Fun with Flags
In the summer of 2019 we opted to fly the Rainbow Pride Flag to show the 2SLGBTQ+ community that we care about and support them. There were those in the wider community who objected to this decision resulting in a variety of communications. One of the individuals who appeared unimpressed, asked the question: if you are going to raise that flag what other flags are you willing to raise? We decided to take this inquiry as a challenge and our version of 'Fun with Flags' was born.
Recognising that there are a variety of awareness days throughout the year, we decided to obtain flags that represented those days and include with every flag a description of the day or event being honoured. These descriptions are posted on our Facebook page, at the entry to the church, and in a special box on the flag pole created by a member.
Among the first flags purchased was the Earth Day flag that we raised during our celebration of the Season of Creation (September).
From the beginning, it was important to us that we honour Orange Shirt Day (Sept. 30) and other days highlighting the challenges facing Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Unfortunately, we struggled to find an appropriate flag for these occasions. It was the gift of a friend from Community Living, created in consultation with local Indigenous friends, that resulted in the flag we used until we were able to purchase an 'Every Child Matters' flag from a local Indigenous Business.
As we pay attention to important awareness moments, the number of flags for our ministry grows. We are grateful for the donations of parishioners that enable this ministry.
We have also been blessed by positive feedback from the community who are curious about the many different flags and what they represent. Information is posted on the flag pole and in the entrance to the church to provide information about the flags and the moments honoured.
