Beloved Friends of FPCA:
This week, as we gather in faith and community, I feel compelled to speak to a truth that is central to who we are as followers of Christ: every person is created in the image of God, imbued with inherent dignity, and deeply beloved. This belief is not only a theological cornerstone but also a lived commitment for our church. Our core value reminds us: “We strive to see Christ in each person, practicing expansive welcome and steadfast love. We welcome and affirm people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, identities, and orientations no matter where they are on their journeys of life and faith. We cherish our diversity and honor God’s call of all people to our congregation’s ministry and leadership, including those whom many churches have historically excluded, such as women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
In recent days, many of us have watched with heavy hearts as policies and rhetoric seek to diminish the humanity of transgender & nonbinary people and immigrants & refugees. These actions have sown fear and uncertainty in communities that are already vulnerable. Transgender & nonbinary people, immigrants, and refugees are cherished members of our own church family. They are not just people we “stand with”; they are us. They are woven into the fabric of our community contributing their gifts, stories, and presence in ways that enrich us all. And they are beloved children of God, created in the image of the One whose love knows no bounds.
Scripture provides us with profound guidance in these moments. We remember the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine… Because you are precious in my sight and honored and I love you.” (Isaiah 43:1b, 4a) Our identities—whether they align with societal norms or transcend them—are gifts to be cherished. Look to the life of Jesus! He embraced those whom society marginalized—the foreigner, the outcast, and yes, the gender-diverse. Jesus’ love was boundless, inviting all to the table of grace and healing.
In times like these, we are called to be the Church—a sanctuary of love, support, and courage. We must remind our transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and refugee siblings that they are seen, valued, and beloved. Please call your LGBTQIA+ and immigrant loved ones to remind them of their worth and the depth of our love for them. We must show up for one another with kindness and solidarity, embodying the love Christ commands us to share.
Yes, these days may feel heavy. But scripture also teaches us that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. Our collective witness, rooted in love and justice, can be that light. Imagine a world that honors the dignity of every human being, a world where no one feels excluded from God’s grace. That world is possible.
Remember, dear friends, you are part of a ministry of resilience and hope —a community of faith that will bring a future where every person can live freely, authentically, and loved.
In hope and solidarity,
P.S. Faith formation for all ages begins this Sunday, and the Spring 2025 Faith Formation catalog has been published. Every opportunity in the catalog is a chance to deepen our relationships, grow in faith, and build our beloved community. See you soon!
