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. We are all God’s children. We believe God's love for all creation and God’s desire to reconcile is without measure and is unconditional. So, all are welcome to fully participate in the life of First United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church (UMC) has eliminated from its polity (church law) all discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, including restrictions related to marriage and who can become UMC clergy.
What does the UMC teach about human sexuality?
The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church (doctrinal and theological teachings of the Church) affirm “human sexuality as a sacred gift…Human sexuality is a healthy and natural part of life that is expressed in wonderfully diverse ways from birth to death…We further honor the diversity of choices and vocations in relation to sexuality such as celibacy, marriage and singleness…We support the rights of all people to exercise personal consent in sexual relationships, to make decisions about their own bodies and be supported in those decisions…”
What does the UMC teach about marriage?
The Social Principles of the UMC “affirm marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant that brings two people of faith, an adult man and woman of consenting age or two adult persons of consenting age, into union with one another and into deeper relationship with God and the religious community.”
Is it important for First UMC to remain a part of the Reconciling Ministries Network?
Yes. Even though The United Methodist Church has eliminated all discrimination against LGBTQ+ people from church law, we remain committed to the removal of all lingering vestiges of institutional bias and the advancement of justice and inclusion for all people in the Church and society.
Yes! You are welcome here. We are all God’s children. We believe God's love for all creation and God’s desire to reconcile is without measure and is unconditional. So, all are welcome to fully participate in the life of First United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church (UMC) has eliminated from its polity (church law) all discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, including restrictions related to marriage and who can become UMC clergy.
What does the UMC teach about human sexuality?
The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church (doctrinal and theological teachings of the Church) affirm “human sexuality as a sacred gift…Human sexuality is a healthy and natural part of life that is expressed in wonderfully diverse ways from birth to death…We further honor the diversity of choices and vocations in relation to sexuality such as celibacy, marriage and singleness…We support the rights of all people to exercise personal consent in sexual relationships, to make decisions about their own bodies and be supported in those decisions…”
What does the UMC teach about marriage?
The Social Principles of the UMC “affirm marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant that brings two people of faith, an adult man and woman of consenting age or two adult persons of consenting age, into union with one another and into deeper relationship with God and the religious community.”
Is it important for First UMC to remain a part of the Reconciling Ministries Network?
Yes. Even though The United Methodist Church has eliminated all discrimination against LGBTQ+ people from church law, we remain committed to the removal of all lingering vestiges of institutional bias and the advancement of justice and inclusion for all people in the Church and society.