This is Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Weekend at Central Lutheran. What does it mean to be an RIC congregation? From the Reconciling Works’ website:
“Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program has been a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church. The RIC Program is made up of congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, outdoor ministries, and other Lutheran organizations.”
Central Lutheran became an RIC congregation in February of 2019 at the annual meeting, though we had worked to become a welcoming congregation for many years prior to that vote.
Central Lutheran has been blessed time and again by people who are a part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. God creates all of us in God’s own image and declares us holy, chosen, and part of God’s family. We are called to cling to these promises in the moments when our belovedness is questioned or denied.
Jesus knows that humans are not particularly good at seeing the beauty of God’s creation and honoring one another as such. He has to tell his disciples this weekend not to be afraid because not only does God love the sparrows, but God also loves and cares for us. Living into this way often means conflict with folks who can’t believe that they are loved, and then hurt people hurt people.
It is the all-encompassing love that Jesus calls us to that sets us free to follow him through life and beyond. Let’s celebrate that love this weekend and every weekend!
Shalom,
Pastor Melissa