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 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.
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My favorite part of Advent worship is lighting the candles on the wreath, one each week as the light grows progressively brighter on our journey. The Advent wreath has a fascinating history, beginning among German Lutheran in the 16th century. It didn’t receive its modern shape until 1839, when John Hinrich Wichem, a German Protestant pastor and urban missionary, made a ring of wood to teach impatient children about waiting for Christmas. The ring had 19 small red taper candles and four large white candles. Every morning, a small candle was lit, and every Sunday, a larger candle. To this day, we’ve only kept the larger candles.
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We’ve received news that the Afghan family our Welcome Team is supporting is the Nawzdee family of 5. They are currently planning to move into their new housing THIS FRIDAY, Dec. 3!
We need YOUR HELP in getting the family's personal items, household supplies, and bedding moved in. See this Housing Supply List with a list of things that we should obtain for the family!
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Afghan refugees are being resettled to Bloomington very soon! First Methodist is organizing a Welcome Committee to walk alongside an Afghan family as they begin this new chapter of their life in Bloomington. We want YOU to join our Welcome Committee!
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On behalf of the stewardship team, we are pleased to update you on our 2022 Stories of Generosity stewardship effort, as well as update you on October giving to First Methodist give you our wish list!
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Click here for reflection questions and goal-setting prompts!
Who in your life would benefit from social justice education? Invite them on your justice journey!
How can you use your new knowledge to practice being inclusive and anti-racist your personal life? How about in our church community?
How will you engage in difficult conversations when you recognize and respond to racist comments?
What actions will you take to deliberately implement inclusion in your home, workplace, or church?
Buy from local BIPOC businesses!
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Donate to non-profit organizations doing anti-racism & poverty support!
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Exodus Refugee Resettlement is looking for co-sponsors of families coming to Bloomington. These are groups of 10-15 people who walk alongside people as they resettle. They expect 30 from Afghanistan and another 100-300 from other countries (eastern DRC will be the largest) to come to Bloomington in the next year.
If you feel called to support resettlement financially, please give here. In the comment section, please mark it for the new Bloomington efforts. Thank you for your generosity!
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