Dear Beloved Community,
When Negativity Knocks
As part of our revised 2025 budget, the congregation approved a budget for advertising on social media. I've developed some videos and posted them to our page and promoted them to people in our area.  Already, we've had an influx of comments—some supportive, but many negative. They range from dismissive to downright hostile. While it’s never pleasant to be on the receiving end of such words, I want you to know this: their negativity is not a reflection of us, but of the fear that arises when people encounter a message that challenges old boundaries.
Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you… Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:11–12). Opposition was part of his ministry, and it will be part of ours. When we proclaim that God’s love includes LGBTQ+ people fully and joyfully, we should not be surprised when resistance comes. But the presence of that resistance actually confirms the importance of our work.
At New Day, we refuse to let bitterness have the last word. Instead, we choose to respond with the very values that define us: welcome, affirmation, and compassion. Every time someone writes a cruel comment, we remember that there are people reading quietly in the background—maybe a closeted teenager, maybe a parent searching for hope—who need to see that our faith is stronger than the hate.
So, let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep proclaiming that God’s grace is wide, that love is stronger than fear, and that no amount of online negativity can drown out the good news we carry together.
Blessings,
Pastor Brian