Spirit of Peace hosts NWA Pride service, Interfaith potluck

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

Spirit of Peace Church, an affirming congregation in Fayetteville, will join forces with NWA Pride and host a Sunday service and an NWA Pride Potluck this year.

This will mark the fourth year the church has marched in the NWA Pride Parade. Each year, they have held a Pride Service at the end of the Pride events in NWA (Northwest Arkansas). 

“We feel the need to reach people that have been rejected by other religious groups and affirm to them that they are God’s children, worthy of all the love and grace God has to offer to each of us,” said Rev. Roy Lenington, Associate Pastor. “We can be GLBT and Christian at the same time.”

Lenington said they’ve always had a reception following their Pride Service, but this is the first year they’ll host NWA Pride’s Annual Interfaith Potluck in conjunction with NWA Pride/NWA Center for Equality. Several congregations have been invited to join both the Pride Service and the Pride Potluck. Lennington said they hope that at least a few of them will send representatives to the service. 

“Spirit of Peace has an outreach to all people - affirming the dignity and diversity of all God’s creation,” adds Lenington. “We are LGBT affirming. Spirit of Peace has been in Fayetteville since 1996. Under the leadership of Rev. Mark Williams, we have moved to be more involved in the community at large over the last three to four years.”

Spirit of Peace will host their Pride Service on Sunday, June 19 starting at 11 a.m. at 902 West Maple, Fayetteville, AR. (United Campus Ministry facility used for worship services).   

The NWA Pride Potluck will be held in the fellowship hall of the building at 12:30 p.m. following Sunday service. Spirit of Peace will provide the main course(s), NWA Pride the beverages. Those who can are invited to bring a side dish or dessert to share – all are welcome.  

“We meet each Sunday for a Celebration Service of God’s affirming love,” Lenington said in conclusion. “We attempt to present a positive relationship with God and each other as we all work our individual journeys.” 

Spirit of Peace is a congregational-based church with teaching based upon Jesus Christ. Rev Mark Williams, Senior Pastor (479) 595-6161

The Gayly - 6/12/2016 @ 8:15 a.m. CDT