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On Sunday, June 29, Messiah Lutheran Church held our very first Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Sunday, a day set apart to give thanks for God’s radical love and to renew our public commitment to justice, welcome, and healing for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.

Our morning began with a special Adult Forum featuring guests from PLAC (Parker County LGBTQ Awareness Community). PLAC members shared about their mission to support LGBTQ people in Parker and surrounding rural counties and offered powerful stories of what visible allies and inclusive spaces mean in our community.

During worship, the sanctuary was alive with bright, bold colors as many dressed to express joy and diversity. We brought forward water from our homes, travels, and places of meaning—symbols of the baptismal promise that we are made one in Christ and called to turn away from exclusion and silence.

Our service lifted up special prayers, scripture, and music celebrating Jesus’ radical welcome and the Gospel call to healing and belonging for all. Sophia Heatley, a PLAC leader, joined Pastor Trent in delivering our message for the day. Both Sophia and Pastor Trent talked of the importance of courageous visibility.

As part of our celebration, a special offering was received to support both local and national work for LGBTQ justice.  We are pleased to report that, so far, nearly $900 has been collected! Half of the gifts will fund ReconcilingWorks, which equips Lutheran congregations across the country to adopt inclusive policies and postures. The other half will remain local, sustaining PLAC’s vital advocacy and support in Weatherford and beyond.

Reconciling in Christ Sunday is not only a celebration but also a promise: to keep striving to be a community where every person is honored, and where the Gospel is lived with courage, humility, and joy.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this day meaningful—by sharing your story, bringing water, inviting a friend, wearing your colors proudly, or offering a gift. May the Spirit continue to lead us in becoming a congregation of healing and hope for all.

If you’d like to learn more about our RIC commitment or how to get involved, please contact the church office or visit ReconcilingWorks.org and PLAC’s website.