1. In the fall of 2004, there was a great deal of interest at FLC in the ELCA Study "Journey Together Faithfully II: The Church and Homosexuality" — high numbers at all first forums dedicated to the study process.
2. Following the ELCA Churchwide Assemby in August 2005, several members approached the pastors to ask that First Lutheran consider becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation. The matter was referred to Social Ministry. They distributed materials to several other committees for discussion. Responses were favorable to begin a Reconciling in Christ discernment process at FLC.
3. In December 2005, both pastors, a youth member, and the congregational council chair attended a Lutherans Concerned/North America (LC/NA) workshop in the Twin Cities. It was for Reconciling in Christ congregations and those considering entering the Reconciling in Christ discernment process. The workshop focus was on ways to use Reconciling in Christ to broaden and deepen congregational welcome to all people.
4. Throughout 2006, our congregational council, committees, and members engaged in self-education and discussion about Reconciling in Christ and related issues. This was part and parcel of our Plan for Ministry discernment and development process. Reconciling in Christ specific events included (but were not limited to):
- a well-attended May 2006 First Forum presentation by Emily Eastwood, LC/NA's Executive Director;
- a June 2006 viewing and discussion by the congregational council of the movie It's about Being a Church;
- a July 2006 viewing of the same movie at all-committee night followed by partner discussions and feedback forms
- an August 2006 Executive Committee appointment (affirmed by the congregational council) of three co-leaders to shepherd the Reconciling in Christ process at FLC (Liz Power Hawkinson, Jan Jensen, and Chris Johnson);
- formation of a Reconciling in Christ interest group, open to all members, for the purpose of assisting with the educational components of the process
- October 2006 First Forums by Herb Chilstrom on how Lutherans read the Bible, and in particular, how Lutherans might read the texts typically used to condemn homosexual people;
- an October 2006 First Forum panel of GLBT/Ally college students (and one FLC member);
- a November 2006 LC/NA-RIC training event attended by FLC's appointed Reconciling in Christ leadership committee.
5. Throughout 2007, the Reconciling in Christ process continued at FLC, including...
- continued participation in the formal committee structure of our congregation, and in the current Plan for ministry
- regular updates and education in the Heartbeat newsletter and the bulletin
- church visits to two Reconciling in Christ congregations
- one-on-one conversations with people of differing viewpoints
- a visit by pastor and author Lars Clausen (Straight into Gay America)
- the writing and publication of The Story Project, as well as a follow-up first forum
- summer cottage meetings exploring the general Plan for Ministry value "Welcome"
- Implications Wheel publicity and training
6. In May 2008, the congregation voted to approve the affirmation of welcome, thus becoming a Reconciling in Christ church
7. In January 2009, First Lutheran celebrated its first Reconciling in Christ Sunday. Pastor Jayne Thompson from University Lutheran Church of the Epiphany preached at both services and spoke at the Adult Forum. See a short video montage from the service.
