Let's play peek-a-boo! Lets grow a super inclusive church.

Take time to listen to this TED talk about the importance of connecting and bonding.  Then apply it to what Thomas spoke about Changes Needed and committing to becoming an truly inclusive church:

Consider what if a member's church life is like the 30 seconds, ie. being ignored/dismissed/not included?

How hard it would be for the church member to 

1. feel calm,
2. feel safe, and 
3. learn to trust anyone.

And the lifelong impact that would have. 

For the past 10+ years members (Allies, progressives and a several moderates) have been crying out to connect with and dicuss diverse viewpoints.   Ie. to invite LGBTQ members into service, education, ministry, leadership, and discipleship. 

Try to understand the key elements of the lead team's recommendations: Changes Needed.   Also, try to understand why some are reacting to the recommendations of the lead team.   And why some traditionalist are reacting to the actions from the Allies. 

So many are still being dismissed and ignored - like the small child (Ari) in the video. 
Like children, we can recover quickly - when the whole community (leaders, GMC affiliates and traditionalist) demonstrates real inclusive acts of affirmation.   Changing the name of the church  without the real commitment to the changes is vanity.

The key is connections between others and connection to our leaders need to be strong.  Lets build on the commitment to the changes needed first before making a dramatic change.

The positive relationships with others and leaders gives members the confidence we need to tackle new avenues of our discipleship; to explore and grow our faith. 

So please, try to remember the most special period for church health is the initial experiences.   The next 3 weeks is our early development stages.   We the StayUMC @ Bethany know the special love that is possible.   

The apology in the recommendations is a nice start but lacks authenticity.   We're all for compromise, we need time and real acts of connections -- eg. allowing StayUMC members to speak to the whole congregation.