Yes, Please! by Alysun Skinner

A Message from our Inclusive Spirit Team

After accepting the role of Chaplain at Barton College I knew I wanted to attend First Christian occasionally to build relationships and learn more about the DOC denomination.  This, I thought, would assist with my new role just a few blocks down the street.  I did not know that my daughter and I would want to become members.  Nor did I know I would become an Elder and part of the Inclusive Spirit team.  But God is so very good - ALL the time.   

The first Sunday I worshiped at First Christian Church I felt like I had been held. My weary faith was barely hanging on after the tumultuous times of Covid and the passing of my mother. I was also frustrated with and hurt by my current church for not, yet, fully accepting the LGBTQ+ community. Walking into FCC I received a warm welcome from folks I did not know. The music, liturgy, and message reminded me that God is love and God is with us. And Communion every Sunday? Yes, please! Upon my exit I noticed the thoughtful placement of reusable shopping bags, messages of taking care of what God has gifted us and literature speaking of an accepting theology complete with colorful rainbows. All of these align with what I know to be True.

Over the next few months I attended and would bring along family members. Emory, my teenage daughter, felt as held as I did. She was able to see kindred spirits not only attending worship but also being celebrated and having leadership roles. Thank you FCC!

So, when asked to be a part of a group to help our church become officially Open & Affirming how could I not? This holy place is helping heal many weary faiths, mine included. We are already doing this Kingdom work. May we continue. May we, together, adopt an official Open and Affirming statement to ensure that others know and trust God’s unlimited love, through Jesus the Christ, by way of the Holy Spirit.

God bless you and keep you all of your days.
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With love and prayers,
Alysun Skinner