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Grace and Peace to You, Beloved Church,

June is shaping up to be a joyful and meaningful month in the life of Lord of Life.

For more than four years now, we have been engaged in the work of becoming a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. During that time, we have listened, learned, prayed, worshiped, wrestled, and grown together. We have hosted speakers, musicians, films, and plays. We have partnered with organizations like Equality Downers Grove and participated in events like Downers Grove Pride Fest. Along the way, these relationships have brought new energy, new friendships, and new life into our congregation.

This month, we will once again participate in Downers Grove Pride Fest, offering face painting and temporary tattoos while sharing the love of Christ with our wider community. We will also invite people to join us for a screening and discussion of the documentary Come See Me in the Good Light, a film that explores love, identity, grief, hope, and what it means to be fully seen and fully loved. While the documentary speaks powerfully to LGBTQIA+ experiences, I believe its themes resonate deeply with allies and with anyone who has ever longed to be accepted as they truly are.

Then, on June 28th, we will welcome Rev. Dr. Elle Dowd as our guest preacher. Following worship, we will hold a special congregational meeting to officially vote on becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation.

This moment is deeply meaningful to me personally for several reasons.

First, becoming an RIC congregation was one of the long-term hopes I carried with me when I first accepted the call to serve as pastor at Lord of Life. Seeing this journey come to fruition feels like witnessing the completion of something the Holy Spirit planted years ago.

Second, I love many people dearly who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Their lives, faith, relationships, gifts, and stories matter profoundly to me. I believe every person deserves to hear clearly and explicitly that they are beloved by God.

But perhaps most importantly, I am simply proud of you.

I am proud of the ways this congregation has grown. Proud of your willingness to learn. Proud of your compassion. Proud of your courage. Proud of your desire to share God’s love more fully and more publicly with the world. Again and again, I have seen this congregation strive to become a community that not only welcomes people, but celebrates who God created them to be.

Thank you for the ways you continue to show up for one another, for our neighbors, and for the wider world. Thank you for your openness, your faithfulness, and your courage.

I am grateful to be your pastor.

With Hope and Gratitude,

Pastor Adam