Welcoming/Reconciling Interest Group

 

In March, 1994 a grassroots interest began among several congregation members, partially in response to work that they had done with Simple Justice and an awareness of the need for outreach and intentional ministry for people often ignored or censored by churches. Our minister, Hazel Anne Burnett, gave us her support and stressed that a movement of that kind must come from the congregation to be successful.

 

The Original members of the group were Deborah Maria, who assumed the leadership role, Deb Avery, Mary Allen, Hazel Anne Burnett, Pat Chercasen, Eileen and George Costuck, Sue Kohlhepp, Wanda WIlson, Pat and Ed Wolthausen, and Mary Zimmerman.

 

That spring, the group sponsored evening potlucks featuring key speakers from PFlag, RAIN and the Washington Fairness Coalition (part of the Hands Off Washington organization). By fall, the team was ready to present a video series for adults and older youth and was able to send a Church and Society member to the Oregon Reconciling Congregations' Retreat.

 

1995 started out with a self-education process involving video tapes, panel presentations, Bible studies and meetings which were open to all in the congregation, and that fall The United Methodist Church Studies Homosexuality was presented by Trudie Gish of Battleground UMC.

 

The education process continued and in 1996 George Costuck led a class for adults and older youth on Bible references commonly associated with homosexuality. Later the Administrative Board was presented with two proposals: 1)  change the  groups name to The Welcoming/Reconciling Congregation Task Force and 2) a request for the Administrative Board to authorize and support the Task Force's reaching out to each group in the church and the congregation as a whole to explain its program, findings and goals. The proposals were approved by the Board and each organized group in the church was given a presentation by the Task Force for the total audience of about 120 people. In November, a 24 hour prayer vigil was held at our annual all Church Conference. The congregation voted to officially become a Reconciling Congregation.

 

In 2001, we became part of the Reconciling Ministries Network after a ruling by church authorities that "Reconciling Congregation" could no longer be used because it was considered divisive.

 

The activities and services done since that time include "Movies With a Message" which flourished until 2005 under the leadership of Joy Burton; development of resources for adult and youth classes; informing the congregation of Reconciling issues; trials of ministers and bishops' statements about Holy unions; and the "Shower of Stoles" display.

 

In addition, we continue to push to get a handicapped accessible restroom for women; have the "Love Makes a Family" exhibit; share food collections with Martha's Pantry, a ministry of the MCC Church of the Gentle Shepherd for families living with Aids; help with a Reconciling booth at the annual conference; to enlarging the church library; man a booth at Saturday in the Park, Vancouver's Gay Pride Celebration; encouraging an observance of Gold Cross Sunday; help other churches with their reconciling process; and give clerical and treasurer support to the Pacific Northwest Reconciling Ministries Network. We also support the Reconciling Ministries Network by sending representatives to related conferences and convocations; attending PNW RMN meetings; and by working to make the church more welcoming and accessible for congregation members by pursuing hearing aids, braille hymnals, and wheelchair accessibility.

 

In 2001, Joy Burton assumed the leadership position and served as a representative at the Clark County Sexual Minority Roundtable. After four years of hard work and service, Joy retired from that role and Wanda Wilson began to lead the group.

 

In 2005, an attempt was made to furnish all interested members of the PNW RMN with supplies for short stoles to indicate our leanings at appropriate events but there was little demand for that service. The group had six members participating in the 2006 Portland Gay Pride Parade.

 

In July, 2006, the Pride Foundation of Clark County recognized Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church as a "Community Star for their role as an ally to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in Clark County." In presenting the award as part of Saturday in the Park (Esther Short Park), the presenters commented that Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. In 1996, the church became a Reconciling congregation after a lengthy process where church members pledged to welcome everyone. The inclusion of gays and lesbians prompted the most discussion, but ten years later, Vancouver Heights is the only United Methodist Church in Clark County that is a reconciling congregation.

 

Vancouver Heights UMC, currently under the leadership of Reverend Tom Tucker, has opened its doors to embrace the community. In the past year the church has provided space for Lambda Legal to present a film and discussion on marriage equality and hosted the installation of the new pastor for the Metropolitan Community Church of the Gentle Shepherd among other events. The church also supports Martha's Pantry by providing baskets and gathering products throughout the year that will be provided to persons living with HIV/AIDS. Reverend Tucker personally makes trips to pickup and deliver to home-bound people with AIDS in Clark County. Pride Foundation Clark County is happy to present to representatives and congregation members from Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church with the 2006 Community Star Award along with a check for $500 in recognition of all the support the church has given to the gay, lesbian, bi sexual and transgender community.