Grace United Methodist Church is a Reconciling Congregation
Our Welcoming Statement
Our welcome “is extended to all—people of all races, all ethnic backgrounds, all generations, all physical and mental abilities, all economic conditions, all sexual orientations – honoring the diversity of our faith journeys. We invite you to bless this church with your presence as God’s grace is present in all creation.”
Adopted by Church Conference, January 2004
Reconciling Ministries Network is a national grassroots organization that exists to enable full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the United Methodist Church, both in policy and practice.
For More Information on Reconciling Congregations see: Reconciling Ministries Network
The LGBT and Church and Society Committees present:
Love, Sex, Relationships, and the Church
A class and discussion group will be held on Mondays, February 2, 9, 16, and 23, in the Fellowship Hall at Grace United Methodist Church, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Moderators of the discussions will be Ruth Anne Petrak, Rev. Bill Cotton, Jan Hill, and
Rev. Larry Sonner.
Session I -- “What’s Morally Wrong with Homosexuality” a new video lecture by Dr. John Corvino, Professor of Philosophy at Wayne State University in Michigan. Blending humor and research, Corvino tackles this and many other questions from the point of view of ethics and morality. Some of his answers may surprise you.
Session II. -- “For the Bible Tells Me So.” A repeat showing of the critically acclaimed video… for those who missed it in the spring of 2008, or would just like to see it again. Numerous well-known persons of faith express their beliefs about what the Bible really says and means about sexuality and religion.
Session III -- “So, what’s going on in Iowa, what is our church doing about it?” In the video “Our Story,” professionally produced by the organization -One Iowa, persons from the central Iowa political and religious community talk about their understandings of equality and LGBT issues. Discussion about resources for LGBT youth and their families.
Session IV -- Speech by Episcopal Bishop, Gene Robinson, of New Hampshire at the convocation of Lutherans Concerned in July of 2008. Bishop Robinson’s presentation is both witty and compelling. The session will close with the video “Called to Witness” from the United Methodist General Conference at Fort Worth in May, 2008. The witness procession brought many delegates to a new understanding of the meaning of full inclusion of all persons in the worldwide church. What will be the future direction of the UMC?
