Rainbow People
Rainbow People is a fellowship of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) folk and friends. We meet intermittently for brunch or other activities.
Resources
United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns
United Church of Christ social policy statements on LGBT concerns
Biblical interpretation from our Presbyterian friends
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force - Institute for Welcoming Resources - biblical interpretation resources
Soulforce, an organization committed to freedom for LGBTQ people from religious and political oppression
Annual Open & Affirming Sunday
The Rainbow People plan and lead a special worship service each year celebrating the inclusion of individuals of all sexual orientations in our worshipping community.
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October 13 - 14, 2012 Open & Affirming Weekend In 1985, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ accepted a resolution that called on congregations to declare themselves open to and affirming of gay, lesbian and bisexual people in the full life and ministry of the church. In 1990, a committee was formed at First Congregational to study the possibility of becoming an Open and Affirming congregation. After two years of study and writing a resolution, the church voted in May of 1992 to become an Open and Affirming congregation. The church was the 76th church of the United Church of Christ to declare their welcoming stance. This is indeed an action to be celebrated!
Celebrating 20 years of Open and Affirming Commitment, First Congregational Church presents Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler In May of this year, we recognized the vote taken 20 years ago. In October we celebrated the commitment that was made to welcome and affirm our LGBT friends and family. We welcomed Rev. Dr. Carolyn Pressler, Henry C. Piper Professor of Biblical Interpretation from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Carolyn led us in a workshop on Saturday afternoon, October 13, beginning at 1:00, titled “Our Prophetic Voices: Embracing Diversity Among God’s People”. In the workshop she addressed the biblical texts used to oppress LGBT. In the last 45 minutes of the workshop, she moderated a panel from First Congregational who talked about what the journey to Open & Affirming was like and how the congregation keeps those commitments alive today.
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Rev. Pressler gave the sermon Sunday morning, helping us to continue our celebration into our worship time. A light lunch was served after worship.
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