Reconciling Ministries Network Affiliation Vote
November 12 - 12:00 p.m. in the sanctuary
WHY AFFILIATE WITH RECONCILING MINISTRIES NETWORK?
In November 2019 White Rock UMC voted 85.3% to host all weddings. White Rock UMC has made clear who we are and who we stand with. The next step would have been discussing affiliating with Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), but then COVID happened and we had a pastor change. We feel now is the time to take this next step.
Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is committed to achieving LGBTQ+ justice and full inclusion in the life and leadership of The United Methodist Church, both in policy and in practice. To become a Reconciling Church, the Reconciling Ministries Network’s Foundational Statement (below) must be affirmed by a church wide vote of church members of at least 75%.
RMN’s Foundational Statement - We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.
There are over 1,300 Reconciling Ministries worldwide. There are 10 Reconciling Churches in the North Texas Conference of the UMC. You can also register as a Reconciling United Methodist here, https://rmnetwork.org/rum/ There are over 45,000 Reconciling United Methodists: individuals committed to LGBTQ+ justice and inclusion in the Church.
This will not change White Rock UMC because it is the next step in continuing to become who we already are. White Rock UMC will continue to be a place where everyone can get married and a place where all people can become candidates for ministry. Becoming a Reconciling church allows people looking for a welcoming church community to find us.
WHEN IS THE VOTE?
Sunday, November 12 at 12:00 p.m. in the White Rock UMC sanctuary. Childcare will be provided.
WHO CAN VOTE?
All full members (professing and confirmed members) and Affiliate Members are eligible to vote. Guests/Non-members, Preparatory Members, Associate Members, ordained pastors who hold membership in an Annual Conference, Former Members, and Full Members who have been added to the church rolls after October 29, 2023 are ineligible to vote.
WHAT IF I’M NOT SURE OF MY MEMBERSHIP STATUS?
If you are unsure of your membership status, contact Rev. Kerry Smith, ksmith@wrumc.org, prior to Sunday, November 5, 2023.
WHEN MAY I VOTE?
You may either vote early, on the day of the vote, or, by special circumstance, via absentee ballot.
EARLY VOTING
Early Voting will be available in person at White Rock UMC on Sunday, October 29 and Sunday, November 5. Early voting will be available in the Narthex (front part of the sanctuary) from 9:00 am - 12:30 p.m. Early Voting will not occur during Worship.
ABSENTEE VOTING
If you require an absentee ballot to be emailed or mailed to you (i.e. you are unable to receive a ballot in person either by early voting or attending the November 12 vote), you may request an absentee ballot by emailing office@wrumc.org or by calling the Church Office, 214-324-3661. All requests for Absentee Ballots must be received via email or voicemail by November 5. All completed ballots must be received by Thursday, November 9 at close of the Church Office business day, 5:00 p.m. Any ballot not received by this time will be considered void and will not be counted.
THE VOTE
The church-wide vote will occur on Sunday, November 12 at 12:00 p.m. in the White Rock UMC sanctuary. Childcare will be provided.
BALLOT SECURITY
To ensure that voting is secure and that records are accurate, you will receive a numbered ballot and will be required to sign your name beside the corresponding number on the ballot record.
WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
Other questions about Reconciling Ministries Network or the Reconciling Ministries Network Affiliation Vote may be directed either to Chris Spartz, Chair of our Reconciling Ministries Taskforce, chris.spartz@gmail.com or to Rev. Kerry Smith, ksmith@wrumc.org.
DRAFT BALLOT BELOW
WHY AFFILIATE WITH RECONCILING MINISTRIES NETWORK?
In November 2019 White Rock UMC voted 85.3% to host all weddings. White Rock UMC has made clear who we are and who we stand with. The next step would have been discussing affiliating with Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), but then COVID happened and we had a pastor change. We feel now is the time to take this next step.
Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) is committed to achieving LGBTQ+ justice and full inclusion in the life and leadership of The United Methodist Church, both in policy and in practice. To become a Reconciling Church, the Reconciling Ministries Network’s Foundational Statement (below) must be affirmed by a church wide vote of church members of at least 75%.
RMN’s Foundational Statement - We celebrate God’s gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible in community equally shared and shepherded by all. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status, and so much more. We acknowledge that we live in a world of profound social, economic, and political inequities. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and pledge to stand in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed.
There are over 1,300 Reconciling Ministries worldwide. There are 10 Reconciling Churches in the North Texas Conference of the UMC. You can also register as a Reconciling United Methodist here, https://rmnetwork.org/rum/ There are over 45,000 Reconciling United Methodists: individuals committed to LGBTQ+ justice and inclusion in the Church.
This will not change White Rock UMC because it is the next step in continuing to become who we already are. White Rock UMC will continue to be a place where everyone can get married and a place where all people can become candidates for ministry. Becoming a Reconciling church allows people looking for a welcoming church community to find us.
WHEN IS THE VOTE?
Sunday, November 12 at 12:00 p.m. in the White Rock UMC sanctuary. Childcare will be provided.
WHO CAN VOTE?
All full members (professing and confirmed members) and Affiliate Members are eligible to vote. Guests/Non-members, Preparatory Members, Associate Members, ordained pastors who hold membership in an Annual Conference, Former Members, and Full Members who have been added to the church rolls after October 29, 2023 are ineligible to vote.
WHAT IF I’M NOT SURE OF MY MEMBERSHIP STATUS?
If you are unsure of your membership status, contact Rev. Kerry Smith, ksmith@wrumc.org, prior to Sunday, November 5, 2023.
WHEN MAY I VOTE?
You may either vote early, on the day of the vote, or, by special circumstance, via absentee ballot.
EARLY VOTING
Early Voting will be available in person at White Rock UMC on Sunday, October 29 and Sunday, November 5. Early voting will be available in the Narthex (front part of the sanctuary) from 9:00 am - 12:30 p.m. Early Voting will not occur during Worship.
ABSENTEE VOTING
If you require an absentee ballot to be emailed or mailed to you (i.e. you are unable to receive a ballot in person either by early voting or attending the November 12 vote), you may request an absentee ballot by emailing office@wrumc.org or by calling the Church Office, 214-324-3661. All requests for Absentee Ballots must be received via email or voicemail by November 5. All completed ballots must be received by Thursday, November 9 at close of the Church Office business day, 5:00 p.m. Any ballot not received by this time will be considered void and will not be counted.
THE VOTE
The church-wide vote will occur on Sunday, November 12 at 12:00 p.m. in the White Rock UMC sanctuary. Childcare will be provided.
BALLOT SECURITY
To ensure that voting is secure and that records are accurate, you will receive a numbered ballot and will be required to sign your name beside the corresponding number on the ballot record.
WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
Other questions about Reconciling Ministries Network or the Reconciling Ministries Network Affiliation Vote may be directed either to Chris Spartz, Chair of our Reconciling Ministries Taskforce, chris.spartz@gmail.com or to Rev. Kerry Smith, ksmith@wrumc.org.
DRAFT BALLOT BELOW
