Reconciling Committee

RECONCILING CONGREGATION COMMITTEE'S MISSION STATEMENT

Our primary goal is outreach to the Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgendered community, their parents, children, extended families and friends, on behalf of Claremont United Methodist Church.

We offer whatever support we can, especially emotional and spiritual support, to the GLBT community.

We maintain a safe and nurturing environment for GLBT persons and their families.

We provide ongoing education on the issues of the United Methodist church and GLBT persons.

The following document was adopted by Claremont United Methodist Church on May 30, 1993 by 83%. This was followed by more than five years of study and discusison, including participation and sharing of life experiences by openly gay and lesbian persons and their families. Claremont UMC joins more than 229 United Methodists congregations and over 18,000 Reconciling United Methodists.

STATEMENT of RECONCILIATION

Luke 10:27 says, " ... You shall love God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." In this spirit, we acknowledge that each person is a member of God's family, and a recipient of God's love and grace. Therefore, we members of the Claremont United Methodist Church strive to draw all people into this loving relationship with God, and to be a community which embodies love, reconciliation and justice for all people.

We proclaim that all people are created in the image of God and affirm that all people regardless of age, economic status, ethnicity, gender, abilities, marital status, race, or sexual orientation are beloved children of God.

We affirm the inclusion of lesbians and gay men, their families and friends within our church community.

We invite the participation of all people in the life of the church and strive to utilize the many and varied gifts and talents of all members and friends of CUMC.

We acknowledge sexuality as one of God's good gifts to humankind and confess our discomfort with issues related to sexuality.

We seek to insure a world where all people are welcomed, and where silenced voices are heard.

We pray that the Holy Spirit which calls us to become a reconciling people will continue to create in us at CUMC a vital, active and caring ministry, allowing us with our diverse congregation to serve as a model for others.

We profess to be a reconciling congregation, proclaiming God's grace and dignity for all people.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

RECONCILING CONGREGATION SUNDAY is an annual event with emphasis on a Reconciling theme. This year's "RC Sunday" is May 16th at both worship services, ( 9:00 and 10:45 am). Be sure to attend and be richly blessed.

BUSINESS MEETINGS are held bimonthly on the first Sunday of the odd month at 5 pm in room 2. Our meetings are open to all interested persons with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered concerns.

SOCIAL EVENTS: Ya'll Come Potluck May 18th at 12:15 pm in the Round Building. This is a time of connecting with other people interested in Reconciling programs. The annual Christmas social in December is usually held in one of our homes and is open to guests.

SUNDAY BRUNCHES usually occur after the first worship service each Sunday at one of the local restaurants. This is a great time to "get acquainted". Please ask one of the ministers for an introduction to a Reconciling Committee member.

PROJECTS

The Reconciling Committee is selling "CUMC Church Caps" with the Reconciling Ministries Logo on them. They are available for $10.00. See one of the committee members for more details or call the church office.