Sisters, brothers, and siblings in Christ:
None of us will ever forget 2020, will we? Each of us will have different memories and remember different challenges and varying successes in meeting those challenges. We are so fortunate at Holy Trinity that we have never had to close but have been able to continue to worship and meet and learn together, albeit virtually for the most part.
Nevertheless, the pandemic has meant that some activities and undertakings have had to be put on the back burner. And even though we are not out of the pandemic woods yet, we have learned so much about how to keep us going and how important it is to look forward.
As you will recall, Holy Trinity was working through a very important project when COVID hit; we were well along in the process of becoming a RIC (Reconciling in Christ) congregation. In fact, we were readying for a congregational vote. The Church Council and the RIC team have decided that we should move ahead with the final steps of the process and the vote at this time.
Because it has been a few months since we worked on this together, we would like to review, briefly, the steps so far. It all began a little over two years ago when a church member asked whether we might put a rainbow flag in our parking lot to show when we say “All are welcome” we include LGBTQIA+ persons. The Council felt this decision should not be made without having wider conversations among the people of the congregation.
A team was put together to develop a plan to guide us through that process. The plan involved educational forums that included speakers and conversations, listening to each other, and sharing personal stories. Topics ranged from “What is a RIC congregation and would it mean for us?” to “What does the Bible say about same-gendered sexual relationships?” to “A Pediatrician’s Understanding of LGBTQ” (to name a few).
The RIC team believes that after several months of unhurried presentations and conversations, there is wide ranging support for Holy Trinity to take this important step. This is the timeline for the final discussions, which will culminate in a virtual congregational meeting and vote to become a Reconciled in Christ church.
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2:00 p.m. (in-person outside); Monday, Oct.19, 7:00 p.m. (ZOOM meeting); and Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6:00 p.m. (in-person outside) - The RIC team will present the draft of the Welcome Statement and some ideas on how this will be implemented and advertised. The congregation’s feedback will be asked for and wanted. (cont. on back)
Thursday, Nov. 5 - Having received and considered feedback from the congregation, the RIC team will send out the final revised Welcome statement on which Holy Trinity members will vote.
Sunday, Nov. 22 - A Zoom congregational meeting will be held to vote on becoming a Reconciled in Christ congregation. The basis of this meeting will be held virtually on zoom, but people will be able to come to church to vote in-person or vote stay at home and electronically. We are currently working out the details but we have consulted our constitution, a lawyer and other churches who have already held congregational meetings and votes during the pandemic and are ensured this can be done with full integrity. In fact, we believe he format being developed will allow more people to participate in this process! In the week prior to the meeting we will give you the details of how it will occur.
Thanks for participating in this journey. The work of the church is never complete but this is an important step in proclaiming that we when say “All are welcome” we really mean it!
Grace and Peace,
The Reconciling in Christ Team
Jo Whiting, Glenn Oswald, Matt Nania, Cristina Dolcino, Pastor Tim Krick