News & Announcements

An Open Letter to Our Friends and Neighbors

Thank You from First Congregational Church of Natick

Love is Louder in Natick! At First Congregational Church of Natick, we have been so moved and uplifted by the outpouring of support and affirmation for the LGBTQIA+ community and our congregation.

On July 28, we were one of five congregations targeted by vandals for our outward and visible declaration of affirmation of people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. Our flags and banners were removed and replaced, and letters condemning our welcome were left behind. These events were unsettling to our congregation, but we were particularly worried about the impact on our queer neighbors.

But so much good came out of the act of a few! There was a beautiful outpouring of support from local agencies, religious communities, Natick staff and elected officials, and folks from around the region. Cards, calls, and public statements brought healing to our congregation.

Best of all was the Natick Nights gathering just a few days later. There was laughter, sharing, and new friends filling the front porch of FCC Natick. We donned stickers, made art, and declared our commitment to a community where all are welcome. People shared stories about how the vandalism impacted them, and how much it meant to gather with joy.

We continue to worry about the messages of oppression and exclusion our queer neighbors regularly hear. And so we are grateful for the support showered on FCC Natick in this time. But we are even more grateful for the community-wide commitment to affirming the LGBTQIA+ community. We will make sure love continues to be loud in Natick.