Ascension United Church of Christ, where I serve, is an Open and Affirming Church. We fly a rainbow flag. On the sign in front of the Church, we attempt to make provocative statements – at least in between letting people know about our Church events and activities.
Last night a woman stopped by my house which is attached to the Church building.
We were just about to serve dinner for some guests. I thought to myself this is not the best time. But I went to the door to speak with her.
The story is becoming familiar to me – very familiar. It goes sort of like this: “Hi, I drive past your Church every day. I see the Church, I see the messages on the sign. I wanted to stop in for a long time, but I haven’t. Today, I just . . . I just decided to stop.” Somewhere in the conversation there will be an apology. “I am sorry for bothering you.” It may take a long time for them to get to the reason they have been wanting to stop in at the Church.
“My child is gay.”
“Your church appears to be a welcoming place; my church isn’t.” “I don’t know why I haven’t stopped by sooner; we haven’t been to church in a while.” “We always went to church, but we have not felt welcome, you know, because. . . “ “I see the Church, I see the messages on the sign. I thought my child; I thought we might be welcome here at your Church.”
It is our goal to be welcoming. In our Open and Affirming Statement, we say, just as we welcome into our family of faith people of every ability, age, race, nationality, economic and social status, faith background, marital standing and family structure, as an Open-and-Affirming congregation, we welcome those of every gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
We looked for ways to live out what it means to be an Open and Affirming Congregation in the United Church of Christ. We created a scholarship for students involved in their school’s GSA. We sponsored a support group for lgtb students and their families (Qmmunity Alliance). We began flying a Rainbow flag in front of the Church. The members of our Church were very receptive. Then there were times when someone would ask, “Why do we need to do that?” The answer is simple, “I see the Church, I see the messages on the sign
I am amazed by these people who have stopped by my house to talk about life; fear and pain, love and hope. I am honored they would want to share their story with me. I do not say much in these conversations, mostly I listen. There are somethings I am certain of: God loves them, and I am called to love them and they are indeed welcome at Ascension Church.
Imust admit, I am extremely happy to hear ““I see the Church, I see the messages on the sign and I thought I might be welcome here.”