“What we are interested in is a discovery of what God has in mind for us on the horizon as the next expression of who we are as United Methodists.”īickerton, who heads the UMC’s New York City region, succeeded Louisiana-based Cynthia Fierro Harvey as president of the bishops’ council. “We are the United Methodist Church not interested in continuing sexism, racism, homophobia, irrelevancy and decline,” he said. He urged the UMC, even as it suffers defections, to think of May 1 as its launch day as well. He said he prays the infighting will stop and the UMC will rediscover its mission to make disciples for Christ. “The constant fighting, the vitriolic rhetoric, the punitive behaviors have no place in how we preserve and promote our witness as Christian believers.” Its leaders have been exasperated by liberal churches’ continued defiance of UMC bans on same-sex marriage and the ordination of openly gay clergy.īishop Thomas Bickerton, who became the Council of Bishops’ new president Friday, described the launch of the new movement as a “sad and sobering reality.” Bickerton said he regrets any departure from the UMC and values the denomination’s diversity of thought. The breakaway denomination, called the Global Methodist Church, will officially exist as of Sunday. 2.The United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops, ending a five-day meeting Friday, acknowledged the inevitable breakup of their denomination – a schism that will widen this weekend with the launch of a global movement led by theologically conservative Methodists.
Just ask guests to give you a heads up if they plan on bringing someone.
Consider the space and how many guests you can accommodate, but unless it's a seated dinner party, try to keep the numbers flexible, allowing guests to bring plus ones and friends. Gather Your Friends With Festive InvitationsĪs soon as you have your date and venue set, rally the troops with invitations worthy of the perfect Pride party. Now get that party started, and happy Pride! 1. However you end up celebrating, let your rainbow flag fly high and ensure everyone has a blast with these fail-proof Pride party ideas.
Whether you opt for a rooftop bash, a backyard barbecue, a block party, or a more intimate indoor gathering, get the venue party-ready with festive decor, a simple but satisfying menu lineup, crowd-pleasing libations, a killer soundtrack, and plenty of exciting ice-breaking activities to get the party in full swing.
Set the date, decorate, stock the coolers, and call on your friends to come together to celebrate Pride.
If you are looking to bring things closer to home and bring together your friends for a more personal observance, step up to the plate and throw your own Pride party.
From marches, to gatherings, to conferences, to city-wide celebrations, the collective action is inspiring and there are plenty of ways to get involved. Pride events are taking place across the country and around the world throughout the month of June. Pride Month is here, and it is time to gather together, show support for the LGBTQ community, honor those who have fought for equality, commemorate the past, and celebrate the future.