Reconciling
A special church conference met on Sunday, November 24, 2019 to vote on a resolution of openness proposed by our Church Council. This resolution was written to bring us into the Reconciling Movement and announce to LGBTQ+ persons and others that we are an open fellowship of disciples wishing to be inclusive of all God’s children. The resolution included openness to people of all races and other distinctions that sometimes lead to exclusion. We are especially pleased to announce that this meeting was well attended and that the motion passed by a majority of more than 97 percent.
Thanks are due to all who were involved in the discernment process: all who entered into preparatory discussions and studies; all who shared concerns, questions, and hesitations; all who helped make this moment in our congregation’s life a time of celebration.
Openness and inclusion, unity in difference, loving commitment to God, deep understandings of others, the ability to be there for others in gracious ways, and free acceptance of the gifts and love of others takes more than just a vote. Becoming Christ-like is a lifetime process of growth for both individuals and congregations. We are committed to a continual process of development and learning as Wellspring UMC grows into a true wellspring of love and understanding. We trust that God will use us to help bring about the well-being and wholeness of our community and this world in our day.
As part of our public witness to our joy in this choice, we share the following welcome statement, which was included in the approved resolution.
Welcome Statement
We the people of Wellspring United Methodist Church, in faithfulness to our mission, “Becoming a Wellspring of God’s Love and Grace: Reaching, Listening, Learning, and Serving,” joyfully affirm that every individual person is a child of God. We recognize that we are called to be one body with many members and that all are necessary for the health and well-being of the body.
Whatever your race, ethnicity, or heritage; whether you are married, divorced, widowed, or single; whatever your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender expression; whether you have been imprisoned or have never gotten a parking ticket; whether you work full-time, part-time, are retired, or searching for a job; whether you are financially challenged or don’t have to worry about money; whether you are in pre-school, in school, or done with all that; whether you are young in body, mind, or spirit, or feeling your age, or physically, mentally, or emotionally challenged; whether your belief is strong, wavering, or non-existent; whether you are comfortable sitting in your seat, need to stand, or enjoy boisterous participation . . .
We love and celebrate every aspect of who you are! We welcome all people to join us in the wonder of the journey of faith and service in God’s name.
