Pride week is right around the corner in Orlando and we’re offering multiple ways to celebrate! Please join us in our effort to affirm and encourage LGBTQ members of our church as well share God’s inclusive love to our neighbors in Central Florida. Our goal is for each person we interact with to know that they are God’s beloved, now and forever, because of who they truly are, not anything they’ve done.

Here’s what we’re up to!

1. Sunday, October 13th will feature a prayer time in the Marcy Chapel from 10:15 to 10:45am. Co-hosted by the Forum Class, this time will feature Scripture readings and spoken and silent prayers to uplift our LGBTQIA siblings and allies as they prepare to march. This is an opportunity to join together, show solidarity, honor predecessors, lament harm, and affirm our commitment to love.

2. Sunday, October 13th will also feature a special Elevate program for youth, open to all members of our church, to dig into the history and importance of Pride, share a potluck meal, and work together to create small gifts that will be handed out during the parade. Come from 6–8pm to join Winter Park Student Ministry in the MFLC Gym and bring sides, drinks, or desserts!

3. Saturday, October 19th is Orlando’s Come Out With Pride festival! Pride brings tens of thousands to Lake Eola Park. We have been invited to staff community booths in the marketplace, but we will also be marching as a church in the Pride Parade. Reserve your spot (and find out more details) by clicking below!

Registered parade marchers will be sent a link to a pre-event Zoom call to go over purpose, expectations, logistics, and questions for the day. This call will be Monday, October 7th from 8–9PM, with a video made available soon after.