May 2026
What does it really mean to be an RIC congregation?
In 2021, our congregation made a clear and meaningful decision. By a vote
of 89–6, we became a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. That vote
affirmed something important about who we believe we are called to be: A
church that welcomes, includes and values all people.
Over the past several months, our Transition Team has been listening to
the congregation — through surveys, small-group conversations and
informal discussions. One theme came through clearly: ELC is a church
where people care deeply about one another. A place where many have
experienced a genuine sense of welcome and belonging.
At the same time, those conversations also surfaced an important
question: What does it really mean to be an RIC congregation in our day-
to-day life together?
Members of our RIC committee have been exploring that same question.
This past fall, they hosted engagement sessions focused on how RIC
connects to our ministry, our community, and the way we welcome and
support people.
Taken together, what we heard — through both the Transition Team and
the RIC conversations — is something both encouraging and honest. We
can better define that spirit of welcoming by remembering what we
committed to when we became a RIC congregation. That includes:
● Clearly stating a welcome to people of all sexual orientations, gender
identities, and gender expressions, and naming our commitment to racial
equity.
● Being open to calling LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC leaders.
● Making our space available for LGBTQIA+ weddings and blessings.
● Supporting the broader RIC movement through ongoing partnership.
These are not abstract ideas. They are ways of expressing who we are, and
how we live.
As part of our Benevolence focus in May, our RIC ministry will be sharing
more about how we can continue to grow into our commitment together.
This isn’t about changing who we are. It’s about more clearly living into
what we’ve already said yes to.
You can contribute financially throughout the month of May by:
- Mail: Send a check to ELC and note “Benevolence” in the memo
- Online: Visit the ELC website and click “Give”
- Digitally: Download the “GivePlus Church” mobile app, or text “Benevolence” to 608-400-0183 with the amount you wish to give.
Thank you for helping build a summer that will matter. Not just for a week, but for years to come.
On behalf of Benevolence,
Adam Mertz
