Help us maintain the center of our community!

After being rejected by so many churches, I searched for a church to call “home.” I struggled to find a place of worship that embraced my queer and immigrant identities. I found that acceptance in the heart of a once mill city - a 200 year old church that has been the beacon of the community for two centuries. In front, a rainbow flag waving proudly. As I walked inside on one Sunday morning, the church was empty. I later learned that the church had moved its services into the small shrine because it was becoming too costly to heat the main church. As soon as I walked in the shrine, I was welcomed with warm introductions and the priest introduced himself and welcomed me - saying “Welcome to St. Anne’s, we are a small and welcoming parish!” The “welcome” was all I needed to hear.

I met first generation immigrants and LGBTQ folks such as myself. The church was rooted in history, grounded in tradition, and yet evolving with the times. With services in Spanish, free youth programs, and affordable space for nonprofits to use - St. Anne’s is the pulse of the community.

After a few months, I realized the great financial strains of church. My heart sank. Heating a big, 200 year old church is costly. Providing the critical community events requires upkeep of the buildings. The sustainability of the church is critical, it will ensure a home for LGBTQ and first generation immigrants that have been turned away. Unlike other church’s in the area, St. Anne doesn’t just tolerate LGBTQ individuals, it embraces us. Despite all the struggles, the parishioners were still raising money for LGBTQ asylum seekers – this exemplifies the heart of this congregation.

Many LGBTQ youth are victims of bullying and abuse by their own churches, which are meant to embrace and protect them. This triggers a personal and spiritual crisis, as many LGBTQ individuals attempt to turn to faith and God to navigate their identities. There are many homeless LGBTQ youth in the Merrimack Valley that have been rejected from all aspects of society, and some see suicide as their only option. As a close friend of mine experienced three years ago - I wonder if she had found a community like St. Anne’s, where she was loved and accepted and could worship freely, would that have changed things. 

I want this church to continue being the pulse the community needs, especially in this political climate. We are raising money to help the church pay for:
·        Utility Bills (Heating, electric, etc.)
·        Youth Programs
·        Upkeep and Maintenance of this beautiful church

We are asked by our priest to always remember our mission statement: “We ask God to enable us to live by Faith, to be known by Love, and to be a voice of Hope.” You can check us out online here - https://stanneslowell.org/