Pride Guide 1999 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE A-11

Signs of church's lesbian and gay group are all over

members and friends offer just a hint of this year's theme: Spectators will be challenged to "Pump Up Your Faith" with the church's large and colorful contingent.

"For me, it brought a new meaning to 'Pride' to march with their group,” said a lesbian member. "We have as many straight members marching-and people of all agesas we do gay and lesbian. These are people I count on: people who know me for exactly who I am... who love me, and who believe that God loves me."

The church has been the host for forming the North Ohio Chapter of UCC Coalition for

GLBT Concerns over the past several months. The coalition was formed on the national level to provide advocacy, education and spiritual support.

Visitors are welcome at worship at 10:30 am Sundays, and at a more intimate half-hour communion service each Thursday at 6 pm. The church is located at 2592 West 14th Street at Starkweather Ave. in Tremont. For more information, contact Kate Huey at 216-691-1335.

Jackie Cassara is a member of Pilgrim Church.

Pilgrim Church senior postor Dr. Laurinda Hufner, center, posed with openly lesbian associate pastor Kate Huey, right, and Huey's pariner Jackie Cassara, after a ceremony calling Huey as a pastor.

by Jackie Cassara

Cleveland-There are signs of Pilgrim Church's newly formed gay and lesbian group all over the place these days.

There's the float being constructed in Fellowship Hall-glitter is being bought by the pound! There are the tastefully hosted afterworship coffee hours, regular social gatherings for getting acquainted, festive decorating projects such as the church's celebration of Mardi Gras Sunday, and regular participation in Thursday evening Communion services. Now there's a summer series of "Sunday Night at the Movies," which will be shared by the entire church community.

Gay and lesbian members and friends of Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Tremont have been gathering for social and spiritual support in recent months, and the group is growing rapidly as the church continues to expand its ministry to and with GLBT people in the Cleveland area.

"Since our vote to become Open and Affirming in 1993," pastor Laurie Hafner explains, “Pilgrim Church has enthusiastically welcomed all people, with an intentional outreach to gay and lesbian people. In fact, our gay and lesbian members have made an important contribution to the revitalization of the entire church community."

You may have seen members of Pilgrim Church in their purple T-shirts bearing the intriguing words, "Pilgrim UCC--A Church with an Attitude." Member Jackie Cassara explains: "We describe ourselves as 'A Church with an Attitude,'-an attitude of justice. openness, and joy. We're multicultural, multi-racial and multiplying at a heartening rate."

In fact, Pilgrim Church has grown from thirty members in 1990, when Dr. Hafner was called as pastor, to well over 400 people

today. At least 80 of those members are gay or lesbian, with more joining each month and then participating in all areas of the church's life.

In November, the church took the further step of calling an openly lesbian associate pastor in the Rev. Kate Huey, who was ordained at the church in December. The Rev. Craig Shaub also serves as an associate pastor.

On council and committees, in choirs and at contemplative gatherings, gay and lesbian members of the church—and their family members share the spirit of Pilgrim Church, a spirit of justice, equality and welcome. A contagious enthusiasm echoes through the historic building, with its magnificent sanctuary, refurbished pipe organ and flexible spaces.

This is the most amazing place," said one gay member. "Our ‘church ladies' may look like the church ladies down any suburban street. But at Pilgrim they've taken an intentional, firm stance: they're with us, involved, and supportive of our issues. For many people who've had to be closeted in other parts of their lives, it's amazing to feel the love and respect that is just a way of life here."

Along with its many other group activities, Pilgrim has formed a gay and lesbian group, providing social and spiritual opportunities and outreach.

"People are having a wonderful time getting to know one another, at dinner parties and in group discussion," said Huey. "We have a special connection, within a spectacular community of faith, and this group gives us the opportunity to get to know one another within that community. At the same time, our gay and lesbian members love the diversity of the church community and participate in it."

Currently busy with Pilgrim's float for the Cleveland Pride parade, gay and lesbian

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