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