06/04/2026
Dear Beautiful Q***r person,
Maybe you’ve spent your whole life hearing that you were “welcome” as long as you stayed quiet.
Welcome, but don’t talk about who you love. Welcome, but don’t bring your partner. Welcome, but don’t ask questions.Welcome, but don’t be too much.
Welcome, but not really.
Please hear this:
You were never meant to merely be tolerated.
You were created for belonging.
You are a beautiful creation of the Divine.
There is a difference between being allowed in the room and being celebrated in the room. There is a difference between being accepted despite who you are and being loved because of who you are.
If faith has wounded you, if church has broken your heart, if religion has been used as a weapon against you, this Q***r Pastor gets it.
Many of us carry scars from places that should have been sanctuaries. Many of us learned to shrink ourselves in order to survive.
But hear this:
You do not have to become someone else to be worthy of love.
You do not have to hide pieces of yourself to be holy.
You do not have to choose between your faith and your identity.
The God who created you is not waiting for a future version of you to arrive before calling you beloved.
You are already beloved.
There are faith communities where your gifts will be celebrated, your questions welcomed, your story honored, and your presence treasured. Communities where you won’t be asked to sit quietly in the back, but invited to help shape the future. Places where you can lead, serve, worship, laugh, cry, heal, and grow.
St. Johns Chapel United Church of Christ is one of those places. There is a place for you here.
You are a beautiful, sacred, beloved human being. And you belong.
With love, we wish you a Happy Pride Month and hope to see you soon!
With much Love,
Pastor Stephanie and the beautiful community that is St. John's Chapel UCC
PS-We'll be celebrating at Pridefest, stop by. We'll be the carnival oasis of rest in the heat.
