What a joy it was for First Lutheran to be present at the Star City Pride Festival last Friday!
Thank you to the Community Connections & Collaborations Team for hosting First Lutheran’s booth and to the volunteer members who welcomed festival guests with smiles, enthusiasm and a spirit of genuine invitation. We were proud to be one of just three faith communities present at a festival that drew a large and joyful crowd — and many people shared how much they appreciated seeing us there.
Our booth theme, “Made in God’s Image,” was a beautiful reminder of the sacred worth and belovedness of every person. It didn’t take long before our giveaways were gone and volunteers were sprinting to get more!
One of the special features at our table was poetry written by David Brian Qualls, a cousin of one of First’s members. After the festival, David shared these words of gratitude with us:
“It means more than I can adequately express to know that a church community chose to help amplify messages of love, belonging, and dignity.”
He also wrote, “In a world where many LGBTQ people have been told they are not enough, your willingness to create space for voices that speak of God’s love and human worth is a powerful witness.”
Thank you, David, for allowing your poetry to be part of First Lutheran’s witness at Pride. You can read David’s poetry here: https://flclincoln.org/…/2026/06/David-Qualls-Poetry.pdf.
And thank you to everyone who helped organize, support and participate in this meaningful day.
May we continue sharing Christ’s love by reminding every person: you are welcomed, you are valued and you are made in God’s image.
