On January 29, 2023, Augustana Lutheran Church joins 995+ ELCA Lutheran congregations in celebrating the ongoing work of welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people in the life of the church.
As part of our celebration, we joyfully welcome the GenOUT Youth Chorus, directed by our own C. Paul Heins, as guest musicians during our 10:30 AM worship service. The GenOUT Youth Chorus is the Washington, DC area’s only vocal ensemble for LGBTQ+ and allied youth. An outreach ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, GenOUT operates under the two-fold mission: (1) to give young LGBTQ+ and allied youth a voice through song, and (2) to connect that voice to community. The ensemble is open to all singers between the ages of 13 and 18. They will offer special music during the Offering and Communion. This Sunday, we also welcome Jeff Mason who will offer a prelude and postlude music for the service from the piano.
Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Sunday is an annual worship celebration created to share in the commitment our organization and partnering faith communities have in the ongoing work of welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people in the life of the church. While historically this day is celebrated on the final Sunday in January, many RIC partners will celebrate on their date of affirmation, or on other days meaningful to their communities rooted in this commitment to radical hospitality.
Created Whole is a worship experience cultivated by Rev. A.J. Houseman (she/her) in partnership with ReconcilingWorks. Pastor A.J. is the called pastor and host of the podcast TEN FOOT POLE: Conversations about the Uncomfortable Bible. Pastor A.J. loves to talk about the Bible and how through learning its original languages and contexts, we can fully live into our calling from God as whole, loving, and unique children of God. She has a degree in finance and economics from the University of Northern Iowa and a master of divinity from United Lutheran Seminary. She has served in various ministries in Iowa, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. She currently lives in Summerville, South Carolina with her wife, Carley, and their daughter, Finley.