Recently, I was asked why the church, or any church, should participate in Pride celebrations. My answer had two parts: the first is that this congregation affirmed an Open & Affirming Covenant in 2004, long before many other churches in the UCC. The second part is the reality that the church-at-large was(and in some cases still is) a place of deep hurt for LGBTQIA+ Christians. And, in the name of Jesus, some groups have advocated for policies and decisions that actively harmed LGBTIA+ people outside the church too.

Even though many of us did not do those things ourselves, we carry an identity that is associated with those realities all the same. And so, I think it matters that churches show up in spaces like Pride parades, if only to say “We see you. We care about you. We love you.”

This will be our 4th consecutive year in the Atlanta parade, after a short pause several years ago. Each year, there has been someone in the crowd who did know or believe that churches like ours exist. Yes, it’s important that we show up. Even if folks in the crowd never find their way to Central, my prayer is that they go forward knowing that there is more than one theology in the world.

I hope to see you in worship on Sunday! We’ll share in reading our Open & Affirming Covenant and receive a glitter blessing too.

After worship, we have a lot on deck: A Coffee Hour celebration, Pizza & Pumpkin Painting, Sandwich Sunday, and the Pride Parade.

** We expect Sunday worship & activities to happen as planned. If something should change, we’ll let you know via email on Sunday morning.

The parade is a “rain or shine event,” but organizers are regularly sharing updates, as our forecast is more than just rain!

Finally, please be safe tomorrow(Saturday)! Make sure you have a way to receive weather alerts, in the event of a power outage, dead phone, etc.

See you Sunday,

Thomas