Sharing God's Love at Pride

This year Clearview once again marched in the St. Pete Pride Parade along with dozens of other welcoming and affirming church from Pinellas County and the surrounding Tampa Bay area. It was a wonderful opportunity to step beyond our church walls and share a simple but powerful message: You are loved by God, and you are welcome here.

We met hundreds of people from our community, shared conversations, offered words of encouragement, and demonstrated Christ's love through our presence. We were grateful to stand alongside our South Pinellas Connection churches and other area United Methodist Churches, as we extended hospitality, affirmation, and welcome to all.

One of the most moving moments came during the St. Pete Pride Parade, where Pastor Tracie wore a shirt that read, "Free Pastor Hugs." Throughout the evening, at least twenty people stopped to ask for a hug. Many embraced with tears in their eyes, expressing gratitude for being seen, welcomed, and loved by a pastor and a church. Those brief moments of connection became holy reminders that sometimes the simplest acts of compassion can speak the Gospel more powerfully than words.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to love God and love our neighbor, to love without condition, and to remind others that nothing can separate them from the love of God. Participating in Pride was one small but meaningful way to live out that calling. We give thanks for everyone who volunteered, walked alongside us, and helped the South Pinellas Connection share God's love with our neighbors.