We take welcome seriously!
Our journey as an affirming congregation began back in 2001 with a decision to advocate with the LGBTQ community. In 2008 we put pen to paper and wrote our first official Welcome Statement and became a "Reconciling in Christ" congregation. You will find our Welcome Statement below.
Reconciling in Christ (RIC) is a program for Lutheran communities of faith to answer the inclusive call of the Gospel by welcoming people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Now called "Reconciling Works," you can find more information about them here: https://www.reconcilingworks.o...
In 2012 our larger church body (The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada) moved to allow marriages of same sex couples and the ability to call pastors or diaconal ministers from the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. We were happy to more fully minister with everyone in these inclusive ways.
We have intentionally continued to advocate and learn alongside of all peoples. In our congregation you will find people from various communities including people of colour, First Nations, other faith groups and some who are just curious or exploring. We believe God brings people together and we take joy in welcoming you!
We adopted a new Welcome Statement February 24, 2024!
Affirmation of Welcome (2024)
All are welcome in this church, and all means all.
All are beloved children of God equally celebrated, affirmed and supported in the life of this congregation and the call to ministry.
All sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, races, ethnicities, and disabilities are affirmed to share their gifts, talents and presence within this community of faith.
All are welcome to join in praising God, to cherish community, striving for justice and equity, as we learn about the world, and each other. We invite you to join in worship and ministry.
Holy Spirit respectfully acknowledges that we gather on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional and ancestral territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux and Métis peoples.
All are welcome here, and all means all.
Our Welcome Statement (2008)
In this place you feel the full, liberating embrace of Christ’s love
and you are inspired to be the best version
of yourself and share Christ’s love
with everyone you meet.
All are welcome in this church, and all means all.
You are welcome regardless of your country of origin or ancestry.
You are welcome regardless of whether you are one day, 10 years, or 100 years old; whether you are male, female or transgender;
whether you are a new or lifelong Christian, of another faith,
agnostic, atheist, or have never set foot in a place of worship.
All are welcome here.
You are welcome regardless of whether you are single, married, divorced, separated, widowed or partnered, whether you are straight, gay, lesbian or bisexual;
whether you are politically active, apolitical or indifferent; whether you own your home, rent, live with your parents, or are homeless;
whether you are mentally, physically, or not noticeably challenged or gifted.
All are welcome here.
This church is committed to being a loving and welcoming
Christ- centered community of faith. Therefore, in faithfulness to the Gospel,
in reflection of our Lutheran heritage, and in honour of our shared baptismal covenant,
we promise to seek ways to enter into shared ministry
with all who would seek God here.
"There is no longer Jew or Greek,
there is no longer slave or free,
there is no longer male or female;
for all of you are one in Christ Jesus."
Galatians 3:28 (NRSV)
