Justice work
“Without community, there is no liberation.” - Audre Lorde
As a Jesus Rooted, Justice Centered, Radically Inclusive community, Zao MKE Church has a responsibility to publicly participate in street level organizing towards liberation - spiritually, personally, and materially. This includes the Movement for Black Lives, marches and events related to Pridefest and LGBTQ liberation, the protection of rights for immigrants and refugees, and more.
Zao community members and pastors are often in the streets living out their faith and call to liberation with public demonstrations demanding justice for all. We offer learning and teaching opportunities for those who wish to deepen their understanding of topics like Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ liberation, and police and prison abolition from the viewpoint of faith.
Zao members and leaders also use their many platforms (on social media and elsewhere) to amplify the work and voices of liberation. Behind the scenes, the Zao community contributes to the flourishing of movements for justice by providing spiritual counseling, prayer, organizing leadership, and both monetary and material aid through The Depot.
the depot
In partnership with local community leadership including Supplies & Demand, Zao MKE Church launched The Depot, the largest supply drop and distribution center for protest support in the state of Wisconsin.
We are always accepting donations of water, Gatorade, shelf-stable snacks, medical supplies, etc.
If you’d like to request supplies for your next social justice event, please get in touch through the link above.
trans clothing boutique
We were inspired by our Trans Clothing Swap event to have a current supply of gently used items available for free to anyone who needs a safe space to find gender-affirming clothes. It can be expensive to buy an entirely new wardrobe and we hope to take away some of that financial and emotional burden for trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming folks.
There’s a fitting room, with plenty of mirrors, so you can try things before you leave with them. If you’d like to request a time to come visit, or have any questions, send us an email through the link above.
Please note: we are not accepting clothing donations at this time.
MTQD is a mutual aid program housed at Zao and centered on trans and queer health equity. Learn more.
COmmunity Connection
Zao has a lot of ways to connect with each other both in and out of the church building. The best way to find out about all of those opportunities is to subscribe to our calendar, or get updates with the Church Center app.
monthly events
Family Dinners
Every month, we come together for a meal. Bring something to share, or just show up!
4th Friday Fun Fest
The fourth Friday of the month, we plan a fun activity for anyone in the community to enjoy!
Kids Church
Kids Church is back on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month! Zao community members ages 5-10 can participate during service in Jesus-rooted, justice centered, radically inclusive fun and learning. Kids Church activities often include art projects, music time, gardening, gym time, storybook readings, and snacks.