Shining More Light on Diversity!
On Sunday, June 25, we celebrated Bethany’s commitment to be a More Light Congregation. We were so pleased to welcome Annanda Barclay, Co-Moderator of the More Light Presbyterian Board of Directors, to the pulpit to share her message of inclusion and love.
This service lifted up our commitment to being a welcoming church: our doors are open to all people, you will be warmly recieved no matter your circumstance or human condition. We reach out to the community, raising hearts, hands and voices in thanksgiving and praise to God, so that it may be known: everyone is invited to “come as you are!
(Click on any photo below to enlarge, or to begin the slideshow.)
Our new Pride flag, ready to be sent up the flagpole
The communion table
Roxane, our "Chancel Empress", prepares it all with love!
The Pentecost flame is lit,
All is prepared for worship
The Bethan Quartet, assisted by Fred and George, open worship
Singing Amy Grant's "Say Once More"
Ollie is looking quite jaunty today!
Kathryn and Annanda look on
Kathryn welcomes us all to worship
Bonnie leads the liturgy
We are a singing congregation!
Prayz sings!
Tamra
Melinda
Craig
Andy
George and Dave too (they're in the back)
Our wonderful guest, Annanda Barklay
Annanda was engaging,
challenging,
inspiring!
the "best little church choir in the west"!
Paul listens intently
Craig presents another beautiful musical offering
We affirm our faith
Andy at announcement time
The Henrys, Ken and Roberta, escort the flag outside
The march to the flagpole!
Ken prepares the halyard
"ANDY!"
There he is. Now we can start!
Melinda, Freda, Roberta, Kathryn and Andy:
The original Welcoming Church Task Force
And so we set to raising the flag
This group always has worked well together
Here we go...
Up...
and up...
almost there...
and it's flying! Proudly!
I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying!
Our congregation is very proud,
from the charter member (front and center) to the newest visitor,
to be a loving, welcoming and affirming,
MORE LIGHT congregation!
Making sure everything is ship-shape
Celebrating diversity, every Sunday at 10
Whoever you are, you are welcome at Bethany!