Almost two years ago I wrote the following statement of personal reflection and vision regarding the ministry in this place. I presented to the Administrative Council. Since that day… I have been blessed with many conversations and shared experiences of:
As pastor:
- I have experienced the community of Milwaukee: Bay View in four years of relationship to orient to people through loving, open and encouraging action.
- Theirs is a way of life, being and ministry that comes out of their experience, reason, tradition and scriptural understanding.
- Diverse in belief, journey and call, the community values ALL through acts of welcome, invitations to service and celebrations of loving kindness and Godly witness in the world and with one another.
Here is the statement that our Administrative Council affirmed and accepted unanimously on June 6, 2011:
Out of the Heart of our community
we welcome ALL
into this safe {and sacred} space.
Out of the Heart of our community
we welcome ALL
to come and know the heart of God.
Out of the Heart of our community
we welcome ALL
to share their lives in service with us
into ALL the world.
It is out of the heart of our collective understanding of God’s complete and unconditional love that we invite, encourage, support, love and welcome ALL.
Over 500 United Methodist communities have gone through the Reconciling process. These communities have approved a statement that specifically names a welcome of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Churches, Sunday School classes, campus ministries, and annual conference groups strengthen the Reconciling Ministries Network through their witness for a fully inclusive church.
This explicit welcome is necessary because our United Methodist Church holds official policies that exclude lesbian and gay people from the full life of the Church. While the enforcement of the policies is often diminished by “don’t ask, don’t tell” behavior, the spiritual harm is done.
Bisexual and transgender people have not been denied as a matter of policy, but there is much that can be done to provide warmth and welcome.
On Sunday, June 2nd, church leaders participated in the next phase of our visioning process. They were presented with some very informative demographic stats and guided by Don Mendenhall to a few very specific calls for ministry in this place. I spent 3 hours in prayer following the retreat and feel very confident that the work and vision cast at the retreat is the vehicle for moving us forward as a vital church FOR this neighborhood.
I am extending invitations THIS WEEK to people I feel will be willing co-visionaries, planners and ministers alongside Pastor Andy and I as we move ahead this Summer. As you read this, if YOU feel GOD moving YOUR heart in the area of inclusion for ALL as we do ministry together email me at pastorkelly@bayviewumc.org and YOU WILL be invited to this round table dream discussion.
As I complete my 6th year in appointment as Your pastor, the Spirit is blessing and confirming our course in relationship to one another and through the ministry we share!
Thanks be to God!
Peace to each of you,
Pastor Kelly