Bainbridge Island Pride was a joyful day of celebration, support, and flourishing. Twelve Cedars congregants helped make our booth possible by securing our reservation, setting up, greeting visitors, donating books, managing take‑down, and tending to all the little pieces in between. Deep thanks to Sandy Spears, Dean Sampson, Mary Romeo, Nancy Philip, Jeff Philip, Nancy Dowey, Liz Motter, Rod Kempkes, Naomi Gary, Patricia Erdmann, Anne Sommer, and Kathryn LaFond.

Throughout the day, we welcomed festival‑goers with rainbow bracelets engraved with our Cedars website, invited them to browse our free books, encouraged them to explore the sassy sticker collection, and helped children create bookmarks. When the moment felt right, I often asked whether they were familiar with Unitarian Universalism. Several already were, and a number signed up for our Beacon mailing list. Quite a lot of connections and conversation for a 10′ x 10′ canopy.

As we reflected on our purpose for being at Pride, three themes emerged. First, to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and help uphold a space where people can flourish in full acceptance and belonging. Second, to share that Cedars is a home for many beliefs, held together by shared values and principles, where all are welcome. And third, to express our joy in being part of Cedars, of Bainbridge and Kitsap, and of the wider world.