Becoming a Reconciling Church

Greetings beloved of The United Methodist Church at Lakewood,

God’s peace and grace be with you!

We are excited to continue the important work that our congregation began before the pandemic in identifying as a Reconciling Church with the Reconciling Ministries Network (rmn.org). This congregation has already engaged in deep, meaningful conversations and reflections, wrestling with tough issues and systems—efforts that have helped shape the inclusive community we are today.

As we look to the future, we are revisiting and refreshing these discussions. During Lent, we are taking time to reflect on this ongoing journey, and we invite you to be a part of this conversation. Last Sunday, Debbie Warmington shared her personal journey navigating these issues and has been a champion in this cause, helping us move forward both then and now.

We invite you to participate in the following opportunities to engage with us in this important process and to connect with Debbie or any member of the Core Team for one-on-one discussions:

• March 23rd: In-Person Town Hall Discussion, 11:30 am at the Church

• March 30th: Zoom Town Hall, Sunday at 6 pm (Zoom Link)

• April 13th: We will vote during the response time of our Sunday Worship

• April 20th: Celebrate becoming a Reconciling Congregation on Easter Sunday

  • Assuming the vote passes

What does becoming a Reconciling Church mean? This means that we would identify our church as one that celebrates God's gift of diversity, welcoming and affirming people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status. And as followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed

We encourage all who are interested to engage in this process and be present for the vote on April 13th. This is an exciting and pivotal moment for our church!

We are praying for God’s continued guidance and for each of you as we move forward together.

Blessings,

Pastor Stephen & the Core Team