Community Conversations

In an April 28 sermon on the topic, our pastor Daniel Glaze encouraged and invited conversation about what it would mean for River Road Church to become more expansive in its welcome and affirmation of all people, especially LGBTQ persons, who have historically been ignored or even shut out of many churches. This summer many good conversations have taken place.

On September 22, Dr. Glaze presented to the Deacons a plan for a series of community conversations to further explore this topic, which they affirmed with some modifications for the congregation:

October 9, 2024—12pm and 6pm
What would it mean to become a Welcoming and Affirming Congregation?

October 23, 2024—12pm and 6pm
What does the Bible say about LGBTQ persons?

October 30, 2024—12pm and 6pm
Stories from among our congregation: what are your hopes? What are your fears?

A word about the times above: first, you need not attend both sessions on a given day; they will be identical. We are offering these at two different times for those who may not drive at night, and also for those who may work during the day.

It is our hope that you will be present for these conversations in person. Following a presentation, there will be group conversations around tables. A Zoom option will be available by request, however, Zoom participants will be unable to participate in the table dialogue. If you can attend in person, we highly encourage you to. Recordings may be available at a later date, but the recordings will not include the discussion portion.

The pastoral staff will be present and listen well at each session. We will report back to the Board of Deacons what we believe the next steps should include. We ask for your prayers and full participation in these sessions. Thank you!

In an April 28 sermon on the topic, our pastor Daniel Glaze encouraged and invited conversation about what it would mean for River Road Church to become more expansive in its welcome and affirmation of all people, especially LGBTQ persons, who have historically been ignored or even shut out of many churches. This summer many good conversations have taken place.

On September 22, Dr. Glaze presented to the Deacons a plan for a series of community conversations to further explore this topic, which they affirmed with some modifications for the congregation:

October 9, 2024—12pm and 6pm
What would it mean to become a Welcoming and Affirming Congregation?

October 23, 2024—12pm and 6pm
What does the Bible say about LGBTQ persons?

October 30, 2024—12pm and 6pm
Stories from among our congregation: what are your hopes? What are your fears?

A word about the times above: first, you need not attend both sessions on a given day; they will be identical. We are offering these at two different times for those who may not drive at night, and also for those who may work during the day.

It is our hope that you will be present for these conversations in person. Following a presentation, there will be group conversations around tables. A Zoom option will be available by request, however, Zoom participants will be unable to participate in the table dialogue. If you can attend in person, we highly encourage you to. Recordings may be available at a later date, but the recordings will not include the discussion portion.

The pastoral staff will be present and listen well at each session. We will report back to the Board of Deacons what we believe the next steps should include. We ask for your prayers and full participation in these sessions. Thank you!