A Truly Inclusive Community
It’s been four weeks since the Charge Conference at Grace UMC passed our covenant to be in ministry with LGBTQ+ individuals and families, allowing pastors to perform same-sex weddings, allowing the consideration of accepting LGBTQ+ clergy appointments and being open to various forms of ministry to support and show love to those who are LGBTQ+ in and around our community.
We, of the Gracious Reconcilers were pleased with the support and encouragement shown by our congregation in our affirmation of people who may not get that same support and encouragement and more importantly affirmation of their sexual orientation and gender identities in other church communities.
What comes next? I would expect that slowly we begin to get the word out that we are an affirming congregation. Along with that, the Gracious Reconcilers will begin to explore ways to do ministry with those who are LGBTQ+ and invite members of the congregation to join with us in reaching out to those most vulnerable in our communities. I don’t expect anything to happen overnight. In the worst case, perhaps we will lose a handful of members who do not agree with our covenant. In the best case, people will see that we are open to doing ministry in new ways and join with us in our mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
I heard a sermon this morning about the fact that God often takes us the Roundabout Way through our trials and challenges. I believe that our reconciling team at Grace has taken the long way around from our beginnings in 2016 until now. It has been an interesting journey, sometimes rewarding and sometimes frustrating (think pandemic!) but to see this covenant written and confirmed first by the administrative council and then by the congregation, has been it’s own reward.
Is our work finished? Not by a long shot. It’s only the beginning and we will need ALL OF YOU to continue the work we have begun. Now is the time to invite your friends and family to worship at Grace UMC and be part of a Truly Inclusive Community Passionately Following Jesus Christ. Tell your neighbors, gay and straight allies that Grace UMC will welcome and affirm ALL people, regardless of who or where they are on life’s journey.
If through your personal experience, you have relationships with LGBTQ+ persons and would like to suggest a way to connect with the greater community, please reach out to me or another person on our team. OR BETTER YET, Join our team! The more the merrier!
Thank you for your love and support over the past 6 1/2 years!
Peace and Grace to you in the name of God, our Heavenly Father, our Savior Jesus Christ, and our counselor the Holy Spirit
Merryl Dietz
July 24, 2022