This Sunday we have the honor and blessing to affirm one of our young member's desire to be known by a new name, a female name, new pronouns, and to affirm her baptism. Why is this important?

Gender identity is important to us all - whether we identify as male, female, non-binary, or even genderqueer. We all want to be called by our preferred name (whether that is the name our parents gave us or one we chose ourselves) and the correct pronouns that correspond to our gender identity.

You might notice that I ask new people I meet "what are your pronouns?" Or you may have noticed on zoom that my name and pronouns are both on my zoom screen. Why?

Pronouns are necessary - we use them all the time. I want to make sure I use the correct pronouns for everyone! So, rather than assume, I ask. In group settings, especially with new people, it is respectful to ask everyone to share their pronouns. You will see on my emails that my pronouns are included in my signature line.

When someone shares their pronouns, it is important to show them respect and use those pronouns. The same goes for a new name. If someone chooses a new name, we respect them by using that name and not their previous name. Sometimes that can be hard, especially if we've known someone by another name for many years. But just like we adjust to using a new last name for married women (when they choose that name), we adjust to learning and getting used to using a new name for our transgender loved ones.

This Sunday we will affirm a new name and pronouns for our young member. It will be important that we all remember to use that name and pronouns. We will affirm the baptism that welcomed this young person into a life in Christ and into our faith community. And I know that we will all continue to provide that welcome and love that this congregation is so well-known for.

For more information on the importance of correct pronoun usage check out this website:

pronouns what and why (www.pronouns.org/what-and-why)

May you have a blessed week,

Pastor Jill