Statement of Welcome & Inclusion
First Methodist’s Statement of Welcome & Inclusion
At First United Methodist Church Bloomington, our vision is a Christ-centered church that is open to all, a safe place to grow, and a servant community. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
We believe all people are created in the image of God. God’s love extends to all people, and all people are of sacred worth. We welcome, affirm, and celebrate people of any age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, national origin, ethnic or cultural background, appearance, faith tradition, physical and mental ability, economic condition, marital status, family configuration, or place on the spectrum of conservative, centrist, or progressive.
We seek to love alike, even though we may not think alike. We embrace our differences as gifts that enrich our mission and ministries, and help us grow in faith. We believe all of us are called to serve Christ together and to build God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
We proclaim this statement of inclusion and welcome to all, especially those who have known the pain of exclusion and discrimination in the church or in society. We invite all people to join us on our faith journey toward greater love, understanding, and mutual respect.
You are loved and belong here.
You may thrive and serve here.
You may grow in God’s hope with us every day of the year.
Statements of Support
“I'm excited to see our congregation taking steps to intentionally welcome and embrace those outside our church who are questioning if our church can be a spiritual home for them. I look forward to seeing how we can continue demonstrating through our words and actions how this church supports and celebrates the identities of our community in worship, discipleship, and missions.”
— Chase Wilson, Vision Team
“I support the Statement of Inclusion and Welcome as it gives voice to the reality of what many of us have felt and known as worshippers here at FUMCB. I now look forward to truly living into these words and giving them life and meaning through with our actions.”
—Jessica Merkel, Governing Board
“It is my honor to support the Statement of Inclusion and Welcome because it expresses the reasons I love this church! As we work to include and welcome ALL God’s children, we join hands and bask in the glow of God’s love.”
—Cinda O’Connor, Governing Board
“In this imperfect world, we all will feel like the ‘other’—like the one who doesn’t belong—at different times in different settings. I’m so grateful that I belong to a church that uses God’s Kingdom as its own ‘true north’.”
—Sue Sgambelluri, Vision Team