Dear Highlands family,

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory...-- John 1:14

January is a time for new beginnings.

At our Annual Meeting on January 8, I hope we will officially begin our journey towards becoming-- officially -- an Open and Affirming congregation.

During this year long process, we will study together, we will listen to each other, and we will learn together.

The United Church of Christ has materials specifically designed to help guide us in this process. Here is a "Theological Reflection," from the website of our denomination:

In adopting, developing and maintaining the doctrine of incarnation, the church has affirmed the reality of the Word made flesh. Our spiritual lives are divinely linked with our physical lives-the two need not be separated. One of the implications of incarnation is God's affirmation of goodness of human life as God created it to be, including both our sexuality and our spirituality.

Sexuality is a gift from God; however it is aslo capable of misuse, injustice, exploitation, abuse and suffering. Our sexual socialization has many times been surrounded  by misinformation, fear, and guilt.  Now, more than ever before, there is a need to provide sexuality education to our children, youth and adults, in ways that will be life affirming, and perhaps life saving.

The United Church of Christ has encouraged churches to study human sexuality and has published life-spanning comprehensive resources for use not only in faith community, but also in secular settings. There resources are age-appropriate, accurate and truthful, and have both immediate relevance and applicability for later life. In addition, they emphasize and underscore the values of love, mutuality, self worth, health, responsibility, justice and inclusively. 

I look forward to making this journey with you all in the New Year!

Sincerely,

Pastor Gary