I know many of you wanted to attend the RIC service last night. Mt. Carmel was packed. Ten of us from Creator were there out of a total of about 150 people.
The liturgy felt like a big "yes we can and will". We all enjoyed being gathered together. Pr. Susan Kitner, the assistant to the bishop, delivered the message and Robyn Hartwig, newly installed at St. Andrew in Beaverton, and Ron Nitz, pastor at Mt. Carmel in Portland, co-presided.
Kelly's Free To Be Me was a definite highlight. I know the Creator contigent was recognized. We clapped while we sang songs, quietly sang Hope for Resolution under our breath as their choir sang and were generally over-the-top in our enthusiasm for all that was happening. When Creator was announced as the newest RIC congregation in our local LCNA Chapter during the service it was a huge moment of joy we couldn't let pass without being boisterous in our cheers.
There were snacks and a couple of cakes afterwards, one spice cake for decorated for Robyn and a chocolate cake decorated with "Welcome Creator".
There were four congregations in our LCNA region who became RIC congregations yesterday. More celebrations in Washington: Seattle, Pullman and Shoreline.
I sign off with kudos to the team. I heard many compliments about the way we all worked with the congregation this past year. Many came up to me after the congregational meeting and said they had waited for this kind of affirmation of welcome for a long time.
Giving God Praise and Prayer for the day,
Gary
Below I will pass along congratulations to you from Christian:
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HOW EXCITING, Gary! I am so thrilled for the Creator community and pleased that it is now officially an RIC congregation. Since I do not have everyone's email, can you please pass on my congrats to the RIC team and all who have been closely involved in the process?
This is a great news to be another welcoming and safe place for worship for lgbt people in the greater Portland area!
Peace, joy and blessings to you,
Christian
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