I Rise

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Sol M. Rizzato, MM, CAGO

Director of Worship & the Arts, Washington Avenue Christian Church (Elyria, OH)

Queer Christian

In my bedroom, there hangs a portrait of Marsha P. Johnson, in the form of an icon painting. Next to it is my Transgender pride flag, in its beautiful hues pink, blue and white. There are days I stand and stare at the flag filled with joy and hope. Other days, sometimes there are no words, not even tears, only blank stares. Yet, amidst it all, I still rise. Sometimes I rise apprehensively, weighted down by the heaviness of the world. But I still rise. I rise with questions, I rise with challenges, I rise as my own, highly imperfect, but ever-true self. In a world surrounded by “correct” ways of being, especially when it comes to prayer, I still rise.

Perhaps our rising looks like the icons on my wall. Perhaps also, though, rising looks like a Queer pastor, a transgender organist, and a small congregation beating the odds, taking back their musical home, and singing with the utmost holy and bold strength to the tune of Gustav Holst’s THAXTED:

Here, O God, your people gather to worship in this place Singing psalms and hymns of wonder, we long to see your face.

Moved by sounds of pipes and voices, hush of silence, rush of wind,

We are dancing in the rhythms of grace that will not end. Shape our lives with phrase and cadence, compose a living score, As we swell the fuller chorus to praise you all the more.

Though the path may not be steady when filled with grief and strife, Your uplifting Spirit

greets us with promise for new life.

You transcend our expectations as you stun us with surprise,

Thus we cannot help but marvel at all before our eyes. While the pow’rs and fears around us can threaten to destroy, You, our God, are ever with us! You bring a greater joy.

God, we sense your hope and passion that call us to shalom.

We are yet a pilgrim people still searching for our home. Lead us ever on the journey to your future that will be Filled with justice, love, and mercy across the land and sea. Guide us through the times and seasons of life within your care. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage!

Give us the faith to dare!

~Words by the Rev. Nathan A. Russell, 2023. Written with PRIDE and in celebration of Sol Marcus Rizzato, who they are, and their myriad gifts that are already transforming the church and the world.