At Norwalk Christian Church, we have always taken pride in our loving and open atmosphere. However, after the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs, CO, on November 20, 2022, I had a very visceral calling during worship to ask our church to do more. On that day, I stood, cried, and through sobs asked my fellow congregants to consider becoming an official open and affirming congregation. I'm forever grateful that Pastor Travis knew what I was getting at. It was a pretty surreal, out-of-body experience for me.

The thing that surprised me most was how willing people were to serve on our exploratory and discernment committee. While we asked a few people, we also had others jump in and say, "I'm there!" I can't say that the process came without anxiety or stress. When you open your heart in such a personal way, there is vulnerability. I knew that there were members who were supportive, ambivalent, against becoming O&A, had a We Already Accept Everyone attitude, and everywhere else on the spectrum. I made a concerted effort to approach every conversation with curiosity, which helped me stay collected and continue to educate. We used individual conversations, films/discussions, educational sessions, a readers' theater, and Bible study in the time leading up to our vote. All of the work paid off on the big day when our Mission Statement was adopted (almost unanimously)!

Since that day, we have celebrated our diversity. We continue to adapt our language, culture, and approach to inclusivity in worship. We look for ways to lead with our values. We advertised in a local magazine, which gave me so much pride. Our community of Norwalk, much like our church, is made of diverse individuals with diverse values. The response hasn't been all good, but we are seeing our congregation grow in alignment with our mission and that of Christ. 

What would I say to other congregations considering this? Do it. Do it if you are scared. Do it if you can't talk about it without crying. You are not alone, and nobody should ever feel alone. Make your church a safe place for all.

Sarah Schuller, ARNP, PMHNP-BC

It’s all about layers. God breathing life into dust. Moses leading people out of slavery into freedom. Hagar calling on God to remember God’s covenant. Mary saying yes. Jesus breaking bread. Young people seeing visions. Elders dreaming dreams.

Our ancestors building a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. Going above and beyond church as it’s always been. Beyond borders and barriers. Beyond us and them. Building layers of community and color, spirituality and vision, justice and joy. Proclaiming the good news that the Spirit is still breathing new life and breaking new bread, and God’s people are still seeing visions and dreaming dreams.

Your participation in the 2025 Pentecost Offering lays down another layer, going above and beyond what’s been done to what God’s spirit is doing next. Half of the gifts made remain in the Upper Midwest to support our new church starts. The other half goes to support the efforts of New Church Ministry, which trains, equips, and assists emerging and affiliating communities of faith and their leaders across the U.S. and Canada so that they can become movement initiators. For more information.

Josh Patty, Regional Minister & President, will host a Q&A session on the business items at General Assembly. The session will be held via Zoom on July 1, at 6:30p. Register here. Find the business items here.

Haven't registered for General Assembly yet? Register here.

The 2025 camp schedule is now available! This year's theme is Another Way. "Jesus often confronted the world around him with another way of being and by his example, we are reminded that God always invites us to reimagine who we are and how we do things. In the peace of the space at camp, we will explore what would change if we lived as our authentic selves and respected the truths of others. In this humility, we will imagine how growing changes the way live." Promotional material that includes dates for Senior Retreat can be found here. Registration is open! For more information.

Join with Disciples from across the Upper Midwest for a day of fun, fellowship, and learning as we explore what it means to Listen! for God's wisdom in the struggles.

The Gathering is on October 18 at the Christian Conference Center. For more information and to register.