We are so fortunate to belong to a church that has embraced being "Open and Affirming" for 26 years! "Open and Affirming" (ONA) is the official status in the United Church of Christ for congregations declaring themselves welcoming of LGBTQ+ persons. For those of us at First Cong, we can't imagine how a church could exclude or judge beloved children of God based on sexual orientation or gender expression. As individuals and a congregation, it is easy to take this welcome for granted. However, there are people coming to our church regularly who are newly coming out to themselves, family, and the world. There are people coming to our church who are struggling with discrimination and hatred. There are people coming to our church who are afraid to be their full and whole selves at work or in other public places. And, there are even MORE people NOT YET coming to our church who need our extravagant welcome!