October 11th has been designated as National Coming Out Day.  It's a day to honor those who are LGBTQ+ and remind the world that it really is OK to be gay.

I believe the Church has been wrong in calling homosexuality a sin.  I see the words in Scripture misinterpreted into English, and therefore misunderstood in our lives.

For generations, people who are gay have been turned away from the Church, turned away from a close relationship with God in Christ, and it's still happening.

I love God in Christ, and I want all to do so.  One's sexual orientation is not a barrier to that.

I'm humbled to serve a diverse congregation.  We are one that honors LGBTQ+ persons not only into the family but into ordained leadership.  And together we have grown in our faith, grown in our relationship with God through Christ, and served together in mission.

It's a humble honor.

 

Peace in our journeys,

Pastor Steve Melde