Highlands UMC is a Reconciling Congregation! New members welcome to join this Sunday.

After approximately 9 months of intentional prayer, conversation, education, and discernment, the congregation voted on May 17 to become a Reconciling Congregation, with a public statement of welcome and affirmation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people. The vote passed by an overwhelming majority, affirming the following statement of welcome to be true for our church:

Highlands United Methodist Church embraces Jesus' message that God loves and accepts every person, and so our welcome knows no boundaries. In the name and spirit of Jesus, we welcome people of every age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental ability, and economic condition into full participation in the life and leadership of our congregation.

Thank you to all who have taken part in the process, for the humility, love, and grace you have shown to each other in this matter and in all things. We continue to pray for God's guidance as our church moves forward into the future.

This Sunday, May 31, is Pentecost, a time when we celebrate the birth of the church in the story of the Holy Spirit moving among the disciples after Jesus' death and the Resurrection appearances. We will be welcoming new members to join Highlands UMC during worship; if you are interested in learning more, please contact the church office.