August Mission Minute

All are Welcome Under Our Big Tent

On June 23rd, 2012, thousands of people streamed into Montrose from all over the TX-LA area for the annual LGBTQ Pride Festival, and Grace Lutheran was there, ready to welcome them!  The sweltering heat didn't stop the joy of the people who gathered, but water was for sale in the festival for $3/bottle, and lines at the porta-potties drive festival goers to neighboring merchants, who also charged $3 for use of bathrooms.  Grace Lutheran, with a prime location two blocks from the festival entrance, opened its doors to offer festival-goers free water, bathrooms, Air-conditioning, and a friendly smile. 

Grace has a long tradition of spreading God's love through dancing in the Pride Parade and greeting people at the festival.  This year Grace's theme for the parade was the Circus, where "All are welcome under our Big Tent."  Grace members and friends happily painted signs and gave their costumes finishing touches throughout the festival open house, so festival goers who stopped in for water were often greeted by Pastor Lura in a rainbow tutu or members sewing lion's ears.  Guests enjoyed the playful atmosphere, and experienced a true, warm welcome!

Joining Grace Lutheran was a group from Light of Christ Lutheran Church in La Porte, TX.  Pastor Gary Morgan-Gohlke and five members of Light of Christ helped greet visitors, and marched in the parade with Grace.  One magical Holy Spirit moment came when a young woman asked Pastor Lura "I love that Grace Lutheran is a welcoming congregation in the Montrose, but what do people like me, who live in Pasedena do, when we need a congregation that will welcome us?  Do we need to drive in all the way to the Montrose?"  Pastor Lura was delighted to be able to turn to Pastor Gary, right beside her, and say, "No, here is a pastor and a congregation that would love to have you!"

Grace Lutheran would love to have your congregation join us in welcoming people next year, so that when someone turns to us and says "Where can I worship in Bellaire, or Cyprus, or New Orleans..." we'll be able to introduce you and your pastor to them!  Please join us, in air-conditioned comfort, as we extend hospitality and entertain angels, or even in the sweltering heat and a silly costume as we dance down the streets of Montrose in the Parade!

We, as the ELCA, are a church where all are welcome. We are justified by grace through faith alone. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. Thank you, Grace Lutheran and Light of Christ for showing us how to love our neighbors and how to be the church in the communities in which our churches are placed!

We cannot be quiet about what we have seen and heard! Acts 4:20

For more about Grace Lutheran in Houston and their service opportunities, click here

For more on the ELCA’s Social Statement on Sexuality, click here

Christine Donahue

TLGCS ELCA Mission Interpreter Coordinator

cedonahue@gmail.com