This month is Pride Month. HAPPY PRIDE!

People of faith have not always been so welcoming and loving to those in the LGBTQIA community. Even now many churches would seek to judge instead of offering love, acceptance, and affirmation. Within our own denomination of The United Methodist Church, the struggle for full inclusion is still ongoing.

Regardless of what is happening on an international level with Methodists, Woodland United Methodist Church is a church that is welcoming and affirming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

The Woodland United Methodist Church is a welcoming, open, spiritual community that affirms the sacred worth of all persons. Our hearts, minds and doors are open to all of Humanity. We seek to be led by the Holy Spirit and are followers of Jesus. All are welcome.

To all LGBTQIA+ people in our world who have felt unwelcomed, unloved, or less than, because of who you are and who you love, we at Woodland United Methodist Church want you to know that you are loved, that you are affirmed, that you are supported, and that you are wonderfully made in God’s image.

We know that the church in this world has not always made you feel safe, loved, and welcome. For this we are so very sorry. As a pastor, I want you to know that I am praying for you as you navigate a world that does not always fully embrace who God made you to be.

Know that in this church, you will find a safe place to be who God made you to be, to worship a God of love, to be married to who you love, and to live life in its fullest. May you know the love of God and this community and made you be proud of who you are.

Below is a portion of our Statement of Inclusivity. I pray it encourages you and gives you the knowledge that you are loved.

Woodland United Methodist Church declares the following:

Woodland United Methodist Church has been and will continue to be a congregation that welcomes all people in the name of Jesus Christ.

Woodland United Methodist Church is a church that is welcoming and affirming to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Woodland United Methodist Church supports and affirms that LGBTQIA people are welcome in all areas in our church. This includes support of same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQIA people.