Part 1: What is Reconciling in Christ?
Ask & Discuss
When
- Saturday, September 13, 6–7pm — in the Gathering Place
- Sunday, September 14, 9:45–10:45am — in Charter Hall
About
Deacon David Behling, Program Coordinator from ReconcilingWorks, will come and share information about the Reconciling in Christ program and the journey of committing to living as a welcoming & affirming community. We'll talk about the Building an Inclusive Church toolkit and Deacon David will be here to answer questions and concerns.
Deacon David Behling, Program Coordinator from ReconcilingWorks, will come and share information about the Reconciling in Christ program and the journey of committing to living as a welcoming & affirming community. We'll talk about the Building an Inclusive Church toolkit and Deacon David will be here to answer questions and concerns.
Purpose
To have an open discussion, allowing those who have never heard of Reconciling in Christ to know more, to clarify misperceptions, and to allow for conversation about concerns and oppositions.
To have an open discussion, allowing those who have never heard of Reconciling in Christ to know more, to clarify misperceptions, and to allow for conversation about concerns and oppositions.
Learn More
Meet Deacon David & read his bio, learn more about the Reconciling in Christ journey, the ReconcilingWorks organization, and faith community commitments.
This Month:
Up Next – October 5th
Part 2: What does welcoming & affirming mean to the community around us?
Ask & Discuss
When
- Sunday, October 5, 6–7pm
About
A forum with Senior Pastor Michael Peck from Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Pastor Sarah Pierce from All Saints Lutheran Church, and Interim Pastor Jealaine Marple from Salem Lutheran Church, along with Pastor Zac and Pastor Jordan.
We'll hear from voices in the community around us about what a public commitment represents to visitors & guests, as well as to our fellow ELCA Lutherans.
A forum with Senior Pastor Michael Peck from Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Pastor Sarah Pierce from All Saints Lutheran Church, and Interim Pastor Jealaine Marple from Salem Lutheran Church, along with Pastor Zac and Pastor Jordan.
We'll hear from voices in the community around us about what a public commitment represents to visitors & guests, as well as to our fellow ELCA Lutherans.
Purpose
To have a “Clunky Questions” forum, allowing for an open discussion about opportunities, concerns, perceptions, positive or negative impacts, focusing specifically on those around us from outside our church.
To have a “Clunky Questions” forum, allowing for an open discussion about opportunities, concerns, perceptions, positive or negative impacts, focusing specifically on those around us from outside our church.
Part 3: Help us to better see & hear each other.
Gather Responses
When
- Saturday, October 4 until Sunday, October 19
About
Provide a survey question to the congregation asking their position on the Welcome Statement revision proposal (updating the commitment to ourselves and community), as well a component of gauging support for the national Reconciling In Christ program (commitment or concern for Reconciling Works).
Provide a survey question to the congregation asking their position on the Welcome Statement revision proposal (updating the commitment to ourselves and community), as well a component of gauging support for the national Reconciling In Christ program (commitment or concern for Reconciling Works).
Purpose
To help Atonement clearly see who we are before proceeding with a vote or final conversation, the goal is not to try and convince of one position over the other, but to create respect and appreciation for where everyone is.
To help Atonement clearly see who we are before proceeding with a vote or final conversation, the goal is not to try and convince of one position over the other, but to create respect and appreciation for where everyone is.
Part 4: Where do we go from here?
Review & Decide
When
- Sunday, October 26, 12pm — Reformation Sunday
About
Request a congregational meeting to review the survey results. Prior to conducting the survey, the possible outcomes with suggestions as to next steps will be communicated.
For example, if the results are above a 75% threshold of support, the recommendation to congregation may be to have a final open discussion, followed by a private vote on whether to adopt (1) the Welcome Statement revisions and (2) the Reconciling in Christ program.
Request a congregational meeting to review the survey results. Prior to conducting the survey, the possible outcomes with suggestions as to next steps will be communicated.
For example, if the results are above a 75% threshold of support, the recommendation to congregation may be to have a final open discussion, followed by a private vote on whether to adopt (1) the Welcome Statement revisions and (2) the Reconciling in Christ program.
Purpose
Create understanding of the spectrum of convictions & keep the congregation whole through that understanding.
Create understanding of the spectrum of convictions & keep the congregation whole through that understanding.
Who is guiding the Welcome Journey Conversations?
Neil Pfeiffer (he/him)
neil.pfeiffer@gmail.com
Neil is on Church Council, is currently Council Secretary, and team lead for the Welcome Journey Conversations.
Neil is on Church Council, is currently Council Secretary, and team lead for the Welcome Journey Conversations.
Angie Brickson (she/her)
bricksonangie@gmail.com
Angie is on Church Council, is currently the LGBTQIA+ Committee Chair, and team member for the Welcome Journey Conversations.
Angie is on Church Council, is currently the LGBTQIA+ Committee Chair, and team member for the Welcome Journey Conversations.
Pastor Zac Sturm (he/him)
ministry team advisor, Senior Pastor
Pastor Jordan Stone (she/her)
ministry team advisor, Associate Pastor
Nathan Choate (he/him)
ministry team advisor, Director of Communications
More to come soon...
History
An on-going conversation that first started almost 16 years ago, we'll share a timeline of events that have happened since the Hospitality Committee started the discussions at Atonement.
More details to come soon...
Voices of Support
We'll gather feedback and expressions of support we have heard here to share with the congregation.
More details to come soon...
Voices of Concern
We'll gather feedback and expressions of concern we have heard here to share with the congregation.
More details to come soon...