The work of becoming a more welcoming congregation is no small task! We're glad that you're checking out our website, since we are regularly updating and adding to the web content for the Welcoming Congregation Program, including:

A full explanation of what the WC Program is, with a ‘FAQ’ (Frequently Asked Questions) section.
A calendar of scheduled events through June.
Current events - a recap with photos of the March 25th rally at the War Memorial
Press clippings relevant to our program
Coming very soon: video slips from PFLAG panel forum

April’s Welcoming schedule includes only one activity. It will be not only interesting and worthwhile, but also a particularly good one for ‘first timers’ if you have not yet dipped your toe into the ‘welcoming waters’. It is another of our popular movie nights. We will meet in the annex at 6:00 pm for dinner, and social time with friends. A little before 7:00, the group will migrate to the chapel for more comfortable seating and viewing of the movie “Before Stonewall”. This video chronicles the lives of bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people in the twentieth century prior to the Stonewall Riots in 1969. It provides a historical perspective in a documentary format. A discussion will follow the movie. Please sign up on the form available in the lobby to reserve your dinner. Child care will be available if requested.

May’s events include: a workshop on the 2nd, “Religion & Homosexuality,” followed by a book and topical reading discussion on the evening of the 14th led by Jud Cole. The short book entitled, “What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality” by Dr. Daniel Helminiak will be covered as well as an assortment of brief yet thought provoking articles suitable for lively discussion. We will have copies of the articles available for pick-up in the lobby in
the near future. Dr. Helminiak is a Roman Catholic priest, with PhD's in both systematic theology and educational psychology.  Please sign up in foyer, and indicate if you need child care.

May 16th’s workshop, Transgender Identity: What it Means, will be enlightening and informative, as an important precursor to our guest speaker, movie producer, Brooks Nelson. Brooks will be here to screen his movie “Switch” on May 22nd in our chapel followed by a discussion. His movie depicts the reaction of his family, friends and community to his own personal transgendering journey. We are honored and excited to host the appearance of this award-winning filmmaker.

At this time, we’ve completed five workshops, one movie night, and a community outreach event at the War Memorial. We’ve covered a lot of ground, but no matter how much we think we know, there is always room for new personal growth and enlightenment. As one participant stated following our first movie night (showing ‘Anyone and Everyone’), “I really didn’t think I needed to see this video…I thought I was pretty much on board and really didn’t have an issue with gay people…but I never fully realized the extent of the pain and anguish parents and children go through. This video really showed that.”

By the way, the video “Anyone and Everyone” is available for viewing if you were not able to attend but would still like to see it. In addition, we have a fairly large assortment of videos you may borrow to view at home…see our Adult Religious Education Director, Jill Crane if interested.

I’m happy to report at this time, that we have had 42% of our membership attend one or more programs. Let’s work together to expand that statistic! If you are in the other 58%, please make an extra effort to participate – you will not regret the time you spend. I promise!

-- Janet Peplin, Welcoming Congregation Chair