The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Ministry Team has been working for over two years on studying ways we, as a congregation, can become more welcoming to all people and more specifically to the LGTBQ (lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, and queer) community. We have learned a lot together and are continuing to move forward in guiding our congregation towards becoming an RIC congregation. The RIC team will continue to provide educational and discussion opportunities for the congregation. In January 2021 a welcoming statement was drafted, approved by congregation council and a survey of the congregation conducted regarding its acceptance by the membership. The draft welcoming statement was presented at the 2021 congregational meeting and members continue to be encouraged to inquire, make use of opportunities for learning and express their thoughts on this important matter.
On Monday, March 8, 2021, congregation council unanimously voted to call a special congregation meeting to be held on March 28, 2021 for the purpose of having the congregation vote to accept the welcoming statement and declare Apostles Lutheran Church to be a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Official notification of the metting is being issued to the membership and all members are being requested to attend this meeting which will be held via Zoom immediately following the Sunday Worship Service on March 28.