A Message from Rev. Larry Homitsky, Pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church

Sunday, March 3, 2019

This past week, the legislative arm of the United Methodist Church voted by a very slim margin to continue penalizing congregations and clergy that seek to be truly welcoming and inclusive to all.

Simply stated, this legislation means that members of our LGBTQIA+ community are allowed in our doors but not into our families of faith as full members and equal partners in ministry!

I believe this is wrong.

I believe that this past week was another example of the United Methodist Church missing an opportunity to lead our world, nations, and communities in acts of collaboration and compromise and promise.

We missed an opportunity that our world needs so badly to show that people of different ideas and ideals can worship, work, live, and simply be together in our differences while making disciples for Jesus Christ.

Instead, it has chosen to follow the much-trodden path today of division, polarization, and increasing dissension among our congregations and clergy.

This divisive attitude is hurting so many and shows that portions of our denomination are not really listening to the needs of all of our communities and congregations and instead continues to marginalize certain people whom are seeking authentic connections and opportunities to serve!

Here at Calvary we are not going to react. WE ARE GOING TO RESPOND.

Here at Calvary we will continue to proclaim the scriptures that clearly state God loves everyone and we are all made in God’s image.

As our Welcome Statement shares – You are God’s beloved, and you are welcome here.

Here at Calvary we will continue to proclaim that everyone can be together in mission and ministries for everyone.

Here at Calvary our future will continue to be shaped by the celebration of the Wesleyan Principles of scripture, tradition, reason, and experience leading ministries that are engaging all of Christ’s followers while making disciples.

Here at Calvary our hearts, our minds, our doors are and will always be truly open to all.

Rev. Larry Homitsky

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