This Sunday, January 31, is Reconciling in Christ Sunday. It is a day designated by Reconciling Works to celebrate people from all of life’s experiences, especially those who have been presently and historically oppressed, denied and ignored by the church and the world. Since we became a RIC congregation in November, we want to acknowledge this during our worship service and have it serve as a reminder that our work is not done. While we did do some work to designate Holy Trinity is a place that actually means it when we say “All Are Welcome” we know there are many people and places where this is not true. Our work as a church is not just about making our own place one of love and acceptance for all people, but helping others to become places that do the same.
Also, even though becoming a Reconciled in Christ congregation was a lot about what we are doing as a gathered community, it is also about what we are doing as individuals. As you went through our learning sessions, I hope you were made aware of some of your own biases and mis-understandings about the LGBTQIA+ community and that those new learnings are now evident in your life. This may be in the language you use, the words you choose, the conversations you engage in, how you engage in them and the organizations that you support or participate in (and potentially not participate in anymore).
Lastly, becoming RIC is more than about ensuring the welcome of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is about ensuring all people are welcomed, wanted and affirmed. Several times Jo Whiting quoted the first verse and chorus during our RIC Team meetings, and I think it is worth sharing here now. This is the type of place we hope to be. Becoming RIC is only one step.
Let us build a house where love can dwell
and all can safely live,
a place where saints and children tell
how hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions,
rock of faith and vault of grace;
here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Tim