Celebrating and Affirming Our Differences

Consider this question: What is it about yourself that you feel you can't bring to church? My dad is a minister so when I was growing up, I felt as if all the eyes in the congregation and the community were on me. I felt I had to be an angel. And if you know me, you'll know that's far from the truth. But I felt like I couldn't bring the real Greg to church; I felt I had to leave the real Greg on Saturday night and bring only the "church" Greg on Sunday mornings. What part of yourself do you feel you cannot bring to church? Is it a hobby or interest that others told you is not appropriate in a Christian institution? Is it an insecurity about being in groups or sitting next to a complete stranger? Is it an addiction to alcohol, drugs, pornography; some habit that you believe misses the mark and that might get you cast out of the community? Is it something as personal or intimate as your sexual orientation? Do you feel that in this place of love, you cannot speak or think about the one you love because he or she shares the same nether regions or dangly bits as you?

I ask this question because I believe church should be a place for all people and all differences. I believe religious institutions that force conformity miss the point of Jesus' teachings. So how can a church such as Hillhurst become a place where everything and everyone is welcome? How can Hillhurst become a place where the answer to "What is it about yourself that you feel you can't bring to church?" is, effectively, "Nothing. I believe I can bring my entire self to this place." To me, that's what affirming is about.