June is a special month for Atkinson Congregational Church as we join millions around the world in celebrating Pride Month. This is a time to honor and give extra support our LGBTQIA+ community, recognizing their struggles and triumphs, and advocating for a world where everyone is accepted and loved for who they are.
Embracing Love and Acceptance
Atkinson Congregational Church, a proud Open and Affirming member of the United Church of Christ, believes that love is a fundamental aspect of our faith. This June, we are especially inspired by the United Church of Christ's "Love is Louder" campaign, which emphasizes that love should be expressed boldly and inclusively.
The "Love is Louder: Love Your Neighbor OUT LOUD" campaign resonates with our congregation. It calls us to actively support the spiritual, physical, and mental well-being of our LGBTQIA+ community.
Advocacy and Support
The LGBTQIA+ community knows all too well the pain of being marginalized and deemed outcasts. This is a reality that echoes through state capitol rotundas, family dinner tables, city streets, and yes, even church pews. At Atkinson Congregational Church, our passion is to serve those in need, provide inclusive safe-space, and inspire through worship, music, and growing faith.
This Pride Month, we recommit ourselves to advocating for the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ individuals. We understand that this advocacy must be loud and clear, reaching every corner of society. Our faith calls us to stand up against injustice and to proclaim that love is louder than hate, louder than fear, and louder than exclusion.
Atkinson Congregational Church is committed to inclusivity, not just in words but in actions. We will be actively participating in local Pride events to show our support and solidarity. We will be attending Pride events in Windham on June 9th and Portsmouth on June 22nd. Everyone is encouraged to participate, and more information can be obtained from Sue Goodman.
A Month of Celebration and Reflection
Pride Month is a time for celebration, but it is also a time for reflection. As we celebrate the diversity and resilience of our LGBTQIA+ community, let us also reflect on how we can continue to be allies in their journey. Let us commit to making our love louder, our actions bolder, and our hearts more open.
At Atkinson Congregational Church, we believe that everyone is created in the image of God and deserving of love and respect. This Pride Month, let us live out this belief with conviction and joy. Together, we can create a world where love truly is louder.
