Below, find a version of the form that was distributed at church on Sunday, highlighting what the RIC team has done this past year. We look forward to doing even more in the coming year as we continue this journey. All are welcome to join our team and we are excited about where we're going and what we are doing for our congregation and the folks in our local, and wider, communities.
The form read as follows (edited to remove personally identifying information):
With thanks that our congregation is on this journey together, the RIC team would like to share a brief overview of what we accomplished during the past year. We continue to work together on a journey toward boldly and loudly welcoming all of our siblings in Christ.
December of 2022:
Described the RIC process to the congregation
Reintroduced everyone to what RIC is all about
Introduced the question and answer boxes and outline for Ministry Moments
February of 2023-Black History Month:
Outlined the history of several important Black figures in Lutheran history
Shared a brief history of the oldest Lutheran church
March:
Mindfulness activity-recall a time you felt different or excluded
Reflection activity
April:
Overview of terminology
May:
Responses to comments from the question and answer box
Addressed question regarding sex-ed
June-Pride Month:
Viewing of the documentary Disclosure
Discussion forum on texts frequently cited from Scripture to support exclusion of LGBTQIA+ siblings and how those texts are misinterpreted or used out of context
Guest Pastor
Rainbow potluck and tie-dye event
July:
Prideful Moments
August:
Prom (the musical) at local theater
September:
Critical appraisal of Prom, with awards
October:
I Am From poem activity introduced during Ministry moment and continued at the church's annual picnic
November:
Phil's talk: Growing Up Gay and Isolated
As always, you may contact us using the RIC email, using the anonymous question and answer boxes located around the church, or you can speak to any of the Core Team members. We are honored to lead our church on this journey and hope our work continues to be that of God's hands in the world.
Your RIC Core Team,
Tricia, Sarah, Pastor T, Sue, Wendy, Susan, Phil, Kathy
Please feel free to tear off this portion and use it to record any questions, comments, concerns, or praise you have for the Core Team. You may leave these in one of our RIC boxes, or use the anonymous online form available soon on the church website. If you wish, you may give them to one of the Core Team members. We welcome and value your feedback, and are available to chat in person, via phone, text, or email. Find our blog at https://becomingmorewelcomingtrinitynn.blogspot.com.
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Name (optional) __________________________
Everyone is welcome to join the RIC team. Our next meeting is December 17 after worship/bell choir.