Maynard Avenue United Methodist Church Celebrates Its Reconciling Ministry

On Saturday, December 3, 2005, Maynard Avenue UMC celebrated its Reconciling Ministry with a banquet at the Spaghetti Warehouse, where over 80 people joined together to witness this joyous celebration. 

Membership in the Reconciling Ministry Network represents acknowledgement that all are welcome at this church, especially those folks in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) communities.  The theme of this celebration was Jesus' Love Has No Bounds.

The evening’s program included featured speakers Rev. Troy Plummer, Executive Director of the National Reconciling Ministries Network, and Bishop Bruce Ough, West Ohio Conference.  Rev. Glenn Schwerdtfeger and Maynard member TP Warfel contributed history and perspective on the church's journey to this place.  There was singing and praying and celebration.

Rev. Plummer shared his humorous and heartfelt story of becoming ordained as an openly gay man in the Orthodox Catholic Church and then serving as a pastor to UMC congregation.  Bishop Bruce Ough’s message on Welcoming Jesus was supportive and affirming.

This was a wonderful opportunity to give thanks and proclaim who God has called us to be:  a church where ALL God’s children are welcome. 

Others in Attendance of Note:

§         District Superintendent, Rev. Cyndy Garn

§         Rev. Ken Bedell, board member of the National Reconciling Ministries Network

§         Patience Whitworth, board member of the National Reconciling Ministries Network 

§         Reg and Barbara Olson, Reconciling Parents Network

Others from Reconciling Congregations in Attendance:

§         Central UMC in Toledo, led by Rev. Cheri Holdridge

§         King Avenue UMC in Columbus, led by Rev. Grayson Atha

Staff of the West Ohio Conference of the UMC:

§         Veronica Nesbitt

§         George Howard

§         Rev. Deanna Stickley-Miner

The celebration continued on Sunday during regular worship services.  Rev Plummer delivered a rousing message on the importance of what Maynard Avenue UMC is doing.  Maynard’s congregation thunderously conveyed their support of our church’s membership in the Reconciling Ministries Network.  We are truly a congregation who celebrates and shares Christ love and acceptance of all.   

The team from Maynard that realized the Celebration consisted of Tom Warfel, Doug Joseph, Lisa Pollock, Joan Krause, Larry Knisley and Rev. Glenn Schwerdtfeger.  Finance and Accounting Services were provided by Andy Alderman.  Maynard’s Music Director, Bryan Babcock, provided musical accompaniment and led the singing.  The printed program cover was designed by Jeff Kidwell.

Maynard UMC thanks all who contributed to making this a truly joyous event in Maynard’s history, an event showing the doors of Maynard are open with love to all God’s children! 

>>> Reconciling Congregation
>>> Bishop Ough's Letter