Love Train
Photo Courtesy of Reconciling Ministries Network
As an RMN organizer, nothing is more exciting than opening an email from a church or group that is ready to be that bright Reconciling light in their community, district, or conference.
We’re celebrating a steady stream of new churches and communities making the decision to affiliate with RMN and engage in this continued journey as a Reconciling Ministry. These friends recognize this important moment in the life of the UMC and are stepping up to help lead – to model a Church that values and advocates for diversity, equity, full inclusion, and intersectional justice.
This 3rd email, in a summer series we’ve called The Love Train, is for churches or groups who have felt a call toward Reconciling. You might have hosted a conversation. Maybe you even took a few next steps, but something else demanded your attention, and launching an official process was moved to the back burner. Perhaps GC outcomes inspired you and you’re ready to get started!
This email is your ticket to next steps as well as enthusiastic, unlimited support from your organizer!
- This 28-minute video is a brief overview of the recommended process to affiliate with RMN. It’s a great starting place for leaders.
- For a written outline of the Reconciling process, click here.
- Read the Foundational Reconciling Statement that all new Reconciling Ministries must vote to adopt.
- A study guide for the Foundational Reconciling Statement can be found here.
- Visit this page on our RMN website to learn more about intersectionality.
- Click here to access “Building an Inclusive Church Toolkit 3.0”
- Learn more about the three components of RMN’s organizing work. Changing: Hearts & Minds, Policy, Practice
- When your church or group is ready for study resources, here's a short list to consider.
- Click here to support this life-giving, life-saving work with a financial gift.
- All of this and more can be found on our website as well. Click here.
If you’d like to brainstorm about more personalized ideas for your local church or group, please email your RMN Organizer. We’re excited to support your process.
Finally, we recognize that some churches and groups might prefer to skip the “Express Train” and board the “All Stations Train” instead. This is a journey that includes a longer, more detailed process of exploration, relationship building, and learning together. The next email from our Organizing Team will highlight the All Stations Train.
In case you missed it...
We typically include links to helpful resources in each of our emails. For this Love Train series, we're going to include brief links. We'll return to our more substantial email format in September.
- Love Train email series - Introductory Email, Email #1, Email #2
- JUST Like Me Vacation Bible School curriculum
We hope you enjoy our special summer Love Train series. As always, we are here to support you however we can. Email, call, or text us.
Images courtesy of Reconciling Ministries Network
Izzy (he/him), izzy@rmnetwork.org, 510-717-4894, Western Jurisdiction, North Central Jurisdiction, The Philippines
Helen (they/them), helen@rmnetwork.org, 508-247-7818, Southeastern Jurisdiction, West Virginia, Baltimore-Washington, Greater New Jersey, Peninsula-Delaware, Western Pennsylvania, Africa
Laura (she/her), laura@rmnetwork.org, 936-581-9401, South Central Jurisdiction, Upper New York, New York, New England, Susquehanna, Eastern Pennsylvania, Europe