Reconciling Ministries Congregation
On November 29, 2018 our congregation voted to become a Reconciling Congregation. Our Reconciling Statement in support of our mission to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world is below.
At First United Methodist, we strive to embody the statement “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”. We embrace the diversity of our community and the world as a God-given classroom where we affirm that all people are beloved children of God and enveloped in God’s love and grace. In celebrating our diversity, we invite all persons to participate fully in the life and ministries of our church regardless of age, faith history, racial or ethnic background, marital or economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, physical or mental ability, and any other difference real or perceived.
We recognize ourselves as a reconciling congregation while acknowledging that there are differences among us. In spite of these differences, we firmly believe that we can love alike even though we may not think alike. We proclaim this statement of welcome to all who have known the pain of exclusion and discrimination in the church or in society, and we know that everyone’s participation in our ministries enriches us. We invite all people to join our faith journey, moving forward together in the important work of reconciliation and love for all people.
At First United Methodist, we strive to embody the statement “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”. We embrace the diversity of our community and the world as a God-given classroom where we affirm that all people are beloved children of God and enveloped in God’s love and grace. In celebrating our diversity, we invite all persons to participate fully in the life and ministries of our church regardless of age, faith history, racial or ethnic background, marital or economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, physical or mental ability, and any other difference real or perceived.
We recognize ourselves as a reconciling congregation while acknowledging that there are differences among us. In spite of these differences, we firmly believe that we can love alike even though we may not think alike. We proclaim this statement of welcome to all who have known the pain of exclusion and discrimination in the church or in society, and we know that everyone’s participation in our ministries enriches us. We invite all people to join our faith journey, moving forward together in the important work of reconciliation and love for all people.
Q & A for the LGBTq Community
Am I really welcome?
Yes. You are welcome here, period. We are all God's children. We believe God’s desire to reconcile is so great that all are welcome to fully participate in the life of the community. While the church law in the United Methodist Church does not yet allow for clergy to officiate at union ceremonies, and while the church does not yet ordain gay and lesbian clergy who are out, FUMC is working with this pain in many ways.
We are:
Yes. You are welcome here, period. We are all God's children. We believe God’s desire to reconcile is so great that all are welcome to fully participate in the life of the community. While the church law in the United Methodist Church does not yet allow for clergy to officiate at union ceremonies, and while the church does not yet ordain gay and lesbian clergy who are out, FUMC is working with this pain in many ways.
We are:
- Working toward change in the denomination.
- Aiming to be respectful in relationships.
- Making leadership, teaching, and ministry accessible for anyone with the gifts and passion.
- Studying the Bible's stories and wisdom while avoiding the harmful misuse of scripture.
- Affirming a God of love who does not call us to hate.
- Offering provocative, inspiring worship services aimed to help you live a life of balance – faith that is tended inwardly and lived outwardly.