Reconciling in Christ Journey

Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Process at Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church

Spirit of Joy! has always been a congregation that has understood ourselves to be welcoming of others, friendly, and an community where all are welcome. As we move into the future, becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation allows us to make our welcome more specific and more explicit.

In our Core Values as a congregation, we say that We value inclusive welcome. We draw people in, embracing the diversity that God has created in the world. We seek to create a space that is welcoming to those who often feel overlooked and forgotten by the church. We pay special attention to how we can create space in our building, worship, and community for individuals of differing mobility and medical needs, ethnic and racial backgrounds, and sexual identities. The RIC process is a direct extension of this shared value.

In 2020 our “Crucial Conversations” group (Now “Faithful & Fearless”) had multiple discussions about racial justice, faith, and the church. As that group continued to meet, they also learned about what the Bible and the church have to say about gender and sexuality. These conversations affirmed that we as a congregation care deeply about welcoming our LGBTQ siblings, working for racial justice, and being a safe community for those of every background.

As we explore the Reconciling in Christ process, we will have opportunities to learn together, ask questions, and explore our faith.

• In March, 5 sessions after worship on Sunday mornings will be offered as we look at what it means to become Reconciling in Christ.
• Additional learning resources will be shared on our congregational website and in our emails.
• A team will come together in April to work on a “Welcome Statement” for our congregation.
• That statement will be shared with the congregation in May.
• In June, at a congregation meeting, we will vote on (a) whether or not to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation and (b) whether or not to approve the proposed welcome statement.

Info Session: Feb 26
Toward a Fuller Welcome
What is RIC?  

Learning Conversation: March 5
What does the Bible say about gender & sexuality?

Info Session: March 12
Toward a Fuller Welcome
What is Racial Justice?  

Learning Conversation: March 19
Language Matters
How do we talk about race, gender, and sexuality?  

Question Session: March 26
I have questions!

Since 1983, the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) program has been a way for Lutheran congregations to publicly express their commitment to welcome, affirm, and love people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church. Currently, there are close to 1,000 ministries of the Lutheran church that are designated as Reconciling in Christ.