🌈 HCUCC 2010: Celebrating a Decade of Open and Affirming Witness

In 2010, Holy Covenant UCC gathered in joy and gratitude to celebrate ten faithful years as an Open and Affirming congregation. The day overflowed with story, spirit, and rainbow-splashed celebration. But the story didn’t begin—or end—there.

Since adopting our ONA covenant in 2000, we’ve sought to live it—not just with our words but with our lives. We’ve married couples when laws said no. We’ve baptized the children of LGBTQ+ parents. We’ve marched in Pride, wept at vigils, opened our arms, and made room at the table.

Rev. Dr. Michael Piazza (then, Senior Pastor and Dean of Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Tx; now, Pastor of Broadway UCC in New York City, NY) and pioneer for queer faith inclusion, joined us to mark the occasion. His message reminded us that LGBTQ+ justice work is sacred work—that being the Church means being radically welcoming, even when it’s unpopular or risky.

After worship, Rev. Dr. Piazza signed copies of his groundbreaking book, Gay by God, sparking meaningful conversations with longtime members and newcomers alike. The gathering area was alive with story-sharing, laughter, and holy memory-making.

It wouldn’t be Holy Covenant without a fabulous cake, lovingly shared by friends who made the journey possible. Our Open and Affirming journey has always been fed by potluck and protest, prayer and persistence, rainbow candles and real commitment.

Moments of deep connection continued over cider and conversation. We celebrated our past, yes—but we also dreamed together about what would come next.

As always, the children reminded us why inclusion matters. Every child—no matter who they are or how they love—deserves to grow up surrounded by a Church that says, “You are God’s beloved.”

🕊️ Where We’re Going

Fifteen years later, we still draw from the sacred spark of that day. We keep showing up—in parades, in protests, in pews, and online—carrying forward the radical welcome that Jesus modeled. Our mission is not finished, but we know the path: love boldly, include extravagantly, resist injustice, and bless what the world tries to curse.

Want to know more about our ONA journey? Explore the UCC ONA Coalition and visit our HCUCC Everywhere page to see how our story continues today.

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