History of Rainbow Ministry at St. John's

1988

• Unresolved issues from the 80’s regarding "reconciling congregation" vote and sexual abuse by clergy staff.

1999

• February
  Mission and Vision statements approved by St. John’s congregation.
• May
  A six week educational series encouraged by 1996 Council of Bishops, “Dialogue and Discernment.”
• September
  Dialogue and Discernment Task Force - first Sunday of the month meetings.

2000

• May
  Four week forum, stories from individuals and families involving sexual orientation issues.
• September
  Spirit filled meetings called us to look at the plight of homeless and gay youth.

2001

• Began Ministry of Presence at the Homeless Youth Center. Continue to supply meals on second Thursday.

2002

• May
  --- Granted Ministry Team status by Congregational Council, “Rainbow Ministry Team.”
  --- Adult Forum - Homosexuality: ELCA Call to Study. Gary Kinkel of Simpson College.
  --- Stoles project, “For All the Saints.”
• October
  Rainbow banner hung on balcony during “Celebrate Christ” Sundays and on “Martin Luther King” Sundays in January.

2003

• Seminar on “Anti-Racism.”
• Gay Pride Parade with church van.
• Rainbow quilt display with personal story by congregant.
• Visit to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minnesota, a “Reconciling in Christ” congregation.
• First Rainbow Ministry Team retreat.
• As part of the St. John’s Fine Arts program, we shared the AIDS Portraits by Tilly Woodward displayed in Weertz Hall.
• Erik Christensen was denied approval for pastoral candidacy in the ELCA. His family, friends and members of the Team were deeply saddened by this decision

2004

• Offered workshop featuring retired ELCA Bishop Chilstrom who presented the story of his life journey on the issue of homosexuality.
• Offered a six week congregational study "Journey Together Faithfully" led by Pastor Roy Nilsen.

2005

• Hosted a workshop with Dr. Craig Nessan lecturing on his book, "Many Members, Yet One Body."
• Marched again in the Gay Pride Parade and presented St. John's as a welcoming church with our first booth.
• Partnered with the Arts Ministry Team and Digital Photography Group in presenting "The Faces of St. John's" portrait display showing the diversity of our families at St. John's.