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An Affirming,
Fully Inclusive Ministry
At St. John's on the Sunshine Coast, inclusivity means that all people are welcome in all ministries, at the communion table, and into our church
family.
This means that we are dedicated to a fully inclusive church community.
Our statement of Faith is as follows:
St John's United Church, an Affirming ministry within The United Church of Canada, is an inclusive community of faith. In celebrating God's presence by following Jesus' example of unconditional love, we strive to accept and nurture each other as we are. We welcome the ministry and participation from persons of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, differing abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, and economic circumstances.
We welcome the ministry and participation of all persons.
What about a summer holiday in Montreal this year?
Find out more about the Annual Affirm United
Conference and AGM 'Coming Out of Exile' from
August 3-6, 2012 in Montreal, Quebec.
You can read the details by clicking here.
Read or dowmnload a copy of the Winter edition of Affirm's Consensus Newsletter. Be sure to read the St. John's cover story, "Affirming Radical Hospitality," by Bernadette Richards.
Invitation to New Network
In 2009 the 40th General Council affirmed the participation and
ministry of transgender people within The United Church of Canada and
supporting their civil and human rights. In 2012 the General Council
Executive acknowledged the difference between sexual orientation and
gender identity, and unanimously affirmed that gender identity is not
a barrier to membership and ministry in The United Church of Canada.
To help in living out this commitment a 'Trans Network' is being
created for United Church transgender people. (transgender: anyone
whose perceived gender or assigned sex conflicts with their gender
identity). Click here to download and read more information about the Trans Network.
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Opportunities for Action and to Make Your Voice Heard
The following websites have a variety
of petition options for your consideration:
Move On
http://front.moveon.org
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This group is an American Political Action Committee. It offers insight to causes important to Canada's nearest geographical neighbour.
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While signing an online petition may seem like a small
action, the results can be very powerful and effective.
"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean.
But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." Mother Teresa
- Our Journey
The journey began with a visioning process undertaken by the St. John's congregation in 2009. One of three goals from that
visioning was to undertake the walk of becoming an Affirming Ministry. Various resources were used throughout the rich
learning periods as members met to discern what it means to be an Affirming Ministry within the United Church.
A few highlights from that sixteen-month exploration include:
In 2004 St. John's adopted a same gender marriage policy after the General Council ruled in 2003 that same gender marriage was permissible and welcome.
In January 2011 the St. John's congregation voted 94% in favour of becoming an Affirming Ministry.
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Gathered for our Affirming Ministry Service
Whether you sang, organized, prepared food, set up or cleaned up, took pictures, greeted guests, attended the service, invited friends. . . . we all drew the circle wide!
Click here to see pictures of
this celebration
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Recommended Reading
Homosexuality and the Bible, an article by The Rev. Dr. Walter Wink
Dr. Walter Wink is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Interpretation at Auburn Theological Seminary in New York City. Previously, he was a parish minister and taught at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Read his article here.
Beyond Anonymous ~ A Reflection By Rev. Nancy Steeves
Read the Reflection, Beyond Anonymous, by Rev. Nancy Steeves. She was a guest minister as part of the educational and exploratory process of St. JohnÂ's becoming an Affirming Ministry. Nancy is the minister at Southminster-Steinhauer United Church in Edmonton, Alberta.
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An Active Affirming Ministry Committee
St John's United Church has an active Affirming Ministry Committee that meets regularly. As we move forward we will be working on:
- Education of new members
- Educational events for our Ministry and the wider community
- Joint worship service with other churches
- Exploring issues of mission and ministry with marginalized people within the community
- Developing and conducting workshops
- Getting involved with other community groups addressing inclusion
If you would like to join us, please contact Colleen Adair, our committee chair.
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Affirm United / S'affirmer Ensemble
Affirm United is a justice-oriented organization of people within The United Church of Canada. Membership is open to those who support their work, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Affirm United is a voice and a support for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, drawing strength and hope from Biblical stories of liberation; from the prophetic call to live justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God; and from witness to God's inclusive love.
- A link of interest: Soulforce.
Soulforce is committed to freedom for lesbian, gay,bisexual, transgender, and queer people from religious and political oppression through relentless nonviolent resistance.
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