On January 8th, 2006, the new Rainbow Community Church of Calgary will hold its inaugural service at 4 p.m. I talked to Pastor Ron Eberly about his vision for the church and what it’s all about.

The Rainbow Community Church of Calgary is a daughter church of the Rainbow Community Church in Vancouver. It is an affirming Church where everyone is welcome, regardless of race, colour, social status or sexual orientation. Their goal is to make everyone feel that they are a member of the family of God.

Pastor Ron himself has a long history in Religion. Born a minister’s son, he was educated through bible school and, he himself is an ordained minister of the United Church. Given his background and experience in Calgary, he knows all too well the realities of what it’s like to be gay in church.

“So many times, gays and lesbians are tolerated as a member of the congregation, but are not accepted,” he tells me, “and this difference is huge. We want to ensure that every member of the congregation feels free to be themselves. Rainbow Community Church is for anyone who is on a faith journey and wishes to worship through, and by being themselves.”

The Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, parent church to the Calgary chapter, celebrates their 20th year in January and hope to expand across Canada.

The sacraments will be celebrated by RCC, with communion offered every Sunday. Pastor Ron is currently awaiting his Marriage Commissionaire’s license through the Province of Alberta, and as such will soon be conducting wedding services. Along with these sacraments, baptisms and funerals will also be performed as required, and Pastor Ron looks forward to fulfilling what he sees as a great need in the GLBT community; providing spiritual guidance.

Anyone who knows Pastor Ron Eberly by his other name, Mz. Rhonda, will already know of his passion for community service. The Church is no different, with planning programs already underway, including a Thanksgiving food bank program to help out gay and lesbian families in need during the holidays.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the Rainbow Community Church is the over all vision Pastor Ron has for his congregation, “We want you to feel at home… and we want you to be yourself!”

The Rainbow Community Church of Calgary will begin weekly services on Sunday, January 8th, 2006. Services will take place at the Hillhurst United Church, 1227 Kensington Close NW.

http://www.rainbowcommunitychurch.ca/