After the brutal death of Matthew Shepherd, Rev. Paul Sherry, President of our denomination, urged us to be more proactive in our affirming stance toward people of various sexual orientations. There have been other brutal deaths at the hands of hateful people, some of them self-avowing Christians.  But Matthew’s death struck at the heart of America.  The Church has been silent long enough.  Injustice cannot be tolerated, much less supported, by people who claim the Gospel as their guiding moral light.  People who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered, have the right to be respected and to have the opportunity for full inclusion, especially by the Church which has historically closed its doors to such people.  The gifts of God are freely given, and it is an honor to know that at First Congregational, they are freely received as well.

The Word of God tells us that if we remain silent in the face of injustice, even the stones and hills themselves will shout out for justice.  And so, with deep love and the stronghold of a compassionate faith, we say to the world, all, and we mean all, are welcome here, at our house, at our table, in our hearts.  Come, all who labor and are heavy laden, come.  Here, Christ is present, and Christ will give you rest.  Come, and receive the refreshing waters of Christ’s own love.

Now, No Condemnation! All are free. Thanks be to God!

Rainbow Fellowship 
Second Sunday of Month 6:30 PM

All members and friends are invited to dine with us as we discuss topics related to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning issues in an informal environment.