Faith in Action
The Greatest Commandment: One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these”. (NIV Mark 12:28-31)
At St. Stephen's Lutheran Church we have a long history of putting faith in action and loving our neighbors. This can be small acts such as a kind and heartfelt greeting on Sunday, to greater investments of our time in assisting the LCS Food Pantry at St. Stephen's. We also are leading the way as a Reconciling in Christ, Lutherans for Full Participation, faith community with a radical welcome to all.
Throughout Delaware there is exactly one ELCA congregation which is Reconciling, St. Stephen's.
While this may seem an insignificant step, like a pebble dropped onto a lake, the ripples of this public affirmation travel far. Currently two other ELCA congregations are on the journey contemplating their own radical welcome.
On Saturday, June 10, at Legislative Hall in Dover, St. Stephen's will represent our love for our neighbors at Delaware Pride through our hands, doing God’s work.
Pride is many things: a protest of unjust laws and treatment, a celebration of love and chosen family, a day where diverse people come together in community, a day of healing from often cruel behaviors by birth families and faith communities, a day of remembrance for those who have passed and those who have led the way.
What better way to show that, “God so loved the world” (NIV John 3:16), than to open our arms and extend hope and welcome to our brothers and sisters. This is your invitation to join together and share our love, the love of Jesus, at this family-friendly festival and largest united LGBTQIA+ gathering in Delaware.
Members and Allies of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church
Legislative Hall, Dover, DE
Saturday, June 10 from 10 am to 5 pm
To love our neighbors as ourselves by volunteering at the St. Stephen's booth
Learn from our brothers and sisters
Educate about ELCA resources, ELCA 2009 Social Statement on Human Sexuality and Reconciling In Christ
Share the hope and welcome of Jesus’ Love and St. Stephen's. This is Christ’s Church and there is a place for everyone here.
Please let us you know we can count on you! Contact the church office by Monday, May 29.
Peace,
Michael
In loving remembrance of Stephanie and Chris.
