Westminster Church Celebrates Diversity

By Cindy Parr

It probably doesn't surprise you to hear that a church is interested in promoting acceptance and brotherhood. What you may find surprising is that a Church of Christ is hosting a two-day workshop to promote the acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, located at 17 Bond Street in Westminster, says it is the only open and affirming main line Christian congregation in Carroll County.

“Our goal is to let the community know St. Paul’s accepts the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning) community,”said Thom Ballantine, who is helping to coordinate the event. “We are hoping to create awareness in our conservative region that this [LGBTQ] community needs to be accepted and recognized. This event is about letting people know this is a welcoming environment.”

The event is free and will feature exhibits, workshops, films and music that offer support and understanding of diversity in the community.

The event kicks off on Saturday, June 25 with workshop registration at 9:30 a.m. Two workshop sessions will feature four topics of discussion. The 10 a.m. session will highlight No Matter Who You Are and Homosexuality in the Holy Bible. The 11 a.m. session will include An Unexpected Journey--Parent’s Stories and Marriage = Equality.

Saturday afternoon a film festival presenting four films will begin at 1 p.m. A brief discussion will follow the showing of each film. Film selections include:

Stonewall Uprising at 1 p.m.

For The Bible Tells Me So at 3 p.m.

Anyone and Everyone at 5 p.m.      

In-laws and Outlaws at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, June 26, at 9:30 a.m., St. Paul’s Pastor Marty Kuchma will offer a message of diversity. Special music and a healing service will also be part of the morning worship ceremony.

Beginning at 11 a.m., singer Luke Grooms will perform, followed by Mill Creek Station at noon. The Voices Community Choir will perform at 1 p.m. and Positive Voices of Baltimore at 2 p.m.

Both days, St. Paul’s members will operate a Caring and Sharing Café. On Saturday, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served and on Sunday, attendees can enjoy a brunch. All proceeds from the food sales will go to St. Paul’s Building Capital Campaign Fund.

Pastor Kuchma said St. Paul’s United Church of Christ received its open and affirming status in September 2008.

“There are many people looking for what we are. At the core is this notion that Christ accepts everyone,” explained Pastor Kuchma. “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. We’re here to make that extraordinary statement real. Making it real is our goal.”