“Oh, we are actually needing to find a new church. We found out we’re not really welcome at the one we had been going to when we asked to have our baby dedicated. They said they wouldn’t pray over a marriage and family that wasn’t a man and a woman.”
This is a conversation I had with a couple of moms who were enjoying the day with their son at Come out With Pride last Saturday. I’m sorry to say, it’s not the first conversation I’ve had like that. But you know what I got to do? I got to tell those moms that St. Luke’s is a church where they would be welcomed just as they are, and that we would be honored to baptize their beautiful son.
Last weekend, a few dozen St. Lukers spent the day sharing that good news at our booth in the marketplace and in the parade where thousands of people got to see signs that said they are beloved by God and by us. And even better – we were far from the only church present at Pride this year.
I didn’t only hear stories of hurt and harm by the church while I was there – I also heard people come by the booth and, before we could even start talking, say “Oh, I know St. Luke’s!” and then mention names of St. Lukers who they know and love, and who have clearly been leading their lives in a way that helps people know the love of God through them!
As we approach the final Sunday of our “Beyond the Box” series, I am incredibly heartened by the witness I saw from St. Lukers of all ages at Pride. From our littlest friends there with families, to our 50 North folks showing up in force to help staff the booth and walk together, I am encouraged that we are, truly, focusing forward in purpose beyond the ballot box, alongside people in their real day-to-day lives.
I hope to see you this Sunday as we conclude the series focusing on our identity in Christ as “We, the Purposeful” – people who lead intentional lives of purpose, focused forward on Christ, seeking wisdom in all we do, and doing no harm with our words or actions.
Keep walking through the week with your Resource Guide as we allow our Proverbs to speak into our lives, and let’s keep finding meaning and purpose as we move into these last months of 2024 and beyond.
Blessings,
Pastor Melissa