Dear friends,
As we slide into the last weekend of June, the month of Pride, many are planning their outfits and day for the crowning event in Chicago, Sunday’s Pride Parade. One of you asked me if I had any big plans for Sunday, and I responded . . . “Church?” It’s been a long time since I’ve attended the parade here in Chicago, but I remember it fondly as a time to be utterly joyful, to be fully who I am with lots of other folks basking in who they are. There is real joy in solidarity and presence and visibility and, perhaps most important, just having fun together.
While I now work on the big day and feel a little too old to stand for hours in the sun guarding a cooler full of beer, I will be thinking of all those, including some from our church and many from our diocese, attending the parade, celebrating, sharing that there are churches and denominations who celebrate the full diversity of humanity. And, I think “celebrate” is the right word. For each of us is made in God’s image and worthy of dignity, respect, and celebration.
This Sunday, we hear Jesus say at the end of his missionary discourse that “welcome” and care are the standard for Jesus followers. He talks about how welcoming whoever comes in God’s name is welcoming God’s very self and how giving even a cup of cold water to “one of these little ones” is worthy of reward. Hospitality, celebration, is at the heart of following Jesus and should be at the heart of our lives as Christians. I think we do a pretty good job at All Saints, but I appreciate this reminder to welcome each person as Christ himself and to seek, not to do stunning things all the time, but to pay attention to the small things—a cup of water—that someone might need for comfort and welcome.
So, let’s celebrate and pay attention Happy Pride!
See you in church!
Faithfully, Suzanne
P. S. One of the ways we will celebrate at church is with a Pride Evensong at 6 pm on Sunday. Hope to see you there!