RECONCILING MINISTRIES
A People of Inclusion
The First United Methodist Church of Lincoln, Maine has long been a faith community that welcomes and accepts people from all walks of life. On November 24, 2024, our congregation voted unanimously to adopt the following Welcoming Statement and to affiliate with Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), an organization dedicated to intersectional justice and advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion within and beyond the United Methodist Church​
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We, the people of the First United Methodist Church of Lincoln, Maine, are a people of inclusion.
We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.
We believe God’s grace is available to all.
Events
FUMCL's Reconciling Core Team is committed to fostering an inclusive community that embodies our Welcoming Statement. Through education, advocacy, and relationship building, the Team works together to maintain a safe and welcoming space, to create transformative change, and to realize God’s unconditional love for everyone. To learn more, please speak to Pastor Victoria or any member of the Core Team. We also invite you to attend any of our upcoming events. These educational offerings and fellowship opportunities are free and open to the community, as well as church members.
CURRENT AND UPCOMING EVENTS
March 16, April 6, May 4 & May 18 at 4:00 P.M.
TRANSforming Church Culture - Four-Part Study
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The study "TRANSforming Church Culture: Becoming Trans-Inclusive" by the Reconciling Ministries Network is a powerful resource designed to guide churches and communities toward greater love and affirmation for transgender individuals. Through reflection, discussion, and scripture-based insights, participants will explore foundational truths about transgender people and learn how to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Join us this weekend to engage in meaningful conversations and take steps toward building a truly welcoming faith community.
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April/May TBA
"American Teenager" Book Club at the Lincoln Memorial Library
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Our Reconciling Core team invites you to join us at the Lincoln Memorial Library for a thoughtful and engaging book club discussion of Nico Lang's "American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era." This groundbreaking work provides an intimate look into the lives of transgender and gender nonconforming teens across the United States, showcasing their resilience, dreams, and the challenges they face. Together, we'll explore these powerful stories and the broader conversations they inspire. Stay tuned for details on the date and time—we look forward to having you with us!​​
PAST EVENTS
Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 6:00 P.M.
Documentary Viewing Party
"1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture" (Available on Amazon Prime)
Thursdays at 6:00 P.M. | May 16 - June 20, 2024
Hybrid Book Club
"UnClobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality" by Colby Martin*
Sundays at 10:00 A.M. | August 4, 18, 25 & September 1, 2024
Video Lecture Series
"What the Bible Says About Homosexuality" by Rev. Dr. John C. Holbert
Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 6:00 P.M.
Guest Speaker
"Not An Oxymoron" with Pastor, Spiritual Coach & Author Colby Martin
Friday, October 11, 2024, at 6:00 P.M.
Documentary Viewing Party
Friday, November 8, 2024, at 6:00 P.M.
Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 2:00 P.M.
Documentary Viewing Party
"For They Know Not What They Do" (Available on Amazon Prime)*
Friday, March 7, 2025, at 7:00 P.M.
Documentary Viewing Party
"The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson" (Available on Netflix)
*Also available to borrow from the FUMCL Open & Affirming Library
Recommended Resources
We invite you to visit our Open & Affirming Library located in the Fellowship Nook by the upstairs bathrooms. Our Reconciling Core Team has curated an outstanding collection books, films, and other resources on a variety of subjects important to LGBTQ+ affirmation.
Books are available to sign out for two weeks and films for one week. Please see a Core Team member for more information or for suggestions on where to start.
