Spirit Freed

 November 17 2024, my daughter and I drove to Kingston to attend Sydenham Street United's 25 Anniversary of being an Affirming Ministry. Most of the congregations I attend have only become affirming ministries in the last decade, so it was good to be with this faith community which has been in public solidarity with the 2SLGBTIQ+ community throughout some very tough years. The preacher this Sunday was King Julez, a drag clown preacher who had preached several times at my previous congregation. And if you don't know what a drag preacher is, clown or otherwise, here is a photo of Ruth and King Jules - I think you can figure out which is which.

King Julez asked if their appearance made people uncomfortable, and then said, well, that's kind of the point isn't it? They preached a lovely sermon on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and reminded us that Creator is connected in all things and all seasons, with a contradictory duality and rich diversity reflected in the preacher's appearance and their way of channeling a new spirit in worship.

The affirming statement, the symbols at the front of the church, the pride flag hanging from the balcony: these are all so important in that commitment to be pubic, intentional and explicit in our inclusion of the 2SLGBTIQ+ community. It takes words (in liturgy and hymns and preaching), and symbols (like banners and rainbow candles) and action (like deciding to be an Affirming Ministry.) I also know that at times some queer people haven't felt welcomed no matter our efforts. As Ruth reminded me, we need to keep working at it every day and not stop at the celebration. It takes a lot of courage for people who have been excluded and misunderstood to share how they have been hurt by the practices and words that we take for granted, we need to listen and accept responsibility.

There was also communion (I am beginning to feel quite liturgical, having had communion 3 weeks out of the last 4.) I do love the chaos of post-covid United Church communion, because we don't have it every Sunday and are still figuring it out - a perfect metaphor for God's beautiful, creative, diverse people.