We're just a few short days from June! This Pride season, coming together as a community and centering joy is more important than ever. Whether it's through a celebratory Sunday at your church, your presence and assistance at local Pride events, or taking part in the important actions and protests happening across the country, we hope this month is full of meaningful connections.
Not everyone is facing this June from a place of joy. If there's one thing we know, it's that while fear and despair are strong, love and hope are ever present. Don't hesitate to reach out and lean on us and one another-- like a choir singing a song with long notes, we must take turns taking a breath so the music goes on unbroken! Take your turns to breathe, and trust that those around you will help keep the song going.
The song that is Room for All began in hope-filled grief 18 years ago, and is today a vibrant and thriving organization, a full symphony supporting, educating, and advocating for the welcome and full affirmation of people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the RCA and beyond. With two staff people, a volunteer board of directors, and a network of hundreds of supporters across the United States, Canada, and Japan, Room for All has continued to sing a song that celebrates all. This chorus of diversity includes dozens of rostered congregations, hundreds of supporting ministers, engagement with each of the RCA’s five institutions, and every day new notes are popping up and adding to the harmony!
Below, you'll find some ways to engage and share in the song of welcome. Let us know what is happening in your community to celebrate Pride, and we'll be happy to uplift that information and celebrate "with" you!
Wishing you a safe and restorative June,
Cameron & Mitch
Executive Director & Program Manager
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Room for All is proud to share the 2023 Room for All Sunday resources, based on the lectionary texts for June 18, 2023. We encourage you to use these resources any time in the year that works for your congregation’s schedule. If you do choose to use these resources or any pieces of them, please credit Room for All as the author (these resources were created by Room for All with contributions by Rev. Katherine Lee Baker and Rev. Jeremy Bork).
If your congregation celebrates Pride Sunday/ RfA Sunday/ Affirmation Sunday, please share pictures, clips, or other items with us at [email protected]. We’d love to celebrate “with” you and share about your special service on our social medias. If you would like a customized video message from Room for All to share with your congregation, contact our Program Manager Mitch at [email protected].
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Room for All at General Synod
Our Executive Director Cameron Van Kooten Laughead will be present at General Synod 2023 June 8-13th in Pella, Iowa.
Connect with him via email at [email protected] or at 201-364-4538.
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Shop RfA
If you're looking for new Pride merch to wear and share this June, visit ShopRfA to see all our designs! A portion of the proceeds from your purchase comes back to support our ongoing work.
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Room for... Series
The new Room for... Series has launched, with weekly episodes coming out throughout Pride month!
Bringing terms to life by introducing people who identify with them, these stories illuminate the beautiful spectrum of God’s people. Walk beside members of our community for a moment as they share their faith journey, and come away empowered to keep making Room for All.
The series will be housed on our website as well as on our Vimeo channel.
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Faith & LGBTQIA+
Program Manager Mitch Leet will be at Parkside Community Church in Westwood, NJ as part of their Faith and LGBTQIA+ Panel on June 21 at 7:30 PM EST.
What events do you have planned for Pride month? Share them with us at [email protected] so we can highlight them!
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