We are called to be a place where everyone has an opportunity to explore what it means to follow Jesus and join us in our mission as a Parish Church in Bowness. We steadfastly pursue radical welcome, radical generosity, and radical reverence to Christ and one another.

 

Awaken is an affirming Christian community. We celebrate the full diversity of God's creation and welcome people of every sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, race, ethnicity, ability, economic circumstance, and family structure. We believe that every person is created in the image of God and is worthy of love, dignity, belonging, and respect.

 

At Awaken we don't just want you to show up on a Sunday and sit through the service with us (although we'll thoroughly enjoy having you when you do), but we hope that Awaken will feel like home and a safe place for you to authentically join into all aspects of our community as you grow in understanding of what it means to follow Jesus.

 

We believe that LGBTQ+ people are fully part of the life of the church. We celebrate LGBTQ+ people in their identities, relationships, families, gifts, and callings. LGBTQ+ people are welcomed and encouraged to participate in every aspect of the life, leadership, ministry, and mission of our community.

 

For all our good intentions, sometimes we will get things wrong. We are a community full of messy, imperfect people who are learning how to love God and neighbour well. To be successful at relationships in an inclusive space we need to be people of grace. That requires giving ourselves and one another room to learn, listen, and grow. When challenges arise, we commit to approaching them with humility, curiosity, and compassion. We commit to love over fear, faith in the midst of doubt, and a mutual process of transformation through intentional community.

 

We understand that there will be those who have questions about our stance on these issues, and that's okay. The leadership at Awaken welcomes your questions and looks forward to journeying with you.