On Sunday, October 10 part of the church service was dedicated to our congregation’s public declaration as an ally to GLBT persons. Particular emphasis and urgency was given due to the deaths of several teenage boys who committed suicide in September after being harassed for their assumed sexual orientation. At the end of the service, the congregation was invited to come forward to get a rainbow ribbon and was urged to wear the ribbons during the week, as they went about their daily business, to show support. We are starting to get some reports back from people who have done this.
Joan reported that she ate dinner out with a visiting friend, and was approached by their waitress who was interested to know about the ribbon and the “God is Still Speaking” comma. When Joan explained the meaning and told her of our church’s stance, she was delighted and plans to visit in the near future. She had been looking for a church that wasn’t too big and was GLBT affirming. While neither she nor her daughter is gay, she feels strongly about this.
Jonah and Cathy had the opportunity to explain their ribbons to a waitress at Starbucks. Again, the waitress was very interested to know of a church like ours.
We hope to get more stories during the week! If you have a story about a discussion you had about your ribbon, be sure to pass it on to Joan. Additional ribbons are in a basket in the sanctuary if you did not get one and want one.
The ONA committee is gathering information on resources for suicide help lines, parent support groups, literature, and counselors for those needing them. This information will be made available in the Vaughan Fellowship Hall each Sunday after worship.
Joan reported that she ate dinner out with a visiting friend, and was approached by their waitress who was interested to know about the ribbon and the “God is Still Speaking” comma. When Joan explained the meaning and told her of our church’s stance, she was delighted and plans to visit in the near future. She had been looking for a church that wasn’t too big and was GLBT affirming. While neither she nor her daughter is gay, she feels strongly about this.
Jonah and Cathy had the opportunity to explain their ribbons to a waitress at Starbucks. Again, the waitress was very interested to know of a church like ours.
We hope to get more stories during the week! If you have a story about a discussion you had about your ribbon, be sure to pass it on to Joan. Additional ribbons are in a basket in the sanctuary if you did not get one and want one.
The ONA committee is gathering information on resources for suicide help lines, parent support groups, literature, and counselors for those needing them. This information will be made available in the Vaughan Fellowship Hall each Sunday after worship.