Thanks be to God...

This morning, after a careful and insightful conversation, we unanomously "affirmed" an Open and Affirming statement. (We will finish up the legalities for by-laws at another date and set a time re: for an all-church retreat to discuss ways to implement this commitment later this fall, too.) Our commitment is as follows: 

As an Open and Affirming community, following the spirit of Jesus, we embrace the diversity of God’s creation. We welcome people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, race, ethnic or cultural back ground and ability.  Everyone is invited to participate fully in the worship and ministry of First Church.  

There will be more conversations in the days to come. We must explore how to best express that we are allies and that our physical plant is safe space, too.  But for now, we rejoice and give thanks to God.