This Sunday, January 26th, Bethany Lutheran Church will hold a pivotal vote during the congregation meeting to approve a new Welcome Statement as part of our journey to becoming a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) church. The welcoming statement reads as follows,
We are called by Jesus to love God and one another, to practice inclusive hospitality, and to serve all without stipulations. Each of us is a unique and beloved child of God. We welcome you just as you are, with all your differences and all your gifts. We affirm the sacredness of people of every race, culture, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, physical and mental ability, socioeconomic position, family status, background, and faith journey. We commit to the work of anti-racism, social and economic justice, and environmental care. We invite you to Bethany Lutheran Church as we embrace the diversity of God’s creation and celebrate our oneness in Christ.
Our congregation has been thoughtfully preparing for this moment, engaging in months of information-gathering, educational opportunities, and meaningful discussions.
If you missed the series of articles written by congregation members about the significance of becoming a Reconciling in Christ church, links to these reflections can be found below.
Additionally, we invite you to visit the Progress Map located outside the sanctuary to explore all the ways Bethany is already living into its calling to be a welcoming and inclusive church.
Your presence and vote are vital—please join us this Sunday as we take this step together in the spirit of faith and community.
Bethany Lutheran's Journey to RIC Certification
By Hector Mendoza
Bethany Lutheran Church: A Century of Welcoming All
By Peggy Lemond
Reconciling in Christ - Frequently Asked Questions
By Erin Smith
Finding Home: A Faith Journey to Bethany Luthan
By Hector Mendoza
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