The mission of Christ Church Episcopal in Norcross is to live, love and serve boldly together in the name of Jesus Christ. Parishioners did that in a rainbow of ways at Gwinnett Pride, a rapidly growing celebration started by two church members in the state’s second most populous county.

Christ Church was among the 35 organizations and eight affirming faith communities that took part in the June 21 festival at Thrasher Park. Gwinnett Pride has grown exponentially since 2019, when parishioners Rolando Guzmán and Scott Bruce organized a small get-together to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. They founded Gwinnett Visibility Club, from which Gwinnett Pride formed.

The 2025 event “served as a powerful testament to our commitment to celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and promoting an environment of acceptance and understanding within Gwinnett,” the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners said on their website.

Members of Christ Church Norcross hosted a booth for the third consecutive year. They chatted with visitors, assisted children with sand art, and passed out hand fans and cold water.

Meaningful Moments and Memories

Sherry Milano said her favorite interaction was with the Hispanic folks in the adjacent booth: “I took two ‘If it’s not about love, it’s not about God’ buttons to share, one in English and one in Spanish. They were very appreciative and engaged fully. One of the guys said he lives in this area and is looking for a church. I told him about Christ Church’s Spanish language services and about EfM. He is excited to attend.”

Karen Hines Gordon said her best interactions were with people who asked for information about Christ Church: “I saw many eyes light up when they realized how close the church is, and that everyone belongs there. There was real connection and real conversation. Even if I don’t see any of these people again, I hope we made an impact that they are valuable and accepted and so very welcome.”

Paul Amaru shared a sweet story about a mom and two kids who picked up some bubbles: “The daughter loved them, but the son said he was too old. Cut to an hour later – I bump into them again, and the boy hands me a friendship bracelet! He said it was because I was nice to them. It was such a sweet, simple gesture.”

Other Christ Church volunteers spoke of the importance of providing a safe space and acceptance, especially for tweens and teens. “My soul was touched by young people’s ability to express their authentic selves without fear of judgment or persecution,” Christ Church parishioner Scott Gottuso said. His husband Geoffrey Wilson added: “Even though the world can be a crazy place, Christ Church and so many other organizations can be a safe place, and that’s so needed.”

Nancy Emery echoed those sentiments. “Preteens and young adults need to know they are accepted as they are,” she said. “I especially enjoyed speaking to the teens and handing out items that speak of acceptance.”

Kristie Bernard summed up what many feel in an era where the national and state governments are rolling back LGBTQIA+ rights: “With the news so heavy, it’s so refreshing to come together in a positive way.”

“Deeply, Forever Beloved”

This year’s closing remarks and blessing were delivered by Mother Marycelis Otero, who arrived directly from her ordination to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Philip. Otero reminded the assembled crowd, “You are a blessing. You are not alone, and you are deeply, forever beloved.”

The following weekend, Christ Church hosted a Pride Eucharist that brought a number of new attendees to the church.

All year long, community outreach is highly valued at Christ Church, which is a founder of both Rainbow Village and Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries. Its members also regularly provide meals to groups in need.

Through all these collective actions, Christ Church demonstrates the diocesan mission to “love like Jesus as we worship joyfully, serve compassionately, and grow spiritually.”

“In the Gospel of John, Jesus said, ‘I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another,’” Christ Church deacon Dan Burrows pointed out. “We live this commandment when we go out as individuals and as a church to show support for our siblings in the LGBTQ+ community.”