Worship service seeks to honor the memory of transgender, non-binary people lost to anti-transgender violence

Every year on Nov. 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) honors the memory of transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people lost to anti-transgender violence.

Join the United Church of Christ this Nov. 20 at 7p.m. Eastern time for a special worship service to share space remembering our trans siblings and celebrating the divine within them.

“Trans Day of Remembrance embodies our belief in the power of memory in the naming of Trans Beloveds we have lost to violence,” R Ward, minister for Gender & Sexuality Justice shared. “In a world moment, where division continues to be highlighted, the Church can offer a place of celebration and honoring of God’s uniqueness and gifts within humanity.”

Rev. Lawrence T. Richardson will be guest preaching from the book of Esther with his sermon titled, “For such a time as this.” Rev. Richardson serves as the Associate Conference Minister for Church Vitality and Transitions in the Michigan Conference.

“We’re so honored to have Rev. Richardson’s presence for this year’s TDOR offering,” Ward said. “I know his message will be honest, tender, and just what the Spirit calls for at this moment.”

Offering music and spoken word will be The Many, a band bringing music that speaks to a non-violent God, a Jesus who is with us and for us, and to a Spirit that can’t be easily defined or controlled.

“The Many will bring inclusive and gospel inspired music rooted in love, grace, and mercy,” Ward said. “They are so excited to be able to offer music for this worship experience. And, I am grateful for their ‘yes’ to be with us.”

“Many UCC faces will be with us throughout the worship service. It is together, after all, that we love our neighbor wells – AND – honor the memory of our neighbors, too,” Ward added. “We encourage community gatherings, Church groups, conferences, and more to join together in viewing this service with us.”

In addition to the TDOR worship service, there will be new resources added to the growing Love is Louder offering for communities to utilize in worship and reflection. These additions will include a robust overview of the UCC’s commitment to transgender siblings across decades of justice work, a new TDOR hymn offered by queer sacred music, and a prayer of resilience.

Register for the special worship service HERE.

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