November 22, 2024
Dear Church,
This Sunday, we are celebrating the 8th anniversary of Grace voting to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. This means that, over eight years ago, this community undertook a time of learning, conversation, and discernment that culminated in an overwhelming Yes! vote to deepen our practices of welcome and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community. This means we affirm LGBTQIA+ folks not just in attending worship, events, and becoming members, but also in marriage rites, and in holding positions of leadership in the church.
This statement of welcome was adopted on November 13, 2016, and was reaffirmed on October 21, 2021:
We at Grace Lutheran Church are committed to being an affirming, loving, and welcoming community of faith for all people. We believe the gospel is God’s gift to be shared unconditionally regardless of age, ethnicity, race, national origin, family configuration or relationship status, physical or mental ability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Although our world can often be an unloving and alienating place, we rejoice in the diversity that has nurtured, enriched, and challenged the life and ministry we share.
We are committed to equality and inclusion, to the work of anti-racism, and advocating for marginalized groups and peoples.
All are welcome to participate fully in the community of Grace Lutheran Church. Following the example of Christ, this congregation welcomes you exactly as you are.
Since becoming RIC, Grace has continued to learn and grow in our practices of welcome, and in our commitment to justice. Because welcome and inclusion aren't static things, or checkboxes to tick and then forget - it's a constant process of genuine curiosity, hospitality, and self-reflection. It's an ongoing practice of turning towards the margins, towards those that are harmed and oppressed by unjust systems and acting in solidarity with them. It's a lifelong commitment to always expanding our definition and practices of welcome and hospitality. As we celebrate this anniversary, may we continue to live out God's love in the world, recognizing and celebrating the diversity of all people, all made in the image of God.
In Christ,
Pastor Reed
Every Friday, we send an email to the congregation and any others who would like to learn more about the Grace community. The last four Friday emails are posted below.