Good Shepherd will hold a special welcoming service on June 3rd to reaffirm its commitment to being a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. Good Shepherd endorsed this program in 2007 after a congregational vote at the annual meeting. To date, it is one of three Lutheran congregations in Winneshiek County that have been added to the RIC roster.
The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program is for congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, and other Lutheran organizations which publicly welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
Good Shepherd’s statement of welcome, printed in all bulletins and on the church website, demonstrates the commitment of the congregation. It states: All are welcome at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. God makes no exceptions. In the spirit of Jesus Christ, we offer trust and respect to all, including those who may experience alienation, distrust, or rejection. We rely on the healing, unconditional love of God to shape our community in the name of the Good Shepherd. In keeping with our welcome, Good Shepherd is a Reconciling In Christ congregation, affirming our welcome to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer identifying persons to participate fully in the life of our congregation.
Everyone is invited to participate in this service at 9:30 am that will feature special musical selections. People are invited to wear rainbow colors.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Good Shepherd is fully accessible to all. 