Page 49 - Lenten Devotional 2023

Week 5: March 27-31 (cont)

As a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Sacramento, one of our associate pastors
and I secured a booth and organized, for the very first time, St. John's participation in

Sacramento's Gay Pride Festival held each year outdoors on the Capitol Mall.
Beforehand, the church purchased three hundred give-away sunglasses with St. John's
name and logo stamped on the side. There were many organizations, retailers, etc., that

had secured a booth, including a few other churches. Even the US Army recruiter and
the Sacramento Police Department had a booth. When the day came, I was somewhat
anxious not knowing what to expect. Pastor Leslie, on the other hand, was truly excited

and confident as anyone could be. She gave me the inspiration and confidence I needed.
It didn't take long before I felt at ease in speaking to festival goers about St. John's and
how we welcomed people who identify as LGBTQ. Sadly, I spoke with a fair number of

people (young and old) who had grown up attending church only to feel abandoned
once people became aware of their sexual orientation. I said a short prayer for each and
every one of them as I handed them a pair of sunglasses. I also prayed that sooner or

later they would see the name St. John's printed on the side and know they would be
welcomed. Four years later, I handed my role as part organizer to a young seminary
student and St. John's member before relocating to Lincoln. I regard those years and my

participation in the festival on behalf of St. John's as an amazing blessing.
~Gordon Wolfe (4 yrs with First Lutheran)

Prayer
Gracious Lord, humble us before others so that we might be present to what they can

teach us, ways they can enrich our lives, and how they can love us. May we be gracious
in our receiving and generous in our giving. Amen.

Reflection Questions/Activities
When did someone surprise you through hospitality?
How have you experienced radical hospitality?