Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
~Henry Ford

I feel that this quote speaks to numerous positive efforts made in our world and I find it be-fitting when referring to the 2017 OC Pride parade and festival. The theme for the event was “As One” and it surely took many hands and minds coming together to create such a great event.

This was my first experience walking in a parade and I was filled with both joy and pride as I joined our group of approximately 20 walkers from CHOTF. Our group, along with several others walkers, floats and decorated cars marched down 3rd St carrying banners, waving flags and ringing bells all in celebration and unity.

The parade kicked off a full day festival which encompassed several blocks in downtown Santa Ana. I thought it wonderful that CHOTF was one of several churches hosting a booth and sharing the message of love, understanding and acceptance. Our booth had visitors throughout the day and we gave away 500 CHOTF bags filled with Soaptopia samples and information about the church. Additionally, thanks to the hand knitted items donated by Katy Black we received $187 in donations which covered almost two thirds of the events costs.

Thank you to Cuca for the soap, to Katy for the headbands, scarves, heart pins and prayer bears, to the O&A committee their preparing the gift bags and to the volunteers who helped with the booth.

This was a great event and I hope that we will continue to grow with it.

Blessings, Pastor Kel