2012 Annual Report

Annual Report 2012

Reconciling Ministries Network mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.

2012 DONORS

Thank You

Organizational support from: Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns - AHS Foundation Arcus Foundation - E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation - The Joe B. & Louise P. Cook Foundation - Florida United Methodist Foundation GE Foundation Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund - Human Rights Campaign Foundation - Pacific School of Religion - J Rich Company LLC - The WMN Foundation

To see larger view, go to www.rmnetwork.org/annualreport

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Welcome “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

- G.K. Chesterton

Matt Berryman Executive Director

When I survey the expanse of Reconciling Ministries Network’s work over this last year and hear the stories of transformed lives, I am immediately made happy and simultaneously filled with wonder.

Not only am I deeply grateful since I have been the beneficiary of such grace and love, but I am grateful on behalf of the many persons whose lives have been transformed over the 30 year history of this prophetic organization. The numinous web of grace woven by RMN extends far beyond the comprehension of our own imaginations. And this is all made possible through the generosity of donors like you. Thanks be to God! RMN is a stronger organization because of the leadership and dedication of my predecessor Rev. Troy Plummer. When Troy first arrived in 2003, RMN was a very different organization. In less than ten years, RMN has grown over 120% from 236 to 528 Reconciling Communities in 2012. Our staff has grown to include organizing, communications, and fundraising staff who increase our professional engagement with the church and world. We are grateful for the passion and commitment Troy

implementing that strategy. Over five years, RMN trained nearly 4,400 people with skills to strengthen and empower Reconciling leaders At General Conference over 500 to create active Annual Conference faithful people volunteered in collaboration with coalition partners Teams (ACTs) and increase the number of Reconciling communities. who offered a witness for love and inclusion. Some legislative successes This growth can be seen at all levels include adding gender identity to the of the Reconciling movement: in both hate crimes section of the Discipline quantity and quality, RMN presence at Annual Conference meetings has and we stopped further harmful grown and reports from ACTs detail language from being added. a shift in participation at the regional level from meeting only during We surveyed the movement for Annual Conference to many teams feedback. You spoke. We listened. which now meet two or three times We heard your call for improved annually. communication about how RMN is making a difference. We redesigned As Bishop Minerva Carcaño said at our e-newsletter Flashnet and General Conference, “It is time for the print magazine Katalyst as well as UMC to be an inclusive church. It is amplified our presence on social time for us to leave behind our power media platforms. struggles, and our limitations to see the fullness of the Body of Christ.”

RMN’s board of directors underwent an intensive strategic planning As you read the stories in this report, process that updated our work I hope they compel us to reimagine together. RMN’s revised Strategic how we might continue to live into Directions can be found by going to RMN’s vision of a renewed and www.rmnetwork.org/about-us. vibrant Wesleyan movement that In 2012, we celebrated the conclusion is biblically and theologically centered. As committed disciples of the five-year Called to Witness of Jesus Christ, Reconciling (CTW) campaign, where over 1,000 Ministries Network strives to people were mobilized to share transform the world by living out their personal story of inclusion. the Gospel’s teachings of grace, CTW shifted RMN from a pastorally love, justice, and inclusion for all (mercy) focused movement into of God’s children. one with an organizing strategic plan centered on proactive strategy and clear tactics and methods for has given to RMN and wish him and his husband Walter well.

Giselle’s story....................................................................... 4 Giselle Lawn | St. Mark United Methodist Church - Atlanta, Georgia

Luis’s story............................................................................. 5

Drew’s story ........................................................................ 8 Rev. Drew Pheonix | ACLU of Anchoarge, Alaska

Sara’s story............................................................................ 9 Sara Ann Swenson | Iliff School of Theology - Denver, Colorado

Rev. Luis Reyes | First United Methodist Church - Lombard, Illinois

Your communities........................................................... 10

Your Finances....................................................................... 6

RMN Communities, including perspective communities who gave

Your Network...................................................................... 7

Jarell’s story....................................................................... 11 Jarell Wilson | Servant Church - Austin, Texas

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Giselle’s story RMN has helped me experience the freedom of living an authentic, open life. Since RMN has become part of my life, I feel an even closer, stronger relationship with God. Giselle Lawn, current RMN Board member, attends St. Mark United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia

Twenty-two years ago I professed my faith in God and my life has never been the same. I joined my local Southern Baptist church and began my new life journey with God. For the next sixteen years, I shared the Christian gospel through personal witness as part of the outreach ministry of the church.

Since my earliest memories as a child, I lived my entire life in the closet, doing my best to live according to societal norms and expectations and to suppress the person God created me to be. Six years ago, I put God’s design for my life ahead of societal expectations. I decided to live the rest of my life as the woman God created me to be instead of continuing my life as a man. I decided to come out of the closet. My objective was to blend into society as another Godly woman.

I met with my pastor and told him. He told me to rescind my letter of membership and leave the church. As a single person for whom the church was home and family, it was painful to leave this church, but I did so, trusting God to lead me.

A friend introduced me to Saint Mark UMC in midtown Atlanta and I joined three years ago. Just two weeks later I learned to tell my story at my first Reconciling Ministries Network event for All Means All, part of the Called to Witness campaign, held at St Mark.

When asked to join the RMN board just over two years ago, it was not an easy decision. For me it meant coming out of the closet again. It meant not only just blending into society as another woman who loves the Lord and was still hiding her past from society, but also trusting God to live publicly and proudly as a transgender woman and as a woman who loves other women.

RMN has helped me experience the freedom of living an authentic, open life. Since RMN has become part of my life, I feel an even closer, stronger relationship with God. The RMN vision statement says, “Reconciling Ministries Network strives to transform the world by living out the Gospel’s teachings of grace, love, justice and inclusion for all of God’s children.” RMN has provided me an outreach vehicle, now to work alongside others to make this vision reality. RMN has expanded my advocacy role helping to make our United Methodist Church more welcoming and affirming.

Through RMN, I help provide a church home for my transgender, bisexual, lesbian, gay, and queer sisters and brothers. Through RMN I advocate for a UMC where (regardless of sexual orientation) the marriage of all loving couples may be celebrated; and a UMC where all who are or are called to be our UMC clergy are able to live open, authentic lives.

Loving God, thank you for leading me through life and leading me to Reconciling Ministries Network.

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

05

Luis’s story Back in 1995 after receiving news of my next appointment, it never crossed my mind that I would continue a process already under way to take a vote as a church to adopt a welcome statement to become a Reconciling Congregation. As a Hispanic-American, I’m fully aware of what discrimination can do to anyone who is experiencing it – it can truly make you feel like you are not equal or you are second or third-class citizen. But it is even harder when you have to experience that exclusion in the life of the church.

So, in the midst of our becoming Reconciling, I found myself re-energized to continue working against all forms of exclusion in the life of the church. This was not easy. As one of the first HispanicAmericans who served a Reconciling Church in the Northern Illinois Conference, I was viewed at the time by some of my peers in the Hispanic community as a radical, one who didn’t respect the “established order.” In some ways I experienced “excommunication.”

But through RMN, I found other clergy —straight allies and LGBTQ clergy—who were also committed to working against exclusion. I remember my first Convocation, the now Bishop Minerva Carcaño challenged us to stop the status quo. So, alongside my LGBTQ brothers and sisters, something has changed in me, thanks to RMN. There is a renewed sense of empowerment to lead the church to tear down all forms of barriers that exclude God’s children from ministry in the life of the church. Integrating these core values of RMN and my Christian faith in my life and ministry is one of the high life moments of my journey.

Rev. Luis Reyes is the pastor at First United Methodist Church in Lombard, Illinois

RECONCILING MINISTRIES NE T WORK

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Your Finances Temporarily

Revenue and Other Support

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Grants

35,500

293,000

328,500

Individual gifts

389,423

63,331

452,754

-

-

-

In-kind donations

22,325

-

22,325

Individual Gifts

Miscellaneous sales

5,645

-

5,645

In-kind donations

278

-

278

4,216

-

4,216

Convocation

Interest and dividends Other income Net assets released from restrictions

736,922

(736,922)

-

$1,194,309

($380,591)

$813,718

Program

883,469

-

883,469

Management and general

177,409

-

177,409

Fundraising

69,781

-

69,781

$1,130,659

-

$1,130,659

Change

63,650

(380,591)

(316,941)

Beginning of year

438,548

557,364

995,912

$502,198

$176,773

$678,971

Total revenue and other support

Grants

Other income

Expenses

Total expenses

Net Assets

End of year

Program Management Fundraising

Independent Auditor Opinion: The financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of RMN at December 31, 2012 and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. RMN’s financial statements can be found online at www.rmnetwork.org.

“I stand before you here this afternoon and I declare that God has already settled this matter: all human beings are created in the image of God. There are no exceptions, no exclusions. We belong to the family of God. At the same time, I declare to you that the derogatory language and restrictive laws in the Book of Discipline are immoral, and unjust and no longer deserve our loyalty and obedience.”

—Bishop Melvin Talbert May 4, 2012

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

07

Your Network New Reconciling United Methodists, 2009-2012

826

55

591

772

588

21

Reconciling Communities

• 528 Total Reconciling Communities by 2012 • 33% increase during quadrennium New Reconciling Communities 2009-2012 • • • • •

North Central 43 Northeastern 33 South Central 29 Southeastern 26 Western 37 Total

168

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Drew’s story 2012 Board of Directors Brian Adkins Rev. Bonnie Beckonchrist Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger Anne Brown Vincent D. Cervantes Rev. Dr. Daniel F. Diss Jayson Kerr Dobney Rev. Dr. Gayle Carlton Felton Rev. Drew Pheonix, current RMN Board member, works with The American Civil Liberties Union of Anchoarge, Alaska

RMN is my champion.

In 2007, when I came out publicly as a transgender United Methodist Pastor, under attack by the Institute on Religion and Democracy and a contingent of colleagues in my own Baltimore-Washington Conference, RMN was there to champion my good standing as a pastor of 21 years and guide me through the onslaught of judicial proceedings and media interviews. Without hesitation, hundreds of RMN pastors and laity, most of whom I had never met, encircled me with their spiritual and emotional support and lent me their professional expertise.

RMN is my source of information and inspiration.

During my very public transition, RMN provided guidance and resources for me to use in educating my congregation about transgender people, the challenges they face, and how to create a safer, more welcoming space. Thanks to the Network, I was able to find a transgender lay person within my conference who could lead a Trans

Giselle Lawn Rev. Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey

101 workshop for my congregation and answer the kinds of questions they felt they could not ask me directly. I continually look to the theologically inspiring writings in Flashnet, Katalyst, and the worship and liturgical resources born out of Convocations to use in my ministry with local congregations.

Anne Lynch

RMN is my family.

Robert Swing

As a transgender person, it’s not easy to find a place at the table.

We are continually relegated to the corners, disenfranchised from community. But this has never been the case with RMN. From the beginning, I have been welcomed and supported, seen and heard, and given a prominent place at the table, both as a participant in the Trans Extension Ministry and on the Board of Directors. Through RMN, I have found a home and an extended family where I am loved for, and loved into, my authentic self. And to me, that love is a manifestation of Christ’s heavenly banquet!

Lisa McFarland Rev. David W. Meredith Rev. Joshua M. Noblitt Rev. John Oda Rev. Dr. Derrick Spiva Frank M. Staggs, Jr.

Bishop Melvin G. Talbert

Current Staff Rev. Israel Alvaran, Western Regional Organizer Matthew Berryman, Executive Director David Braden, Director of Development Meg Carey, Business Manager Rachel Harvey, Deaconess, Program Director Robyn Henderson-Espinoza, North Central Regional Organizer Ted Jackson, Office and Database Manager Rev. Andy Oliver, Director of Communications Rev. Laura Rossbert, Director of Regional Organizing Helen Ryde, Northeastern Regional Organizer Laura Young, South Central Regional Organizer

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

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Sara’s story Reconciling Ministries Network keeps me Methodist.

I know I’m not the first to say this. As a young adult committed to witnessing the transformation of Christ in our world today, RMN’s devotion to biblical inclusivity and true neighborly compassion gives me hope for a relevant church.

Growing up as the daughter of a United Methodist minister, some of my favorite stories were the wild tales of John Wesley gallivanting around Britain and the young United States, rallying for justice among those disenfranchised, shut out, and ignored by the institutional church of his time. Sound familiar?

Methodists were once frowned upon as “enthusiasts”— people who allowed their hearts and spirits to guide them at a time when class order and intellectual discipline were the rules of civilized religiosity. Sound familiar?

I know biblically, spiritually, innately, and “Methodistly” that diversity and community are the ultimate examples of love and beauty. This example of diversity in community is laid before us by a God who is simultaneously one and triune. Sharing this love and community with all creation is what it means to be alive in Christ. Among United Methodists, I witness this prophetic advocacy of divine “allness” in the work of RMN. RMN keeps me Methodist by keeping the rabblerousing, heaven-raising, rule-breaking spirit of authentic Methodism alive. RMN keeps me Methodist by demonstrating for me what love and support in the church really feel like. RMN keeps me Methodist by reminding me that biblical obedience is much bigger than any political body or book of discipline.

The first time I was moved to tears during worship was at our 2011 Sing a New Song convocation in Ohio. It was the first time I felt safe and at home singing the words to every hymn and holding the hands of my neighbors. I dream of a church where this can be true every Sunday in every congregation. RMN gives me hope that this dream will one day be possible among my United Methodist family worldwide. May it be so.

Sara Ann Swenson | Iliff School of Theology - Denver, Colorado

RMN keeps me Methodist by reminding me that biblical obedience is much bigger than any political body or book of discipline.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2012

Your communities Communities that gave in 2012 are italicized *Prospective communities who gave in 2012 Alabama Church of the Reconciler Hospitality Group at Discovery Woodlawn UMC Alsaka LGBT Outreach Team of South Anchorage UMC of Sitka Arkansas Argue Sunday School Pulaski Heights UMC MFSA, Arkansas Chapter Quapaw Quarter UMC Wesley Class at Pulaski Heights Arizona Asbury UMC Desert Mission UMC First UMC - Tucson Flagstaff Federated Community St. Francis in the Foothills California Albany UMC Almaden Hills UMC Alum Rock UMC Aptos Community UMC Berkeley Methodist United Church Bethany UMC - San Francisco Bloom in the Desert Ministries Buena Vista UMC Cal Aggie Christian Association Cal-Pacific Reconciling Ministries Calvary UMC - San Francisco Campbell UMC Central UMC - Stockton Christ Church UMC - Santa Rosa Church in Ocean Park Claremont UMC Crescenta Valley UMC Davis UMC Easter Hill UMC El Cerrito UMC El Dorado County Federated Elk Grove UMC Epworth UMC - Berkeley Fair Oaks UMC FEAST: United Campus Christian Ministry Fellowship UMC First UMC - Napa First UMC - Palo Alto First UMC - Pasadena First UMC - Point Richmond First UMC - San Rafael First UMC - Santa Cruz First UMC - Watsonville Glide Memorial UMC Good Samaritan UMC Hamilton UMC Hollywood UMC La Tijera UMC - Los Angeles Lake Merritt UMC Lake Park UMC Loomis First UMC Los Altos UMC Los Gatos UMC Malibu UMC Martinez UMC Mary Elizabeth Inn MFSA, Cal-Pac Chapter Morgan Hill UMC Neighbors Group New Community UMC North Oxnard UMC Novato UMC Orange County Community of RUMs Pacific Beach UMC Palm Springs UMC Pine UMC San Francisco UM Mission Sebastopol UMC Sophia Circle St. Andrew UMC - Palo Alto St. Andrew’s UMC - Sacramento St. Mark’s UMC - Sacramento St. Mark’s UMC - Stockton St. Paul’s UMC - Redondo Beach St. Paul’s UMC - San Jose St. Paul’s UMC - Vacaville

Sunnyhills UMC Temple UMC Toluca Lake UMC Trinity UMC - Berkeley Trinity UMC - Chico UMC of Merced United Campus Ministries, LA United Campus Ministries, Riverside United University Church Walnut Creek UMC Wesley Foundation at UC Berkeley Wesley at UC Santa Barbara Wesley at UCLA Wesley UMC - Fresno Wilshire UMC Colorado Arvada UMC Cameron UMC Christ Church UMC - Denver First UMC - Boulder Grant Avenue UMC - Denver Highlands UMC - Denver Mountain View Community St. Andrew UMC - Highlands Ranch St. Paul’s UMC - Denver Warren UMC Wesley Foundation - Boulder Wesley Foundation - Denver Connecticut Diamond Hill UMC First & Summerfield UMC Mary Taylor Memorial UMC Niantic Community Church Uncasville UMC Delaware Epworth UMC - Rehoboth Beach Grace For All Wesley Foundation - Newark Florida Fulford UMC* Grace UMC - Lake Mary Lakewood UMC St. John’s on the Lake UMC Georgia Asbury Memorial UMC Druid Hills UMC Hapeville First UMC Koinonia Sunday School Class North Georgia RUMs Saint Mark UMC - Atlanta Trinity UMC - Atlanta Hawaii Trinity UMC - Pearl City Idaho Hillview UMC Wesley Foundation at Boise State Iowa Clinton-Camanche Subgroup Collegiate UMC Faith UMC - Hiawatha Grace UMC - Des Moines Hope UMC - Hiawatha St. Timothy’s UMC - Cedar Falls Student Community of the Wesley Foundation Trinity UMC - Des Moines Walnut Hills UMC Wesley Foundation - Ames Wesley Foundation - Cedar Falls Illinois Agape House at UIC Berry Memorial UMC Bethany - Fox Valley UMC Broadway UMC - Chicago Christ UMC - Algonquin* Church of the Incarnation UMC Church of the Three Crosses Edison Park UMC Epworth UMC - Chicago Euclid Avenue UMC Faith UMC - Genoa First UMC - Arlington Heights First UMC - Chicago Temple First UMC - Downers Grove First UMC - Elmhurst First UMC - Evanston* First UMC - Park Ridge

Glenview UMC Grace UMC - Chicago Grace UMC - Lake Bluff Hazel Crest Community UMC Hemenway UMC Holy Covenant UMC Chicago Irving Park UMC Morgan Park UMC New Hope UMC Northbrook UMC Riverside UMC* Reconciling Uniting Ministries U.M. Student Fellowship United Campus Ministries United Church of Rogers Park University Christian Ministry Urban Village Church Wesley UMC - Charleston* Wesley UMC - Cicero Wesley UMC - Naperville Winfield UMC Indiana Amazing Grace - North UMC Broadway UMC - Indianapolis Church of the Saviour Friends - Thomas Gobin Memorial UMC Greencastle Nashville UM Social Concerns Nomads Sunday School, North Power and Light Sunday School Reconciling Community Within the Indiana Conference The Open and Affirming Group Trinity UMC - Lafayette Kansas Ages & Stages Reconciling Asbury UMC - Prairie Village* Bread-and-Butter Pickles Apprentice SS Class College Hill UMC First UMC - Lawrence Genesis Apprentice SS Class Kansas RUMs Keystone Sunday School Class St. Paul’s UMC - Lenexa The Friends of Trinity U.M. Campus Ministry Viceroy SS Class Kentucky Micah 6:8 Sunday School Class Progressive United Methodists Louisiana Parker Memorial UMC Rayne Memorial UMC St. Mark’s UMC - New Orleans Maryland Bethesda UMC B-WARM Christ UMC - Columbia Dorsey Emmanuel UMC Emmanuel UMC - Laurel Grace UMC - Baltimore Old Otterbein UMC* Silver Spring UM Cooperative St. John United Church, Columbia St. John’s UMC, Baltimore City Wesley - University of Maryland Massachusetts Ballard Vale United Church Calvary Church UM - Arlington Cambridge Welcoming Ministries College Avenue UMC Crawford Memorial UMC East Longmeadow UMC East Saugus UMC First UMC - North Andover Grace UMC - Hopkinton Grace UMC - Lynn Harvard-Epworth UMC Holy Trinity UMC Lexington UMC Marshfield UMC Mittineague UMC New Hope UMC Osterville UMC People’s UMC Provincetown UMC South Athol UMC St. Matthew’s UMC - Acton St. Nicholas UMC St. Stephen’s UMC - Marblehead Sudbury UMC

UMC of Holyoke, South Hadley and Granby Union UMC United Parish in Brookline United Parish of Auburndale United Parish of Upton Maine Auburn UMC Brackett Memorial UMC Chestnut UMC Hope.Gate.Way John Street UMC New Light Reconciling Ministries Committee - NE AC Riverside UMC York-Ogunquit UMC Michigan Central UMC - Detroit Chapel Hill UMC DRUM: Dedicated RUMs First UMC - Ann Arbor First UMC - Kalamazoo Genesis UMC Reconciling Ministries Community - Traverse City Central UMC Wesley Foundation - Kalamazoo Wesley at Central MI University Wesley at Michigan West Michigan RUMs Williamston UMC Minnesota Centenary UMC - Mankato Christ UMC - Rochester Eden Prairie UMC Epworth UMC - Minneapolis Excelsior UMC Fairmount Avenue UMC Faith UMC - St. Anthony First UMC - Duluth Good Samaritan UMC - Edina Hamline UMC Hennepin Avenue UMC Joyce UMC Lake Harriet UMC Minnehaha UMC Minnetonka UMC Onamia UMC Peace UMC Prospect Park UMC Richfield UMC Simpson UMC Minneapolis Spirit of Hope UMC Walker Community UMC Wesley at University of Minnesota Mississippi Christ in Culture Class at Wells Memorial UMC DREAM Community Missouri Centenary UMC - St. Louis Epworth Roanoke UMC Kairos UMC Lafayette Park UMC Trinity UMC - Kansas City Montana First UMC - Missoula Grace UMC - Billings Voice for Reconciling Ministries Nebraska Affirming and Welcoming Everybody (AWE) First UMC - Omaha NE Statewide Reconciling Network Open Hearts Reconciling Community RUMOLA Nevada First UMC - Reno New Hampshire Lebanon UMC St. John’s UMC - Dover Wesley UMC - Concord New Jersey Reconciling Community - Sparta Reconciling Community of the Greater New Jersey Conference Rutherford UMC

New York Asbury UMC - Tuckahoe Canton UMC Centenary-Chenango Street UMC Christ Church - Troy Christ Church UM, NYC Christ Church UMC, New Rochelle Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew Community UMC Craryville UMC Eastern Parkway UMC Fairport UMC - Fairport First UMC - Oneonta First UMC - Schenectady Grace UMC - Ridgebury Memorial UMC MIND New Day UMC Park Slope UMC Plattsburgh UMC Saratoga Springs UMC St. Paul’s UMC - Ithaca Tabernacle UMC UMC of Sea Cliff UMC of the Tarrytowns UMC of the Village United Methodist Campus Ministry Laity & Retired Clergy Rochester United Ministry of Delhi* University UMC - Syracuse UNYRMN North Carolina Aldersgate UMC - Chapel Hill Amity UMC APACT Branches Adult SS, Biltmore Calvary UMC - Durham Central UMC Reconciling Ministry Group - Asheville Green Street UMC Inclusion Community Reconciling UMs of NC Roundtable Gathering at FUMC Sanctuary UMC at Lakewood Wesley-Luther Campus Ministry Ohio Broad Street UMC Central UMC - Toledo Church of the Redeemer Clifton UMC - Cincinnati Cove UMC East Ohio Reconciling Ministries Faith & Issues, Living the Question and Spiritual Journey First UMC - Dayton First UMC - Oberlin Gay Straight Alliance - MTSO Hiltonia UMC Justice and Witness Society King Avenue UMC Maynard Avenue UMC New Horizons UMC North Broadway UMC North Olmsted UMC Reconciling Through the S.E.A. Seekers Sunday School - Union Avenue UMC Servant Leadership School Central Ohio Simpson UMC Cleveland St. Paul UMC - Dayton Stone Village Church Summit UMC The Journey Group at Forest Chapel UMC The Village Church United Campus Ministries University Circle UMC West Ohio Conference UMC* Oklahoma Challenges and Choices Class Epworth UMC - Okla City, OK Open Minds Class - Tahlequah St. Stephen’s UMC - Norman Oregon 18th Avenue Peace House First UMC - Ashland First UMC - Corvallis First UMC - Eugene First UMC - Portland Florence UMC Junction City UMC

Lebanon-Sweet Home Rec. Group Madras UMC Morningside UMC OI RUMs Rose City Park UMC Sellwood UMC Sunnyside Centenary UMC Sweet Home UMC Trinity UMC - Toledo UMW Unit at Eugene First UMC United Campus Ministry at Oregon State University University Park UMC Vermont Hills UMC Wesley Foundation - Eugene Pennsylvania Arch Street UMC Asbury Ministry at Drexel University Beaver Memorial UMC Calvary UMC - Philadelphia Chestnut Hill UMC Community of Reconciliation Drexel Hill UMC First UMC - Germantown First UMC - Pittsburgh Penns Park UMC RUMs of Eastern PA Swarthmore UMC Rhode Island Greene Community Church Mathewson Street UMC Open Table of Christ UMC South Carolina Dawsey SS Class at Washington Street UMC Dunean UMC Grace Sunday School Class South Dakota First UMC - Vermillion CoffeeLoft.org of University of South Dakota Tennessee Christian Educators Fellowship Edgehill UMC Hobson UMC Holston Reconciliers Kairos Sunday School - Belmont Nashville Area Reconciling Ministry Reconciling Journey Class Sojourners Sunday School Class UM Student Association at Vanderbilt Divinity School Wesley Foundation at Vanderbilt Texas Adelphi Class at FUMC Austin Advocates for Justice and Peace Bering Memorial UMC Breaking the Silence Central Texas RUMs Chrysalis Class Circle 360 of the UM Women at First UMC of Austin Companions Class - St. John’s Couples Plus Class Covenant Sunday School Class Downtowners Sunday School Epiphany Class @ First UMC Expand the Circle (ETC) Faith Conversations at FUMC Boerne First UMC - Austin Forum SS - Wesley Memorial Genesis at First UMC - Austin Grace Notes Sunday School Class Grace UMC - Austin Grace UMC - Dallas Greater Rosedale Homeroom Guilders Circle, UMWomen Happy Heretics SS Class at St. John’s UMC - Austin Journey - Faith UMC Journey Class at St. John’s UMC Journeys Class, Westlake UMC Koinonia Sunday School Class Northaven UMC Odyssey Class Open Door Class Open Hearts - St. Peter’s UMC Reconciling Ministries FUMC Austin Refuge Bible Study at Denton

Wesley Foundation Sine Nomine Class Soiree Circle of UMW Something More Sunday School South Austin Homegroup St. John’s UMC - Lubbock St. Luke’s UMC - Austin St. Stephen UMC - Mesquite TCU Wesley Foundation The College Ministry - Wesley Memorial UMC The Explorers Sunday School The Gospel in 21st Language The Labyrinth Community The Way Sunday School at Martin UMC Travis Park UMC Trinity UMC - Austin UMW Unit at St John UMC, Austin University UMC - Austin Women’s Issues Sunday School Word, World and Worship Class Utah Christ UMC - Salt Lake City First UMC - Salt Lake City Life and Times Sunday School Virginia Beverley Hills UMC Centenary UMC - Richmond Fairlington UMC Virginia Reconciling UMs (VRUM) Vermont Rutland UMC United Church of Hinesburg Williston Federated Church Washington Central UMC - Sedro Woolley Church & Society Cmte - Bear Creek UMC Des Moines UMC Everett St. Paul UMC First UMC - Bellevue First UMC - Ellensburg First UMC - Tacoma Garden Street UMC Hoquiam UMC Langley UMC Light of the Hill UMC Longview UMC Magnolia UMC PNW-RMN Ravenna UMC The Common Ministry Thirst Worship Community - Fall City UMC Tibbetts UMC Trinity UMC - Seattle UM Student Fellowship University Temple UMC Vancouver Heights UMC Wallingford UMC Wesley Club Woodland Park UMC Wisconsin Bethany UMC - Madison Delavan UMC First UMC - Madison Franksville UMC Kenwood UMC - Milwaukee Mequon UMC River Falls UMC Sun Prairie UMC* The Church & Society Team The Kairos Class Meeting The Library Guild The Springs UMC The Sunday Morning Dialogue Trinity UMC - Madison Wesley at UW Madison Wesley UMC - Sheboygan West Virginia Asbury UMC - Charleston Washington DC Capitol Hill UMC Christ UMC - Washington, DC Dumbarton UMC Foundry UMC Metropolitan Memorial UMC Mount Vernon Place UMC St. Luke’s UMC - Washington United Church Die Vereinigte Kirche UM Student Fellowship Wesley UM Campus Ministry Wesley UMC - Washington, DC

ANNUAL REPORT 2012

11

Jarell’s story

“

I probably would not have stayed in the UMC if it

weren’t for the hope RMN

brings me. Seeing how many Christians, both LGBT and allies alike, are working together to bring justice where there is oppression, lifts my spirit up and

strengthens my resolve. RMN calls the church to listen to voices who otherwise would not be heard. And in a time when The UMC is questioning its lack of diversity, I see within RMN many different identities... a sign that they are seeking to engage all people. Most of all, RMN has given me a family I can trust to love and support me and my ministry. For that I am very appreciative.

Jarell Wilson | Servant Church - Austin, Texas

RECONCILING MINISTRIES NE T WORK

123 W Madison St Ste 2150 Chicago, IL 60602

The Dr. Rev. Pamela Lightsey, current RMN board member and associate dean for community life and lifelong learning at Boston University School of Theology, speaks to a gathering at the RMN Tabernacle supporting full inclusion of LGBTQ people during the 2012 United Methodist General Conference. Behind her are Bishop Don Ott and Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader, retired United Methodist bishops who in 2011 joined 34 of their colleagues to urge the removal of the ban on ordaining gay or lesbian clergy.

Also pictured is Rev. Dr. Cheryl B. Anderson, Old Testament professor at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Photo by Paul Jeffrey.