Reflection 

 

 Dear <<Name>>          
   This Sunday is the last Sunday of June and the last Sunday of Pride month. As people of faith I believe it is even more important for us to celebrate Pride. I believe this because there is a great need among our people. No matter what has happened in your past or what you feel right now, God’s love has always been freely given to you. God continues to pour out love upon us and that love is a gift we have to share.  This is, of course, the bigger purpose in celebration of Pride month. Not only do we celebrate who God created us to be, but we celebrate God.  We can hold on to the heritage of whose we are as we lift up Jesus. We not only celebrate our Pride and the incredible journey for which we have traveled but we also celebrate our faith as we live into who God has called us to be. It is this calling that gives us hope for inclusion as God leads us to shine the light of Christ in a world that is full of gloom.
 
There are many stories of loved ones who have been ousted and kicked out of their families because of who they are. Sadly, there have been many who committed suicide because they could not reconcile their faith and their sexuality. And sadly, people are still being murdered every day because of their sexuality or how they identify. Our work is far from finished!
 
When we show up we represent our faith, and that is important! Recently, at the day in the park I spoke with someone who was struggling with their faith and sexuality. In our conversation, I had the opportunity to remind them that God doesn’t make junk, contrary to what they were taught.  I encouraged them to put forth an effort into a positive life of faith and exit those places of worship that are abusive. We may never know the seeds we are planting by showing up and expressing our faith. We must not be complacent because there are many people who have yet to hear the message of God’s love. Reaching people takes effort by every person, not just the pastor or the board, but everyone! 
 
I hope you will join us as we celebrate God and who God created us to be! We are People of Faith living out, living free, living with hope! I encourage you to be a part of God’s blessings by showing up! Let us press on to the high calling we have been given. Let us celebrate who God created us to be and the renewal of God’s molding of us. We have much to be thankful for and we also have much work still to do!

Blessings in Christ 
 -- Rev Terri

 Valley Ministries Purpose