Since beginning pastoral ministry in 2003, it has always been my tradition to celebrate the "Festival of the Christian Home" on Mother’s Day to consider its inclusiveness. This is a United Methodist term, and we can use this as an opportunity to strengthen our homes as a place for living justly, celebrating the fullness of our creation as individuals and families of all compositions.

It has always been true - from Biblical times until today - that families have been expressed in a variety of ways. Many of us have close relationships with our families of origin, but many of us do not and have found ways to create families of choice, form covenant relationships with spouses and partners, and become loving and caring people to children of all ages.

This Sunday at Los Angeles First United Methodist Church, we will offer a Blessing of Families liturgy, in which we all are invited to come forward to be anointed and blessed. This ritual serves both to honor the people who have parented and loved us, and to honor the many ways in which we have created our families.