OUR COMMITMENT TO LEARN, GROW, AND WELCOME FULLY

​As a United Methodist congregation, we recognize that becoming a truly inclusive church is an ongoing journey—one that asks us to listen deeply, learn humbly, and grow continually. Our commitment to our LGBTQIA2S+ siblings is not a single decision but an intentional unfolding of who God is calling us to be.
​
We acknowledge the harm the Church has caused, and we believe part of our call is to participate in healing: to repair trust, to affirm dignity, and to create a community where all people are embraced as God’s beloved. This work is never done alone. We seek to partner with LGBTQIA2S+ leaders, organizations, and neighbors in our wider community who have been doing this work faithfully for years. Their wisdom helps guide us as we strive to live more fully into justice, compassion, and radical welcome.Each step we take is a step toward becoming the church we hope to be—open, courageous, healing, and grounded in love.

 OUR PRESENCE AT  BOISE PRIDE

Our involvement in the Boise Pride Festival has continued to grow in both joy and purpose. What began as a small booth shared with one other church has now expanded to a partnership of five congregations working together. This year, our shared Banned Book Booth was our most successful yet—we gave out more than 200 books because we believe every person should be able to see themselves in the faces and stories they read. We also added a cozy reading nook that quickly became a favorite stop for festival-goers of all ages.

In addition to the booth, we were honored to help shape the Pride Worship Service again this year, participating in the planning team and supporting the service on the day of. Our presence at Pride reflects our commitment to show up, stand alongside our LGBTQIA2S+ neighbors, and help create spaces where all people feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

COMMUNITY LIBRARY

In 2023, our congregation voted to become a Reconciling Congregation, a UM affiliation where churches commit to achieving LGBTQ+ justice and full inclusion in the life and leadership of our church.  One of the steps we took was to create a lending library with theological books to help us grow as Christian disciples. Our books reflect an inclusive God. We have study books for adults to explore new intersections of their faith and social issues. We also have children’s books with inclusive characters and themes . This reflects our commitment to letting all people know they are beloved children of God. Our lending library is housed in the beautiful handmade bookcase in the main entry of our church. Our lending library is open to anyone desiring to be on this journey with us. 

WHAT IS THE RECONCILING MINISTRY NETWORK

Reconciling Ministries Network is committed to intersectional justice across and beyond the United Methodist connection, working for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people throughout the life and leadership of the Church.

Reconciling Ministries Network envisions a transformed Church that ensures justice, equity, and dignity for all of God’s children in their diverse intersecting identities.

OUR RECONCILING STATEMENT

We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.