Reconciling Ministry Process

If you are reading this blog, you may already know that Highlands UMC is in the process of deciding whether to become a Reconciling Congregation. We are already a church with a warm and welcoming spirit of hospitality, and we are discerning how God is leading us forward to live that out in our community.

Reconciling Congregations are churches that have approved an official and public statement of welcome that affirms lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered persons to full participation in the life and leadership of the congregation. You can learn more about this at the Reconciling Ministries Network. Individuals can also sign up as "Reconciling United Methodists."

The next step in our process is a Bible study called Claiming the Promise, an ecumenical, welcoming Bible Study resource on homosexuality. This seven-week Bible study will give our congregation an opportunity to study the Bible together and discuss the issue of full inclusion of Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and Bisexual persons into Highlands UMC. Claiming the Promise:

• Examines biblical references to same-sex conduct in light of the broader biblical message which affirms we are children or heirs of the Promise.
• Explores biblical authority and biblical interpretation.
• Discusses "gracious hospitality," "gift-ed sexuality," and "inclusive holiness."
• Tackles hard questions of "right relationship," lust/love, and sexual responsibility.
• Calls us to live out the Promise as reconciling disciples.

We are offering this study at two different times:

Tuesday evening 7:00 - 8:30 PM, Feb. 3 through March 17
or Wednesday afternoon 1:00 - 2:30 PM, Feb. 4 through March 18

Pastor Betty and Pastor Kerry will lead these studies. The participant book costs $6.00. If you cannot attend the sessions but are interested in the study, we can still order a book for you.

If you would like to take part but have not yet signed up, please contact the church office immediately. We have placed an initial order for study books, but may still be able to get additional copies in time for our first sessions next week.

May God's Spirit continue to move in your life!

Newsworthy week

The co-occurrence of Human Relations Sunday, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, and the Inauguration of a new and historically significant president this week are not coincidence, but together they bear powerful witness to the statement of Rev. Theodore Parker, better known for being quoted by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." As we give thanks for the progress that humankind has made toward a world where justice and peace are universally recognized as more powerful than oppression and violence, we also acknowledge how much work remains to be done, and we ask God's guidance not only for our new president, but for all people.

For the latest news at Highlands UMC, be sure to get our January-February 2009 newsletter, now available. If you are not on the email list, please contact the church office to get connected.

This Sunday, January 25, Pastor Betty will preach on the call of the disciples, Mark 1:14-20. Faith Café continues at 9am on the 3rd floor - come and take part in some good conversations about questions of faith and spirituality. Hope you'll join us!

Human Relations Sunday and introducing Faith Café!

This Sunday, January 18 we will observe Human Relations Sunday, reflecting on both humanity's struggles with various forms of violence and oppression, and the progress we have made toward a society that better reflects God's reign of justice, compassion, and peace.

Also beginning this week, Highlands UMC will offer a gathering place for discussion and fellowship from 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. in the 3rd floor Adult Sunday School room. The Faith Café will offer a coffee machine with specialized coffees and tea. TableTopics, Spirit Edition, question cards will available as conversation starters. Pour a cup of coffee, introduce yourself, pick a card and chat.

Sample questions from TableTopics:

• Which religious event would you like to have been witness to?
• What is integrity and do you have it?
• Where do you see the divine in your daily life?

Everyone is invited to come whenever they are able to attend. Parents with children in choir or Sunday school will find this a welcoming place to gather while your children participate in the life of the church. Stop on by - the Faith Café opens this Sunday!

Ordinary Time

Having passed Epiphany last Sunday, we enter once again into the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. This Sunday, January 11 is the first Sunday after Epiphany, when traditionally we observe the "Baptism of the Lord." Pastor Betty is preaching on Acts 19:1-7.

On Sunday, January 18 we will observe Human Relations Sunday, reflecting on both humanity's struggles with various forms of violence and oppression, and the progress we have made toward a society that better reflects God's reign of justice, compassion, and peace.

Stay tuned for information on our upcoming Bible study, Claiming the Promise, to begin in early February.