While we at Agnus Dei have always considered ourselves a welcoming community of faith, we recognize that this is an area we can always improve upon. In this effort, our congregation recently completed a 14 month process to become a recognized Reconciled in Christ congregation within the Reconciling Works Program. Below are reprints of the newsletter articles journaling our RIC Journey.
The Congregation Approves!
We are delighted to report that at our annual spring congregational meeting, our congregation voted overwhelmingly in favor of our welcome statement (below) and our inclusion in the Reconciling in Christ program! We have been in contact with RIC and they have begun the process of recognizing ADLC and will be adding us to their roster once the steps have been completed. Come and celebrate with us with a potluck brunch at 9:45 am on Sunday, June 10.
May 2018
Reconciling Works, Lutherans for Full Participation
The Reconciling Works program is for Lutheran congregations who desire to publicly welcome all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Our congregation has been in the process to determine if we shall become a recognized Reconciled in Christ congregation. The RIC Program keeps a roster of Lutheran communities that proclaim a specific welcome for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities so they are more easily found by those looking for such a welcome.
A little over a year ago, in March of 2017, a small group asked our church council to allow us to explore the possibility of Agnus Dei becoming a RIC congregation. In an climate of increasing divisiveness and extremism, and concern that discriminatory behaviors were becoming normalized, we felt that Agnus Dei should take a strong stand against hate and promote inclusivity. That if we are to truly follow the Gospel mandate to love our neighbor and welcome the stranger we should make public a message of welcome to all people regardless of our differences. With the council’s blessing we began the process. A taskforce was formed; many one on one conversations took place to gage interest and support; four educational forums were facilitated; and a welcome statement was drafted, revised and approved by the council. At one point a comment was made, “This has to have been the most transparent process ever undertaken here!” At each step the feedback we heard was overwhelmingly in support of the program. For more information on the program see reconcilingworks.org or “Our RIC Journey” on the ADLC website.
At our upcoming May 20th congregational meeting we will ask our congregation to approve Agnus Dei’s inclusion in the Reconciling in Christ program and at the same time adopt the Welcome Statement below. All voting members are encouraged to attend the May 20th meeting and cast your vote.
Welcome Statement
The congregation of Agnus Dei Lutheran Church celebrates the amazing diversity of God’s beloved children. We welcome all, regardless of age, ethnicity, abilities, faith background, race, family configuration, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. We enthusiastically invite you into this worshipping congregation as we strive to share God’s inclusive love with everyone in our community and in our world.
The Reconciling Works program is for Lutheran congregations who desire to publicly welcome all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Our congregation has been in the process to determine if we shall become a recognized Reconciled in Christ congregation. The RIC Program keeps a roster of Lutheran communities that proclaim a specific welcome for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities so they are more easily found by those looking for such a welcome.
A little over a year ago, in March of 2017, a small group asked our church council to allow us to explore the possibility of Agnus Dei becoming a RIC congregation. In an climate of increasing divisiveness and extremism, and concern that discriminatory behaviors were becoming normalized, we felt that Agnus Dei should take a strong stand against hate and promote inclusivity. That if we are to truly follow the Gospel mandate to love our neighbor and welcome the stranger we should make public a message of welcome to all people regardless of our differences. With the council’s blessing we began the process. A taskforce was formed; many one on one conversations took place to gage interest and support; four educational forums were facilitated; and a welcome statement was drafted, revised and approved by the council. At one point a comment was made, “This has to have been the most transparent process ever undertaken here!” At each step the feedback we heard was overwhelmingly in support of the program. For more information on the program see reconcilingworks.org or “Our RIC Journey” on the ADLC website.
At our upcoming May 20th congregational meeting we will ask our congregation to approve Agnus Dei’s inclusion in the Reconciling in Christ program and at the same time adopt the Welcome Statement below. All voting members are encouraged to attend the May 20th meeting and cast your vote.
Welcome Statement
The congregation of Agnus Dei Lutheran Church celebrates the amazing diversity of God’s beloved children. We welcome all, regardless of age, ethnicity, abilities, faith background, race, family configuration, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. We enthusiastically invite you into this worshipping congregation as we strive to share God’s inclusive love with everyone in our community and in our world.
March 2018
The Draft Welcome Statement
At the February 11 forum we revealed the draft welcome statement. In its current form it reads:
The congregation of Agnus Dei Lutheran Church celebrates the amazing diversity of God’s beloved children. We welcome all people regardless of age, ethnicity, abilities, race, family configuration, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. We enthusiastically invite you into this worshipping community as we strive to share God’s inclusive love with everyone in our congregation and in our world.
Forum attendees were asked to give their written input for the taskforce to consider at the next meeting on March 12. We welcome your input as well, if you have a suggestion for the statement please email office@agnusdeilutheran.org.
At the Feb 11 forum we also discussed hospitality in general, what are we doing well and how might we do better. Small groups brainstormed ideas and shared current behaviors or practices that might be helpful and some that may be off putting to a newcomer. What tangible steps can we take to make our space and worship more accessible to visitors? Nametags, inclusive language, and microphones were mentioned. A suggestion was made to make loaner reading glasses available, such a simple idea and easy to execute. So many good ideas were shared! It is important to remember that the effort to improve how we welcome visitors does not end with the adoption of a welcome statement. This is and will always be an ongoing effort. Please share your ideas!
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Julie Bell, Phyllis Brandt, Marilyn Colyar, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
At the February 11 forum we revealed the draft welcome statement. In its current form it reads:
The congregation of Agnus Dei Lutheran Church celebrates the amazing diversity of God’s beloved children. We welcome all people regardless of age, ethnicity, abilities, race, family configuration, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. We enthusiastically invite you into this worshipping community as we strive to share God’s inclusive love with everyone in our congregation and in our world.
Forum attendees were asked to give their written input for the taskforce to consider at the next meeting on March 12. We welcome your input as well, if you have a suggestion for the statement please email office@agnusdeilutheran.org.
At the Feb 11 forum we also discussed hospitality in general, what are we doing well and how might we do better. Small groups brainstormed ideas and shared current behaviors or practices that might be helpful and some that may be off putting to a newcomer. What tangible steps can we take to make our space and worship more accessible to visitors? Nametags, inclusive language, and microphones were mentioned. A suggestion was made to make loaner reading glasses available, such a simple idea and easy to execute. So many good ideas were shared! It is important to remember that the effort to improve how we welcome visitors does not end with the adoption of a welcome statement. This is and will always be an ongoing effort. Please share your ideas!
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Julie Bell, Phyllis Brandt, Marilyn Colyar, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
February 2018
The RIC taskforce has been hard at work developing the draft welcome statement for Agnus Dei. It seems like a clear message to say “Everyone is Welcome” doesn’t it? At one of our forums, our taskforce received an anonymous comment, “The cross of Jesus Christ is sufficient to Welcome All.” We appreciate that many wonder why we need to specifically name marginalized people in a public invitation. We have learned that for so many people past experiences have taught them to read “Everyone is welcome” as “Everyone is welcome, except me.”
Drafting a welcome statement unique to Agnus Dei brings challenges. How do we sincerely welcome everyone in one statement? Do we list every marginalized group specifically? How do we craft a message brief enough to be included in our Sunday bulletin and still say all we wish to convey? Our taskforce has put much time, effort and discussion into creating our draft statement. We will reveal it at the February 11 forum and give everyone an opportunity to give written feedback. After more consideration and revision the taskforce will bring the statement before our council and then to the annual Congregational Meeting in May for approval. If the congregation is in favor of the statement we will submit it to Reconciling Works to become recognized by RIC.
At the February 11 forum we will also begin the important discussion of tangible ways Agnus Dei can become more inclusive.
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Julie Bell, Phyllis Brandt, Marilyn Colyar, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
Drafting a welcome statement unique to Agnus Dei brings challenges. How do we sincerely welcome everyone in one statement? Do we list every marginalized group specifically? How do we craft a message brief enough to be included in our Sunday bulletin and still say all we wish to convey? Our taskforce has put much time, effort and discussion into creating our draft statement. We will reveal it at the February 11 forum and give everyone an opportunity to give written feedback. After more consideration and revision the taskforce will bring the statement before our council and then to the annual Congregational Meeting in May for approval. If the congregation is in favor of the statement we will submit it to Reconciling Works to become recognized by RIC.
At the February 11 forum we will also begin the important discussion of tangible ways Agnus Dei can become more inclusive.
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Julie Bell, Phyllis Brandt, Marilyn Colyar, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
December 2017 Take Our Survey!
Now that we have completed the three planned forums on the topic of Welcoming Congregations, our next step is to draft our Agnus Dei Welcome Statement. If you have an interest in helping craft this important statement please speak to a member of the task force.
We are taking a break during Advent and Christmas and will resume meeting on January 11. Our plan is to introduce the draft welcome statement to the congregation in late February and have the final ready to be voted on at the May congregational meeting.
The task force welcomes all comments and questions. In our continuing effort to encourage your input we have prepared a survey regarding our RIC journey which can be completed by clicking on the button below. We would love to hear your thoughts on the process and you can choose to be anonymous if you wish.
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Julie Bell, Phyllis Brandt, Marilyn Colyar, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
We are taking a break during Advent and Christmas and will resume meeting on January 11. Our plan is to introduce the draft welcome statement to the congregation in late February and have the final ready to be voted on at the May congregational meeting.
The task force welcomes all comments and questions. In our continuing effort to encourage your input we have prepared a survey regarding our RIC journey which can be completed by clicking on the button below. We would love to hear your thoughts on the process and you can choose to be anonymous if you wish.
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Julie Bell, Phyllis Brandt, Marilyn Colyar, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
November 2017 Sample Welcome Statements
At our second forum on October 8, Pastor Seth spoke on “Homosexuality and the Bible.” We looked at the contradictory messages in the bible with Pastor Seth helping us to understand the time period in which they were written and the social mores of the time. If one reads these passages without understanding this context it is easy to see how they can be misinterpreted to condemn the LGBTQ community. The forum was enlightening and well attended. If you missed it there are copies of the handouts available in the church office and an audio recording is available on our church website under the “Our RIC Journey” tab.
After the forum on Nov 5th our taskforce will begin crafting a draft welcome statement. As a starting point we will look to other churches who have adopted their own welcome statements to become recognized as Reconciled in Christ Congregations. Here are a few examples:
Phinney Ridge Lutheran, Seattle
“As people made one in the waters of baptism, we believe our lives and faith are strengthened by diversity. We strive to be a community that welcomes people of every ability, age, citizenship status, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, language, life circumstance, marital status, political perspective, race, and sexual orientation. Whether you are a believer, doubter, or seeker, we openly welcome and value you. We celebrate God’s unconditional love and respond joyfully to your presence here. All are welcome. You are welcome.”
Trinity Lutheran Church in Evanston, IL.
“Our congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church, understands that our mission, as disciples of Jesus is to embody the scriptural call to foster wholeness of community by drawing all people together in love. We are, as St. Paul writes, ambassadors of reconciliation for the Christ through whom we are reconciled to God. We are agents of healing in a community of healing. That is why we offer unreserved welcome to all, and celebrate their presence among us. We offer: Welcome to long-time Lutherans, Christians from every tradition, and people new to faith. Welcome to those who want to follow Christ, who are curious and want to explore faith, who have doubts, and those who do not believe. Welcome to all who have no church home, who may be searching for a church home or who just want a place to heal and know that they are loved. Welcome to people of every age and size, color and culture, every sexual orientation and gender identity, socio- economic status, marital status, ability and challenge. This is a place where you are welcome to celebrate and sorrow, rejoice and recover. This is a place where lives are made new. We invite you to experience deep welcome in this community where we are being transformed by living the reconciling Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Gift of Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle
“Everyone is welcome here in the name of Jesus Christ, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, religion or lack of religion.”
Beautiful Savior Lutheran church, Vancouver, WA
“We are a Reconciling in Christ Congregation. In Celebrating, Deepening and Sharing God’s love, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church is a Christian community called to gather people from diverse backgrounds and to provide a safe and welcoming place that will enable all to grow in faith and service in the name of Jesus Christ. We, the members of Beautiful Savior, proclaim the good news that all people are children of God beautifully and wonderfully made. We extend our welcome to people of all races, cultures and colors; to people of all sexual orientations, to people of all gender identities, to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities; to people of every legal, economic, and martial status; and to those whom the world seeks to separate, divide or isolate. We celebrate your identity as a gift from God and you are wholly and enthusiastically welcomed into the life this congregation, including our worship and sacraments, holy rites, ministry of service and fellowship. We pledge to live as God’s reconciling people in our life together as members of Beautiful Savior and in our outreach to the world.”
Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Regina, SK, Canada
You are welcome here, you, whose face does not resemble mine, whose spirit I may not define, you, whose eyes have seen, what I will never dream. You, whose frame is bent or broken, whose mind fears the unspoken. You are welcome here. Regardless of your race, your age, your gender identity or expression, your marital status, physical and mental ability, your sexual orientation, country of origin, economic and religious status, you will be honoured here.
As you can see by this small sampling, welcome statements are unique to each congregation just as ours will be to Agnus Dei. Do you have an interest in teaming up with the RIC taskforce in developing our welcome statement? We welcome your input! Our next taskforce meeting is Nov. 13 at 7:15 pm.
Please join us at the next RIC forum on Sunday, November 5 at 9:45 when we will hear from Rick and Mary Ann Nelson who are the Reconciled In Christ representatives for the Southwestern Washington Synod.
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
After the forum on Nov 5th our taskforce will begin crafting a draft welcome statement. As a starting point we will look to other churches who have adopted their own welcome statements to become recognized as Reconciled in Christ Congregations. Here are a few examples:
Phinney Ridge Lutheran, Seattle
“As people made one in the waters of baptism, we believe our lives and faith are strengthened by diversity. We strive to be a community that welcomes people of every ability, age, citizenship status, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, language, life circumstance, marital status, political perspective, race, and sexual orientation. Whether you are a believer, doubter, or seeker, we openly welcome and value you. We celebrate God’s unconditional love and respond joyfully to your presence here. All are welcome. You are welcome.”
Trinity Lutheran Church in Evanston, IL.
“Our congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church, understands that our mission, as disciples of Jesus is to embody the scriptural call to foster wholeness of community by drawing all people together in love. We are, as St. Paul writes, ambassadors of reconciliation for the Christ through whom we are reconciled to God. We are agents of healing in a community of healing. That is why we offer unreserved welcome to all, and celebrate their presence among us. We offer: Welcome to long-time Lutherans, Christians from every tradition, and people new to faith. Welcome to those who want to follow Christ, who are curious and want to explore faith, who have doubts, and those who do not believe. Welcome to all who have no church home, who may be searching for a church home or who just want a place to heal and know that they are loved. Welcome to people of every age and size, color and culture, every sexual orientation and gender identity, socio- economic status, marital status, ability and challenge. This is a place where you are welcome to celebrate and sorrow, rejoice and recover. This is a place where lives are made new. We invite you to experience deep welcome in this community where we are being transformed by living the reconciling Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Gift of Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle
“Everyone is welcome here in the name of Jesus Christ, regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, religion or lack of religion.”
Beautiful Savior Lutheran church, Vancouver, WA
“We are a Reconciling in Christ Congregation. In Celebrating, Deepening and Sharing God’s love, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church is a Christian community called to gather people from diverse backgrounds and to provide a safe and welcoming place that will enable all to grow in faith and service in the name of Jesus Christ. We, the members of Beautiful Savior, proclaim the good news that all people are children of God beautifully and wonderfully made. We extend our welcome to people of all races, cultures and colors; to people of all sexual orientations, to people of all gender identities, to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities; to people of every legal, economic, and martial status; and to those whom the world seeks to separate, divide or isolate. We celebrate your identity as a gift from God and you are wholly and enthusiastically welcomed into the life this congregation, including our worship and sacraments, holy rites, ministry of service and fellowship. We pledge to live as God’s reconciling people in our life together as members of Beautiful Savior and in our outreach to the world.”
Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Regina, SK, Canada
You are welcome here, you, whose face does not resemble mine, whose spirit I may not define, you, whose eyes have seen, what I will never dream. You, whose frame is bent or broken, whose mind fears the unspoken. You are welcome here. Regardless of your race, your age, your gender identity or expression, your marital status, physical and mental ability, your sexual orientation, country of origin, economic and religious status, you will be honoured here.
As you can see by this small sampling, welcome statements are unique to each congregation just as ours will be to Agnus Dei. Do you have an interest in teaming up with the RIC taskforce in developing our welcome statement? We welcome your input! Our next taskforce meeting is Nov. 13 at 7:15 pm.
Please join us at the next RIC forum on Sunday, November 5 at 9:45 when we will hear from Rick and Mary Ann Nelson who are the Reconciled In Christ representatives for the Southwestern Washington Synod.
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
October 2017 October Update
At our first forum in September we had the pleasure of hearing from guest speakers who shared their experiences with welcoming (and not so welcoming) congregations and the impact those experiences had on their faith. After hearing from the speakers the forum attendees were given time to discuss at their tables these prompts: 1. Share something you had not thought about before, and 2. Why do we need to say more than, “All are welcome”? After time for discussion each table group was invited to share highlights. One group stated they knew of churches who proclaim all are welcome but the welcome doesn’t play out in their actions. The true message seemed to be “you are welcome to come here and be just like us.” Another group shared that our welcome should intentionally include more than only the LGBTQ community. Another group felt our welcome should be conveyed by more than words and actions, it should be communicated in print, online and in other ways.
Our task force was pleased by the high attendance and the positive comments heard at our first forum. We had a few anonymous questions left for the task force on the comment cards, one in particular stands out, “How will we demonstrate our acceptance in our congregation of those who question this inclusiveness issue?” This is a great question! Being a welcoming congregation is much more than inviting those who have not yet come through our doors. As I stated in last month’s RIC newsletter article, For the Health of Our Community, the key to all good relationships in communication. We don’t have to agree on all issues for us to care for and want the best for each other and our church. We truly hope that if there are persons who question our endeavor to become more welcoming they would be open to dialogue. If you have comments or concerns please contact anyone on the task force or one of our pastors.
On October 8 we held the second of the three planned forums on RIC. Pastor Seth lead with the topic, “Homosexuality and the Bible.” We turn to the bible for guidance but sometimes hear contradictory messages. Pastor Seth helped us to interpret these messages and what they mean to us in our quest to become more welcoming. You can hear an audio recording of the forum presentation here:
Our task force was pleased by the high attendance and the positive comments heard at our first forum. We had a few anonymous questions left for the task force on the comment cards, one in particular stands out, “How will we demonstrate our acceptance in our congregation of those who question this inclusiveness issue?” This is a great question! Being a welcoming congregation is much more than inviting those who have not yet come through our doors. As I stated in last month’s RIC newsletter article, For the Health of Our Community, the key to all good relationships in communication. We don’t have to agree on all issues for us to care for and want the best for each other and our church. We truly hope that if there are persons who question our endeavor to become more welcoming they would be open to dialogue. If you have comments or concerns please contact anyone on the task force or one of our pastors.
On October 8 we held the second of the three planned forums on RIC. Pastor Seth lead with the topic, “Homosexuality and the Bible.” We turn to the bible for guidance but sometimes hear contradictory messages. Pastor Seth helped us to interpret these messages and what they mean to us in our quest to become more welcoming. You can hear an audio recording of the forum presentation here:
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
September 2017 For the Health of Our Community
Last month we explored how participating in the RIC program can be an evangelism tool for Agnus Dei. Not only are people in the LGBTQ community searching for welcoming congregations, we know that younger families are also attracted to inclusive congregations. Being a recognized RIC congregation and making a public statement of welcome increases our visibility to established Gig Harbor residents as well as newcomers who are searching for a welcoming church.
How can going through the RIC process improve the health of Agnus Dei? The key to all good relationships is communication. The emphasis of the RIC journey is placed on one to one conversations or in RIC terms, “graceful engagement.” Graceful Engagement is about listening, hearing each other’s perspective, and finding shared values. The RIC process encourages respectful sharing of ideas about what it means to each of us to be inclusive. Open dialogue leads to greater understanding of each other. We don’t all think alike (nor would we want to) but valuing each other’s beliefs, even if different than our own, fosters healthy relationships. We don’t have to agree on all issues for us to genuinely care for each other and want the best for each other and for our church. Practicing healthy communication skills during the RIC process will strengthen our congregation as a whole.
Scripture teaches us that Christ welcomes all. Every individual is God’s unique creation to be valued as a beloved child of God no matter what our differences. If going through the RIC process can strengthen our appreciation for each others differences, we become better equipped to embrace diversity in those who have not yet come through the door.
In addition to the ongoing conversations that are already happening around welcoming, we have three forums planned for this fall. At the first, set for September 10, we will hear from individuals how their personal experiences of welcome (or lack thereof) have impacted their faith journey.
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
Last month we explored how participating in the RIC program can be an evangelism tool for Agnus Dei. Not only are people in the LGBTQ community searching for welcoming congregations, we know that younger families are also attracted to inclusive congregations. Being a recognized RIC congregation and making a public statement of welcome increases our visibility to established Gig Harbor residents as well as newcomers who are searching for a welcoming church.
How can going through the RIC process improve the health of Agnus Dei? The key to all good relationships is communication. The emphasis of the RIC journey is placed on one to one conversations or in RIC terms, “graceful engagement.” Graceful Engagement is about listening, hearing each other’s perspective, and finding shared values. The RIC process encourages respectful sharing of ideas about what it means to each of us to be inclusive. Open dialogue leads to greater understanding of each other. We don’t all think alike (nor would we want to) but valuing each other’s beliefs, even if different than our own, fosters healthy relationships. We don’t have to agree on all issues for us to genuinely care for each other and want the best for each other and for our church. Practicing healthy communication skills during the RIC process will strengthen our congregation as a whole.
Scripture teaches us that Christ welcomes all. Every individual is God’s unique creation to be valued as a beloved child of God no matter what our differences. If going through the RIC process can strengthen our appreciation for each others differences, we become better equipped to embrace diversity in those who have not yet come through the door.
In addition to the ongoing conversations that are already happening around welcoming, we have three forums planned for this fall. At the first, set for September 10, we will hear from individuals how their personal experiences of welcome (or lack thereof) have impacted their faith journey.
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
August 2017, "Reconciled in Christ as an Evangelism Tool"
Last month our message addressed the concern of a seemingly narrow focus of welcome specifically targeting the LGBTQ community. On the contrary, our welcome statement will be uniquely crafted by us to include all people of diverse backgrounds. It will certainly include, but is not limited to, the LGBTQ community.
This month we address how Agnus Dei’s participation in the Reconciled in Christ program can work for us as an evangelism tool. Publicly stating our invitation of welcome to the LGBTQ community will make us stand out in the Gig Harbor community in a positive way. It will also communicate who we are as welcoming to anyone using the RIC roster in their search for a church home. People relocate! The RIC program includes all of the United States and Canada. People who have been involved in RIC congregations elsewhere will look for them when they move to a new area.
We are located in an area experiencing huge growth of new homes and new families are moving into our neighborhood every day. People looking for a new church research using the internet before making a decision where to visit on Sunday mornings. Inclusion on the RIC roster and an inclusive welcome statement on our website are great ways to let everyone know the folks at Agnus Dei believe that the love of Christ is for everyone regardless of their differences.
We often wonder how to reach out to the next generation. Reconciling Works research shows that young people value the inclusion of LGBTQ people. “A 2015 Pew Research poll found that over 70 percent of people born after 1980 support same-gender marriage.” The people who are most attracted to churches with RIC status are young families with children who are seeking churches consistent with their own values. They want their children to be raised in a diverse faith community that will accept and love their children just as they are.
The first of three Forums dedicated to our RIC process will be on September 10th, the kick off of our Faith Formation Program year. We have people coming to share their personal stories of how welcoming congregations have impacted their lives. Join us, you won’t want to miss it! As always, the RIC taskforce welcomes your thoughts, concerns and questions. Lets keep those conversations going!
Next month’s topic, “For the Health of Our Community.”
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
July 2017 "Why are We Singling Out LGBTQ People?"
Last month our message focused on the question of why there is a need to intentionally make a public statement welcoming LGBTQ people. This month we address the idea of singling out only LGBTQ in our welcoming statement. While we understand that the generic “All Are Welcome” invitation has historically been perceived by the LGBTQ community as an invitation that reads “All Are Welcome Except Me” we might wonder how other individuals who have also experienced exclusion perceive our invitation. Is the invitation truly open to everyone? People of diverse economic backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, faith experiences, etc.?
The answer is, our welcome statement will be crafted to include an invitation to all people regardless of their differences. It is up to us how we wish to frame our welcome. The only requirement by RIC is that our statement specifically includes “people of all sexual orientations and gender identities or that lists lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, people explicitly”.
Welcome statements are as different and unique as the communities who create them. Some are as short as one sentence, others are a page long. Ours will be somewhere between that! Here is a relatively short example created by Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, our neighbors in Maple Valley:
“We believe that God loves all people equally and that there is a place for you at God’s table. You are welcome here at SVLC regardless of age, race, sexual orientation , gender identity, religious background, life experience, complexities, or questions.”
Doesn’t that cut right to the heart of the matter? More examples of welcome statements can be found at reconcilingworks.org
We look forward to the fall when we will have three forums dedicated to the RIC process after which we will craft a welcome statement of our own for the congregation to consider. If adopted, our welcome statement will demonstrate we are living out the gospel mandate that we love all our neighbors and that we value diversity here. If this commitment to be welcoming is made, it will be up to us to determine how we fulfill our promise.
As always, the RIC taskforce welcomes your thoughts, concerns and questions. Lets keep those conversations going!
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
The answer is, our welcome statement will be crafted to include an invitation to all people regardless of their differences. It is up to us how we wish to frame our welcome. The only requirement by RIC is that our statement specifically includes “people of all sexual orientations and gender identities or that lists lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, people explicitly”.
Welcome statements are as different and unique as the communities who create them. Some are as short as one sentence, others are a page long. Ours will be somewhere between that! Here is a relatively short example created by Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, our neighbors in Maple Valley:
“We believe that God loves all people equally and that there is a place for you at God’s table. You are welcome here at SVLC regardless of age, race, sexual orientation , gender identity, religious background, life experience, complexities, or questions.”
Doesn’t that cut right to the heart of the matter? More examples of welcome statements can be found at reconcilingworks.org
We look forward to the fall when we will have three forums dedicated to the RIC process after which we will craft a welcome statement of our own for the congregation to consider. If adopted, our welcome statement will demonstrate we are living out the gospel mandate that we love all our neighbors and that we value diversity here. If this commitment to be welcoming is made, it will be up to us to determine how we fulfill our promise.
As always, the RIC taskforce welcomes your thoughts, concerns and questions. Lets keep those conversations going!
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Ghita Lorenz, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
June, 2017
"Our Congregation is Already Welcoming, Why
Do We Need to Say So?"
One of the most often heard statements in the conversation is, “Our congregation is already welcoming, why do we need to say so?” Many congregations feel they are welcoming and for the most part they certainly are, but there is much more to being a “welcoming congregation” than just a friendly greeting as a visitor comes through the door. It is two-fold in that it is a deliberate invitation to people of all backgrounds and then receiving willingly and gladly all who desire to be part of the faith community. Unfortunately many LGBTQ individuals and families have found that the often used declaration of “All Are Welcome” is one that does not include them, therefore a statement of welcome must be explicit in its inclusiveness.
When congregations enter into the Reconciling Works process it is with the intention of fully committing to the process. To engage in meaningful dialogue with one another, to participate in educational opportunities, and ultimately create and approve a unique statement of welcome. The entire process is meant to be lengthy and there is great value in the time spent. Inclusion on the RIC roster gives assurance to visitors that by completing this deliberate process a congregation truly values diversity and their welcome is genuine.
Why do we need to make such a public statement? If you are in the grocery store and you prefer organic produce you would look for a prominent “USDA Certified Organic” label. The label gives you assurance that a process has been completed and criteria met to have the certified organic endorsement. The RIC roster is a tool many LGBTQ people and their friends and family use in their search for a church that values all people. In addition to making known our intent to the LGBTQ community a public statement of welcome defines who we are in the greater community. It says “All are welcome in this place and you can trust that we know what it means to follow through on that welcome!”
As always, the RIC taskforce welcomes your thoughts, concerns and questions. Lets keep those conversations going! For more information please see the website: reconcilingworks.org
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
When congregations enter into the Reconciling Works process it is with the intention of fully committing to the process. To engage in meaningful dialogue with one another, to participate in educational opportunities, and ultimately create and approve a unique statement of welcome. The entire process is meant to be lengthy and there is great value in the time spent. Inclusion on the RIC roster gives assurance to visitors that by completing this deliberate process a congregation truly values diversity and their welcome is genuine.
Why do we need to make such a public statement? If you are in the grocery store and you prefer organic produce you would look for a prominent “USDA Certified Organic” label. The label gives you assurance that a process has been completed and criteria met to have the certified organic endorsement. The RIC roster is a tool many LGBTQ people and their friends and family use in their search for a church that values all people. In addition to making known our intent to the LGBTQ community a public statement of welcome defines who we are in the greater community. It says “All are welcome in this place and you can trust that we know what it means to follow through on that welcome!”
As always, the RIC taskforce welcomes your thoughts, concerns and questions. Lets keep those conversations going! For more information please see the website: reconcilingworks.org
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
May 2017, A Proposed Timeline:
Our church council gave approval at their March council meeting to begin the process of becoming a recognized Reconciled in Christ congregation. The work has begun! The most important part of the process is conversation, open and honest dialogue. Let’s talk about what it means to be welcoming to all. What does it look like, sound like, feel like? Does welcoming all extend to thoughtfully listening to others’ views even when they don’t agree with our own?
At our last task force meeting we completed a congregational assessment tool provided by Reconciling Works to assess the pace at which a congregation might move through the process. Our result suggested a moderate pace. One which when aligned with our program year would put us voting on a welcome statement at our May 2018 congregational meeting. Here is the timeline we have projected:
As promised, we will keep you informed of the process by newsletter articles such as this and bulletin announcements. We are pleased that Salli Middleton and Tamara Jackson have joined our task force. We certainly welcome more input so if you are interested please speak with one of us. Would you like to learn more about RIC? Please contact any of us and we would be happy to share information. Another good resource is the website reconcilingworks.org
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
At our last task force meeting we completed a congregational assessment tool provided by Reconciling Works to assess the pace at which a congregation might move through the process. Our result suggested a moderate pace. One which when aligned with our program year would put us voting on a welcome statement at our May 2018 congregational meeting. Here is the timeline we have projected:
- Continue the practice of encouraging open, positive conversations (through the entire process)
- May 21 Congregational Meeting, present an explanation of the program and process
- Forum presentations in the fall. One each month of Sept, Oct, Nov.
- January- Task Force drafts a Welcome statement
- February- present draft to congregation at a Forum, gather feedback
- March- April facilitate conversation about the draft, Task Force crafts final Welcome Statement
- May 2018 congregational meeting- Vote on the Welcome Statement
As promised, we will keep you informed of the process by newsletter articles such as this and bulletin announcements. We are pleased that Salli Middleton and Tamara Jackson have joined our task force. We certainly welcome more input so if you are interested please speak with one of us. Would you like to learn more about RIC? Please contact any of us and we would be happy to share information. Another good resource is the website reconcilingworks.org
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt, Tamara Jackson, Salli Middleton, and Ashley Ortenzo)
April 2017, An Introduction...
The Reconciling Works Program is for Lutheran congregations who desire to publicly welcome all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It begins with an intentional process of conversation, continues with educational gatherings, and culminates in the congregation having an opportunity to vote their approval of an Affirmation of Welcome Statement by the congregation.
Many of us here at Agnus Dei feel that we should become a Reconciled in Christ congregation. If we are to follow the mandate of the Gospel, to love our neighbor and welcome the stranger, then we should always be striving to improve how we do this. Reconciling Works is a program designed to help us be better skilled at welcoming and to communicate our message of welcome. In this current political climate of divisiveness and extremism it is important now more than ever to take a strong stand against hate and promote inclusiveness. If the Reconciling Works process is completed here, ADLC would be added to the Reconciled In Christ (RIC) roster. In addition, our Affirmation of Welcome Statement would be prominently placed on our webpage, Facebook page, newsletters and bulletins so any person searching for a inclusive congregation would know in advance that our congregation embraces of people of all backgrounds. Visitors will know in advance they will find a welcome here.
At the last (March 2017) council meeting, a small group from the congregation (John Barelli, Cindy Beals, Phyllis Brandt and Ashley Ortenzo) brought forward a proposal asking that we as a congregation begin the conversation and process to determine if ADLC would like to become a RIC congregation. The council approved the request. The first step in the process is conversation. Lots and lots of it! Our small group has had many informal one-to-one discussions with others in our faith community and have had positive responses to the idea of the Reconciling Works process. We will proceed with even more conversations. Please share your thoughts with us! How do you feel about becoming RIC?
The next step is asking for more interested folks be part of the process. Do you share our desire to become a more welcoming congregation? We would love for you to join our task force! Would you like to learn more about RIC? Please contact any of us and we would be happy to share information. Another good resource is the website reconcilingworks.org. Further plans include guest speakers and trainings. We will continue to share information about RIC and keep you all updated on the process through monthly updates in this newsletter.
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt and Ashley Ortenzo)
Many of us here at Agnus Dei feel that we should become a Reconciled in Christ congregation. If we are to follow the mandate of the Gospel, to love our neighbor and welcome the stranger, then we should always be striving to improve how we do this. Reconciling Works is a program designed to help us be better skilled at welcoming and to communicate our message of welcome. In this current political climate of divisiveness and extremism it is important now more than ever to take a strong stand against hate and promote inclusiveness. If the Reconciling Works process is completed here, ADLC would be added to the Reconciled In Christ (RIC) roster. In addition, our Affirmation of Welcome Statement would be prominently placed on our webpage, Facebook page, newsletters and bulletins so any person searching for a inclusive congregation would know in advance that our congregation embraces of people of all backgrounds. Visitors will know in advance they will find a welcome here.
At the last (March 2017) council meeting, a small group from the congregation (John Barelli, Cindy Beals, Phyllis Brandt and Ashley Ortenzo) brought forward a proposal asking that we as a congregation begin the conversation and process to determine if ADLC would like to become a RIC congregation. The council approved the request. The first step in the process is conversation. Lots and lots of it! Our small group has had many informal one-to-one discussions with others in our faith community and have had positive responses to the idea of the Reconciling Works process. We will proceed with even more conversations. Please share your thoughts with us! How do you feel about becoming RIC?
The next step is asking for more interested folks be part of the process. Do you share our desire to become a more welcoming congregation? We would love for you to join our task force! Would you like to learn more about RIC? Please contact any of us and we would be happy to share information. Another good resource is the website reconcilingworks.org. Further plans include guest speakers and trainings. We will continue to share information about RIC and keep you all updated on the process through monthly updates in this newsletter.
Cindy Beals
for the RIC Taskforce (John Barelli, Phyllis Brandt and Ashley Ortenzo)