It’s always a special joy to worship on LGBTQ Pride weekend. This is a not just standing up for equality and justice for our brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles. It is also a reminder that ours is a God of love, without condemnation or fear, and that all are created in the image of God. ALL. These are our friends and our families. The United Church of Christ has taken a lead for over 40 years in championing LGBTQ rights and equality, but the effect is not even, or universal, and there is much work to be done. It starts – as so many things do – with one-on-one relationships, letting people know they are valued and safe; even revered for the gifts they bring to family and community. At the close of worship we sang “Draw the Circle Wide,” with the chorus:
Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still;
Let this be our song, no one stands alone,
Standing side by side, draw the circle wide.
No one stands alone. Inspired by Jesus, who welcomed all, draw your circle wide and wider still, and imagine ways that Island United Church can be that welcoming circle for the LGBTQ community on the peninsula. After all, we have a sign over the front patio that says “Welcome Home!”
Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still;
Let this be our song, no one stands alone,
Standing side by side, draw the circle wide.
No one stands alone. Inspired by Jesus, who welcomed all, draw your circle wide and wider still, and imagine ways that Island United Church can be that welcoming circle for the LGBTQ community on the peninsula. After all, we have a sign over the front patio that says “Welcome Home!”
Blessings, – Pastor Carol
