Some St. Andrew's Friends
Last Sunday, June 14th, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church again participated in Capital Pride Festival in Washington Park, Albany. Our small table was squeezed between Capital Pride Singers and the General Electric recruiting booth under the huge white lawn tent. Our prominent blue and white banner hung from the tent ceiling poles behind us, with literature and refreshments covering the table. As was the case last year, our table was the only Episcopal presence at Capital Pride 2009.
At least it didn't rain this year! It was sunny and warm, and we received many thanks for the cups of lemonade and ice tea that we gave away to all who stopped by.
It was also an opportunity for some low-key outreach to the hurt and vulnerable. Like the woman and her partner who had been turned away from their church when they asked to have their children baptized. Or the two women, partnered for 40 years, who had been shunned by their Episcopal parish - even told by the Rector that they were going to Hell.
We might not have won any converts that day, and we may never see the visitors in church on Sunday. But hopefully some went away thinking about the Gospel message of inclusiveness that they read in the handouts, saw in our smiles, and found in our listening. And who knows? Maybe some will seek us out.
St. Andrews is a true blessing for participating in the Capital Pride event. We are part of PFLAG in our community. The stories we hear from individuals regarding the hurt and abuse that has been heaped on them by churches and religious people will break you heart.
Posted by: Kay Riggle | June 18, 2009 at 04:16 PM