We would like to let you know that you belong. . . .
People on all parts of the continuum of gender identity and expression, including those who are gay, bisexual, heterosexual, transgender, cisgender, queer folks, the sexually active, the celibate, and everyone for whom those labels don't apply. We say, "You belong."
People of African descent, of Asian descent, of European descent, of First Nations descent in this land and abroad, and people of mixed and multiple descents and of all the languages spoken here. We say, "You belong."
Bodies with all abilities and challenges. Those living with any chronic medical condition, visible or invisible, mental or physical. We say, "You belong."
People who identify as activists and those who don't. Mystics, believers, seekers of all kinds. People of all ages. Those who support you to be here. We say, "You belong."
Your emotions: joy, fear, grief, contentment, disappointment, surprise, and all else that flows through you. We say, "You belong."
Your families, genetic and otherwise. Those dear to us who have died. Our ancestors and the future ones. The ancestors who lived in this land, in this place, where these buildings are now . . . we honor you through this work that we are undertaking. We say, "You belong."
People who feel broken, lost, struggling; who suffer from self-doubt and self-judgment. We say, "You belong."
All beings that inhabit this earth, human or otherwise: the two-legged, the four-legged, winged and finned, those that walk, fly, and crawl, above the ground and below, in air and water. We say, "You belong."
Adapted from "Diversity Welcome," Training for Change, https://www.trainingforchange.org/training_tools/diversity-welcome/.
The litany included here was recently shared by Father Richard Rohr in one of his daily e-mail messages and it was suggested by one of our Reconciling Congregation Committee members that we use it with some regularity in worship. I like the idea and will gladly include it from time to time. I like it because it reminds us that there are many people who do not always feel welcome in the church. It reminds us that the diversity of the human race includes both obvious physical differences and less obvious, internal differences as well. As the church of Jesus Christ it is important that we recognize the need to expand our welcome to all people, not ever assuming that, "of course everyone is welcome here"! When we do so we, follow the example of Jesus whose welcome was intentional and specific, taking in those who were on the margins of his society while not excluding those who were in the center. May our sense of what it means to welcome others always be expanding so that we may truly bear witness to the inclusiveness of Jesus, whose love for and welcome of all people, knew no limits.
WORSHIP AHEAD
7/14 The Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Special Music: Irene Harris
Organist: John Pagett
Readings: Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17; Selected readings from Chief Seattle
Theme: To Whom Does the Earth Belong? How we respond to this question will say a lot about how we will view earth stewardship. Both the bible and Native American spirituality are pretty clear about this question and we will explore these complementary answers.
OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK
At a recent Church Council meeting we talked about how we might better highlight some of the opportunities for service that are available through the church. A suggestion was made that maybe we could have an "opportunity of the week". This will now be a new feature in the weekly e-mail blast so look for these wonderful opportunities and see if there is something that sounds inviting to you.
This week's opportunity is to volunteer to serve as a greeter, liturgist, offering special music and any number of other needs for the summer worship services. You can speak to Pastor Rich for more information.
We're looking for folks willing to share their musical talents with us during our summer services. Now's the time to get out that old trombone from high school and dust it off! There will be two available slots on each Sunday, sign up for one or both.
A sign up sheet is posted on the music/worship bulletin board located on the first floor ramp.
If you can provide your own accompaniment (either live or "tracked") or can perform without, that would be great. If you do need someone to assist, please see Julie and she'll work at finding a match for you.
OPERA COMES TO MSUMC
During the months of July and August the Main Street UMC will be co-hosting two operatic concerts. The first will be held on Saturday, July 27th at 7:00pm in the sanctuary. It is titled, "The Beauty of Art Song". The second concert will be held on Saturday, August 24th also at 7:00pm. It is titled, "La Traviata in Concert" and features selections from La Traviata. The cost for each concert is $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for children or seniors. Our portion of the proceeds will go towards the church's organ fund. Come enjoy an evening of beautiful music in air conditioned comfort.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
This year's Vacation Bible School will be held from August 5 to August 9 at Main Street United Methodist Church. Hours are 9 AM to 12 noon. Any child aged 3 to 12 is welcome and nursery care will be available. Also, if your child has a friend or relative or if you know a child who might be interested in attending, we would to see them join us.
Please don't let transportation issues prevent your child from having this wonderful experience. Let us know if there are any issues and we will try to figure out as solution.
Registration is required. Forms are available in the Education mailbox by the church office.
CRAFT WORKSHOP
In place of our usual monthly meetings in July and August, United Methodist Women are dedicating the third Wednesday evenings to making crafts for the fair in November. We have some projects already cut out and ready to go: Roly poly Santas, pinecone forest critters, pinecone elf ornaments, (they all are really cute), mini trees to decorate and little drum ornaments. Feel free to bring any of your own projects you would like to work on or share with the group. Everything will be provided, but if you have them, bring your favorite scissors, thick tacky glue (not Elmers), glue gun and tweezers.
Janet Bohs will be coordinating the workshop. You don't need to be a crafter. Everyone is welcome, young people are encouraged to come. Drop in if you are in town, July 17, 2019
7 PM Church vestry.
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