Covenant of Inclusiveness

In April 2000 our church adopted a Convenant of Inclusiveness when we became a Reconciling Congregation.

Read it here.

As a Reconciling Congregation we are a part of the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), a growing movement of United Methodist individuals, congregations, campus ministries, and other groups working for the full participation of all people in the United Methodist Church.

We are one of over 200 Reconciling Congregations in the US. The Reconciling Ministries Network is not officially part of the United Methodist Church, but rather, "we are a part of the Methodist tradition of social concern and action, a justice-seeking, Spirited people".

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Katie Discusses Immigration On TV

Katie was recently a part of a panel discussion on immigration on Peninsula Peace and Justice Center's talk show, Other Voices.

Watch it below!

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UPDATE: Deportation Press Conference

On Tuesday April 3, 2007, the First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto hosted a press conference regarding the upcoming deportation of Isabel Aguirre. Isabel is the mother of four children, all US citizens -- three of whom were at the event. Her husband, Pedro Ramirez, was deported in February.

At the press conference religious and community leaders, activists, teachers, and concerned citizens spoke on behalf of the Aguirre/Ramirez family and against unjust immigration policies that threaten to tearfamilies apart.

On April 6th, Good Friday, Isabel and her children all left for Cancita, Mexico. Last minute appeals to stop Isabel's deportation failed, but fortunately enough money was raised to keep the family together. Instead of going into foster care, Isabel's children were able to travel with their mother to Mexico. Returning to Mexico has been a struggle; the family doesn't know how they will make a living there and Isabel has been ill, although reports are that she is doing better now.

Through Barron Park Elementary School, where two of the children were enrolled before their departure, a fund has been set up to continue to assist the Ramirez/Aguirre family. Cathy Howard, principal at Barron Park writes the following:

"Anyone can donate directly to the fund at any branch of the Bank of America. The account number is 01186 45969. Through the Safe Send program, the money will be transferred (some each month) to a bank in Mexico for them to draw on.

We truly appreciate the generous outpouring of support from the community for this family! Since there are other families in similar situations who did not receive news coverage, community members may wish to donate to community agencies that provide support to immigrant families."

Please keep this family, and all others caught in this struggle, in your prayers during this Easter season. It was after all, Jesus who said, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:35)

Thank you!
Katie

Photos from the press conference can be found here

Katie spoke about the deportation in her May 13, 2007, Mother's Day sermon. Read it here

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100+ UM Pastors Decry Judicial Council Actions

On Saturday, Dec. 17 Bishop Beverly Shamana, the spiritual leader for 80,000 United Methodist Christians in Northern California and Nevada, and Pastor Schuyler Rhodes, of Temple United Methodist Church, were joined by clergy colleagues and lay members of United Methodist Churches from across the region in a powerful, public display illustrating their stand for openness and inclusion in the world wide denomination.
 
This event included a celebration of Holy Communion shared from atop a wooden door – a symbol that United Methodists in the California Nevada Region support the church-wide theme, “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors,” despite a highly controversial church court ruling supporting pastors who deny homosexuals membership in the 8-million member United Methodist Church. The event took place at Temple United Methodist Church in San Francisco. 
 
In addition to the special act of worship, Bishop Shamana unveiled “An Open Letter to a Brother in Christ Who Was Denied Membership in Local Church Because of His Sexual Orientation".  Started by the congregation at Temple United Methodist Church, this letter has garnered more than 100 signatories in a few weeks.  The letter apologizes for the actions of clergy who have barred the doors to Christian community, and denounces the actions of the Judicial Council.  The more than 100 signatories of the letter also clearly state their churches are places of welcome for all people.
 
“This is a message we want everyone to hear clearly,” says Shamana.  “All persons are of sacred worth. All are recipients of God’s unconditional love.  We can offer no less.”

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2004 "Beyond Acceptance" Conference

Click here for photos from the conference

The First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto sponsored a special conference, Beyond Acceptance, on September 24- 26, 2004.

The purpose of the conference was to build connections and coalitions, generate inspiration, and create new ideas among church groups and community organizations working toward a more inclusive society.

The Rev. Mel White, renowned speaker and founder of Soulforce, was the keynote speaker leading us to imagine a future "beyond the acceptance" of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals toward full inclusion.

The conference included a variety of workshops on a range of topics from marriage equality, theological inquiry, parenting and family issues and transgender issues. A musical celebration took place on Saturday evening.

The Reverend Mel White
The Rev. Dr. Mel White has been a Christian minister, author, and filmmaker all his adult life. Raised as a evangelical Christian, taught that homosexuality was a sin, he fought to overcome his own homosexual orientation for decades through: prayer, psychotherapy, exorcism, electric shock, marriage and family.

That struggle and his halting, poignant steps to understand and accept his homosexuality, reconcile it with his Christian faith, and express his sexuality respectfully and responsibly, are described in his book "Stranger at the Gate: To Be Gay and Christian in America", published in 1994.

In 1993, he came out publicly when he was installed as dean at the Dallas Cathedral of Hope of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC). He announced during his first sermon, "I am gay. I am proud. And God loves me without reservation."

Mel White founded Soulforce Inc. with his partner, Gary Nixon. Soulforce is an interfaith movement committed to ending spiritual violence perpetuated by religious policies and teachings against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people. Rev. White will discuss his vision and plans for Soulforce at the conference.

Click here for workshop descriptions

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Pastor Maggie Reports from the 2004 General Conference

Pastor Maggie along with Bill and Janet Nicholls were in Pittsburgh to observe what went on at the 2004 General Conference of the United Methodist Church. There were many issues of interest and concern that were discussed and voted on at the conference.

While they were there they sent us first-hand reports about what was happening that could affect us as United Methodists.

We have posted their reports on the website. Click here to view their reports

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