Since having William, most of the volunteering I’ve done for my church, Almaden Hills United Methodist Church, has been on Sundays while is in the church nursery. With this being Reconciling Sunday, our church had special plans to show our welcome message to everyone, especially the LGBTQIA community. I was honored to be asked to help serve communion, a first for me. I made sure to get photos with Pastor Mariellen with our colorful attire in honor of the day.
To my delight, she asked me to be one of the color bearers to bring up a color to decorate the altar. I was touched and of course said yes right away.
As I waited for the service to begin, I noticed the gentleman who would be bringing in red and orange.
When it was time, each person brought up their color. Pastor Mariellen had said to do so dramatically, so when it was my time I made sure to make grand motions and even turn around a few times. A child was chosen to put up blue and he laid his out so that it covered up a lot of the other colors. Still, the altar looked beautiful.
Here we wait with a solemn look on our faces for the cue for people to begin receiving communion.
Luckily, I was smiling in this photo as the communion service began. It was such an honor to be part of the day in this way.
After the service, we were invited to a special light luncheon. The foods even had a rainbow theme with fruit organized into rainbows and these cupcakes in a rainbow design as well.
This poster showed what each color’s meaning was.
The church nursery school teachers were happy to stay longer today so I could attend the full service, light luncheon and special LBGTQIA positive play that was put on afterwards. William is always so happy to see the teachers, so I knew he would have a wonderful time during these extended hours.
William often choses not to nap during that time so he can enjoy hanging out and having fun with them. He likes to try and stand with Joanna a lot.
The light lunch was for an hour. I finished my food quickly and went over to relieve the nursery teachers so they would have a chance to have lunch before returning to watch William again. They even showed me a room I could use to breastfeed him if he became hungry. As it so happened, he was ready to eat, so we used the room.
Then soon it was time to watch the play “Doors Open”. It’s a play based on the experiences of several methodist churches including our own.
The play was a musical with much of the cast appearing together in many of the songs.
Near the end more and more people figuratively and literally come over to the side who wants to show equality to all people irregardless if they identify as a member of the LGBTQIA community or not.
The play ends with all the participants joining together to be welcoming to everyone who comes through their open doors. The actors received a standing ovation from the whole church. I’m so glad the nursery staff made it possible for me to enjoy the whole day.
~ Danielle
Over 40 First Time Mom 