You’ve probably noticed Central Lutheran Church (CLC) at one point or another on your way to Cal Anderson Park, to work, to the bars, heck you might have even ventured in the doors on a random Sunday morning…  Whether or not you’ve given it much thought, Central is a pretty cool progressive Christian community and I’d like to share with you 5 reasons why.

1. Central’s been LGBTQA friendly since 1992. Pastor Cindy makes a point of stating our “Welcome to Central Lutheran Church.  An especially warm welcome to you if you are visiting with us here this morning.  We hope that Central can be a place YOU feel YOU belong, no matter WHO you are or WHERE you are on your journey of faith.  We are an Open and Affirming Congregation, which means we welcome you regardless of age, race, gender identity, social status, or sexual orientation.  Welcome.” at the beginning of every worship service on Sunday mornings. This approach has allowed us to welcome all kinds of families in a genuine and authentic way.

 

1. In 1984 the members of this community started what is now known as the Community Lunch on Capitol Hill, which services roughly 200 guests every Tuesday and Friday from 12-1pm out of our Parish Hall. Currently its own non-profit, the Community Lunch started out serving Senior Citizens, moved on to provide hot meals at the beginning of the AID’s epidemic, and continues to grow with the needs of the community.

 

1. CLC has a long history of joining in Social Justice and Advocacy Issues. Former Pastor Jon Nelson was arrested 15 times over issues ranging from nuclear submarines to low-income housing issues. There is even a story about him getting arrested for sitting on a Senators Desk. More recently, in 2012 we joined the Faith Coalition in support of Referendum 74 and were the starting point for an official Washington United for Marriage March to the Ballot Box on Nov 4, 2012. Currently we’ve started to host community events like Liberty in North Korea (LINK) and Inequality for All as a way to help educate ourselves and the community about issues that we’re facing.

 

1. We’re host to the national organization known as Lutheran Peace Fellowship (LPF). LPF’s core mission is to oppose violence, war, and injustice. They have do workshops, mobilize churches for peace, have a resource center, advocate within the Lutheran Church and of course have a website and blog with related materials.

 

1. Just this year we’ve started and are testing out a Neighborhood Gardening Partnership. Currently, 4 people in Capitol Hill are taking care of the raised beds that are built along the south side of our sanctuary for the duration of a year. You’ve probably noticed things already start to grow this Spring!

 

Of course this only touches the surface of all the things we do. On a weekly basis we work to build a community that lives out the message of Christ, but being Christian doesn’t mean we’re a bunch of pious know-it-all’s. Rather it means that we know we are broken individuals who want to gather together and figure out what life, God, the Universe has in store for us. Our service can seem pretty traditional on the surface, but behind our weekly ritual is a community deeply rooted in love, acceptance, and spiritual authenticity. If you feel like learning more, check out our website (www.loveiscentral.org), Facebook  or stop in one Sunday. Our service starts at 11AM. All Are Welcome, and we mean that.

 

David De Block

Coordinator of Intergenerational Ministries ([email protected])

 

1710 11^th Ave

Seattle WA 98122