Celebrating Presence, Welcome, and Joy at Charlotte Pride 2026
The heat did not dampen the excitement, energy, or joy of Charlotte Pride 2026. Myers Park Covenant Church was proud to be represented by more than 25 volunteers who spent the weekend sharing hospitality, encouragement, and welcome with thousands of festival attendees.
At our booth, volunteers greeted visitors, handed out church swag, offered information about MPCOV, and distributed what quickly became the surprise hit of the festival: ice-cold "Gaytorade." On a sweltering August weekend, the bright orange cooler of Gatorade drew a steady stream of visitors. Some stopped for a quick drink and continued on their way, while others stayed to talk, ask questions, and learn more about our congregation.
The conversations that emerged from these simple acts of hospitality were remarkable. One person told us, "I'd come to your church just in thanks for what you are doing here!" Another enthusiastically declared that ours was the best booth at the entire festival.
One family stopped for a drink and ended up in a lengthy conversation about church life, worship, and opportunities for children. They asked thoughtful questions about what to expect on a Sunday morning and shared that they planned to visit our website to learn more and watch our livestream to see whether MPCOV might be a good fit for their family.
Volunteers Kurtis Wilson and Mary Miller also became crowd favorites with their glitter station. Equipped with welcoming smiles and an endless supply of sparkle, Kurtis and Mary had people lined up waiting to be "glittered." They greeted every person with warmth and enthusiasm, helping create an atmosphere of joy and celebration that reflected the spirit of our church.
In addition to staffing the festival booth, MPCOV members participated in the Charlotte Pride Parade, carrying a large unity flag and sharing freezy pops with enthusiastic spectators along the route. While we ended the day hot and sweaty, we were also filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.
Year after year, the stories people share remind us why our presence at Pride matters. Many attendees stopped by simply to say thank you. Some shared experiences of exclusion and hurt, including pastor's children who had been rejected by their churches, individuals who no longer felt welcome in the faith traditions in which they were raised, and parents who wanted their children to experience the beauty of diversity and inclusion.
Others described themselves as spiritual seekers who no longer identify with a particular faith tradition but remain interested in questions of faith and meaning. Again and again, people expressed gratitude for seeing a church present at Pride. For many, our booth served as a visible reminder that faith and affirmation can coexist.
Among our favorite moments were the messages of hope and justice displayed throughout the festival. Two of the most memorable shirts we spotted read: "You're lucky we want equality and not revenge" and "Be careful who you hate. It might be someone you love." Both served as poignant reminders of the importance of compassion, dignity, and understanding.
Not every conversation was easy, but even challenging encounters provided opportunities for dialogue. Three young men approached our booth and initially presented themselves as curious visitors. Their questions soon revealed deeper disagreements about faith and inclusion. Drawing on themes from Rev. Tim's sermon that morning, Marcy responded by asking whether they knew the identity of the first non-Jewish person baptized in the Christian tradition. When they did not, the conversation turned to the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, a powerful example of radical welcome and inclusion in the early church. Though the discussion ultimately ended with an agreement to disagree, it remained respectful and thoughtful.
One particularly memorable encounter came when a Hindu attendee stopped by the booth and expressed delight at seeing an inclusive Christian church represented at Pride. Repeatedly saying, "This is great. This is how it should be. Thank you for being here," the visitor's response echoed what many others shared throughout the weekend.
Participation in Charlotte Pride is one way Myers Park Covenant Church lives out its commitment to justice, belonging, and radical welcome. It is an opportunity to meet people where they are, listen to their stories, and embody an affirming faith that is truly open to all and closed to none.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who volunteered, marched, glittered, served Gaytorade, carried flags, shared freezy pops, engaged in conversation, and represented the spirit of MPCOV. Together, we offered more than refreshments and giveaways. We offered a witness that God's love is wide enough for everyone.