Updates from RMN, February – March 2024

Thanks for 2024’s wonderful beginning

The Kenya education system’s academic year began in January. Central UMC gave a significant boost for Moheto First UMC’s education ministry in the community. Because of the pooleddonations from Central individuals, the Missions Council, and yearlong fundraising by the Reconciling Ministry Group, ten high school girls’ attendance in 2024 was assured after $12,850 was wired to First UMC.  By the United Nations’ assessment of Kenya’s poverty, the average household lives on $5.00 per day.  The 2024 school year cost per student increased by $150 to total $1,285.  A girls’ attainment of a high school education is costly and the education of boys is the social-cultural priority among families. On behalf of the recipient families and First church that oversees scholarship allocations, Pastor Kennedy Mwita was asked to convey deep gratitude and thanks the Central congregation and contributors for this continuing support. “We thank God for your support.”

Studying for success

Dorine, a Moheto scholarship girl has graduated, passed national academic exams, and was accepted by Africa University, a private, Pan-African and United Methodist related institution in Zimbabwe. So, she began an adventure in a different country’s culture and higher academics with a vision for her future, a Degree in Bachelor of Science Honors in Agriculture and Natural Resources.  Her first semester courses: Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Critical Thinking, Logic and Problem Solving, French for Beginners I, Introduction to Intellectual Property, and Communications Skills in Agriculture and Natural Resources. A serious student, Dorine earned high academic grades, 3.8 of 4 points, and is moving forward.

Ideas, priorities, and scheduling

The arrival of 2024 was preceded by a brainstorming meeting of the Reconciling Ministries Group (RMG), to identify goals,priorities, and actions. It will foster collaboration with other groups where interests and resources are mutually beneficial. It will continue to support the Moheto Scholarships fundraising and participation in the Asheville Blue Ridge Pride Festival.  

Reconciling Ministries NETWORK, what is it? (RMN)RMG is an affiliate with the Reconciling Ministry Network.  Simply put, RMN works globally to advance justice and full inclusion for everyone, including LGBTQ+ people, in the United Methodist Church and beyond. It is UMC congregations, groups, and individual members working together for that purpose.  Learn more at https://rmnetwork.org

Central’s RMG connection

This ministry is casual and social, but action oriented. Connect with us the first Sunday monthly at 12:45 PM. Find us at the Fellowship Hall level room #219, near the stairs, after the church pot-luck meal at 12:15pm. For inquiries and to receive RMG’s monthly e-mailed Update, contact facilitator, Mary Z. Longknight at: mzlongstreth@gmail.com

Support RMG actions

Interested in helping others? Consider a short project or multiple activities by contacting a member or staff. RMG awaits your participation in touching other lives! Money helps. When donating with cash enclose a note, or use a check’s Memo line, to designate it for the RMGroup and/or Scholarships.  These can be placed in the offering plate or checks mailed to Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801.   Thank you 

The Reconciling Ministries Network is a growing movement of United Methodist individuals, congregations, campus ministries, and other groups working for the full participation of all people — including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people — in the life and ministry of the church.  A Reconciling Ministries Group has existed at CUMC since 2008.  Our purpose is to build relationships, knowledge, and understanding that can lead to a more inclusive church by offering opportunities for dialogue through education, ministry, advocacy, and witness.

We currently meet on the first Sunday of each month for a potluck lunch in the Fellowship Hall following the late service.  Occasionally there are conflicts due to holidays or other churchwide special events, so it’s always a good idea to check the Jot & Tittle or back of the bulletin to confirm a meeting date.  You may also contact Pat Horton (828) 712-2658 or Linda Bellengi (704) 907-8576 for more information about the group’s activities and meetings.

RMN National Site

 

Reconciling Ministries Wants to Share Your Story!

Central UMC’s Reconciling Ministries Group is seeking personal stories of CUMC members’ experiences with the United Methodist Church’s policy on homosexuality for the third printing of our book, “Come to Me All”.

The UMC Book of Discipline states that homosexuality is “inconsistent with Christian teachings” and bars LGBTQ people from becoming UMC pastors. It also prohibits UMC ministerial staff or facilities from involvement with anything related to homosexuality.

If you have lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or queer family members or friends and have a story that involves the United Methodist Church, please send it to Steve Noblitt, graynob@charter.net.

 

 “Everyone Without Exception” Christian and LGBTIA Meetup (Asheville, NC)

We are Christians AND we are gay. If you were raised in a church but no longer welcomed as a gay young person or adult, if you were told, and maybe even believe, that God doesn’t love you, or that the Bible says you are an abomination, if you are questioning….how can I be Christian AND gay…… please join us.

Come check us out at least once! Not necessary to be a church member, or even go to church! God STILL loves you…and HE KNOWS you are gay! This is a Private Meetup Group meaning only members can see other members names, event times, locations etc. we require a recognizable photo of yourself. These are all just safety/security issues for all who attend.

Join the Meetup and learn more here.