NARRATIVE ANNUAL REPORT for 2006--2007

In the last 12 months, the Los Angeles Chapter of Lutherans Concerned has:

  • Launched this website, www.lutheranslove.org.
  • Hosted a major hospitality event May 31, 2007 during the Southwest California Synod Assembly in Thousand Oaks; and hosted LC/NA's Executive Director Emily Eastwood for a Reconciling in Christ workshop.
  • Held eleven monthly Eucharist worship services at potluck dinners. (December is omitted an nually because of the crush of other holiday-related events).
  • Participated in the events of Christopher Street West Pride Parade and Festival in West Hollywood, including:
    • A joint Lutheran-Episcopal "Street Eucharist" before the Sunday morning parade on June 10, 2007.
    • Join in a parade unit with walkers and riders from numerous local RIC congregations, behind the theme banner "Lutherans Love."
    • With the help of several RIC congregations, co-hosted a triple information and hospitality booth during the CSW Festival under the title "My Big Fat Gay Church Wedding" on June 9-10, 2007 in which we photographed 350 couples, gave away wedding cake and sparkling cider, and spoke with more than 800 people.
  • Approved a $5,000 grant to Lutheran Lesbian and Gay Ministries.
  • Continued an annual mission support grant to Hollywood Lutheran Church, which hosts all regular Chapter events and Steering Commttee meetings.
  • Hosted a reception in March 2007 to welcome LC/NA Executive Director Emily Eastwood.
  • Made a second payment of $5,000 to LC/North America, as part of a 3-year pledge of $15,000 in support of the upcoming Assembly in San Francisco in 2008, "Hearts On Fire."
  • Commissioned six new musical settings for hymn texts written by the late Bryan D. LeBlanc, who died of AIDS in 1990.
  • Set up a development process with Rev. Kenny Callaghan for a potential new prison outreach ministry at the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo, California.
  • Scheduled a workshop/reception featuring Mr. Wayne Besen, author of Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth (later cancelled because of Mr. Besen's illness.)
  • Continued preliminary exploration of a possible seminary internship and outreach ministry in the Los Angeles area.
  • Discussed the possibility of sponsoring the March 2008 concert of Vox Femina-Los Angeles, "Spirit I Am", and becoming a sponsor of Outfest, the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.