Reconciling In ChristCreator's Story of Becoming an RIC Congregation
The Creator RIC Team was formed and trained in September, 2007. In January, 2008 Creator began a Year of Discernment. The Holy Spirit appeared to be moving both the congregation and the times we were living in while we came to a consensus on our future
Planned events took place each month for the Year of Discernment. The kick off event was a talk by a Pastor Christian who was a former Intern at Creator. His talk was grace-filled. Many from Creator came and there were others in the audience. He took us on a journey that started with what we believes unites us all – the gift of baptism. From that inclusive moment in his life he went on to describe his family, his church, his life growing up, his decision to become a pastor, his time in seminary, his time at Creator, his ordination and his subsequent ministry. His understanding that he was a gay man complicated this journey. There were moments of discovery when his life made sense to him, of shame when he was conflicted by hiding this part of himself, and of intense joy when he met the man he loves. The honesty and courage of his words impacted his audience and affected him. Due to that courage this was an evening where lives and dreams intersected. It felt like some cosmic tumblers went into alignment and something amazing opened up. We were all connected, recognized by one another and grateful for what was happening. During his talk Pastor Christian emphasized the importance of process to Lutherans. Sometimes process is painfully difficult and slow. It was for many ELCA congregations in 2009 For Creator, however, 2009 was revelatory and a testament to how a community comes together on decisions regarding change. In January, 2009 the congregation overwhelmingly voted for our Affirmation of Welcome.. On April 5, 2009, Palm Sunday, Creator Lutheran Church was presented an RIC Certificate from Paul and Karen Jolly of Lutherans Concerned, North America during Sunday worship. The worship was amazing. The sanctuary was filled to overflowing with members and visitors. There was an explosion of colors in the narthex and sanctuary either rainbows or ribbons of colors suggesting rainbows which had kept the congregation focused on God’s covenant during Lent. Creator remained true to their devotion to music and an original song, A Coming Welcome, was composed and performed specifically for Creator's RIC celebration. Lutheran's Concerned, North America has now become Reconciling Works. See more information on the Our Resources page. |
Creator's Affirmation of Welcome
Creator Lutheran Church welcomes you to come – as you are, where you are, and who you are – and join us in worship, fellowship, and ministry. The Gospel reveals God's astounding grace as an unconditional gift of love for all people, so ethnicity, socioeconomic status, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status are not barriers to our invitation. Instead, as an inclusive community grounded in God's love and following Jesus' example, we celebrate the diversity of God's creation.
A Coming Welcome
Pressing on, we keep on pressing on To live out welcome Holy welcome A coming welcome. God's courtship and call Sets our hearts on fire When we care for one another When we lift each other higher And we carry on Both borne and bound Ever stretching Inspired to astound While we're pressing on, we keep on pressing on To live out welcome Holy welcome Our coming welcome. Lord God Creator We are yours And though we fall and stumble Your faith in us endures. Let us see through your eyes And may your strength we use As we learn to act in love How can we refuse To be pressing on? We keep on pressing on To live out welcome Holy welcome Your coming welcome. |
Narthex Art Created to Celebrate Creator Becoming RIC