Phoenix Pride Parade 2009

It was the first time ever that the Encanto Community Church marched in the Phoenix Pride Parade. And it cannot be a coincidence that it was the first time that UCC Churches in the Southwest Conference all banded together to march side-by-side in solidarity with our GLBT friends. We had four folks from Encanto join up with another three-dozen or so fellow UCC-er's to march down 3rd Street and celebrate Phoenix Pride 2009. Here a handful of photos!

Here are the four of us (please note our hats, sunglasses, and bottles of water!) ready to march. Plans are already underway for next year and we know that we'll need: 1) An Encanto Banner; 2) A Float; and 3) More folks from the church! Thanks to John, Eric, and Jane for coming out and walking!Check out some of the great "God is still speaking" signs that the UCC marchers proudly displayed during the parade, including "Jesus didn't turn people away, neither do we", "All the people, all the time", "Gay and Christian", and of course a rainbow-colored comma.


As the parade ends at Steele Indian School Park (you can see the rainbow-colored balloon archway) the sidewalks are jammed pack with people coming out to support Phoenix Pride. It was a huge celebration filled with cheers, love and support. I couldn't be prouder of Encanto Community Church for being a part of it!