LGBT Church’s Easter service could be last

People from across the valley celebrated Easter Sunday with family, Easter egg hunts and Church Mass.

Unity Palm Springs, a LGBT-friendly church, celebrated its fourth service on Sunday.

Paul Tenaglia has been a minister for more than 17 years and said no matter who you are or what you believe you are welcome at Unity.

“We’re a gay church if you’re gay, we’re a straight church if you’re straight, we’re a bisexual church if you’re bisexual, we’re a black church if you’re black, we’re a white church. We’re everything. We’re like an everything bagel. Everyone who comes is welcome to be who they are and to celebrate the truth that God made us perfect just as we are,” Tenaglia said.

Unity Palm Springs is a familiar concept here in the desert. Another Unity Center called Palm Springs home nearly a decade ago, now many are calling this new center home.

“I call it a synergy of spirituality and the performing arts, where everyone meets together in the creative and it really is a blessing and joy to be a part of it,” Unity Center operations director, Gary Stevens said.

“Its an inspiring church and what I love about it the most is that it includes all the religions. Really, there’s so much spaciousness and inclusiveness in unity,” center member, Diana Wentworth said.

On a day when many walks of life are coming together as one, Unity is relying on that idea in order to keep its doors open. But if membership and funding do not come through, Unity’s Easter service could be one of their last.

“We accept all donations large and small. We’re so grateful for every bit. Everything that we get we put it forward so we can be here for the community, so you have a place to come where you are completely loved, completely welcome,” Tenaglia said.

If you would like learn more about Unity click here.