Belmont United Methodist Church is a community of Christ-followers growing in love of God and neighbor. As one particular expression of life together, Belmont is committed to expanding ministries of reconciliation and inclusion to all of God’s children. If you would like to know more about or to get involved with any of the following ministries, contact Rev. Dr. Pam Hawkins at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 383-0823, ext. 24.

Reconciling Ministries Committee: A ministry team of laity and clergy in the Belmont UMC community who plan and implement local church and community programs and events focused on strengthening our welcome to and ministry with everyone, especially those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning, and to their families and friends.

Kairos Sunday School class: A reconciling class open to people of all ages, races, sexual orientations, and backgrounds who feel “the fierce urgency now” (M.L. King, Jr.) in striving for the Kingdom of God and God’s righteousness. As a covenantal community, we are committed to gathering faithfully in hospitable fellowship, practicing means of grace, studying the scriptures, reflecting theologically on the social issues of our time, serving the “least of these,” working for justice, and holding one another accountable to following Jesus in our everyday lives. Sundays, 9:15 – 10:15, Outreach Center, Room 5.

Small Group Study: “This I Know”: A seven-week small group study created to encourage constructive conversation on the issue of homosexuality and Christianity. This multi-week study was developed as a companion to For the Bible Tells Me So, the award-winning documentary that tells how five ordinary Christian families have coped with the realization of having a gay child. Understandably, many Christians shy away from this topic that has become controversial and divisive in many church communities. The goal of this study is to encourage learning, listening, and dialogue through study of scripture, history, social context, personal story, and theological reflection. Contributors to the study include Brian McLaren, Marcus Borg, Bishop Richard Wilke, Victor Paul Furnish, and others. To learn more about the study, go to http://www.thisiknowstudy.org/

Upcoming events:

Community screening of Out in the Silence

On Sunday, March 4, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Belmont United Methodist Church will host a public film screening of Out in the Silence. This film tells the story of a small American town confronting a firestorm of controversy ignited by a same-sex wedding announcement and the brutal bullying of a gay teen. The gripping documentary will challenge us to consider ways in which our differing opinions and values often divide our communities.

A panel discussion and time for audience questions and response will follow the screening. It is our hope to foster honest and holy dialogue in which different points of view can be exchanged in community.This event is cosponsored by Belmont UMC’s Reconciling Ministries Team and Nashville Area Reconciling Ministries (NARM). It is open to the community. For more information contact Rev. Pam Hawkins ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).

“This I Know” Small-group study

Sundays 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.* (first session is 4:00 – 6:30), 2/ 5; 2/12; 2/19; 3/4; 3/11; 3/18 (will not meet on 2/26). Facilitator: Pam Hawkins and others, in Parker Hall. “This I Know” is a small-group resource created to encourage constructive conversation on the issue of homosexuality and Christianity. This multi-week study was developed as a companion to For the Bible Tells Me So, the award-winning documentary that tells how five ordinary Christian families have coped with the realization of having a gay child. Understandably, many Christians shy away from this topic that has become controversial and divisive in many church communities. The goal of this study is to encourage learning, listening, and dialogue through study of scripture, history, social context, personal story, and theological reflection. Contributors to the study include Brian McLaren, Marcus Borg, Bishop Richard Wilke, Victor Paul Furnish, and others.

To learn more about the study materials, go to http://www.thisiknowstudy.org/ Cost for materials $5.00. To register, contact Pam Hawkins This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 383-0832, ext. 24.

Resources:

Edgehill United Methodist Church – http://edgehill.org

Methodist Federation for Social Action – http://mfsaweb.org

Nashville Area Reconciling Ministries (NARM) – http://narministries.org

Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) – http://rmnetwork.org