When David Isla was seventeen and his father died, he felt alone and scared.  His father had been his rock, his security.  Until then, church had just been something to do on Sunday.  Church changed for him then.  In worship and prayer God’s love washed over him, comforting him and assuring him he was not alone.

Years later, church changed again.

David came to Seattle in 1999.  For years he and his partner, Gary Southerton, attended various churches in the city, but didn’t feel a connection with any of the communities they visited.  It was when they came to Plymouth, in 2007, that church took on a new meaning for David: it became a source of hope. 

As a partnered gay man, he found at Plymouth a community of people that opened their arms and hearts to him.  He and Gary were eager to join this open and affirming congregation that values hospitality and has a genuine commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ and its social justice mission.

David says, “Plymouth Church is a place where we feel safe, welcome, respected and valued as whole persons.  It is a place where we can feel comfortable to worship and experience Christian community.”