of relationship with someone from a different community? A different belief system? A different political ideology?

I would like to think we don’t have to be so reductive, and see people reaching across differences as, like, how Brandon put it, a strength.

Two days after this luncheon, our Multiple Belonging Circle gathered at the Mintz household. Every Friday, Rabbi Mintz hosts Shabbat in his home. He invites and welcomes people, including friends of the Jewish community, to participate in the weekly day of rest, Shabbat. Brandon, our participant from the Jewish community, asked if our Multiple Belonging Circle could join. We were warmly welcomed.

I grew up in a Mexican family. We lived a couple of states away from my parents' hometown, both from the tiny little town of Artesia, New Mexico, so we would embark on the long road trip a couple of times a year for holidays and family events. We always gathered for meals at someone’s home, and there were always cousins, nieces, nephews, and little ones running around; Tios and Tias, Abuelos and Abuelitas cooking up a storm; a little chaos, tons of food, and lots of love.

This is what I experienced during Shabbat at Rabbi Mintz’s home.

We were immediately brought into the embrace of a loving space, being welcomed, and, personally, I felt at home right away. Each gathering, I am capturing the evening via camera. I talked with a new friend who worked with cameras back home in Israel. His kids asked me questions about my equipment and what I was doing. I filmed the beginning, informative part of the evening. Then, right after the candles are lit to commence Shabbat, and in the tradition of no technology use from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, I turned off the camera. I stopped digitally capturing and began soaking up the moments.

I was asked a few times, in separate interactions with different people, if I was Jewish. It was done in an “I See You” kind of way. Like I am a part of them, and they are a part of me; kindred souls connecting after a long time of separation. Being asked made me feel more like I belonged there in that time and space, and I was honored to be seen as one of them for the evening.

I witnessed our group watch in wonder, and go on the ride called Shabbat. We ate the bread and sipped the wine, two must-have items for the evening. This was followed by prayer, and what seemed like a never-ending stream of plates and bowls of home-cooked food. It is unfortunate I wasn’t able to capture the food, because they were, in and of themselves, works of art. But being in the moment was well worth the absence of photo taking. You’ll have to just take my word when I say I saw some of the best crusted salmon and baked chicken.

By the end of the night, people were able to express their gratitude. Going around, one by one, and hearing the beauty of people from across differences share their love and appreciation for the evening. And of course, Rabbi Mintz gave us an open invitation moving forward. I said, be careful what you’re giving me. With food and company like that, I might find myself needing community and a shared meal every Friday.

How often do people from several faiths, traditions, races, social locations, and identities gather together under a Rabbi’s roof to empathetically listen and learn about their faith tradition and their love for their history, culture, and identity?

How often do you find this many people willing to partake in another’s religious and cultural traditions, such as Shabbat?

I’m not sure. Maybe more frequently than I think, maybe not, but I do know this evening of celebrating and loving was a special night. And what a strength it is, not a betrayal, to commune in the presence of such difference. It makes me wonder if there’s a difference at all. Maybe we are more alike than not. And maybe we can keep discovering this revelation if we’re willing to keep gathering, keep talking, keep peeling back the layers, risk vulnerability, and cultivate empathy for one another.

-just josh

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Documenting our gatherings for the Multiple Belonging Circle has been an honor and a humbling experience. Most of the time, it feels too sacred to record. The space becomes intimate and vulnerable, making it feel invasive to have a camera present.

We spent time at the Four Winds American Indian Council in Denver with Doug Good Feather, the Executive Director of The Lakota Way Healing Center. He shared with us stories and the traditional Lakota way of prayer and healing. This was one of the gatherings that felt too sacred to document. However, Doug Good Father is a humble man who was kind enough to let me capture these moments and share with you all parts of our time together.

Honor

Before we began, Christina and her son honored Doug by presenting and wrapping a beautiful star quilt over his shoulders. A long time ago, it would have been buffalo hides and horses as a way to honor someone. The star quilt is a modern approach to this. In the Lakota culture, their ancestors go home to the star people. They turn into star people when they enter the spirit world, so the stars remind them of their ancestors.

To prepare the room and receive Doug’s words, burning sage was used to cleanse the space and ourselves. Doug shared what sage means to his people and how it is medicine.

Doug’s grandpa learned that the stars speak from the earth, while others learn this from classrooms and books.

Doug shared the way of the buffalo and the power of going through the storm, rather than trying to avoid it.

Doug shared how spirit dream interpretation can become a form of medicine for healing.

These clips are only a few minutes of our two-hour time together, filled with rich storytelling and deep listening. All the members of our Multiple Belonging Circle hold different worldviews; however, I learned that there is often overlap.

I learned a great deal from our friend Doug and the Lakota ways and traditions. It stirred something inside of me that connected me in a different way to the people in the room, to the land, and to my ancestors. I left with a desire to listen more to the life around me, and to let curiosity open me up to new ways of being and healing.

I hope to share more with you all from this time together.

Tomorrow, we will spend time with our friend Hamza at the Denver Islamic Society to continue our journey of sharing different perspectives, worldviews, cultures, and stories—more from the Multiple Belonging Circle project to come.

Learn more about Lakota Way Healing Center by visiting their website, which includes information about a Coat and Toy drive on December 16th from 6 pm to 9 pm, in preparation for the winter. Click here to learn more and contribute.

Our mission is to promote spiritual connection and human wellness through programs, events and workshops that share the traditional Lakota Way of prayer and healing.

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Last week, Amanda and I spent three days with the inaugural Belonging Colorado cohort at the base of Copper Mountain. We arrived on Tuesday afternoon and were immediately gathered for some food and conversation with people from the other fourteen Belonging Colorado projects. In preparation for our time together, we were asked to think about two questions:

As we learned over the three days, there are many different ways to define belonging, and it manifests in various shades and hues across the state of Colorado. The first meal we shared, we ate with Ariel from TEENS, Inc.: an effort to bridge urban and rural youth through outdoor trips and work on conservation projects based in Nederland, CO. And Kayley from the City of Steamboat Springs, who is working to bridge differences among residents as foundational work to tackle a divisive affordable housing problem.

We kicked it off right away by bonding through food. Kayley is originally from the Midwest, and we learned about the Midwest cuisines that had us wishing for Wisconsin cheese curds. We learned Ariel is from Northern New Mexico, which warmed my New Mexican heart to befriend another person who shares similar roots and a love for Green Chile and the richness of New Mexican foods.

After some casual conversation, every group shared successes and lessons learned from our respective projects. Everyone brought an object that represented our experiences so far. I brought braided sweetgrass that I was presented with at our first Multiple Belonging Circle gathering in May.

At our first gathering, we asked participants to bring an object that holds identity and meaning for them. One by one, each person shared their item with the group. When it got to Christina (above), she rose to her feet and asked me to put the camera down. I attend each gathering to document both visually and audibly our journey together on this two-year project. In this moment, I was surprised to hear my name being called. I’ve been staying on the fringes, capturing moments highlighting our time together. I naively thought I would be behind the camera, behind the scenes, and not an official participant. But here I was being summoned and presented a gift and a blessing. I was humbled and honored to receive such a gift that would become medicine for my being.

We had an incredible first gathering together, learning about each person’s background and social locations. Coordinating schedules with this many individuals across the Denver Metro area has been challenging. But we pulled it off to kick off the project over conversation and a Mediterranean meal.

A lesson I learned is that no one is excluded from this project. As we attempt to bridge differences through the Multiple Belonging Circle, I am not just documenting this experience; I am also fully immersed in it, learning, changing, and being impacted, both on and off, and operating the camera.

Ousman (left) and Jason (right) with the African Leadership group: an effort to bridge African immigrants with African Americans in the Denver Metro.

Camile (left), Andrea (center), and Martha (right) with Commún: an effort to connect a gentrifying and diverse community and create a sense of belonging.

Greg (left), Gerardo (center), and Andrew (right) with Homies Unidos Denver: an effort to build connections between newly arrived migrants from Venezuela and Denver resident youth.

Lisa (left), Kelly (center), Hannah (right) from Chaffee County Public Health: an effort to bring together community partners and community members across differences, find commonalities, and create a shared vision for Chaffee’s future.

Harper (left) and Julietta (right) with Museo de las Americas: an effort to bring together newcomers and long-term residents in the neighborhood through community art projects.

We attended various workshops, listened to guest speakers, and heard from the Belonging Colorado Team, who have worked endlessly to ensure we are supported, equipped, and funded to accomplish our projects’ goals.

CU Playback Ensemble & Critical Conversations Project and Motus Theater (above) invited us to share stories from our projects. They encouraged us to share the ups, the downs, the wins, and the losses. Community work is tough; challenging physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Some folks vulnerably shared, and the ensemble, on the spot, interpreted the stories and performed an improvisational playback of the story. This gave the individual an opportunity to see their experience from another point of view. We could see the person exhale and be moved emotionally as they witnessed the performances displaying their memories regarding identity, community, struggle, success, and/or transformation.

BRITE collaborative joined us to share insight on restorative justice and how we can implement strategies for healing.

The Belong Colorado Team, Marcy, Project Manager (left), Julianna, Director (center), and Criss, Coordinator (right), all from The Greater Good Science Center, encouraged us and shared their expertise.

We were right in the middle of our full day of programming when we received the news of the Evergreen High School shooting, only an hour away, and that Charlie Kirk had been assassinated. In the room were parents, children of parents, Colorado natives, people who have made Colorado their home, and who deeply care about their community and the state of our country. The air became heavy. I felt the weight of thinking I’m not doing enough, and I don’t think I ever will be able to.

But I also thought about how lucky I was to be in a room full of people from across Colorado who are dedicated to building bridges across differences and towards ensuring we create belonging in our communities.

If you haven’t heard, Amanda is running for Littleton City Council District 3, and she posted this video on this tragic day:

I’ll end this reflection the same way it began. Offering you these questions:

We would love to hear from you below in the comments.

Take care of each other.

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I know I’m second-generation Mexican American on my mom’s side, but I was surprised when I asked my dad what generation we were from his side, and he said that he didn’t know.

I learned that my dad’s family has been living on the lands of East New Mexico and West Texas for generations. Unlike my mom’s dad1, my dad’s family did not immigrate to the United States. I assumed they did, and once asked what generation of Mexican-American we are on his side of the family. He said, I don’t know. Sixth? Seventh? Eighth?

I wonder how he could not know, but soon realized it was my ignorance that had me perplexed. The border crossed my dad’s family, not the other way around. His family lived on the land for generations, native to what would become Texas and New Mexico, before the United States government claimed it.

My great-grandmother on my dad’s side was Apache. We called her Little Grandma. She died when I was young, so I didn’t have much time to speak with her, ask questions, and learn more about this side of the family. My dad was unsure of which tribe and clan Little Grandma belonged to. This was something I’ve wondered about for a long time.

Where are our people from? What are our roots? Is this why I feel such a strong connection to New Mexico? I was born in California, but there is something in the dirt of the Land of Enchantment that calls me home.

I set up one-on-one interviews with each of the ten participants to get to know them better, and for them to get to know me. At every gathering, I will be around with a camera or two documenting our times together. I want to be more than a camera, and I hope that with more face time with each person, we both become less of a documentarian/participant and more people with a friendship.

I found Christina resting on her front porch, with the sun shining and birds chirping, when I pulled up to her home in the late afternoon. With film equipment hung on my shoulders and a camera in hand, Christina invited me to sit and rest before our hour-long interview. It was nice to sit and relax before diving into our questions in a more formal setting.

“My nephew will be stopping by today,” she said, “so I’m glad you’re here today.” I shared with Christina my background and family history. Her nephew is Apache. Although we are a state away from my family roots, I felt a rise of excitement within knowing I would soon speak with someone who is Apache.

“Come meet our relative,” Christina said as her nephew walked up. He introduced himself as Apache Mike. “Which tribe?” he asked me. It was a question I had been asked before, and I couldn't answer it. I asked my dad once, and he said he wasn’t sure. I couldn’t answer Apache Mike and told him it was sad that I have this disconnect from my ancestors. I was sorry that I did not know my ancestors beyond a generation or two.

“No, it’s not sad,” he said, “you’ll know when it’s time for you to know. Your blood will speak to you.”

I felt some relief in that moment. I have always felt like I’m wandering, and the more I learn in my studies, the more I feel disconnected from my roots. To hear someone say something positive about my lineage was comforting. A warm feeling wrapped around me, hearing that, in time, I would know.

“It sounds like your people are from the Mescalero Apache tribe,” Apache Mike said after I shared more about my family residing in South Eastern New Mexico and West Texas. “They are a nomadic tribe.” The three of us chatted for a long time, sharing more stories and gaining a deeper understanding of a way of life. I have moved a lot in my life; as a child with my parents, as a young adult in Albuquerque, and five times in the last four years, living in Colorado. Perhaps the nomadic, always on the move culture is in my bones. Maybe it isn’t something to be concerned about, or worried that I haven’t planted deep roots anywhere.

After more than two hours of spending time with each other on that front porch, we learned a whole lot about each other. I gained a deeper appreciation for my relatives, including the two in front of me. They honored me with gifts before I departed, gifts of protection and perspective. I was humbled to be given such gifts. This project is growing beyond the scope of work I initially envisioned. Work and my journey were beautifully intertwined that day.2

We recorded zero minutes that day. But there’s always another time for that. Christina and Apache Mike believe things happen and unfold in time the way they are meant to. That day, I believed that too.

And when I left Christina’s home that day, I think I heard my blood murmuring to me.

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On May 29th, we kicked off our Multiple Belonging Circle by gathering for the first time at Iliff School of Theology to share a meal catered by Jerusalem Restaurant, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, and introduce ourselves to each other.

We ate, laughed, and started peeling back the layers of our multitudes and the complexities of our identities by sharing personal objects and pictures of our younger selves—a great start to a two-year-long journey.

⭕️ Multiple Belonging Circle project:

Ten individuals tied to more extensive networks, grounded in their identities, and open to learning about and with one another, will each host one gathering over the year to share their identity/religion/tradition with the group.

Monthly gatherings will nurture connection, curiosity, care, and understanding, and will be centered on food, culture, music, and rituals.

Lexie Allen

is a Colorado native, born and raised in the state where she also completed her education in the Cherry Creek School District. During these formative years, she began to develop an awareness of her racial identity, observing subtle differences in her interactions within the school environment. For a time, Lexie grappled with her identity, attempting to downplay her background as a way to navigate her experiences.

The journey toward healing and self-reclamation was a process of intentional "unpacking," made possible by finding a supportive community and connecting with others who shared her background. A pivotal element of this growth was also her exploration of gender identity, which helped her embrace a more fluid and expansive understanding of herself.

Today, Lexie sees herself as a "being" connected to the idea of energy, a perspective that has helped heal and strengthen her relationship with her racial identity. She proudly comes from a family of intelligent people and gratefully acknowledges the privilege and support from her family that have been instrumental in her journey.

Dr. Thomas S. Mayes

is the great-grandson of a runaway slave, Sam Carbin. He is a Denver native, Vietnam veteran & celebrates 48 years of Ministry, spending much of his time designing Leadership. Dr. Mayes is a former Professor at the Aspen Christian College, where he taught Urban Ministry, for which he earned his PhD.

He has served as the Senior Pastor of the Living Water Christian Center Church since 1990. Dr Mayes is the Founder and Executive Director of E.S.C.A.P.E. (Everyone Sharing Child Abuse Prevention Education), which addresses the serious problem of Child abuse and neglect.

He is also the founder & executive Director of TTLT (Training Tomorrows Leaders Today) & a certified John Maxwell Leadership trainer/coach/speaker, and a certified US Institute of Diplomacy & Human Rights Consultant.

Bekah Stewart,

although originally from the suburbs of Kansas City, Bekah has called Denver her home for the last 21 years. She attended Kansas State University, where she and her husband first met. While in college, they were both actively involved in campus ministry and shared a dream of one day pursuing it professionally.

After a brief time in sales and marketing, that dream became a reality. Shortly after getting married, they joined the staff of Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), and their new role placed them in Denver. For their first decade in the city, Bekah and her husband dedicated their time to working with college students, primarily at the University of Denver.

While their family roots are in Kansas and Missouri, Denver has become the definitive home for Bekah and her husband. Today, they are raising their 15 and 13-year-old children, for whom Denver is the only home they have ever known.

Hamza Scheidegger

serves as the Outreach Program Manager at the Denver Islamic Society, where he leads the Revert Muslim Program. In his role, he also engages with local schools and community groups to build bridges of understanding and connection. In addition to outreach work, he plays a vital role in securing grants that support both the programs and day-to-day operations of the masjid.

A dedicated student of Islamic Sciences, Hamza is also studying Arabic to deepen his comprehension of the Qur’an and further immerse himself in the intellectual and spiritual dimensions of his deen—a holistic way of life encompassing belief, practice, and ethical values.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Hamza enjoys reading, cooking, and traveling.

Brandon Rattiner

is the Senior Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), the public affairs arm of the Colorado Jewish community. Rattiner comes to the JCRC from a career in law, where he focused on climate change and environmental issues.

Before attending law school, he served as Senator Mark Udall’s Denver Metro Area Regional Director and worked at various civic and philanthropic organizations. As a lifelong and stereotypical Coloradan, he can usually be found somewhere outside on any given weekend with his family.

Rev. Jasper Peters

is the pastor of Belong Church was born and raised here in Denver, growing up in a church less than a mile from Belong's current location, where both of their parents served as pastors. Though they were raised in the church and came to love Jesus at an early age, they also experienced great brokenness in many Christian communities. For a time, they walked away from faith completely but are grateful for the persistent love of God that brought them back into community.

This personal journey deeply informs the mission of Belong Church, which has grown out of a recognition that the church is called to invite all of God’s children into community, to be transformed, and to transform the world through justice and mercy. They recognize that most of the people in their community, themselves included, have had moments where the church has failed to live up to that goal. Because of this, they are called to a model of pastoral ministry where the community walks together, learns together, and supports one another to do the work of God’s kingdom.

Haeil Park

serves as a clergy member at both Hope UMC and Asbury Korean UMC in Greenwood Village. His ministry has given him the unique opportunity to work in two very different settings: Hope UMC, a predominantly white congregation, and Asbury UMC, a church centered around the Korean community. This cross-cultural experience has shaped the way he approaches faith, community, and connection.

Outside of his church responsibilities, Haeil is a husband and a father to two amazing sons who bring joy and excitement to his life. He is also a big fan of sports and enjoys staying active by playing soccer, tennis, and basketball. Music is another one of his passions; he plays the guitar and drums, with a taste that ranges from pop to jazz. A highlight of last year was visiting New Orleans with his second son.

Haeil is excited to be part of a community that values connection, belonging, and the diverse ways people can contribute to each other’s journeys.

Christina Strong Life Ways Woman

is a proud great-grandmother and grandmother, walking in the footsteps of her Mestiza ancestors—of Native and Mexican blood. She is a Curandera, a spiritual healer, weaving traditional ways to heal the Mind, Body, and Spirit of those who seek guidance.

Her medicine is rooted in Peace, Compassion, Kindness, and Forgiveness. Through plática—sacred heart-to-heart talk—she helps others walk through life’s struggles and blessings. She’s learned that asking for help is not a weakness, but warrior strength. She is a Sundancer in the Lakota way, and in that sacred commitment, she offers her prayers and healing for all people.

She is a Doctoral Candidate: Education for Education Equity Latina/o Learners/Communities at CU Denver.

Rev. Dr. Lee H. Butler, Jr.

was born in Central Pennsylvania, and is a lifelong Baptist and a first-generation beneficiary of the post-Civil Rights and Human Rights struggle in the United States.

Dr. Butler received his PhD and Master of Philosophy in Psychology and Religion from Drew University. He holds a Master of Theology in Pastoral Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer Theological Seminary), and a BA in Religion from Bucknell University.

He serves as the President & CEO of Iliff School of Theology and is the Bishop Henry White Warren and Elizabeth Iliff Warren Professor of Africana Pastoral Theology.

Behka White

is the Interfaith Director for the Denver North Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she fosters positive relationships and understanding between people of different faiths. She graduated from Brigham Young University, where she played basketball, and holds a Master of Theology from Campbellsville University. She is a Board Certified Chaplain and works as a hospice chaplain.

She and her husband, Rob, have nine biological children. A competitive athlete, Behka also competes internationally with Team USA’s senior basketball team and provides clinics for local disadvantaged youth. She identifies as a devoted and imperfect follower of Jesus Christ.

Emma Ramirez

currently serves as the Director of Respect Life for the Archdiocese of Denver, a role she began after returning from maternity leave in January 2025. She initially joined Catholic Charities in the fall of 2023 as an operations manager for one of the women's emergency shelters.

Before this, she served as the Program Director for Christ in the City’s first expansion site in Philadelphia, building on her deep connection to the organization as a former missionary from 2017 to 2019. Her passion for serving those experiencing homelessness also led her to three years of work with the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless as a housing specialist and intake coordinator.

Emma is deeply grateful to be part of a mission-driven organization that values the ministry of encounter and seeks to uphold the dignity of every person.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time with her husband and son, exploring the Colorado outdoors, staying active in her church community, playing soccer, and relaxing with friends in meaningful conversation.

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In the last decade, the Metro Denver area has become one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States.1

A growing job market, bountiful outdoor activities, and a thriving craft beer scene are among the key factors driving this growth. Still a predominantly white state, however, the Metro Denver area is continually growing in its diversity, both in terms of race and religious affiliation.

As communities grow in diversity, they bring different worldviews, paradigms, and cultural differences. How do diverse communities find belonging in the spaces they live in? How does belonging take place among religious, political, and racial differences? These types of questions led us to spend the last year writing a grant proposal for the Denver Foundation’s Belonging Colorado program. The project we proposed is called: Multiple Belonging Circle.

What is a Multiple Belonging Circle? Ten individuals tied to more extensive networks, grounded in their identities, and open to learning about and with one another, will each host one gathering over the year to share their identity/religion/tradition with the group. Monthly gatherings will nurture connection, curiosity, care, and understanding, and will be centered on food, culture, music, and rituals.

In early 2025, we learned that we had been awarded one of the fifteen grants available to bring the Multiple Belonging Circle to life. We found our ten participants, and the two-year project is now underway. A part of this endeavor is to document the journey through audio and visual storytelling.

What Are We Doing?: A conversation between Amanda and I

In this conversation, Amanda shares the journey of starting a project connected to the Belonging Colorado initiative, initially sparked by a suggestion from her friend and former employee, Mel. The project, driven by Amanda's Institute of Religion, Politics, & Culture, aims to foster deep relationships across various differences, including religious, cultural, racial, and political identities.

The project focuses on transforming small groups of individuals, with the hope that these transformations will ripple outwards. Amanda emphasizes the importance of knowing one's identity as a basis for fostering relationships across differences, highlighting the value of curiosity and playfulness in these interactions.

She also discusses the logistical challenges and emotional risks involved, particularly the concern of causing hurt to participants from marginalized communities. Despite these obstacles, the project aims to build meaningful connections that could lead to broader societal change.

Timestamps:

00:17 The Origin of the Project

02:18 Project Evolution and Training

07:31 Amanda's Personal Drive and Curiosity

12:10 Reflecting on Childhood and Identity

13:37 Navigating Nervousness and Inner Child Fragility

15:01 Challenges of Coordinating Group Projects

15:39 Building Relationships Across Differences

21:11 Final Thoughts and Trusting the Process

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