Welcome to Open Door Ministries!

Open Door Ministries is an extended ministry of the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA and a Member of Lutheran Services of America. Follow us on Facebook !

2011 Autumn Gala Dinner and Auction a Success!

Thank you to all who attended our Gala on Nov. 5. We had a wonderful time, and raised critical funds to support our ministry. A special thank you to our generous donors, those individuals and congregation who donated such wonderful auction items and volunteers who made the evening such a success. We hope to see you all next year.

2011 Auction

Proceeds from the Auction Will:

  • Serve the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex population, seeking support from the interdenominational faith community by locating caring and open congregations where all feel welcomed.
  • Help individuals to be open and honest in dealing with health, orientation and identity issues.
  • Provide ongoing valuable resources between the community and individuals with HIV/AIDS, their families and friends.
  • Promote education in faith communities to be welcoming and open to sexual minorities, their families and friends.
  • Provide counseling and referral services for individuals regardless of their faith community.
  • Provide referrals to community agencies.
  • Support youth through programs by offering training and advocacy that promotes understanding, respect and safety for all young people in the school.

Open door Ministries is dependent on donations and sponsorships to continue to serve the HIV / AIDS and LGBTI population. Presently those we serve are 30% persons of color and 20% women and children. We serve people from Bellingham to Tacoma, including Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, King and Pierce counties.

You can see more pictures from the 2011 Auction Here!

Reconciling in Christ Sunday January 29th 2012

The last Sunday in January is designated as "Reconciling in Christ Sunday." Worship Resources for RIC Sunday 2012 have been compiled by Lutherans Concerned/North America and are available here.   RIC Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate the witness of God's love for persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. It's a time to highlight what it means to live a theology of inclusion and reconciliation.

RIC Sunday is a time to remind our congregations what it means to live a theology of inclusion. RIC pastors are doing wonderful things to further the welcome in their congregations; many acknowledge there is much more to do. Voting to become an RIC congregation is just the beginning. Some suggestions for RIC Sunday activities include:

  • Reading your welcoming statement during worship
  • Taking a special offering for LCA
  • Recognizing local ministries and services for the LGBT community: Open Door Ministries, Safe Schools Coalition, Equal Rights Washington, Rise 'n Shine, GLSEN, GSBA
  • Advertising the fact that you are an RIC
  • Inviting a guest speaker for worship, temple talks or adult forums.
  • Setting aside time for education on LGBT issues in the upcoming months
  • Talking about what "welcoming" means and how churches can support LGBT equality and work to end bullying in our schools

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please contact Rev. Rick Pribbernow at rickopendoorministries@gmail.com. Blessings on your work and ministry throughout 2012.

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