In May of 2019, several members of the Table participated in the Building Inclusive Churches training offered by Reconciling Works. During this two-day workshop, we learned grace-filled engagement and the steps that we need to take to become a Reconciling In Christ (RIC) congregation. As we participated in this training, Aubrey Thonvold, the Executive Director of Reconciling Works, assured us that the Holy Spirit would guide the process of our RIC journey.

In February of 2020, members of the congregation participated in LGBTQA+ workshops led by Ammon Young, Ministry Coordinator of the First Presbyterian Church. Just as Pastor Tormod and I were meeting to bring together the Core Team to lead the process for our RIC journey, the pandemic interrupted these plans.

As this next year continues to unfold, the Core Team will be renewing The Table’s RIC journey. Throughout this process, we will be sharing our thoughts regarding this ministry. Erin Hayes reflects on her experiences with the RIC journey with two other ELCA communities.

In 2002, when I was a senior serving as president of Chapel Council, the umbrella religious life organization at Susquehanna University, I was first introduced to Reconciling Works and the Reconciling in Christ designation. After a process of reading, discussion, and discernment, we voted to become the first RIC organization in the Upper Susquehanna Synod, an achievement of which I was very proud.

Over 15 years later, I was serving on the Board of Directors for Camp Mount Luther when we decided to pursue the Reconciling in Christ designation as well. I served on the team drafting the Welcome Statement and on the Board as CML became the Upper Susquehanna Synod’s second organization with the RIC designation.

In both instances the question that really struck me was not "Why are we doing this?" but rather, "Why didn't we do this sooner?"

Public words are essential. If you truly believe that God loves and welcomes all of His children, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, life circumstances, race, relationship status, sexual orientation, socio-economic circumstances, or anything else that divides us, then I hope that you will join us on this journey. Let's be open and intentional in letting everyone know that all are welcome at The Table.

In the coming weeks, members of the Core team will continue reviewing resources, watching testimonial videos, and reaching out to community leaders as we prepare for the next steps in our RIC journey. The Table could become the first church in the Upper Susquehanna Synod to become an RIC congregation.

If you have any questions about the RIC journey, please reach out to Erin Hayes or me.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Ministries
Our Reconciling in Christ Journey