Rev. Dan Adolphson, GLAD Council Moderator, shares these Advent thoughts.
I’m sitting in the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, working on a variety of things before I fly to Orlando for a special National LGBTQ Task Force Meeting, and eating one of my favorite breakfast foods – biscuits and gravy. While it may not be the healthiest food for my waistline, it is a food full of memories and comfort.
Comfort. It is something that seems to be in very short supply in these post-election days. The Southern Poverty Law Center has documented 701 cases of harassment since the election. If you are like me, you may have had conversations you’ve never dreamed of (both good and bad) with friends and family. These are uncharted and unprecedented times that we find ourselves in.
And, isn’t it interesting that in these uncertain times, we find ourselves in the season of Advent, the season of anticipation, the start of a new church year, where, especially this year, we find ourselves needing the light more than ever?
In this season of Advent, the season of hope – peace – joy – love, GLAD Alliance and the Open & Affirming Ministries Program of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will continue to be that place of hope – peace – joy – love for our LGBTQI+ brothers and sisters, the allies who support them, and the congregations, colleges, seminaries, and General Church ministries who have publicly proclaimed themselves as Open & Affirming. We will continue to journey with those congregations and ministries who are in the discerning process about becoming Open & Affirming. Our new Pastoral Care & Education Team (which you can read more about in this Crossbeams article) is ready to provide care and resources in these new times that we find ourselves in. We are here – we are walking with you -You are not alone on the journey. We are only a phone call or email away.
Many prayers and blessings this Advent season.
Rev. Dan Adolphson
GLAD Council Moderator