Open & Affirming: What It Means

You Don’t Have to Be Gay or Lesbian to Appreciate an Open and Affirming Church

Russell and Helen are members of Pilgrimage.

Russell: To be Open and Affirming is to model the life of Christ. Jesus accepted everyone in a way radical for his time. To practice the extravagant, radical welcome is to follow that example and take that teaching to heart. Abraham welcomed strangers and the importance of hospitality goes to the earliest roots of our faith. Jesus accepted and welcomed ALL — with no limitations. We cannot do otherwise.

Pilgrimage is the place where I have found the above happening in an authentic way. I find God speaking to me through experiencing this unique community of believers. This Church takes its obligation to welcome seriously and all of the members are genuinely yearning to hear God. It's great to be among listeners!

Helen: It is an opportunity for me to hear personal viewpoints and life stories from people with different life experiences. Some of the best sermons that I have heard at Pilgrimage would not have been permitted at our old church. Too bad for them.

Pilgrimage is a place where I can pray to my God and not have people tell me that my image of God is wrong.

From Pilgrimage’s Perspective...

“Open and Affirming” is not a phrase Pilgrimage reserves for certain groups. When the church members voted overwhelmingly to adopt this inclusive credo, members embraced it enthusiastically. Regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, economic situation or cultural heritage, the invitation is open to all. And you can see that in our congregation in its rich diversity. Join us and find out more.

We Must Show God’s Love and Acceptance to All

This is the story written by Janet, a member of Pilgrimage for the last three years.

This designation indicates that our church makes every attempt to be receptive to all people – no matter who they are or what they look like or what they believe. It means that we are willing to listen and consider all points of view. Most importantly, it means that we must show everyone God’s acceptance and love.

Pilgrimage United Church of Christ is a caring community of people who are doing their best to be God’s people by furthering their own spiritual growth and by reaching out in love to each other. That care extends beyond the church community through efforts made individually and corporately to promote justice and God’s love to the community around us and to the world.

A Family’s Journey

This is the story written by just one family that was welcomed to Pilgrimage.

We first walked through the doors of Pilgrimage United Church of Christ in January of 2004. We had come from another denomination where Cameron had served as a pastor for over six years, and Ann had been a member most of her adult life.

In that denomination, we had failed to find a place for our family since we didn't look like all of the other families. But when we walked through the doors at Pilgrimage, we knew we had found our home.

The people in the congregation embraced us immediately, encouraging our two sons to participate in their outstanding and growing Youth Ministry. Ann became involved in the monthly book club, and Cameron began preaching on her third week there.

The worship services under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Kim Buchanan are creative and meaningful, and the music program is dynamic and fun. We have found this church to be the support we needed, and the Christian family we longed for. We hope that you will too.