ReconcilingWorks is proud to announce our newest Reconciling in Christ congregation Bethel Lutheran Church in Portland, OR.
“God calls all of us to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). We, the community of Bethel Lutheran Church, joyfully accept this call to love and serve all people, especially those who have been excluded or marginalized. We draw on the rich tradition of hospitality and care of the other as found in the traditions of the People of the Book.
We, the community of Bethel Lutheran Church, are committed to openly welcome you. Knowing God loves all creation and holds us all, we welcome you who walk through our doors and you who are outside those doors. We welcome everyone and honor the rich diversity and giftedness that age, sexual orientation, race, belief, emotional and physical health, gender identity, marital status and station in life bring to the Bethel family and our relationships.”
Our Prayer of Reconciliation
Loving, creative God in whose image we all are created.
Lead our hearts and minds to treat our neighbor with grace and mercy, to speak out for justice,
to welcome the marginalized and oppressed. Let us remember that Jesus was found among the widows, the tax collectors, the orphans, those in the margins:
where God dwells among us, where we experience Christ’s transcendent love.
Help us acknowledge our brokenness to those we have hurt and excluded.
Remembering those who have come before, yearning for those who are not among us,
and grieving for those who have been lost, join us in the movement of the Spirit as we listen,
rise up together and reflect the Gospel in our lives.
Bless this family of faith to welcome, embrace and grow ever deeper
in the radical hospitality of the living Gospel.
Join Bethel Lutheran Church Sundays at 9 am for Community Breakfast and 10 am for worship at 5658 North Denver Avenue, Portland, OR 97217. Visit them online at www.bethelpdx.org, and on Facebook at facebook.com/pages/Bethel-Lutheran-Church-Portland-OR
Will you consider helping us support more congregations along their welcoming journey? Your support helps us continue to provide networks, educational resources and training to LGBT Lutherans, allies and almost 600 congregations and ministry settings (and rapidly counting) that publicly declare their welcome and affirmation of LGBT people. We can’t do it without you. Please donate or become a ReconcilingWorks member today!