Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference

ILLINOIS GREAT RIVERS ANNUAL CONFERENCES<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

June 2006 & June 2007

United <?xml:namespace prefix = ns0 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />MethodistChurch

This signature stole is dedicated to all the wonderful, gentle spirits – children of God – who because of love, a love that has been sorely misunderstood,  have been forced to leave, or have chosen to leave the UnitedMethodistChurch.

May the lack of their gifts and graces be noticed – for the church is neither whole nor complete without them.

For myself and for my partner, we pray this stole, as it joins others, will be a lasting, living, and loving tribute to the memories of all who should have been allowed to serve proudly, without label or exclusion.

If one who reads this is hidden in the secret recesses of fear and religious discrimination, may you find strength and courage to dare to be the person you are called to be. The church WILL change; it must. God is still speaking.

Reconciling United Ministries of Illinois (RUMI) Luncheons

IGRAC, Peoria, Illinois

June 10, 2006 and June 8, 2007