GLEAM: God's Love Embraces All Ministry
In the fall of 2020, a question was posed to the congregation from the Anti-Racism and Social Equity Team: what social justice issues would you like to learn more about? Several people responded with interest in LGBTQIA+ concerns and discussing ways that our church could deepen our welcome and affirmation of all of God’s children, marking the beginnings of the God’s Love Embraces All Ministry (GLEAM) Team. This also led to our congregation becoming a More Light church with our Session formally endorsing the mission statement of More Light Presbyterians:
“Following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the Church a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society.”
The God’s Love Embraces All Ministry team (GLEAM) grew from the recognition that being a welcoming and affirming church is a continuing journey toward full inclusion of all LGBTQIA+ members, friends, and visitors in the life of Ark & Dove. It is the continual work of support and advocacy for all LGBTQIA+ persons in our church and wider communities. Our goal is to provide opportunities for folks who are passionate about LGBTQIA+ concerns to work together in making our church and communitiy a safe, welcoming, and spiritually engaging place for all. GLEAM meets quarterly or more, if necessary, to:
- plan and implement educational opportunities pertaining to LGBTQIA+ topics such as book discussions, classes, sensitivity trainings, and other small groups
- organize and facilitate our church’s involvement in Pride events and similar types of publicly affirming events
- create and implement support groups for LGBTQIA+ church members, friends, and visitors as well as groups for allies, including friends and family of LGBTQIA+ persons
If you are interested in more information about GLEAM or would like to get involved please contact Amanda Crose at amanda.rose.crose(at)gmail.com or Amy Tardiff at lilac.n.spruce(at)gmail.com.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NRSV)
Amy Tardiff
Co-Team Leader, God’s Love Embraces All Ministry (GLEAM) Team
