What's happening this season?
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Celebrating Pride Month!
There are many stories in the Bible about issues that can be considered Pride issues. One of my favorite stories is about Daniel's friends. In the book of Daniel we read of three friends of Daniel, Shedrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who stood up for their own ways of life and against the conformity of their oppressors. The king Nebuchadnezzar demanded Shedrach, Meshach, and Abednego worship the golden statue he had put up, but they refused. It was not their belief, nor their lifestyle. Nebuchadnezzar, in return, wanted to throw them into a fire furnace for their rejection. Miraculously, God stood with them and they remained unharmed. This story shows how God is on the side of those who stand up for their own values and beliefs that are different from what is prescribed by societal values. Likewise, there are many who have devoted their lives to those affiliated with the LGBTQ community. Many have protested, have stood up for non-binary, transgender or queer people. Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Barbara Gittings and so many more. We at Eliot Church celebrate diversity as an Open and Affirming congregation. We couldn't be prouder of being an Open and Affirming congregation. In 2003, our congregation voted to express that we embrace everyone, no matter who they are, who they love, how they look like, and where they are from to be part of our community. Since 2003, we are part of the Open and Affirming Coalition of churches that was founded 1972. The OnA Coalition has helped the UCC reach each of its milestones on the journey towards acceptance and justice for its LGBT and same-gender-loving (SGL) members. |
Plant Swap - June 18th
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"United in Spirit and inspired by God's grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all."-UCC Mission Statement |
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