Skyline Welcome Statement Dialogue

Invitation to Join the Dialogue

2009-03-15T03:58:00.000-07:00

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

Judie Riley's Dialogue Response

2009-03-15T03:54:00.000-07:00

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

Debbie Christie's Dialogue Response

2009-02-28T07:45:00.000-08:00

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

Julie DiMatteo's Dialogue Response

2009-01-27T05:27:00.000-08:00

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

Angela Stamis' Dialogue Response

2009-01-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

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

Janet Yabroff's Dialogue Response

2009-01-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

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.

Dennis Nantais' Dialogue Response

2009-01-05T12:51:00.000-08:00

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

Curt Lawson's Dialogue Response

2009-01-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

From: Curtis Lawson
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008
To: Bo & Vicki Gordy-Stith and Ivan M Turner, Jr.
Subject: Skyline UMC Mission Statement

1. What are your thoughts about the above revised mission statement?
I think the existing mission statement adequately communicates the mission of Skyline----ALL are welcome if they seek a deeper relationship with God. I see no need to revise the existing mission statement.

2. How would you feel if our church adopted the above revised mission statement?
I feel that the proposed revision to the Skyline UMC mission statement is too “legalistic” in trying to define the specific groups who are welcomed at Skyline. In Jesus’ time, it would certainly have kept the Pharisees busy debating about what group should or should not be included in the statement. The bottom line is that ALL are welcomed at Skyline, and I see no need to try to come up with a list of specific groups for which this applies.

3. How would the revised mission statement impact you, the members of your household, our church and our community?
The revised mission statement is obviously written to be “politically correct” in identifying all the various groups that are welcomed at Skyline, and I’m sure there are some additional groups that have not been included, and will probably need to be added in the future (political affiliation, veterans, cigarette smokers, and dog lovers, to name a few). If someone is searching the web to find a church, I think that the legalistic nature of the revised mission statement would turn away more people than it would bring in.

We need to grow our congregation so we can adequately support and expand our mission and outreach programs to serve and reach out to others in the community in Christ’s name. I do not believe the revised mission statement is the way to accomplish this.

In practice, actions speak louder than words. It is really how an individual feels he or she is being treated by the individual members of Skyline that is the ultimate test of the welcoming nature of our church. This type of Christian welcome comes from the hearts of the individual congregation members, not from a mission statement.

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?
No different than I behave toward any other seekers and followers of Jesus. If a person is committed to Jesus Christ and willing to use his or her spiritual, physical, and/or financial gifts to serve the church and reach out to others in Christ’s name, then he or she is indeed welcome at Skyline UMC.

Submitted by: Curt Lawson, 30 December 2008 (Male, 50’s, Skyline member 8 yrs)

Cathy Falcone's and Michelle Jackson's Dialogue Response

2009-01-05T12:41:00.000-08:00

From: Cathy Falcone and Michelle Jackson
Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2008
To: Vicki and Bo Gordy-Stith
Subject: Mission statement proposed revision

We both like the use of the following:

"To Reach out to all people seeking a deeper relationship with God, 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."

It is our feeling that if the word "all" is used, then everything after that ("regardless of age, racial, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental ability, marital status, religious experience, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic status"), is redundant. "All" is a superlative, and it's literal meaning taken for what it is. Using "all", then going on to itemize accepted groups disregards the meaning of "all" and actually says, parenthetically - this is who we mean by all; thereby effectively excluding anyone not on that list.If we begin listing groups, then we risk having to revise the mission statement again when the next excluded group comes up. Not that periodic review and revision are bad. As the Constitution used "all", it was dynamic, allowing itself to conform to changing times; not needing rewording to express inclusion for any particular group or groups. If, as it would appear, Skyline is attempting to roll with the changing times by revising the mission statement, then we, too can be dynamic by following that example. Why not change it in such a way that it is always true, and always faithful.

We don't want to become known as an LGBT church. As believers, Christ is first, and who we are in Him takes priority over what communities we identify with inside the community of believers. The mission statement wording should not be what draws people to Skyline. It should be the attitude and hearts of the membership, and above all, the wooing of the Holy Spirit. We know we were led to Skyline by the Holy Spirit. The people at Skyline made us feel welcome and part of this family. We were welcomed into this church without the benefit of particular wording in the mission statement. We appreciate the diversity of this congregation, and that INCLUDES those who may not approve of us or our sexual orientations. It would be sad, if in our attempt to level the playing field, we unintentionally exclude those who are perhaps tolerant, but may not agree with us. We don't want to see wording marginalize others even as we try to de-marginalize certain groups of people.

We read one member's comment about not wanting the focus of Skyline taken from Jesus. We have been to churches who formally state their inclusions, and we've found their focus to be not on Jesus, but on an LGBT lifestyle. We too, are concerned that we could lose our focus.

We believe God calls us to encourage all who seek relationship with him, regardless of sexual orientation. It is also our feeling that Skyline does this very well - currently - and we testify to that in our membership in this church.

Cathy Falcone and Michelle Jackson

Pierre Theron's Dialogue Response

2008-12-23T07:41:00.000-08:00

From Pierre Theron
Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2008
To: Bo Gordy-Stith
Subject: Mission Statement

I'm fine with the revised mission statement and will support its adoption by the church.

I doubt that it will have any impact on me or my family and do not believe that it will have a major impact on the church except that there may be a few members who may not be totally comfortable with it. To some degree I question whether a mission statement has any impact on the community outside of the church. In most cases you have to be involved with the church to be familiar with its mission statement. I believe church members and the way they act towards folks in the community have a bigger impact than a mission statement could ever have.

I try to behave the same towards everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation. Sometimes I succeed but other times I fail and have to remind myself to be a better person.

Norm Holt's Dialogue Response

2008-12-16T08:54:00.000-08:00

From: Norm Holt
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Subject: Welcome Statement Revision

1. What are your thoughts about the above revised mission statement?

I do not think the statement should be expanded. Our Welcome to the public need not be embellished with identifications of who is welcome, rather we need only say that ALL are welcome and leave it at that. The Welcome Statement as expanded and the considered association with Reconciling Ministries is a step toward bringing our church into the cultural and political arena of our present culture. As I read the Bible I see our savior promoting an embrace of the Kingdom of God rather than the Kingdom of Man (culture and politics, etc.) Our focus of Welcome need only be on the message of Jesus Christ through sermon and ministry. I oppose this statements apparent venture into “Identity Politics*”

* Identity politics is political action to advance the interests of members of a group whose members are oppressed by virtue of a shared and marginalized identity (such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or neurological wiring). The term has been used principally in United States politics since the 1970s. (per internet: Wikipedia)

2. How would you feel if our church adopted the above revised mission statement?

I would accept our Church’s statement as revised, but I would consider it unnecessary and obfuscation.

3. How would the revised mission statement impact you, the members of your household, our church and our community?

For myself and my family we would get along with the change. I am concerned that if Skyline gets caught up in “Identity Politics” we would become a pawn of the prevailing political climate at the expense of focusing on the message of the Bible. Our community would then see us a limited agenda institution.

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?

Skyline has accepted me with the dysfunctions I bring to the table. I am pleased to welcome, get to know, and work with all who want to worship here at Skyline.

Anonymous Male Dialogue Response

2008-12-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

From: [name withheld: male, 50’s, member or friend for 5-10 years]
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008
Subject: Questions – [name withheld]'s response.

1. What are your thoughts about the above revised mission statement?
I see no need for what I would call selective specificity. Thus, I am not at all in favor of the new proposed mission statement.

2. How would you feel if the church adopted the proposed new revised mission statement?
Based on my first answer, I would be upset because I again see no reason for selective specificity.

3. How would the new mission statement impact you and others?
I truly do not know. I’m not even sure what the impact would be on me, so I certainly won’t guess at what ifs for others.

4. How do I feel God is calling me to behave toward seekers who are gay, lesbian, Bi-sexual or transgender?
The same as anyone else. Painters, lawyers, happy people, divorced people, handicapped people, etc. etc. etc. Please get the point that it doesn’t matter to me because we are not to judge our fellow man, God will be the judge, neither Bo, Vicki, Skyline Council nor [me].

Anonymous Female Dialogue Response

2008-12-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

From: [name withheld: female, 50’s, member or friend for 5-10 years]
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008
Subject: Refection Response

1. What are your thoughts about the above revised mission statement?
I feel the current mission statement says it all. We are suppose to reach out to all who seek a deeper relationship with God. So, I am not sure why it is important we change it. I don’t believe we need to get into all of the wordiness of the new statement when the current statement states very clearly we need to reach out to others. I do not like the proposed mission statement.

2. How would you feel if our church adopted the above revised mission statement?
I would not like it at all. Once again, the current one says it all. I believe the proposed statement is a round about way of saying to the congregation we are going to become a RMN church and this mission statement supports it 100%. I think it is a play on words and I don’t like it.

3. How would the revised mission statement impact you, the members of your household, our church and our community?
I would be very disappointed with the mission statement changing. I feel like there has been far too much emphasis on RMN. I feel like the move to change the church to RMN has had more emphasis on same sex partners than on God. I think our focus has not been on God and I think this is the reason why there is so much strife and failure at Skyline. I feel as far as a community is concerned, I believe if the church was labeled RMN it would be known strictly as church for GLBT and not be reflected any other way. It disappoints me to see how far we are going to push this and see the damage it is causing. Our current mission statement very clearly states what we should be doing as followers of Christ. If we can’t welcome and accept others into our church for who they are it is not because of our mission statement, it is because of ignorance.

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 far as my beliefs are concerned in how God is calling me, I feel that I have the ability to love others regardless. I do not look at someone for their sexual preference, I look at them for the person they are. I know that there is so much more to all of us than our sexual preference. This is just a small part of who we are as individuals. We are suppose to love others unconditionally and I feel I do this already. Changing a mission statement is not going to change those who don’t love unconditionally. What bothers me tremendously is that we are not putting our focus on God first, I believe we are putting it on sexual preference. Huge concern!!!

Ivan Turner, Jr.'s Dialogue Response

2008-12-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

From: Ivan Turner, Jr.

Sent: Saturday, November 08, 2008
Subject: Dialog Statement - Ivan

1. What are your thoughts about the above revised mission statement?

I believe that the Draft Mission Statement is a reflection of who we are as a church already. This is not a radical change, but an expression of the loving and accepting nature that already exists at Skyline.

2. How would you feel if our church adopted the above revised mission statement?

I am excited about the opportunity to “let the secret out.” We should not be hiding the great blessing of being a loving and accepting community. We should be exclaiming it as a blessing and a paradigm shift in a world where many find the church old, stuffy and out of touch with the real needs of people and the community. This is an opportunity to be a light of hope to many who have given up hope.

3. How would the revised mission statement impact you, the members of your household, our church and our community?

· Impact to me – finding ways to “walk the talk” by practicing the elements of the mission statement and living as part of “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”

· Impact to my family - learning to understand and express the compassion of God by first accepting others as God’s children and then making them feel welcome.

· Impact to our church – learning to accept the challenge of looking past what makes us different and seeing all who walk through the doors as distinctive children of God.

· Impact to the community – once Skyline UMC finds a way to apply the energy from bridging our differences to create a unique loving community, then those outside of our church will hear the “Skyline buzz” and be clamoring to check us out and see what makes us so different from other churches.

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?

Loving and accepting them for who God has wonderfully and beautifully made them to be and finding ways to serve and support all with my prayers, gifts and service.

At this point in my life, I am a proponent of accepting Christians who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender into full participation in church life including all aspects of fellowship, membership, and leadership.

I believe that the greater United Methodist Church will eventually join Skyline in accepting clergy who openly identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender persons. In the meantime, as a loving and accepting community, we should continue to pray, participate, and serve in the greater Methodist church as a witness to God’s work in our midst at Skyline.

Karen Boyce's Dialogue Response

2008-12-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

From: Karen Boyce
Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Subject: Reflections on New Mission Statement

It is fine that you attribute to me what I say below. However, if we have a book on public display, I have some concerns that there are those who will try to create an extra division, an "us" and "them" environment. Even so, I still will allow my name to appear.

I believe we should adopt the revised mission statement. It specifically states that everyone is welcome in our church, with no exceptions. I feel everyone who wants to worship with us should be able to do so, and with this revised statement, they will know that they are welcome.

I also believe that anyone in our church, regardless of their sexual orientation, who is qualified for leadership, preaching, or any other gift, should be able to do so, within the same guidelines as everyone else.

I would hope that this revised statement would not have a negative impact on our church, but I fear it might. However, I believe it is the right thing to do, and feel it should be adopted as soon as feasible.
Jesus told us to love everybody - no exclusions. That is what I feel I am called to do.

Karen Boyce

Phyllis and Dick Hite's Dialogue Response

2008-12-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

Received written submission in pastors’ inbox week of October 26, 2008 from Phyllis and Dick Hite

What are your thoughts about the proposed revised mission statement? What are your feelings?

We have no problem with the new mission statement.

How would you feel if our church adopted the revised mission statement?

No problem.

How would the revised mission statement above impact you? members of your household? the community?

The new statement is fine!

How do you sense God is calling you to behave toward seekers and followers of Jesus Christ who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender?

To treat them no different than any other human being.

Duncan and Natalie Outslay's Dialogue Response

2008-12-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

From: Duncan & Natalie Outslay
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008
Subject: RE: dialogue responses

Natalie and I discussed the proposed new mission statement and here are our responses to the questions.

What are your thoughts on the proposed mission statement? What are your feelings?

We feel that the "Reach" portion is very inclusive. It appears to include everyone under the sun. Having spelled out all of the different groups may help others of these different groups who have felt persecuted by the Church.

How would the revised mission statement above impact you? members of your household? the community?

We do not feel that this would impact us or our household. It may certainly affect other households but I feel that ultimately it will affect them in a positive way. A way or a step toward becoming more Christ-like. A community that does not judge but welcomes and loves all.

How do you sense God is calling you to behave toward seekers and followers of Jesus Christ who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender?

We feel that God is calling us to treat these individuals no different than anyone else.

Short and sweet. Just like what I have to offer during the council meetings.

See you on Sunday.

Duncan

John Cooper's Dialogue Response

2008-12-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

From: John Cooper
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2008
Subject: Invitation to join dialogue memo

I read through the handout that you gave me. I think it makes a lot of sense and I think the questions are the right questions to ask.

The one thing you might want to consider including is a paragraph on “why”. I would imagine there may be several members of the congregation that aren’t as close to this issue. Why is it important for Skyline to make this change now? Is there still a place for me? Is this too radical, I am ok with GLBT folks in the congregation but why change the mission statement? Other churches aren’t doing it?

My personal take is:

My vision of a Christian community is one of acceptance. I like to think that no matter what predicament I might be in, the church would be the one place I could find solace and friendship, regardless of whether I was adhering to all the doctrine. It concerns me to think that other Christians aren’t given this same right.

Why now? It is important for the health of the church to stay current with issues facing society as a whole. The gay/lesbian issue has clearly been in the headlines in recent months. By acknowledging it, it shows we are a living church grounded in present day.

What I don’t think the mission is: It is not a line drawn in the sand meant to taunt those with a different perspective. In fact, it is the opposite. It is an attempt to create an atmosphere for all Christians to come together in a safe haven. It is more important for us to acknowledge and support that each of us is trying to get on or stay on the right path than it is for us to review the path others have taken.

I hope this helps!

Ruthann DeJuliis' Dialogue Response

2008-12-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

From: Ruthann DeJuliis

Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 6:10 PM
Subject: Dialogue Responses

What are your thoughts on the proposed mission statement? What are your feelings?

Too bad that All does not mean All to all people, however this reminds me of the time during the civil rights struggle when the words “separate but equal” did not mean equal at all! Since all people are of sacred worth, then the extra effort to identify all people is a effort worth taking. I feel good about our community that will place the feelings of others and their need to be certain of their inclusion about our own need to have a succinct mission statement.

How would the revised mission statement above impact you? members of your household? the community?

How it impacts me and my family is so minor compared to how it might impact others. By that I mean that I recognize that this statement already includes and identifies us; but if in so listing specifically we can begin a conversation that leads others to Jesus then the impact will be huge!

How do you sense God is calling you to behave toward seekers and followers of Jesus Christ who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender?

I work with a transgender person that lives in Newark whom I have invited to Skyline. I have listened to her talk over the years and we have discussed topics of spirituality so that I have wanted to invite her so that we might worship together. She flatly refused saying “I have had enough of being judged by church people” to which I replied “I would think you of all people would know something of pre judging” but her past hurts are too great. A different coworker, who lives in Philadelphia, recently came out as a lesbian. Shortly after this announcement I sought her out and commented on her announcement. I told her I’d heard and I wanted her to know it changed nothing for me. She replied “I knew it wouldn’t. I know you get it how we are all just the ‘disciples whom Jesus loved.’ That is all we are supposed to do, in my book, is to make sure everyone know they are that disciple.” She went on to say she hope we can together help this other coworker know that too. At my work it is well known that I am a seminarian, and I am sort of the unofficial chaplain for my work area. That this is what is known about me and my love of people makes me hope that others too will see the love of Christ and seek Him as well. How do I sense God is calling me to behave toward others? The same way Jesus did; by living, laughing, eating and worshiping as one.

Ruthann DeJuliis