Greetings in the name of Jesus the Messiah!
In January, 2009, Skyline UMC will be celebrating God's gracious call to dialogue, or verbal communion that enables us to live together with different understandings and perspectives of God's presence. We are currently engaged in a community conversation about whether or not God is calling us to make public our present policy of welcoming people into full membership who are typically marginalized in the church, including persons with mental and physical challenges and persons of minority affectional orientation and gender identity, who identify as both Christian and LGBT.
This blog collects some of the reflections of our members and friends, as we consider expanding our Mission Statement to explicitly welcome people who are typically marginalized in the Christian Church. You can read more details about this process at Skyline, including a FAQs section and an Invitation to Join this Dialogue, and participate online simply by responding to this post.
Our proposed Mission Statement:
The Mission of Skyline United Methodist Church is to:
reach out to all people seeking a deeper relationship with God, regardless of age, racial, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental ability, marital status, religious experience, affectional orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic status,
welcome them into a community of followers of Jesus who freely choose to worship, serve, and live together prayerfully and in peace following a Methodist understanding of God’s gift of grace,
equip them to live as the Holy Spirit gifts and guides, and
send them to serve and reach out to all people in Christ's name.
As you reflect on this proposed mission statement, please respond to the following questions:
1. What are your thoughts about the above revised mission statement?
2. How would you feel if our church adopted the above revised mission statement?
3. How would the revised mission statement impact you, the members of your household, our church and our community?
4. How do you sense God is calling you to behave toward seekers and followers of Jesus Christ who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender?
Peace,
Bo & Vicki Gordy-Stith
Co-Pastors of Skyline UMC
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Judie Riley's Dialogue Response
From: Judie Riley
Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009
To: Bo & Vicki Gordy-Stith
Subject: Mission Statement
1. What are your thoughts about the above revised mission statement?
I think the revised mission statement beautifully reflects my personal feelings about inclusiveness within the community. All means all, and we can turn our sights away from micro-managing terminology and begin living the mission statement within the community we live in with our actions.
2. How would you feel if our church adopted the above revised mission statement?
I would feel that my religious community had made an important step forward in reaching out to all members of the community with a sincere heart of accepting people where they are in their lives. Our church community would be strengthened by taking this action.
3. How would the revised mission statement impact you, the members of your household, our church and our community?
I think we as a group would be more attractive to others seeking spiritual guidance and longing for community in their lives. Skyline has the most loving, and inclusive congregation, capable and comfortable with extending a welcoming posture towards all people. We now stand unafraid to tell our authentic, personal stories as we gather together to strengthen the community.
4. How do you sense God is calling you to behave toward seekers and followers of Jesus Christ who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender?
God has always called me to reach out with love towards my fellow man, and to accept any who come searching for acceptance and truth and to discover together creative, liberating, and loving ways to gather in his name. At a time where we are living in unprecedented economic uncertainty, the need to accept and include others has never been greater in our community. Because of this downturn, we will come to recognize how much we are alike with our neighbor, and how much we need to work together as a team to instill stability and safety within the community. As the person who asked that Skyline begin the journey within the congregation and mission statement, I am more sure and resolute than ever that we are following God's will for Skyline Church.
Please feel free to post this statement if it is helpful for you and the church community. Hope to see you soon!
Judie
Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009
To: Bo & Vicki Gordy-Stith
Subject: Mission Statement
1. What are your thoughts about the above revised mission statement?
I think the revised mission statement beautifully reflects my personal feelings about inclusiveness within the community. All means all, and we can turn our sights away from micro-managing terminology and begin living the mission statement within the community we live in with our actions.
2. How would you feel if our church adopted the above revised mission statement?
I would feel that my religious community had made an important step forward in reaching out to all members of the community with a sincere heart of accepting people where they are in their lives. Our church community would be strengthened by taking this action.
3. How would the revised mission statement impact you, the members of your household, our church and our community?
I think we as a group would be more attractive to others seeking spiritual guidance and longing for community in their lives. Skyline has the most loving, and inclusive congregation, capable and comfortable with extending a welcoming posture towards all people. We now stand unafraid to tell our authentic, personal stories as we gather together to strengthen the community.
4. How do you sense God is calling you to behave toward seekers and followers of Jesus Christ who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender?
God has always called me to reach out with love towards my fellow man, and to accept any who come searching for acceptance and truth and to discover together creative, liberating, and loving ways to gather in his name. At a time where we are living in unprecedented economic uncertainty, the need to accept and include others has never been greater in our community. Because of this downturn, we will come to recognize how much we are alike with our neighbor, and how much we need to work together as a team to instill stability and safety within the community. As the person who asked that Skyline begin the journey within the congregation and mission statement, I am more sure and resolute than ever that we are following God's will for Skyline Church.
Please feel free to post this statement if it is helpful for you and the church community. Hope to see you soon!
Judie
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Debbie Christie's Dialogue Response
From: Debbie Christie
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009
To: Pastors
Subject: mission dialogue input
Overall, - I don’t think this is about any of those things listed in the new mission statement except GLBT. I don’t know if people are “born” GLBT or choose the lifestyle but I am quite sure it’s not my place to make a call on that. I’m a little disappointed that we have to have a dialogue around welcoming people in though. Regardless of what individuals feel about GLBT, they are people who follow Christ and want to grow in that relationship. I hope that our actions speak louder than the words on a paper to the GLBT community and that they do feel welcome.
To Reach out to all people seeking a deeper relationship with God, regardless of age, racial, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental ability, marital status, religious experience, affectional orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic status, Welcome them into a community of followers of Jesus who freely choose to worship, serve, and live together prayerfully and in peace following a Methodist understanding of God’s gift of grace, Equip them to live as the Holy Spirit gifts and guides, and Send them to serve and reach out to all people in Christ's name.
1) What are your thoughts about the above revised mission statement?
If it makes someone in one of those groups feel more comfortable with coming to our worship service, then I’m fine with it.
2) How would you feel if our church adopted the above revised mission statement?
On the one hand, I don’t really feel that we need to change the mission statement but on the other, if it gives an outsider some level of comfort they haven’t had before, then that would be ok too. Bottom line is, once people come through the doors if our actions (welcoming, loving, accepting) are not speaking louder than the words on a piece of paper, they’ll leave.
Also, I’d be concerned if joining the Reconciling Ministries Network, in any way, had any (perceived or real) negative effect on the Pastor’s Appointments to Skyline.
3) How would the revised mission statement impact you, the members of your household, our church and our community?
Little if any impact to me or my household, although, as a parent, I would need more education on how to address questions my son might ask.
From a church perspective, I believe that as new people come to church and we fellowship, learn about each other, and grow as Believers. we’ll continue to grow as a family.
For the community and for the people in the church, it’s probably a good thing to welcome all people and let them know they are welcome.. but again, it’s not the words on the paper that will do this – it’s the actions we take, the programs we have and the love that we show to each other that will get around – by word of mouth.
4) How do you sense God is calling you to behave toward seekers and followers of Jesus Christ who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender?
As I would behave toward anyone.
Debbie Christie
Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009
To: Pastors
Subject: mission dialogue input
Overall, - I don’t think this is about any of those things listed in the new mission statement except GLBT. I don’t know if people are “born” GLBT or choose the lifestyle but I am quite sure it’s not my place to make a call on that. I’m a little disappointed that we have to have a dialogue around welcoming people in though. Regardless of what individuals feel about GLBT, they are people who follow Christ and want to grow in that relationship. I hope that our actions speak louder than the words on a paper to the GLBT community and that they do feel welcome.
To Reach out to all people seeking a deeper relationship with God, regardless of age, racial, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental ability, marital status, religious experience, affectional orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic status, Welcome them into a community of followers of Jesus who freely choose to worship, serve, and live together prayerfully and in peace following a Methodist understanding of God’s gift of grace, Equip them to live as the Holy Spirit gifts and guides, and Send them to serve and reach out to all people in Christ's name.
1) What are your thoughts about the above revised mission statement?
If it makes someone in one of those groups feel more comfortable with coming to our worship service, then I’m fine with it.
2) How would you feel if our church adopted the above revised mission statement?
On the one hand, I don’t really feel that we need to change the mission statement but on the other, if it gives an outsider some level of comfort they haven’t had before, then that would be ok too. Bottom line is, once people come through the doors if our actions (welcoming, loving, accepting) are not speaking louder than the words on a piece of paper, they’ll leave.
Also, I’d be concerned if joining the Reconciling Ministries Network, in any way, had any (perceived or real) negative effect on the Pastor’s Appointments to Skyline.
3) How would the revised mission statement impact you, the members of your household, our church and our community?
Little if any impact to me or my household, although, as a parent, I would need more education on how to address questions my son might ask.
From a church perspective, I believe that as new people come to church and we fellowship, learn about each other, and grow as Believers. we’ll continue to grow as a family.
For the community and for the people in the church, it’s probably a good thing to welcome all people and let them know they are welcome.. but again, it’s not the words on the paper that will do this – it’s the actions we take, the programs we have and the love that we show to each other that will get around – by word of mouth.
4) How do you sense God is calling you to behave toward seekers and followers of Jesus Christ who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender?
As I would behave toward anyone.
Debbie Christie
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Julie DiMatteo's Dialogue Response
From: Julie DiMatteo
Subject: response to having a publicly open church
To: VickI and Bo Gordy-Stith
Date: Monday, January 26, 2009
1. I like the detailed description of accepting everyone. As someone who searched for an openly accepting church, language is very important. Many places say they do not discriminate...however it is very different than stating you accept people whatever their sexual orientation is or gender identity. Also I like the second part of the new mission statement because it says that Skyline is not only accepting but willing to let you serve the body of Christ no matter what identity or orientation. In some places they might accept you but you cannot serve. They want to claim to be accepting totally, but their acceptance comes with terms of hiddenness. This mission statement says we accept and we will use your gifts for the Glory of Christ.
2. I would like the church to adopt it. I have many people who ask me about Skyline because they know my sexual orientation and say "it is not publicly accepting". I believe making our mission statement public lets people who are seeking a Jesus-Centered Accepting Church Community easier to try it out. I believe the fear of not knowing can hold back people from trying Skyline (as it did for me for several months).
3. It would impact my family in a tremendous way. I want to be a part of a community that is accepting and I chose to have my son baptized at skyline because it is. I want my sons to grow up knowing it is okay to be who God made you to be. I want them to develop spiritually at a place that does not judge their mother based on her sexuality but holds her accountable because of the spiritual fruit in her life. I want my sons to be around families who love Jesus...whether they are gay, straight, bi, or transgender. I want them to know God's unconditional love through a church community. There is enough hatred, ignorance, and pain in our world towards people who are LGBT, it should not be in the House of God. As someone who has experienced the above emotions from the world and the church, I do not want my sons experience that in the Church. That is why we go to Skyline. That is why we have chosen it as our spiritual home. I am proud to be part of a congregation that is loving and accepting. Making it official takes a stand against the prejudice, ignorance, and politics that are discouraging and heartbreaking to LGBT Christians. I come to Skyline because it challenges, encourages, and directs me to be a stronger Christian so I may serve Jesus as called.
4. As a member of the LGBT community I believe that God is calling me to behave toward an LGBT person no differently than to someone who is straight. I do believe I am called to show God's love and introduce them to a congregation that doesn't label them but loves, encourages, and directs them. I often get shocked responses when I say I go to church, because most people in the LGBT community have had negative experiences in churches. So I believe part of my calling is to be out and open about my sexual orientation and help others in the LGBT community know God's Love.
Julie DiMatteo
Subject: response to having a publicly open church
To: VickI and Bo Gordy-Stith
Date: Monday, January 26, 2009
1. I like the detailed description of accepting everyone. As someone who searched for an openly accepting church, language is very important. Many places say they do not discriminate...however it is very different than stating you accept people whatever their sexual orientation is or gender identity. Also I like the second part of the new mission statement because it says that Skyline is not only accepting but willing to let you serve the body of Christ no matter what identity or orientation. In some places they might accept you but you cannot serve. They want to claim to be accepting totally, but their acceptance comes with terms of hiddenness. This mission statement says we accept and we will use your gifts for the Glory of Christ.
2. I would like the church to adopt it. I have many people who ask me about Skyline because they know my sexual orientation and say "it is not publicly accepting". I believe making our mission statement public lets people who are seeking a Jesus-Centered Accepting Church Community easier to try it out. I believe the fear of not knowing can hold back people from trying Skyline (as it did for me for several months).
3. It would impact my family in a tremendous way. I want to be a part of a community that is accepting and I chose to have my son baptized at skyline because it is. I want my sons to grow up knowing it is okay to be who God made you to be. I want them to develop spiritually at a place that does not judge their mother based on her sexuality but holds her accountable because of the spiritual fruit in her life. I want my sons to be around families who love Jesus...whether they are gay, straight, bi, or transgender. I want them to know God's unconditional love through a church community. There is enough hatred, ignorance, and pain in our world towards people who are LGBT, it should not be in the House of God. As someone who has experienced the above emotions from the world and the church, I do not want my sons experience that in the Church. That is why we go to Skyline. That is why we have chosen it as our spiritual home. I am proud to be part of a congregation that is loving and accepting. Making it official takes a stand against the prejudice, ignorance, and politics that are discouraging and heartbreaking to LGBT Christians. I come to Skyline because it challenges, encourages, and directs me to be a stronger Christian so I may serve Jesus as called.
4. As a member of the LGBT community I believe that God is calling me to behave toward an LGBT person no differently than to someone who is straight. I do believe I am called to show God's love and introduce them to a congregation that doesn't label them but loves, encourages, and directs them. I often get shocked responses when I say I go to church, because most people in the LGBT community have had negative experiences in churches. So I believe part of my calling is to be out and open about my sexual orientation and help others in the LGBT community know God's Love.
Julie DiMatteo
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Angela Stamis' Dialogue Response
From: Angela Stamis
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009
To: Bo and Vicki Gordy-Stith
Subject: My Statement
I think the new mission statement is awesome. It's about time a church stood up to the plate and welcomed everyone. I don't remember reading anywhere in the bible where Jesus said 'no, you are not allowed to worship my father'. How absurd is it that so many churches get on a high horse and deny people? Why are churches turning away people who want Jesus in their life? I would never turn away someone who wanted to learn more about God. It's absolute blasphemy!
I myself am Gay and very proud of who I am. It wasn't until I came out that I finally felt "normal". Being around other gays made me feel at home. I didn't chose this life. I didn't wake up one morning and say 'how can I make my life harder...that's it! I think I'll be gay!" There is no man that will make me "go straight" God made me this way. Anyone who has a problem with me sexual orientation should go talk to the maker! God loves me. He speaks to me often and I've actually heard him say 'you are still my child. I have not left you' I believe God made me this way so that I could better relate to those who are discriminated against. It makes me only stronger and I find that I'm more willing to stand up not only for myself but for others.
I was at another church before Skyline. It also was a Methodist church. I wanted to become a member although I did not feel led to do it. I had actually been feeling led towards skyline. Anyway, I was going through the process and at the end pulled the minister aside and spoke to him about my orientation. He said because of who I was I could not be a member. He also said that I would have to go through counseling so that I would not act out on my urges before I could become a member. I remember looking him right in the eye with my fiancee by my side. I said "I will NEVER be a member of this church." I still attended the church for a little while till I heard God call me to Skyline.
Skyline is all about the love and acceptance of others. It's the kind of church Jesus would come to and kick up his feet and say 'this is what I was talking about!' To change your mission statement only proves how much love and acceptance this church has. It's a step in the right direction. It's a church I'm proud to say I attend. I 100% back up the church. It will show others that they are welcome and that God loves them. Good for you for doing God's work...as God would say "good work my faithful servant"
Angela
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009
To: Bo and Vicki Gordy-Stith
Subject: My Statement
I think the new mission statement is awesome. It's about time a church stood up to the plate and welcomed everyone. I don't remember reading anywhere in the bible where Jesus said 'no, you are not allowed to worship my father'. How absurd is it that so many churches get on a high horse and deny people? Why are churches turning away people who want Jesus in their life? I would never turn away someone who wanted to learn more about God. It's absolute blasphemy!
I myself am Gay and very proud of who I am. It wasn't until I came out that I finally felt "normal". Being around other gays made me feel at home. I didn't chose this life. I didn't wake up one morning and say 'how can I make my life harder...that's it! I think I'll be gay!" There is no man that will make me "go straight" God made me this way. Anyone who has a problem with me sexual orientation should go talk to the maker! God loves me. He speaks to me often and I've actually heard him say 'you are still my child. I have not left you' I believe God made me this way so that I could better relate to those who are discriminated against. It makes me only stronger and I find that I'm more willing to stand up not only for myself but for others.
I was at another church before Skyline. It also was a Methodist church. I wanted to become a member although I did not feel led to do it. I had actually been feeling led towards skyline. Anyway, I was going through the process and at the end pulled the minister aside and spoke to him about my orientation. He said because of who I was I could not be a member. He also said that I would have to go through counseling so that I would not act out on my urges before I could become a member. I remember looking him right in the eye with my fiancee by my side. I said "I will NEVER be a member of this church." I still attended the church for a little while till I heard God call me to Skyline.
Skyline is all about the love and acceptance of others. It's the kind of church Jesus would come to and kick up his feet and say 'this is what I was talking about!' To change your mission statement only proves how much love and acceptance this church has. It's a step in the right direction. It's a church I'm proud to say I attend. I 100% back up the church. It will show others that they are welcome and that God loves them. Good for you for doing God's work...as God would say "good work my faithful servant"
Angela
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Janet Yabroff's Dialogue Response
From: Janet Yabroff
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009
To: Bo and Vicki Gordy-Stith
Subject: response to dialogue invitation
Bo and Vicki, here are some reflections on your questions, with permission given to publish, and use my name
1+2) I feel quite positive about the new mission statement. Skyline's courage in living boldly into Jesus' call, is what drew us here. The biblical call "Ho, everyone that thirsts, come to the waters, without cost......." has motivated me for decades. Jesus put no conditions on who could belong in his community, and our intentions should match his.
3) Although diversity is not always easy to live with, it can lead to more understanding, richness, and harmony. It is a true picture of God's kingdom, more importantly.
4) God calls me to behave toward varying gender-preferences the same way I relate to all seekers, with a welcome so warm and genuine that it's irresistible, drawing them into our faith family, where the heart finds its home.
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009
To: Bo and Vicki Gordy-Stith
Subject: response to dialogue invitation
Bo and Vicki, here are some reflections on your questions, with permission given to publish, and use my name
1+2) I feel quite positive about the new mission statement. Skyline's courage in living boldly into Jesus' call, is what drew us here. The biblical call "Ho, everyone that thirsts, come to the waters, without cost......." has motivated me for decades. Jesus put no conditions on who could belong in his community, and our intentions should match his.
3) Although diversity is not always easy to live with, it can lead to more understanding, richness, and harmony. It is a true picture of God's kingdom, more importantly.
4) God calls me to behave toward varying gender-preferences the same way I relate to all seekers, with a welcome so warm and genuine that it's irresistible, drawing them into our faith family, where the heart finds its home.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Dennis Nantais' Dialogue Response
Received written submission in pastors’ inbox January 1, 2009 from Dennis Nantais
Dear Pastors Bo and Vicki,
I believe in the new mission statement, that everyone should be welcome in the church. I will support this mission and the members of the church in any way I can.
Your Brother in Christ,
Dennis Nantais
Dear Pastors Bo and Vicki,
I believe in the new mission statement, that everyone should be welcome in the church. I will support this mission and the members of the church in any way I can.
Your Brother in Christ,
Dennis Nantais
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)