We recognize and are saddened by the knowledge that many churches, including our own denomination, the United Methodist Church, have and do exclude people from the fullness of participation in the church community and have therefore wounded God’s beloved. At St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, we work to include rather than exclude, so that all are actively welcomed and valued at worship, meals, spaces, events and especially in our sacred celebrations including communion and baptism.
The fullness of our community is open to all ages, races, ethnicities, political affiliations, gender identities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic status, faith histories, marital status and mental or physical abilities. We welcome all to come as they are to participate, lead, love, be loved, challenge, edify, push, question and belong.
Over the past two years, St. Mark’s has worked diligently to gather views and opinions from our members regarding full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons. As a result, the Input Project was completed and compiled with more than 300 participants.
The Rainbow Fellowship provides our St. Mark’s LGBTQIA+ community a safe space in which to encourage and nurture one another in our faith journeys. We welcome all who identify as LGBTQIA+ to join us and connect with one another, providing strength for the journey.
We welcome ALL at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, and we long to care for every individual in their spiritual journey. We invite members to continue seeking ways to gain understanding, and the pastoral staff remains open to these conversations. We have compiled a list of literature and other resources listed here, to also help guide you.