Affirming Action Plan, Forest Hill United Church, Fredericton, NB
Immediate:
-Form Affirm Working Group (completed). Ensure that committee meets and communicates regularly.
-Conduct Introductory Sunday Service to initiate plans to congregation (completed).
-Hold Bible study event on historical discrimination (completed).
-Hold a film night that features an appropriate film. (completed)
-EnsureForest Hill United website contains welcoming message, as well as access to marriage policy (confirmed).
-Review mission statement to ensure it is satisfactory. (in process) Post it in the vestibule.
-Design symbol/banner/logo to display on website, letterhead and/or building (Sunday School working on this, Affirm group may also design something).
-Affix rainbow sticker on front entrance door.
-Affix gender neutral signage to washrooms where appropriate (in process).
-Ensure rainbow colours are represented on sanctuary table via candle or special scarf (Marilyn has rainbow candles and stand, or we can order one multi-coloured candle or scarf to lay on table). Also ensure bulletin board at narthex/vestibule contains rainbow colours.
-Conduct Sunday service that includes background letter and questionnaire relating to Affirm United and specifically to Forest Hill United. Offer confidential questionnaire box for individuals to respond to questions (completed).
-Obtain approval of Affirm United for our Action Plan, Vision Statement and Marriage Policy. (completed, after revisions)
Voting Day:
-Invite all members of Forest Hill United Church to vote at the end of a designated service.
-The vote is for Forest Hill United Church to officially become an Affirming congregation.
-Hold a secret ballot.
-The vote passes with 75% in favour.
-Announce result.
Leading up to Affirming Event/Affirming event:
-Article in the Gleaner, if possible (opportunity to share that we are reaching out and are here to support all in the community, not just United Church members). Possibly partner publicity with Wilmot United.
-Invitations to our Celebration Sunday (Facebook, Website, Article in the Gleaner).
-Rainbow name tags for Celebration Sunday.
Beyond Designation of Affirming:
-Budget annually for Affirming activities, and annual dues ($100) to Affirm United.
-Ensure welcoming message/logo remains in all Sunday bulletins and on website.
-Add the line “An Affirming Church” to the weekly Sunday announcements in the Gleaner (if possible).
-Recognize our anniversary of becoming Affirming each year.
-Regularly include LGBTQ along with other marginalized peoples and world concerns in prayers and hymns in services.
-Annual support for Fredericton Pride weekend (joining with other congregations during parade or a table at the event, or financial support).
-Ongoing discussions with children in Sunday School re diversity in families.
-Seek out learning opportunity/workshops on racism issues, gender issues, and notify congregation via church website and Sunday bulletins of upcoming events.Participate in conducting workshops when appropriate.
-Connect with Wilmot United Church to share ideas about reaching out to the wider community and supporting each other’s events.
-Arrange to send or receive direct feedback from the annual Affirm United Conference.
-Dedicate the Sunday/Sunday bulletin closest to November 20th for the Transgender Day of Remembrance
-Dedicate the Sunday/Sunday bulletin closest to March 21st each year for the International Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Tie this in to gender discrimination as well.
-Support local AIDS work and activities.
-Make periodic contacts with local schools to offer support for Gay Straight Alliance at the school (resources/moral support/use of our facilities)guide
-Arrange to send a representative to the Affirm United Annual Conference when funding permits.
-Circulate the Affirm United newsletter
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