Dear Siblings, 

This Sunday will be Pride Sunday in the city of Atlanta. Our usual decor will be hung in the Sanctuary, with thanks to Julie McBride’s creation of these pieces over several years.. There will also be the start of a new communal Pride banner in the Commons. This piece was inspired by Marion Clein’s vision for a “queer collage” and my vision of a physical representation of the “God of rainbow, fiery pillar.” I’m thrilled that nearly 20 Central folks will be part of the Pride Parade. A celebration that this year gathers under the theme “rooted in resistance.” But, of course, our service will not just be about Pride.

Indeed, worship is the glad response to God’s saving acts through history… a Pentecostal celebration in response to the Good News. Over and over and over again, our sacred texts and stories reveal a God who loves without end. Again and again, we encounter saving acts that make more real the promise of the Kingdom of God. Yes, on Sunday, we will dance and delight in that kind of good news. 

On Sunday, the heavens will be singing the glories of God. And our service will be starting promptly at 11AM. Yes, really 🙂 

After this Sunday, I won’t see you all again until November. Most of my time away has been for continuing education or the Next Gen Leadership Initiative. These next two weeks will be an actual vacation for me! I’ll be traveling through parts of Europe. 

If I see you Sunday, I’ll say farewell then. If I don’t see you Sunday, know that I wish you grace and peace in the weeks ahead. 

Be well,

Thomas