Sunday Worship March 15, 2026
March 15 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Rev. Julie Kline, Rev. Matt Weiler, Sue Ellen Isacksen, Julia Librizzi
Matthew 6:7-15
“We are a Reconciling Congregation, welcoming all. First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo invites all persons to join us on our journey of faith. Jesus Christ calls us to be an inclusive church that exemplifies the kingdom of God.”
Forgive us for our sins, just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us. ~Matthew 6: 12
Many years ago, our church community crafted the words for our Reconciling Statement. It was important work as the denomination struggled with welcoming and affirming LGBTQI+ persons. In many ways, our congregation was ahead of the times in 2008. The statement was crafted with great care, painstakingly considering each word. The desired outcome was to have a statement that would endure and be welcoming to all persons and “affirm those who are marginalized for any reason.” What does it mean, today, to be a reconciling congregation? Jesus shows us that reconciliation is choosing love and forgiveness. Choosing love as a daily spiritual discipline interrupts the cycles of apathy, disconnection, and “us and them.” Let us worship, seeking God’s presence as we support one another, and follow Jesus’ example of choosing love in all things.