LEARN MORE

Here are some ways you can learn more about LGBTQ inclusion

Bible Study

We are excited to offer “Faithful and Inclusive: the Bible, Sexuality, and The United Methodist Church” by Rev. Rob Fuquay, Senior Pastor at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, IN. This six-session study is scripturally based with a Wesleyan foundation and is focused on making more room at our table for all our neighbors at MPUMC. Each session is 60-90 minutes long to allow for the video component and discussion. We offer this study at least twice a year; more frequently on request. Click here for an overview of the study.

Sunday School Visits

We have speakers who will visit your Sunday School class or small group to talk about LGBTQ inclusion and why it is important to our church family. Email us at arc@mountainparkumc.org for more information or to request a visit.

GET INVOLVED

Here are some ways you can get involved in the work of the Agape Reconciling Community

Meetings

We meet once or twice per month, depending on the number of projects we are working on. We encourage you to come and get to know us! Send an email to arc@mountainparkumc.org if you want to receive meeting notices and information on our projects. We would love to see you at our next meeting.

Supporting our Work

If you support LGBTQ inclusion but can’t actively participate right now, email us at arc@mountainparkumc.org and we will add you to our email list. You will receive our meeting notes and notices about classes and other activities.

Graceful Engagement

During our meetings and classes the Agape Reconciling Community facilitators choose to follow the “Graceful Engagement for Holy Conversations” guidelines from Reconciling Ministries Network. 

Graceful Engagement for Holy Conversations

• This requires deep listening, seeking “that of God” in others to find ways in which God is revealed to you through them.

• We treat each person as a beloved child of God. We are building relationships around values that bring us together and avoid things that polarize us.

• We strive to reach out to others in Love and Grace, listening to their stories and telling our own to come to a renewed understanding together as the Body of Christ.

• We commit to accompany others in respect and humility, walking alongside those who agree and disagree with us as we discern future directions for shared mission. We begin and return to prayer for guidance and renewal.

• Guidelines for speaking with congregations who have a wide range of perspectives on this issue, summarized from David Gushee.

  • We’re not here to decide whether a particular interpretation is right or wrong.

  • Instead, we hope to arrive at general agreement that we can hold divergent, sincere personal interpretations of what scriptures demand of us and still come together in a desire to worship and serve.

  • We hope to bring new hope to those who for years have felt they are unwelcome in our church.

  • No one will tell you your personal convictions are wrong.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Our work within the Bridging Community

The Mountain Park UMC Agape Reconciliation Community (ARC) recognizes the crucial nature of each conversation in The Bridges Movement at Mountain Park. We support the dialog and mission statement being developed by each Bridges Conversation (Racial Reconciliation, LGBTQI+ Inclusion). Each Bridge cannot stand alone but works in harmony and unison with the others to inspire the church to be all the Holy Spirit asks us to be, Christ in the world.

Learn more about our other Bridges and how you can connect.