Friday, November 11, 2016

"No Matter Who You Are..."

Dear Folks,

Huntington Congregational Church United Church of Christ is a faith community that encompasses folks of many different opinions and viewpoints.  Votes were cast by the people of this congregation for both Clinton and Trump, and perhaps Johnson and Stein.

We may have differing views, but, I believe that we have something in common, our love of Christ and our belief in God.  I hope that love and belief give us the strength and the conviction to live the greatest commandment, to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

In this spirit, I want to remind us all of the Open and Affirming Covenant that we adopted by a overwhelming majority on January 31, 2016. 


Open and Affirming Covenant

“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey,
you are welcome here.”

Huntington Congregational Church, United Church of Christ is called to spread the love and light of God like a beacon into the community and the world. We seek to embody Jesus’ great commandment to love God, and our neighbors as ourselves (Luke 10:25-27). In keeping with this calling, we, the members of Huntington Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, declare ourselves as "Everybody’s Church". We welcome and affirm all persons of every race, age, gender, marital status, physical or mental ability, socio-economic status, nationality, life history, faith background, and sexual orientation or gender expression or identity into the full life and ministry of this community of faith, including membership and leadership. We welcome and embrace the God-given gifts that each person brings to the life of our congregation.

As an Open and Affirming church, we join our sisters and brothers in the United Church of Christ and all persons who are committed to the struggle for justice, peace, love, equality, and inclusivity, with the example and teachings of Jesus Christ as our guide.

Our country is deeply divided.  There are protests in the streets. There is an up-tick in harassment and violence against women, minorities, and LGBTQ folk.  People are angry and fearful.

One little way we show love and support, besides with our prayers, is to wear a safety pin our our clothes, if so led.  This shows that we are a safe, supportive and non-judgmental person for someone who may be feeling fear and vulnerability.  There are safety pins available on the table in the Alcove outside the office.

It it up to all of us as Christ's followers to be on the side of love, justice, hope, and peace and to live out the greatest commandment.

As always, I hold you all in my heart and in my prayers during this uncertain time.  As always, I am available for conversation and prayer.

In Christ's love,
Rev. Lucille

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