Spread the love

Love, faith, hope, and wit are what keep us going when all other lights go out. They’re a quintessential part of being a human being. And there’s always room for a smile, a word of praise, and a dash of optimism. Especially during the most difficult of times.

Openness, wholesome support for everyone no matter their journey, and light comedy are exactly what the Clackamas United Church of Christ preaches, showing that religion can be radically inclusive, not just divisive. Masterminded by Reverend Adam Ericksen, the church spreads its Christian message through witty and heartwarming signs.

It sounded only fitting to do this after Easter, so we’ve collected some of the best new signs from the Milwaukie-based church to share with you, dear Pandas. You’ll also find Bored Panda’s earlier article about the church right over here. Spread love, not hate.

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

The Clackamas United Church of Christ marries tradition with modernity by embracing progressive issues. The congregation believes in upholding the rights, dignity, and equality of all people under God. They also think that “Jesus is awesome.”

Clackamas UCC, a Just Peace congregation, is open to everyone. And they live by those words. “We are open and affirming of our LGBTQ siblings and believe God calls us to love all of our neighbors, including those who are black, brown, white, rich, poor, religious, atheist, documented, and undocumented.”

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the church has moved their Sunday morning worship online. You’ll find their live services on their Facebook page, as well as their website. “We also have online bible study, prayer group, and anti-racism events throughout the week.”

In an earlier interview with Pastor Adam, Bored Panda learned about how the reverend came to Clackamas UCC and decided to get their message out into the neighborhood. “People saw our building but didn’t know what our values were. So we started a fundraiser for the sign and I started posting those messages. People began to stop as they drove by to thank me for the messages. But I didn’t know it would have an online impact, too,” he shared.

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

The reverend firmly believes that “God loves you relentlessly and eternally because God is love” and he lives by the same principles. He hopes to share these same values with others in the local community.

“Amidst the pain of the world and all the hate, people are thirsty for something deeper. The truth of the Gospel is that all people are loved. The sin is when we start treating certain people and groups as if they are not loved. Jesus was most critical of those who used religion as an excuse to marginalize others. We are merely seeking to follow Jesus in the best way we can,” the pastor explained.

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

When Reverend Adam first arrived at the church in 2018, the congregation was incredibly small, down to only around 30 or so people. After coming up with an idea to spread their message through the sign out front, they started up a fundraiser and set it up. It paid off. Spiritually.

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

“I decided that we needed to be bold with our message of love and inclusion, especially for those who are marginalized especially by religion. My goal is is to be part of a larger movement that is reframing or redefining Christianity so that it’s based on God’s love for all people, but especially those who are marginalized.”

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

Pastor Adam said that even though the basic message about God loving everyone might sound cheesy, it was vital that they got it out in the community. “There are so many of us who are trying to get this message out and whether we do it in the name of God or the name of humanity or the name of God and humanity—I say amen, let’s do this.”

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

Fortunately, negative reactions toward the message board have been few and far between. “One guy stopped as I was changing the sign and told me I didn’t understand the Bible. But that’s been most of the criticism. Everyone else honks, or says ‘great job!’ It’s been very supportive. There is a big movement, not just in my generation but in all generations, of people looking for a more inclusive faith. We find it in Jesus.”

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

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Image credits: Clackamas United Church of Christ

According to the church’s website, Reverend Adam enjoys writing, coaching his son’s soccer and basketball teams, making breakfast, and long walks on the beach. We also have in common the fact that our favorite dessert is chocolate chip cookies and milk. Sometimes, the classics are eternal. Just like the wisdom on Adam’s signs.