by David De Block, Northwest Washington Synod
For the past 4 years I have been one of the main organizers for the Contingency of Loving Lutheran that have registered under Open Door Ministries banner. Each year has been different in its own way, but every year we stand for the same thing, LOVE. We are the visible representation that Christianity is not a black and white set of rules that requires one to give up a part of themselves to have faith or share the joys of Christian Community. We are all broke people who live in a confusing and chaotic world, but are united under the life and lessons of Jesus Christ.
I don’t know that I have anything particularly inspirational to say when it comes to Seattle Pride March. It’s a rather large production with 3 speaker points, hundreds or registers, and an hour or two of waiting around to start moving down the 2 mile trek down 4th Ave. When I first started helping to get folks to come I started with a list of 20 congregations from around the Pacific Northwest, some good contacts, and a passion to help organize. With a dozen experienced churches who’d been marching for years I coasted my first year. The second year we had a huge bump with Referendum 74 passing and the Freedom to Marry being the law of the land! We added over 150 Loving Lutherans representing 17+ congregations/organizations. It was an exciting time.
The third year I had a friends wedding, but excitedly began to add office administrators to the growing number of declared Reconciling InChrist Congregations and organizations to help get the word out more efficiently. Leaving it in the hands of others, we had a similar turn out to the year before. This past summer, Northwest Washington Bishop Kirby Unti marched in front of 23+ Congregations and Organizations totaling 200+ Loving Lutherans as we celebrated National Marriage Equality in America.
From year to year I’ve learned one very valuable lesson, Love Grows. It grows through relationship committed to compassion. It flourishes when people confront stereotypes and fears with an open heart.
From year to year I’ve learned one very valuable lesson, Love Grows. It grows through relationship committed to compassion. It flourishes when people confront stereotypes and fears with an open heart.
The most exciting thing this year for me was getting to know those within the various Lutheran Congregations that are witnessing in their local context. Several people marching with us were individuals who were not a part of a Reconciling in Christ congregation but had a strong desire to move their community toward becoming one. I shared where I could relate and offered to help them connect with resources in the Lutheran World because we all know Reconciling Works!
Blessings,
David De Block
Coordinator of Intergenerational Ministries
Central Lutheran Church
Seattle WA
