Over the past few weeks as the point person for this coming Sunday service, I have been present to hear some amazing stories from people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. It is always a privilege and humbling when someone feels comfortable enough to be ready to share their story with you -- I feel blessed.

The stories are of pain and sorrow and also of grace and most importantly about love. One person said "I had to leave my home denomination because I was tired of people talking about me in the third person as 'the issue' ... I was tired of being an issue. I needed to be in a place where I was accepted for being who I am; a person."

On Sunday morning we weave some of these stories together in a worship expression that would have us think about why we march in the PRIDE Celebration each year, why we express a radical welcome and how we can be faithful allies of the LGBTQ+ community.

A huge thank you to everyone for accommodating change and trying out new ideas in worship; like a different approach to lighting the Christ Candle or wondering about ways to articulate and demonstrate radical welcome. Change is uncomfortable. For everyone. A colleague a few years ago suggested to me that learning to live in that place of discomfort for a time can serve us better than trying to push forward or pull back. Staying in discomfort can be a spiritual practice in itself and offers a opportunity for growth, regardless of "final" decisions one might make around any given moment of change. THANKS ! I think Karen would be proud of us all.

IT’S REAL, IT’S A THING! -- it has a crumby name we know.

Dust off your instruments: trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute, drum, percussion. This is an intergenerational (all ages) band forming to support our Presbytery-wide contingent in the SUNDAY JULY 8th, 2018 PRIDE PARADE.

LEADERSHIP: Jeff Poynter, Andre Clouthier and Gordon Miller

WHO: everyone who plays an instrument and wants to participate in the PRIDE Parade.

REHEARSALS: at Oak Bay United Church TUESDAYS June 19, 26 and July 3. 7 to 9 pm.

REQUIREMENTS:
- read music at a basic level and have some basic competencies on your instrument
- love to play
- willing to do some at home practice to get your chops in shape
- can attend at least ONE rehearsal -- more would be better
- plan on attending the PRIDE Parade Sunday July 8th.

It is important that we remember from time to time that we are not standing alone on our street corner, we are part of a larger faith community called the United Church. Our governance models are changing. And staying informed and contributing to the conversation is the responsibility of all us. Please give serious consideration to this invitation to you by the Communities of Faith Circle of Victoria Presbytery:

Presbytery as a model is ending.  What will replace it is clusters and networks.  Want to learn more? Come join others from congregations around Victoria at St Aidan’s on June 26th starting at 6:30 for about 75 mins of conversation and exploration.  All are encouraged to attend.

Songs of Life, Celebration and Sorrow