"We seek to create a sacred, spiritual space that promotes diversity, celebrates the interconnectedness of all life, shares our gifts freely in ministry, and gives glory to the One Who Is, the Source of Life." - The Stonewall Mission Church, December 1994 |
Dear Friends -
The Stonewall Mission Chruch began forming in December 1993. A group of women and men gathered at our home to discuss the possibility of forming a new church dedicated "create a sacred, spiritual space that promotes diversity, celebrates the interconnectedness of all life, shares our gifts freely in ministry, and gives glory to the One Who Is, the source of life." Over the next few months, the formation team met weekly to lay the foundation for a new church in Nashville. On Easter Sunday 1994, Stonewall Mission Church held its first public worship service.
Today we are a growing community of women and men from all walks of like who are committed to worship, diversity, ministries of compassion and mercy, and social justice. I frequently say that our church is like Noah's ark - we are gathering two (or more) of everything. Well I personally like it that way. The greater the diversity and openness within a community the stronger we become as individuals and as a people. For some of us, Stonewall is a safe place on ther raging seas of life. For others, we are a vessel charting new seas. Whatever reason, I invite you to visit us.
Rev. James. Hawk, Pastor
We believe that at the heart of any congregation should be an active worshipping community. The Stonewall Mission Church commits itself to creating an environment and liturgy which reflects the diversity of our community in the worship of God. We will sing the sacred songs appropriate to our community, pray for the universe and those in it, recall our stories of faith, and celebrate the presence of God around a common table that welcomes everyone.
We believe that while the heart of the congregation should be focused on the worhsip of God, our hands should be out-stretched to those in need. The Stonewall Mission Church commits itself to feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick and imprisoned. We will provide direct assistance to individuals and work with other organizations to make positive systemic changes within our society.
We believe that diversity is part of the wonderful gift of God's creation. The Stonewall Mission Church commits itself to honoring and celebrating the diversity of life. We will work to identify that which is oppressive to women, men and children and re-creating a church which provides for the fullest participation of all its members.
We believe that God is on the side of the poor and oppressed. Therefore, to be Christian means that we, too, must be on the side of the poor and oppressed. The Stonewall Mission Church commits itself to active participation within social justice issues. We will work toward a just and peaceful world that defends the rights of all its citizens, nurtures each person to grow her or his fullest potential, and is a good steward of creation.
While lesbigay people may not be able to be "legally" married in the State of Tennessee, many people realize that the paper is not the most valuable part of the joining - it is the love and commitment. For the past two years, we have been regularly celebrating the love and commitment between persons through the Covenant Service.
Even in death, hostility and prejudice can haunt the lives of our loved ones by the un-loving words of a Pastor who is not affirming of lesbian, gay, bi and transgendered people. We offer services which celebrate the life and love of the person, and honor his or her dignity as a human being who - like all human beings - is a child of God.
Life is difficult. And sometimes, we just need someone to talk about the struggles. We offer both pastoral care and congregational care. For thos wishing to talk with an ordained minister, our pastor is available for pastoral care and is also willing to make referrals to professional counselors. We are also building a congregational care program for persons who are in the hospital or homebound.
There are a lot of people who are hurting and in real need of someone to help or be supportive. As a Christian community we believe this is our purpose in life - to love our neighbors. We are working to make positive changes in the lives of people and the world.
If you are looking for people who will let you be yourself - struggles and hopes, questions and ideas, imperfections and graces - we invite you to join us for worship on Sundays. Eucharist (Holy Communion) is celebrated weekly, and is available to everyone.
Call or write Stonewall Mission Church, c/o The Center, 703 Berry Rd., Nashville TN 37203, 615-297-0008