2012 Portland Pride Parade
SEVEN Portland-area congregations banded together yesterday to march as a united ELCA Lutheran group in the Portland Pride Parade yesterday - and what a grand time we had together! We more than tripled the number of marchers from last year, walking together to engage with other parade participants and the thousands of people lining the streets of downtown Portland, sharing a message of love and acceptance for all. Thanks to all of you who joined us from Central, Creator, Mission of the Atonement, Bethlehem, St. Mark, Portsmouth, and First Immanuel - many for the first time - to bring the Gospel to the People! We hope to see even more of you next year.
And consider supporting welcoming congregations in the Pride Parades coming up around the state this year:
Capital Pride (Salem) - Aug. 5th - 10 AM
Oregon Coast Pride (Lincoln CIty) - Sept. 6-9
Southern Oregon Pride (Ashland) - Oct. 13th, 11 AM
Pride Booth
To further the information about Pride 2012 . . .
Central Lutheran rented booth space at the Pride Festival. We were very close to the north entrance--an excellent spot. We had over 300 people stop by our booth to take information about Central, to make a beaded bracelet, or to chat.
This year we made buttons that stated "You are beautifully and wonderfully made." We handed out about 250 of these button that had our church address and web site on the back. These buttons were very popular. One person was emotionally moved as she said "This is the best button I've ever had." We had a box that people could put in requests for information, so now the pastors have some follow up work in contacting those folks, many with children who are looking for a church home. There were several who spoke of their being rejected by the church and thanked us for being there and being supportive. Several took buttons to share with friends and family. One young lady took a picture of our display to send her mother in Kansas--who is not yet accepting.
This was a marvelous outreach for Central and one we hope to continue. Some people are searching for a church that is open and welcoming and there are a few Lutheran churches who proudly proclaim that welcome to the world.