Flashnet

Answering God’s call to marry

Ordained ministry isn’t the only thing Mary Ann Kaiser and Annanda Barclay feel called to. “Choosing to get married isn’t all about us. It is a response to God’s call on our lives to be one,” said Annanda Barclay. “It is a spiritual act. Civil rights are a beautiful thing and should be realized for all couples, but marriage is rooted in Christ’s expression of love. We now get to be a sign to the world of what that love looks like, in our love for each other.”

RMN is providing space on the conference center grounds for couples to get married during convocation who feel called, but live in states were they cannot legally marry or are part of churches that will not affirm their relationship. “We thought it was important to give our community the opportunity and space to commit their lives in covenant to one another,” said RMN Executive Director Matt Berryman. “The RMN community will be gathered for worship, fellowship, and study, and I can think of no better time for a marriage to happen, for couples who have discerned this sacred calling, than when they are surrounded by those who will love and support them into the future.”

Couples interested in exploring having a marriage ceremony while in Maryland should visit the ChurchQuake website, which will give details concerning appropriate premarital preparations with your pastor, and securing a Maryland marriage license. Convocation leaders will work with the couples to schedule wedding ceremonies when friends can take part. There will also be a celebration at convocation recognizing all same-sex couples who have been married at convocation or before, closing with a gala reception, including wedding cake. RMN is committed to marriage equality and is pleased to provide this opportunity to live this out at convocation.

Read the full article >>

Thankful for your witness: RMN Executive Director Matt Berryman

I am incredibly grateful and humbled by the opportunity to serve Reconciling Ministries Network. It is because of you and your faithfulness to God’s message of love for all people that The United Methodist Church will one day welcome, love, and fully include all people.

You are the reason I am here—your commitment and dedication to being the church. It is your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness for LGBTQ full inclusion in the life of the church that keeps our Network strong and helps to bend the moral arc our church and society toward justice.

So again, thank you. Thank you for your support, for your input, for your stories, and for your financial support. I am looking forward to meeting each one of you at our national convocation over Labor Day weekend. Should you need to reach out to me before then, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Earlybird/scholarship deadline approaches for national convocation

RMN’s convocation early bird registration and scholarship deadline is quickly approaching! Be sure to register by the end of April for the reduced rate.

Scholarships are still available for all, with special emphasis given to people under the age of 35, people identifying as trans, and people of color. Direct any scholarship questions to rachel@rmnetwork.org.

If you know people who should be attending, be sure you invite them before the deadline.

Tell us where to focus our efforts & welcome new communities!

Nobody knows your particular setting better than you. Are you aware of a Sunday school class, congregation, or other community that might be ready to explore becoming Reconciling?

Help RMN become aware of potential communities in your conference and we’ll help them take the next step.

Please take a moment to complete this survey, letting us know who might be ready to learn more. 

Also, check out these new Reconciling communities!

AfterHours – Denver, Colorado

Unity Sunday School Class of First UMC – Littlerock, Arkansas

Many ways to connect within the Network

One of the best ways to experience the power and support of Reconciling Ministries Network is to connect in small groups. If you are a person of color, young person under the age of 35, identify as transgender, clergy person, or parent of a LGBTQ person, there is a group waiting for you.

You can also connect regionally and within your conference through the new monthly Regional Update. If you would like to receive these monthly regional update emails and did not receive the first one we sent last week, please be sure your information is up to date. Contact your Regional Organizer to share updates and let them know about potential Reconciling congregations.

In addition to this bi-monthly Flashnet, RMN posts daily blogs from storytellers around the connection. If you are interested in sharing your story or writing on a specific LGBTQ intersection with church or society, please email RMN your article along with a picture and bio.

You also might have noticed our new Katalyst design! Our next issue will be coming out shortly in May in time for you to share at your Annual Conference gathering.

One of the best ways to make connections with people all over the network is on RMN’s Facebook and Twitter. Send RMN pictures and links to articles you think would benefit RMN’s followers. Tweet what your local church is up to using @rmnetwork and we will retweet it out.

Then, put a face with an online profile by meeting up in person at RMN’s national convocation in Chevy Chase, Maryland over Labor Day weekend. In addition to the large group gatherings, you can meet up in pre-convocation ministry extension groups, workshops, and Ubuntu GoGroups where you will go out into the DC community experiencing LGBTQ justice intersections in small groups.

If you have any questions or suggestions on how we can do a better job, please contact RMN Director of Communications, Rev. Andy Oliver. And if you are missing out on any of the above communications, please check your information is up to date.

Waiting on hope, this side of Easter by Mary Ann Kaiser

Last Friday, love was nailed to a cross and put to death. A three year journey of teaching, healing, and challenging the status quo ended. Hope seemed so far away. The grief on Saturday was so heavy… In a society where happiness is lifted up as the primary goal of life, in a religion where there is little room to grieve and mourn without skipping to the resurrection, and in a culture that hates to acknowledge its own shortcomings, this day is so important for us.

On Holy Saturday we grieved. We grieved over all the times the evils of heterosexism, sexism, racism, classism, ableism, and interpersonal conflict seemed to win. We must sit in the reality that we don’t always know what hope will look like tomorrow. We must acknowledge the guilt and shame we carry over things we should have done differently. It is only when we allow the weight of Saturday – of all our Holy Saturdays – to set in, that we can fully understand the importance and hope of Sunday.

So on your Holy Saturdays, mourn. Be angry. Sit in the difficulty and confusion. The heaviness need not overcome us, we know resurrection comes. Easter has come. But our souls need this space – not forever, but for a day.     Read the full article >>

New Executive Director, Matt Berryman, starts today

Today, RMN welcomes Matt Berryman as its new executive director. Berryman, a former United Methodist clergyperson, takes the helm of RMN following the nine-year tenure of RMN’s previous executive, Rev. Troy Plummer and a four-month transition period led by Dr. Randall Miller.

Prior to joining RMN, Berryman served as the pastor of United Methodist congregations in the Jacksonville, Florida area. “I’m honored to join RMN and look forward to working with a network of faithful congregations and individuals who are passionately listening to the ways God calls us to be a church where all people are welcomed,” said Berryman.

RMN board chair, Rev. Bonnie Beckonchrist, praised the selection of Berryman. “In my opinion, there is no more important work right now than reminding the church who it is called to be. Matt is a passionate, creative leader who is committed to mobilizing communities in support of LGBTQ inclusion, and we are delighted that he is serving RMN as our next executive director.”     Read the full article >>

Convocation: earlybird, scholarships, nominations, & Joseph Tolton

RMN’s convocation early bird registration and scholarship deadline is fast approaching! Be sure to register by April 30th for the reduced rate! Direct any scholarship questions to rachel@rmnetwork.org. Also, MoSAIC, RMN’s young person ministry group, is taking nominations for awards to be given out at convocation.

One of our speakers at ChurchQuake will be Pastor Joseph Tolton. He serves the LGBT community as a voice for spiritual freedom, social justice and economic empowerment. As a professional man of faith, Pastor Tolton is the National Minister of Global Justice for The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries and the Associate Pastor for Social Justice for Rivers at Rehoboth Church in Harlem. His ministry provides leadership to TFAM’s justice initiatives outside of the United States. As a public advocate, Tolton serves as the Director of Africa Affairs for The Global Justice Institute. In this capacity, he provides pastoral care and strategic consulting services for several LGBT advocacy groups in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia. As an entrepreneur, Tolton is the Managing Director of Blur Communications.

Help us grow Reconciling communities in your Conference

Nobody knows your particular setting better than you. Are you aware of a Sunday school class, congregation, or other community that might be ready to explore becoming Reconciling? Help RMN become aware of potential communities in your conference and we’ll help them take the next step. Please take a moment to complete this survey, letting us know who might be ready to learn more. Also, check out these upcoming Reconciling process coach training dates:

April 5-6, 2013 – Greater New Jersey (Red Bank, NJ)
April 12-13, 2013 – North Texas Conference (Dallas, TX)
April 19-20, 2013 – Minnesota Conference (Twin Cities, MN)
April 26-27, 2013 – Pacific Northwest Conference (Bothell, WA)     Read more >>

DOMA and Prop8 come to Washington

Last week, the country’s eyes were on the US Supreme Court as we listened to oral arguments on the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8. Releasing their decision later in June, the court is expected by many to rule in favor of marriage equality, but how sweeping the decision is for the entire country remains to be seen.

No doubt you witnessed the outpouring of support on social media, at local vigils, and in Washington DC. An unprecedented 173 coalition partners collaborated to make history at the Supreme Court and around the country, organizing more than 10,000 people at over 170 events in all 50 states. Two Reconciling United Methodists, one seeing visions and one dreaming dreams, wrote their reaction to the powerful week. RMN also lifted up the voice of some who felt silenced by the coalition.

As we watch the nation continue to wrestle to give equal protection under the law, we also continue to witness the faithfulness of couples and communities who celebrate same-gender weddings, participating in Altar for All, a movement of Biblical Obedience that values and embraces the love and commitment of all people, regardless of gender.

As always, your passion, support, and prayers uplift the work of our organizations to have a witness for LGBTQ equality. Working together, love prevails!

The Network is growing!

United Methodist churches are increasingly not waiting for the UMC to change their policies of exclusion—they are being the church now. They are choosing Biblical Obedience, whether that be in officiating same gender weddings or choosing not to host any wedding until it is legal for all. Churches are voting to be intentionally welcoming by becoming Reconciling. Individuals are being trained by the hundreds to help those churches in their process. Three prominent United Methodists made statements for LGBTQ inclusion this week—one was a bishop, one a former Secretary of State, and one a GOP senator. The spirit of inclusion is moving and it is bringing change to places like Texas and South Carolina and everywhere in between. Hearts are changing as we learned 58% of Americans are in favor of marriage equality. As Bishop Gene Robinson said, “I know in my heart how this ends: full LGBT inclusions in our country, institutions, temples, mosques, and churches. Knowing how it ends helps you get there.”

Celebrating new communities in the network

City Square Church Phoenix, AZ
Wesley UMC Aurora, IL
First UMC Melrose, MA
Dawsey SS Class of Washington Street UMC Columbia, SC
Open Hearts Support Group at St. Peter’s UMC Katy, TX
First UMC Austin, TX
United Parish Upton, MA
Fairlington UMC Alexandria, VA
Fairport UMC Fairport, NY
Lake Park UMC Oakland, CA
Thirst (Early Worship Community of Fall City UMC) Fall City, WA
Christ in Culture Class of Wells Memorial UMC Jackson, Mississippi

ChurchQuake Dives into the Nation’s Capital

RMN’s convocation will convene just outside Washington DC, an area rich in history, learning, and advocacy for justice. ChurchQuake will draw upon this unique locale by sending out participants in small groups one afternoon to explore one of 25-30 different inspiring sites—museums, agencies, or schools.  Drawing upon the South African concept of Ubuntu or “interconnectedness of all life,” these Ubuntu GoGroups will illumine our understanding of how advocacy for LGBT equality intersects with other justice movements. As a ChurchQuake participant you can choose which site to visit. RMN will provide transportation to/from the site as well as leadership to facilitate your small group experience. These groups promise to be a most memorable and enriching experience from this RMN convocation. The deadline for early registration has been extended to May 1, but hurry so you can get the room you want!

Teach others to tell stories of love: be a Reconciling coach

Do you want to help increase the number of Reconciling churches, communities and campus ministries? RMN has identified 500 prospective Reconciling congregations, but we need your help to engage them in widening their welcome to our LGBTQ sisters and brothers. Each process coach training will include skills building around topics common in the Reconciling process. For a more detailed view of what a coach is asked to do, please look at the Reconciling Process Coach Description.

Reconciling Process Coach Training Dates:

April 5-6, 2013 – Greater New Jersey (Red Bank, NJ)
April 12-13, 2013 – North Texas Conference (Dallas, TX)
April 19-20, 2013 – Minnesota Conference (Twin Cities, MN)
April 26-27, 2013 – Pacific Northwest Conference (Bothell, WA)          Read more >>

Supreme Court Action Next Week

On March 26 and 27, the Supreme Court will begin hearing cases about California’s Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act, cases that directly impact the issue of civil marriage equality. RMN and Methodist Federation for Social Action and have signed on to two amicus briefs in support of marriage equality and religious freedom, along with more than 20 other faith organizations. We invite you to join in a variety of witness opportunities during these two days in support of LGBT equality.

No matter where you live, you can participate. Find or create a local action and invite others to join you! You can also follow what’s happening on Facebook or Twitter (@rmnetwork, @MFSAVoices, #pray4LoveJustice, #loveprevails, #SCOTUS).

In Washington DC, faith communities are hosting an interfaith prayer service at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation (212 E. Capitol St. NE, next to MFSA’s Office) on March 26th at 7:30 am, followed by a procession of drums, clergy, community, and choir to the United Marriage Rally at the steps of the Court at 8:30 am. The service is free, but please register for your tickets as space is limited!

At 8:30am on March 26 and March 27, just one block away, there will be a United for Marriage rally in front of the Supreme Court – if you plan to attend, please help organizers gauge attendance by registering.

Finally, the Methodist Federation for Social Action and Of Sacred Worth at Wesley Theological Seminary, will be holding a “Closing Prayer” vigil on Wednesday, March 27 at 3pm (exact location near the Supreme Court to be determined depending on space. For up to the minute text updates on location, please email mfsa@mfsaweb.org). This will be a simple vigil of prayer and singing to pray for all involved in these cases as Justices move toward deliberation.

As always, your passion, support, and prayers uplift the work of our organizations to have a witness for LGBTQ equality. Working together, love prevails!

endDOMA: Plan or join a “Light the Way to Justice” event

On March 26-27, 2013, the Supreme Court will be listening to oral arguments on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and Proposition 8 (Prop 8). In addition to a response outside the Supreme Court to highlight the power of our personal stories to fight these discriminatory laws, we and our coalition are also organizing events, rallies, vigils, teach-ins, and prayer services in local communities across the country.This is not just one march, fight or a demonstration, this is a peaceful display of solidarity and a stand for LOVE, not hate, across the nation. Organize a rally, hold an interfaith worship service, schedule a meeting with your elected officials–help show our desire to be equal under the law. History is in the making. Let’s give people hope and create lasting change by using the voice of the people! This is a grassroots movement for love and equality. Will you join us? Look out for resources to follow. Please let Andy Oliver at RMN know if you are planning events.

United Methodist Men abandon LGBTQ Scouts and UM theology 

Bishop Swanson, Secretary Gil Hanke, and the board members of the United Methodist Men issued a statement which boiled down to three main points: Whereas the UMM received lots of angry and hateful feedback from conservatives following our first two statements in favor of the inclusion of Scouts who identify as gay. Whereas the UMM value retention and expansion above every other value. Therefore, the UMM call on the Boy Scouts of America not to lift their ban on gay scouts and scout leaders because we need more time. Read more >>

Worship Animates, Enlivens Convocation

RMN invites you to gather for another convocation: ChurchQuake, this Labor Day weekend near Washington DC. Whenever 500 Reconciling United Methodists and friends come together, there is an explosion of God’s Spirit. RMN convocation includes an amazing array of activities and encounters that truly transform lives. Yet time and again, participants report that worship is the highlight. Convocation worship gatherings are impassioned, embodied, spirited, and rollicking. ChurchQuake welcomes DeLyn and Sarah Celec as worship leaders. DeLyn has a long history of worship and musical leadership in RMN, United Methodist, and ecumenical circles. Sarah brings a diverse artistic background to worship creation. Their partnership will bring holistic and multi-dimensional worship experiences to ChurchQuake. Send your suggestions for workshop topics/leaders by March 15.

Teach others to tell stories of love: be a Reconciling coach

Do you want to help increase the number of Reconciling churches, communities and campus ministries? RMN has identified 500 prospective Reconciling congregations – we need your help to engage them in widening their welcome to our LGBTQ sisters and brothers. Each process coach training will include skills building around topics common in the Reconciling process including: complex identities, framing, steps of the Reconciling Process, graceful engagement, and conflict management. For a more detailed view of what a coach is asked to do, please look at the Reconciling Process Coach Description.

Reconciling Process Coach Training Dates:
March 1-2, 2013 – North Alabama Conference (Hoover, AL)
April 5-6, 2013 – Greater New Jersey (Red Bank, NJ)
April 12-13, 2013 – North Texas Conference (Dallas, TX)
April 19-20, 2013 – Minnesota Conference (Twin Cities, MN)    Read more >>

Former RMN staff announce new jobs

Rev. Troy Plummer Treash was elected Senior Pastor of Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church in Houston, Texas. Please keep Troy and Walter in your prayers in the coming weeks as they begin a new part of their calling this Friday, March 1 to help RMCC live out their mission to demonstrate God’s unconditional love to all people through Christian action.

Audrey Krumbach has come back to Chicago to be the Director of Gender Justice and Education for The UMC General Commission on the Status and Role of Women. Through training, advocacy, research and monitoring, COSROW nurtures women leaders in the church, addresses gender discrimination, confronts sexual harassment and abuse, advocates for victims, raises awareness about women’s issues and opportunities, and identifies institutional sexism and recommends ways to diminish it.

LIVE from The Presidential Inauguration

Many of you joined @RMNetwork today on Twitter using #RMNinDC as we witnessed history on this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and this 150th anniversary of The Emancipation Proclamation. Both King’s and Lincoln’s bibles were used as President Barack Obama took the oath. Republican, Democrat, something in between, or outside the boundaries, go onto Twitter or Facebook and share with the RMN community your hopes for the next four years… whatever they might be. As MLK said, “We may have all come on different ships, but we’re all on the same boat now.” May we show a divided world what reconciliation looks like as we work for full LGBTQ inclusion and equal rights.

I will not keep silent

- by Sophia Agtarap, ReThink Church, minister of online engagement-

Our silence doesn’t let us off the hook. If we don’t speak, the exclusion that plagues our world and our church will not go away, for we are called to be the standard bearers of God’s justice and mercy, not those who settle for what’s convenient. And when we are working for justice, it will almost always seem inconvenient.Those who have been cast off will be brought back. They will be given a new name and a new identity. Beloved. God’s delight.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote:  ”Not only will we have to repent for the sins of bad people; but we also will have to repent for the appalling silence of good people.” As we go forth as people called and chosen, may we also remember to continue to call others out from the closets and margins and hiding places where they find themselves or where they have been placed, reminding them that God is a God of love who will not keep silent. Who will not rest until all God’s people have found a sense of belonging and their hope restored. Amen.  Read more >>

Divide and Conquer

- by Rev. Dr. Cheryl B. Anderson, Professor of Old Testament at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and RMN Convocation 2013 speaker -

“Divide and conquer” has always been an effective political strategy. From imperial Rome in antiquity to more contemporary Western colonial powers, “divide and conquer” has allowed external political powers to assert authority over indigenous groups of people and their territory. They “divide” by exploiting existing differences and hostilities between indigenous groups — or by actually creating those hostilities. The “conquering” power can then rule unopposed because the local groups fight against each other rather than against that external authority. Examples of groups pitted against one another in recent African history are the Tutsi versus the Hutus in Rwanda, and East Indians versus indigenous Africans in South Africa during the Apartheid era. European control was maintained longer when tensions between those groups were at their worst.

Today, we can see the same dynamic at work in the United States. In this presidential election season, three groups are being pitted against one another: women, African Americans, and the gay/lesbian/transgender community (a term meant to include all those who do not fall within traditional categories of sexual and gender identities). More specifically, there are attempts to convince (white) women that the nation’s problems can be attributed to the presence of racial/ethnic groups in our country, especially Latinos/as (the largest minority group in the U.S.) and African Americans (including the one sitting in the Oval Office of the White House).  Read more >>

Civil Rights hero forgotten

- by Rev. Andy Oliver, RMN Communications -

If you’ve never heard of Bayard Rustin you are not alone. But you should know him. Bayard Rustin is perhaps the most significant organizer for social justice and civil rights in American history. He was the man behind Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, teaching King everything he knew about non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, and organizing a movement. Certainly The Movement would not have succeeded like it did without MLK’s brilliance, but King would be no more than a prophetic preacher if Bayard Rustin hadn’t introduced him to the ideas of Gandhi and given King the strategy to change the world through peace.

So if Bayard Rustin is so important, why has history forgotten him? Why isn’t he celebrated? Why was he hidden by The Movement itself?

Bayrad Rustin was gay.  Read more >>

ChurchQuake: Embracing Freedom (Convocation 2013)

Registration to go LIVE this week! Every two years, hundreds of Reconciling United Methodists gather for a weekend of worship, study, training, and celebration. ChurchQuake: Embracing Freedom will remind us of that beacon of justice, freedom, and faithfulness in the midst of tumult. Convocation 2013 will happen just outside Washington DC, at the National 4-H Center over Labor Day weekend. The campus has accessible housing, meeting rooms, and dining hall. Plan now for you and others to participate in this unique assembly of the God’s people. Watch for the announcement about the Web site and registration mid-January.

A revolution of the heart
- by Dr. Randall Miller, RMN Interim Executive Director -

Greetings! As we begin another year together in the Reconciling Ministries Network, I hope that you find yourself filled with a sense of energy, excitement, and gratitude for all of the work that lies ahead us. I want to invite you to join with me in a spiritual exercise. With eyes of hope and determination, I encourage you to notice and give voice to the instances in which God’s liberating Spirit is already at work: in the embrace of those who love you unconditionally, in faith communities where the table is truly open to all, in the activities of those who take uncalculated risks on our behalf, and in places like Maryland, Maine, Washington, and Minnesota, where good people simply do the right thing. This is the stuff of which revolutions of the heart are made… Read more >>

Transgender Extension Ministry plan
- by C. Kristian Clauser, RMN Trangender Extension Ministry co-chair -

Coming from Alaska to Georgia and in between, eleven United Methodist transgender leaders gathered in Chicago and were joined by three allies to set the course for the Transgender Extension Ministry (TEM) of RMN. TransPresbyterian Alex McNeill facilitated the day. As RMN’s newest extension ministry, TEM seeks to build leaders and community for transgender United Methodists and to speak to RMN and to the UMC on behalf of transgender people. Read more >>

United Methodists of Color for a Fully-Inclusive Church
- by Vincent Cervantes, UMOC RMN Board representative -

Coming out of General Conference 2012 there has been a lot of mixed emotions and energy around our relationship to the church as a movement that is diverse and colorful. While we have shared different experiences, we understand the need to move forward with strength and passion for a fully-inclusive church which recognizes the diversity of our multicultural world. The spirit of UMOC is stronger and more passionate than ever. Part of this passion has lead to the election of new leadership who will lead us with our minds and spirits focused on the justice and love we are called to practice. Read more >>

Focusing on Central Conferences lifts us all?
- by Rev. Dr. Derrick Spiva, RMN Central Conferences Coordinator -

Our tendency is to think in terms of “Me, My Four, and No More.” Yet the letters from Paul to the early church teach us that we are all one body in Christ. When one part of the body rejoices, we all rejoice. When one part suffers, we all suffer. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly” (MLK). No matter what we ultimately decide our relationship with the global church will look like, we can’t escape the fact that are connected. Read more >>

Five new reconciling communities and upcoming trainings

Emmanuel UMC Laurel, MD
Faith·Hope·Love in Action UMW Eugene, OR
St. Paul UMC Lenexa, KS
Faith Church Genoa, IL
Northern Oxnard UMC Oxnard, CA

Want to be a coach? Upcoming trainings:
Jan 18-19, 2013 – Southwest Texas Conference (San Antonio, TX)
Feb 1-2, 2013 – Mississippi Conference (Jackson, MS)
Feb 8-9, 2013 – W North Carolina Conference: Myers Park UMC (Charlotte, NC)
Mar 1-2, 2013 – North Alabama Conference (Hoover, AL)
Apr 12-13, 2013 – North Texas Conference: Greenland Hills UMC (Dallas, TX)

ChurchQuake: Embracing Freedom (Convocation 2013)

Every two years, hundreds of Reconciling United Methodists gather for a weekend of worship, study, training, and celebration. ChurchQuake: Embracing Freedom will remind us of that beacon of justice, freedom, and faithfulness in the midst of tumult. Convocation 2013 will happen just outside Washington DC, at the National 4-H Center over Labor Day weekend. The campus has accessible housing, meeting rooms, and dining hall. Plan now for you and others to participate in this unique assembly of the God’s people. Watch for the announcement about the Web site and registration mid-January.

RMN hires interim executive director

Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is pleased to announce that it has hired Dr. Randall (Randy) Miller to serve as its Interim Executive Director, starting in January 2013. Randy will work on a part-time, contractual basis until the new Executive Director arrives.Randy is currently Assistant Professor of United Methodist Studies, Ethics and Leadership and the Director of the Leadership Institute at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley California.

Randy is not only a gifted leader and administrator, having previously been the executive director of a $3.5 M national HIV/AIDS organization, he is also very familiar with RMN and the United Methodist Church. Randy is the immediate past Chair of the Commission on the United Methodist General Conference and has served on the boards of several general agencies of the United Methodist Church. A long-time supporter of the reconciling movement, he was also an RMN Board for four years.

“I am excited and honored to serve in this capacity and to work together with the RMN Board and its wonderful staff to ensure a smooth and seamless transition,” said Dr. Miller.

Because he will be telecommuting for the bulk of the interim period, Randy will be working closely with Reverend Bonnie Beckonchrist, current chair of the RMN Board, who will be in the office on a weekly basis to further ensure the smooth functioning of the organization.

The RMN Transition and Search Team continues its efforts to find and hire a new full-time Executive Director. The Team hopes to commence first round interviews during the first week of February, interview finalists at the next RMN Board Meeting, and announce the new executive director by no later than March 1. Read more >>

RMN hires Central Conferences coordinator for new initiative

RMN welcomes Dr. Derrick Spiva who will coordinate our effort to better connect with United Methodists from Central Conferences. The initiative will increase the grassroots quantity of African individuals, donors, action teams, and congregations who publicly denounce violence against LGBTQ persons; partner with a network of theologians, clergy, and laity who resource a growing moderate faith movement; advance leadership development among Africans studying in United Methodist seminaries in the US; and amplify messages that support a climate of tolerance in different languages. Read more >>

Before joining RMN, Derrick served on the board of directors for 5 years and was also chair of UMOC (United Methodist of Color) during his board tenure. Derrick served 5 years as a senior pastor for Sierra Vista and Saint Marks United Methodist Churches in Fresno, California. Read more >>

Speakers and leaders for Convocation 2013 announced

Labor Day weekend, 8/30-9/2 (registration opens in January)

EMCEES: RMN Board members Pamela Lightsey and Josh Noblitt will host and guide us through the dynamic convocation program.

WORSHIP LEADERS: DeLyn and Sarah Celec will lead us in daily worship as we remember and celebrate the faith traditions and relationships that impel and sustain us on our justice journeys.

BIBLE STUDY LEADER: Provocative, engaging and humorous Bible study sessions will be led each day by performance artist and biblical student Peterson Toscano.

PREACHERS: Daily worship will be enlivened and punctuated by impassioned proclamations of God’s Word for our day by Marcus Briggs-Cloud, Karen Oliveto and Joseph Tolton.

Read more >>

3 new reconciling communties in NC, MD, and AR

The Worship Roundtable of First UMC, Waynesville, NC seeks to live into God’s work of gracious reconciliation. We seek to honor the equality of all people and the mystery of the Holy One who includes and transcends all gender distinctions and sexual orientations. In light of that commitment we wish to be known as a Reconciling Community that welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, seeks to deepen our understanding of sexual and gender diversity, works for full inclusion of all persons in the life and ministry of the Church, advocates for greater justice for ALL people in caring for God’s world. Heeding the call to bring ALL people to Christ’s table of reconciliation, we will seek to share this vision of inclusiveness with the wider church and public in an honest, open, and caring spirit.
Read more >>

The Silver Spring Cooperative Parish of Silver Spring, MD believes that having open hearts, open minds and open doors means we are called to share God’s welcome with all people. We are a community where believers, seekers and doubters of every race, ethnicity, age, ability, socioeconomic status, gender identity and sexual orientation are valued as beloved children of God. We believe that Jesus taught of God’s love and acceptance for all; which we seek to embody through our actions, prayers, service, witness and discipleship. All are welcome here.
Read more >>

Our purpose in the Wesley Class of Pulaski Heights UMC, Little Rock, AR is to gather together to enhance the spiritual growth of one another. We welcome into our class people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, physical and mental abilities, economic means and family structures. We believe that there are no inherent barriers to live in relationship with God. All are welcome.
Read more >>

Don’t miss out

2013 RMN Convocation Church Quake: Embracing Freedom
Labor Day weekend, 8/30-9/2 (registration opens in January)

Did you catch the last Katalyst, RMN’s quarterly publication?

Become a Reconciling Process Coach: trainings coming to San Antonio, Mississippi, Charlotte, North Alabama, Dallas, Minneapolis, and New Jersey. Read more >>

#GivingTuesday: Give to RMN tomorrow!

We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. This year, help create #GivingTuesday. Tomorrow, November 27, RMN is joining other causes who are coming together to transform the way people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season. It’s a simple idea. Find a way for you, your family, your community, or your organization to join in acts of giving. Tell everyone you can about what you are doing and why it matters. Join a national celebration of our great tradition of generosity. Together we’ll create ways to give more, give better and give smarter. By giving to RMN you are mobilizing United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.

Giving a birthday wish

In the spirit of #GivingTuesday (see above), Harold Hughes has created a Birthday wish to benefit RMN! He has set a goal to raise $500 from now until December 2. He is asking his friends to donate as a birthday present.

“I chose RMN because it believes that ALL are the same in God’s eyes and should have equal membership. Please consider giving to my birthday wish, and together we can achieve equality, erase homophobia, and make the world a better place. I’d really appreciate if you’d share this page with all your friends, especially Methodists. Thanks so much, Harold”

Giving leadership: undergraduate student, faculty and staff opportunity

Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) will be hosting Interfaith Leadership Institute (ILI) from Jan 25-27 in Atlanta, GA and registration is now open! Register by Dec 6 and save $50 on your registration fee. Hear inspirational talks and experience trainings where students and allies develop a vision and the skills to lead interfaith action on their campus. Join a new network of interfaith leaders making interfaith cooperation a social norm. Bring a team of students and allies from your campus and get ready to mobilize a movement for interfaith action across your student body, change your campus by raising the volume on interfaith cooperation as a priority, and grow as a leader, building skills for campus and beyond. Read more >>

Giving of yourself: Bishop Talbert and Biblical Obedience

Katalyst, RMN’s quarterly publication, came out last week. Be sure to read the center article featuring a conversation with RMN Vice Chair Bishop Melvin Talbert:

“I never intended to lead a movement. As a Bishop, I needed to make some declaratory observations. I accept a call for us to claim our identity as it relates to the Bible, to speak truth to power, and decide that laws that govern LGBTQ persons and allies in the life of the Church are immoral and unjust and are no longer deserving of our loyalty and support. Those of us who believe that way need to declare our beliefs and start doing the right thing.” Read more >>

Giving a farewell to Executive Director Troy Plummer

You have two opportunities to say thank you to Troy as he leaves RMN after 9 years of faithful service:

Among Troy’s greatest passions is the growth in Reconciling Communities and Reconciling United Methodists. RMN needs to reach United Methodists and their congregations who have never heard of RMN so that they might experience God’s inclusive love and grace for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. RMN’s board is honoring Troy by seeking special support for outreach to 30,000 UM congregations by sharing stories about how Reconciling communities can get involved in the movement. Will you honor Troy’s leadership with a gift and help RMN reach 30,000 congregations? Read more >>

You can also take part in Troy’s goodbye gift by sharing your memories, stories, notes, pictures, and scanned handwritten notes for a special book RMN’s Board is preparing for Troy. Email 3 words that describe Troy along with pictures and memories to: goodbyeTroy@rmnetwork.org.

Don’t miss out

2013 Reconciling Convocation: Labor Day weekend, 8/30-9/2 just outside Washington DC (more details coming soon).

RMN’s executive director search: To view the job description, visit www.rmnetwork.org/EDsearch. Send resume and cover letter to rmn@wolfredconsulting.com. Deadline is January 11, 2013.

Become a Reconciling Process Coach: trainings coming to San Antonio, Mississippi, Charlotte, North Alabama, Dallas, Minneapolis, and New Jersey.

Marriage equality passed states… what now for The UMC?

During its 2012 session, the Pacific Northwest Conference voted overwhelmingly to support the marriage equality bill that was before voters in Washington state on election day. Bishop Grant J. Hagiya embodied the will of the conference by offering his voice to the Washington United for Marriage campaign; speaking with clarity about the importance of religious freedom. With the approval of Referendum 74, United Methodist clergy and congregations have two distinct questions to wrestle with… Read more>>

Job opening to lead RMN

The RMN Board of Directors seeks a leader to pursue RMN’s goal of creating a fully inclusive United Methodist Church for all God’s children, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer United Methodists. The successful candidate will expand upon 28 years of successful grassroots organizing in the United States, five years of national campaigns, and a recent launch of international work with United Methodists in Africa, the Philippines, and Europe. To view the job description, visit www.rmnetwork.org/EDsearch. Send resume and cover letter to rmn@wolfredconsulting.com. Deadline is January 11, 2013. Read more>>

Help send Troy off with a memory book

Help say goodbye to Troy and Walter…
Share your memories, stories, notes, pictures, and scanned handwritten notes for a special goodbye book project RMN’s Board is preparing for Troy.
Email 3 words that describe Troy along with pictures and memories to: goodbyeTroy@rmnetwork.org. Send pictures in a high resolution .jpg format. Deadline is November 19! Contact David Meredith or Giselle Lawn with questions.

Transgender Day of Remembrance online vigil

Every year in November, communities come together to commemorate the International Transgender Day of Remembrance—a day dedicated to honoring trans* people who have lost their lives to acts of violence over the past year. Please join us for the online Transgender Day of Remembrance online vigil on Monday, November 19 at 8:00pm EST. Click here to RSVP and spread the word.
No matter who you are or where you live, you can honor the Transgender Day of Remembrance by joining our online vigil. Already planning a Day of Remembrance vigil in your community? Go to our TDOR resource page. Read more>>

4 new Reconciling Congregations

Church of the Reconciler (Birmingham, Alabama): “…God’s work is the work of removing the injustices of the past that divide and limit all of us…”

Parker Memorial UMC (New Orleans, Louisiana): “…We work for equal rights for all humans and the natural world. We believe that the diversity of our community makes our faith stronger, our spirituality deeper, and our service more helpful.”

Glenview UMC (Glenview, Illinois): “Following the loving example of Jesus Christ, we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person as a beloved child of God…”

Hapeville First UMC (Hapeville, Georgia):
“…We affirm that all people are created in the image of God and as beloved children of God, are all worthy of God’s love and grace.”

Read more>>

Don’t miss out

2013 Reconciling Convocation: Labor Day weekend, 8/30-9/2 (more details coming soon)

Free resources available online: “Shaping Sanctuary” and “Claiming the Promise“

Become a Reconciling Process Coach: trainings coming to Ohio, San Antonio, Mississippi, Charlotte, North Alabama, Dallas, Minneapolis, and New Jersey.