Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 23, 2023 PRIDE RALLY| FROM PAGE 1 of the church. It would be easy to dismiss the incident as “just boys being boys,” Pastor Oduor noted. “However, the sign was not really in a position that was easy to get to,” she said. “Someone would have had to make an intentional effort to climb up the steep lawn and retrieve the sign and I don’t think it was a coincidence that they took the sign during Pride month. That is an intentional act of hatred,” she said. Leaders of the 200-yearold church organized the rally as a show of support for the LGBTYQIA+ community. LGBTQIA+ is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual and more – terms that are used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. “We welcome and affirm all of God’s children into this faith community regardless of age, race, ethnicity, economic status, gender or sexual orientation,” Pastor Oduor said. “Whoever you are, you are a beloved child of God – at East Saugus UMC everybody is welcome!” Joining Cogliano and Panetta were Selectmen Jeff Cicolini and Mike Serino, Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli and State Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus). Selectman Corrine Riley wasn’t able to attend the rally, but helped to plan it, she said. There are about 60 members who attend East Saugus United Methodist Church, according to Pastor Oduor. “I always tell my congregation that we are small but mighty. Our church has a history of being an active seeker of social justice going back to the Rev. Sunderland, who was passionate about the abolition of slavery in 5.0 %APY* INSURED 9 Month CD Your nest egg just got an upgrade. A GREAT RATE AND INSURANCE? NO WAY. YES WAY! Here’s your chance to reach your savings goal faster than ever. Everett Bank’s 9 Month CD with an amazing 5.0% APY* gets you closer to those financial goals much faster. Easily calculate better earnings with Everett Bank’s 9 Month CD. Go to everettbank.com to easily open your account on-line in just minutes. Pastor Pat Oduor addressed the “Pride Rally” at East Saugus United Methodist Church on Wednesday night. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano vowed to have a “Pride fl ag” raising ceremony in front of Town Hall next year. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) the 1830s,” she said. “Today we stand united in our commitment to creating a community where everyone can be proud of who they are,” she said. Pastor Oduor said she was pleased with the turnout for the Wednesday night rally. “People definitely came from the community,” she said. “And I love to see our flag flying. Next year, we’ll have a ‘Pride Rally’ at Town Hall,” she said. *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes that interest remains on deposit until maturity. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Minimum of $500 is required to open a Certificate of Deposit and earn the advertised APY. Member FDIC | Member DIF All Deposits Are Insured In Full.
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