Spirit Day encourages all to make a public witness against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. Observed annually since 2010, individuals, congregations, schools, organizations, corporations, and public figures wear purple, which symbolizes “spirit” on the rainbow flag.
Suggested prayer petition for Oct. 12 (Anticipating Spirit Day on Oct. 16)
“O God, our refuge, you have promised to wipe away the tears from all faces. We ask your presence to be made known to all those living in quiet despair, those filled with fear and self-hatred, those who struggle to find their place in this world. We ask your particular guidance on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in their journeys of self-discovery. May your peace guard their hearts and minds.”
RESOURCES (GLAAD):
Worship:
- Deck your worship space out in purple for the week – Banners!
- Invite everyone to wear purple and snap a photo
- Encourage a message about anti-bullying
- Plan worship themed about anti-bullying
- Sing songs reflecting Spirit Day.
Youth Group:
- Ask your youth group to look at anti-bullying resources: Where All Can Safely Live and Where Hands Will Reach
- Show the film, Hineini : Coming Out in a Jewish High School
- Educate the adults about what high school is like for LGBT youth
- Share Accompaniment: A Resource for Youth Leaders with the adult leaders in your faith community
Community:
- Encourage congregation members to wear purple on October 17th and at a worship service before to October 17th. Take a photo!
- Announce Spirit Day on your congregation’s marquis or exterior sign
- Invite congregation members to take the Spirit Day Pledge. Use your congregational newsletter, or set up lap top computers after worship for people to go to GLAAD’s Spirit Day Page
- Change your congregational web site purple
- Take steps to make your congregation actively welcoming of LGBT people. Kulanu: A New Guide for Congregations has wonderful suggestions
- Bring your place of worship to visit with school officials and government leaders to offer support for safe schools
- Write an opinion piece/letter to the editor, explaining why you and your place of worship are participating in Spirit Day