Epiphany Reflections
Stories of Welcome, Inclusion and Acceptance
An Introduction from Pastor Dara Schuller-Hanson
In September 2019, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church voted as a congregation to become Reconciling in Christ (the official designation of the ELCA for a congregation that welcomes and affirms LGBTQIA+ folks at their church). As a congregation, we continue to take efforts toward growing into what it means to truly welcome all to our church including providing educational materials and opportunities, lifting up our church Welcome Statement and participating in Interfaith Pride events in our community.
One of the things that I have heard over and over again when new members join Good Shepherd is how welcome they feel at our church. We are a welcoming place already, but there are still ways we can grow! The stories in this devotional are written by Good Shepherd Members reflecting on what they believe about welcome and how we are living it out as people of God, here at our church as we ponder welcome specifically to our LGBTQ+ siblings in Christ.
Epiphany usually makes us think of a grand idea popping into our head, but in the church it literally means how God’s presence is manifested and revealed in our world. During this season of Epiphany, you are invited to read and engage with these stories as you reflect on your own experience with welcome and how God is revealed through it. Our Reconciling in Christ Team is excited for our congregation to continue this conversation on how we can fully live into our call from God to welcome, celebrate and include all people.
Peace be with you,
Pastor Dara
Stories from the Community
What’s in a Name?
What have you been called? As a 4th grade teacher, my list is extensive and a few entries would frankly not be appropriate for this devotional. However, the majority of the list (Sadie, Ms. Skibo, daughter, sister, friend, leader) are…
Discovering Faithful Inclusion as a Family
In 2008, I embraced Christianity, profoundly moved by the saving grace of Jesus, which revealed the depth of my need for His salvation. My spiritual journey took a challenging turn as I encountered teachings in various churches branding homosexuality as…
Loving Like Jesus
It is more important than ever for churches, schools, and businesses to be welcoming, inclusive, and celebrate all people for who they are! When our middle child came to their father and I and told us they are non-binary, I said…
Partners in Creation: What being a transgender Christian means to me
Humans need stories. Go to any community, in any nation, on any continent, at any point in our history, and you’d find people sharing stories with one another. Stories help us to remember where we came from, to remember what’s…
Acceptance, Welcome and Understanding
We all know what it’s like to be around people who don’t want you there. It’s a heavy feeling in your stomach as you realize you’re an outsider in the group. Sometimes people can make us feel this way without…
RIC Sunday is January 28, 2024
Click below to learn more about the special edition of Name Tag Sunday we will be hosting.