Tapestry

What is Tapestry . Meetings . Email Discussion Group

What is Tapestry?

Tapestry is a group for friends, relatives and other interested persons, including gays and lesbians, to dialogue about homosexuality and related information. Informal meetings focus on book studies, current events, prayer and support. All discussions are confidential, non-judgmental, and represent widely differing points of view and personal situations.

Points of View

"...Persons with different viewpoints can begin weaving their own theological tapestries through a process of reflective listening to one another, discerning points of agreement as well as learning to disagree in love."  Caught in the Crossfire by Donald E. Messer and Sally B. Geis (available in FUMCR library)

"Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. Although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that God's grace is available to all. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn their lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons."  Social Principles. The 2000 General Conference of the United Methodist Church (available in FUMCR library)

The United Methodist News Service has published background information about current official policy in the denomination. 
 

Relationship to First United Methodist Church , Richardson (FUMCR)

    Tapestry is a part of the outreach program of this church. The group is open to the community.

Informational Resources

Church Library

  • Books on topic of homosexuality offer conservative to liberal views.
  • Study materials from the United Methodist Church: The Church Studies Homosexuality

Presentations

  • The father of a lesbian woman about his relationship with his daughter.
  • Tapestry members are encouraged to discuss subject of homosexuality in Bible studies, classes, and business meetings.
  • Church paper (North Texas United Methodist Reporter, Good Tidings): monthly article addresses church ministry to homosexuals, families and friends.
  • Outreach: 
         Education projects related to HIV/AIDS.
         A hot dinner meal is prepared and taken to residents
            at one of the facilities of AIDS Services of  Dallas
            the third Friday evening every other month.

Links

(These links are to other sites, whose content may change. Please email me if any of them reaches a page you think we should not suggest.)