Bluster*

It’s been blistering flurries in Oldham for about an hour. Dislike.

That's not to say that there's not still folks in our congretation that still hold 'traiditionalist' views, but they've made peace with the changes and that it's not worth leaving. And the third of folks that left over last 5 years have been more than offset by new joiners in the last 1.5 yrs.

So congregations that maybe had intented to be more moderate or to whisper inclusiveness on the backside of the policy changes are now much more free and bold to lean into it than they expected to have to be.

I think a very practical reality of the schism being quite drawn out over years is that a denomination that was VERY "purple" (cribbing political slang) became more blue as red folks got impatient and left or splintered off.

I cochaired our church’s discernment team to navigate through all the changes of the last few years and its been exciting to see the positive response from the community and influx of folks in our fairly conservative KY suburb looking for a mature denom leaning into an affirming and inclusive shift.

And I’m proud it’s a UMC. 😊 It took our denomination too long to get here, and some leaving along the way. But I firmly believe we’re right where God has called us to be - doors, hearts, and minds open and arms outstretched.

I’m so happy you found a place to feel a part of the community and the body of believers. Everyone who seeks one should find a church home that welcome them with love, acceptance, and a wholeness of the person God made you and is continuing to make you. Sadly, that’s not always people’s experience.

Turns out you are not Sirius people.

Miserable, in fact.

😐

Congrats on your win.

I just…

Bet.

Cal, “hold my beer”

This is just painful.

Please, no. I’m so tired. No more.

Nicely done! Glad you had a good time.