National City welcomed thousands of God’s beloveds to our church this month, as D.C. celebrated Capital Pride and national Pride month. Following the 2025 World Pride event in Washington DC, National City enhanced its presence along the central part of the DC Pride Parade route offering hospitality services of rest on our stairs, cold water, bathroom access, candy, rainbows, and prayerfilled blessings. Pastor Stephanie even offered blessings to people in glitter, bringing joy to our faith and hope to God’s people. It is always a sacred experience to hear a person say, “I didn’t know a church could love me as I am.” Our ministry of presence is so important as we collectively work toward being the Kindom of God on earth as it is in Heaven.
In addition to the hospitable welcome at the parade, National City created programming to deepen neighborly curiosity, grow in our faith, and enhance communal joy. We hosted a booth for parade spectators to provide information and resources to learn about our Open and Affirming faith community, wedding spaces, and wider ministries. In preparation for this event we were delighted to welcome youth and leaders of Be The Neighbor, an outreach and service ministry for churches in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to help us decorate our space as we welcome Disciples from across the country and around the world. While we host a variety of visitors from across the country who wish to visit and experience the national church, it is a special form of welcome that we get to experience during Pride.
One of the centerpieces of Pride for National City this year was the launch of the first ever Beloved & Proud: Works of Pride from National City art installation as part of our Explore Together curriculum. Curated from local congregants and Disciple artists across the country, the installation included a wide variety of mediums–from water colors and acrylic paintings, to glass and fiber art, to a family biscuit recipe. The goal of the exhibit was to celebrate the diversity of gifts and the diverse ways that people encounter, experience, and express God’s love and creativity. The opening was hosted on Sunday, June 14 and the art work will remain installed through Homecoming Weekend in September.
We feel honored each year to be the hands and feet for God’s expanding love for all and to bear witness to the Good News of the loving Gospel as the national church.