A Message from Daniel
Dear PCM Family,
In a sermon a few weeks back, I mentioned a meaningful conversation that took place during our February Session meeting. Last month, our elders talked about how to create safe spaces for all – and how to communicate, to the folks outside our doors, PCM’s commitment to being an inclusive, welcoming congregation. It was a rich discussion that led to the Session forming a small task group to continue the conversation. We’re now beginning to see the outcomes of that group’s work.
A few weeks ago, we hung up two banners – one at the Parish House and one at Church on the Green. They say: “Everyone is welcome here. Really. Everyone.” and “Feeling scared? We see you. We love you.” Both banners feature PCM’s logo and a small Progress Pride flag with rainbow colors and stripes signaling the full inclusion of trans/non-binary people and people of color.
Our Adult Ministries committee has also become part of this work, scheduling three opportunities this spring to learn more about issues and concerns facing the LGBTQ+ community. The first, Scripture as Guide to our Questions on Gender, was led last night by Audrey Webber. More than 30 people attended – which is fantastic! The other two programs are:
Sunday, April 6 | 11:15 am | Chapel: PCM and Our LGBTQ Siblings Panel Discussion
Sunday, June 1 | 11:15 am | Chapel: The PCUSA on Gender and Sexuality
Finally, that small task group has written a Statement of Affirmation. The Session approved that statement at its meeting last week, and it’s now posted on our website. You can read it here (if the anchor link doesn’t work, just scroll down to the section under “You Are Created in the Image of God”). Many thanks to the members of the task group for their work and their desire to help PCM become better-known as an inclusive, safe space for all. The members are: Nancy Alessio, Wendy Doidge, Bruce Frazier, Rich Schwartz, and Amanda Tufts. If you see one of them around the church, please say thank you.
In Christ’s love,
Daniel
