From the Minister – October 2024

Welcome All

Pastor Patti HanksWelcome back, for those returning!
Welcome in, for those seeking!
Welcome to all!

Hello Beloved Friends,

This poster hangs on a wall just outside our sanctuary.Welcome Congregation

It signifies that we are a UUA “Welcoming Congregation.” It means that UUCTS did the work to certify that we are a welcoming place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. At a time when there is so much unwelcome discrimination, we proudly affirm that ALL of who you are is sacred here, and ALL of who you are is welcome.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2024 Welcome Renewal process – especially the folx in the Rainbow Welcome Circle, and to our former minister, Rev. Kristina Spaude. This matters! The UUA boldly states, “We know that many religious spaces haven’t always been welcoming places for all people, especially when it comes to gender and sexuality. We are out to change that.”

UUCTS is listed as one of the UUA Welcoming Congregations on its website, where someone can search for us and find out that they are fully welcome here.

I am honored to be among you, and to be part of a congregation that is striving for truly radical inclusion. I too am passionate about creating spaces that honor every part of our identities, backgrounds, and experiences.

Blessings on your journey,
Pastor Patti

P.S. I am almost always at the church on Mondays and Thursdays from 10-3 at my rolling desk and chair with Diet Coke and Cheez-Its to share. Some of the time is for scheduled meetings and visits. I’m happy to make appointments if you’d like to chat or say hello. You can email me at minister@uutarpon.org. I’m also glad to make an evening visit available if that works better for you.

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