June 1, 10:00 am
Bainbridge Island-North Kitsap Interfaith Council and Rainbow Crew NW are encouraging faith communities in the area to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community on Sunday, June 1—the first day of Pride Month. To show support and to stand with the trans community facing particular challenges at this time, St. Barnabas will host a Communal Service of Renaming at the 10 a.m. service on this date.
The Episcopal Church has a beautiful liturgy for blessing someone who has “taken or been given a new name.” It makes reference to the “God of Sarai revealed as Sarah, Jacob who became Israel, and Simon called Peter,” and seeks to honor the significant moments in which someone might change their name. This rite can be particularly poignant for those members of the LGBTQ+ community who have transitioned or are transitioning gender, or for those who feel a new name would better fit their true gender identity. This service might also be meaningful for individuals who have recently been adopted, or those returning to their maiden name after a divorce. All are welcome to participate in this liturgy to recognize and celebrate a name change, regardless of circumstances. Please join us!
