Reference

Mark 5:21-43

### Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate Pride Sunday, a day dedicated to affirming and embracing the LGBTQ community within our church and beyond. We reflected on the importance of Pride Month and why it remains necessary in a world where hate and discrimination still exist. Our church stands as a beacon of love and acceptance, welcoming everyone regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We emphasized the need for inclusivity and the role of the church in providing a safe and affirming space for all God's children.

We drew inspiration from Lady Gaga's anthem "Born This Way," which celebrates self-acceptance and individuality. This message beautifully aligns with the Gospel reading from Mark, where Jesus heals Jairus' daughter and a woman suffering from hemorrhages. Both stories highlight Jesus' commitment to inclusivity and his recognition of the divine spark within each person, regardless of societal norms or expectations.

We also celebrated the achievements of our young members, awarding scholarships to support their educational pursuits. This act symbolizes our commitment to nurturing the future leaders of our community. We introduced the Faith Forward Commission, a group dedicated to developing Christian education programs for all ages, ensuring that our church continues to grow spiritually and theologically.

As we move forward, we are called to reflect on how we can be more welcoming and inclusive, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the unique identities of all members of our community. Our faith empowers us to be champions of inclusivity, following Jesus' example of love and acceptance.

### Key Takeaways

1. **The Necessity of Pride Month**: Pride Month remains essential as long as hate and discrimination against the LGBTQ community persist. It serves as a reminder that everyone deserves to be loved and affirmed as a child of God. Our church's role is to provide a safe and welcoming space for all, countering the hate with love and acceptance. [08:18]

2. **Inclusivity in Jesus' Ministry**: The Gospel stories of Jairus' daughter and the hemorrhaging woman illustrate Jesus' commitment to inclusivity. He saw the divine spark in everyone, regardless of their societal status or identity. This teaches us to embrace and affirm the worth of every individual in our community. [33:10]

3. **Self-Acceptance and Individuality**: Inspired by Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," we are reminded to celebrate our unique identities. Just as Jesus affirmed the worth of those he healed, we are called to embrace our individuality and live authentically, knowing we are all created in God's image. [38:04]

4. **The Role of the Church in Nurturing Future Leaders**: By awarding scholarships and supporting the educational pursuits of our young members, we demonstrate our commitment to nurturing future leaders. This act of support reflects our belief in the importance of education and the role of the church in fostering growth and development. [56:16]

5. **Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Community**: Our faith calls us to create a space where everyone feels safe to be their true selves without fear of judgment or exclusion. This involves challenging societal norms and embracing the diversity within our community, ensuring that everyone is celebrated for who they are. [45:51]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[08:18] - The Necessity of Pride Month
[09:19] - Importance of Being Open and Affirming
[10:13] - Military Appreciation Month
[11:12] - Feeling Unloved and Unaffirmed
[11:55] - Matthew Shepard's Story
[12:48] - Equal Rights and Treatment
[14:18] - LGBTQ Youth and Mental Health
[16:42] - Embracing Diversity in Our Church
[18:28] - Celebrating Our Achievements
[31:56] - Gospel Reading: Mark 5:21-43
[34:56] - Community Engagement and Support
[36:40] - Pride Sunday Celebrations
[38:04] - Born This Way: Self-Acceptance and Individuality
[40:05] - Jesus' Ministry of Inclusivity
[41:10] - Embracing Our Unique Identities
[42:43] - God's Image and Gender
[44:02] - Seeing God in Different Images
[45:51] - Creating a Welcoming Community
[49:05] - Teaching Inclusivity to the Next Generation
[50:37] - Reflecting on Inclusivity and Acceptance
[56:16] - Scholarship Awards and Faith Forward Commission
[01:00:13] - Honoring Dr. George Gobel's Legacy
[01:05:52] - Prayers for Our Community
[01:08:59] - Celebrating Diversity and Giving Joyfully
[01:11:45] - Closing Blessing and Announcements