Hello my brothers and sisters in Christ!
This message might seem a little early but I want all of us to mark this date: June 10th. Now, why does this date matter? June 10th is when this year's Ozark Pridefest is which the Vestry has already approved St, James' participation to be a part of Ozarks Pridefest again!
Four Episcopal churches participated in the last Ozark Pridefest and we're hoping a few more will join this year!
Now, you may be asking yourself "why all the fuss for Pridefest? Isn't it just for the LGBT+ community to take pride in themselves?" My answer would be, not exactly. Pridefests started out as riots by the LGBT community because they were getting harassed by police, look up Stonewall riots and read about it.
Anyway, fast forward to today and it is more important than ever for allies of the LGBT+ community to show up for them. In our Baptismal Covenant this line always sticks out to me: "Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?', I can't think of a better way to show respect and care for every human being than to show up for the LGBT+ community and let them know that they are loved just the way they are!
The LGBT+ community needs to feel like they're loved now more than ever.
Details:
The parade will start at (I think at 11am) at the Springfield Municipal Court and end downtown at the square, walking in the parade is the best way to show our support so I highly ask that you think about walking with us. The walk is less than a mile.
We will also have a booth so volunteers for that will be appreciated!
I will have more details later on ways you can help.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have questions or you want to offer your support or time, text me at 417-598-9266 or email at davidbritt97@gmail.com
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Peace be with you,
David Britt
