Olivet is exploring what is means to be a welcoming church, specifically open and affirming. Our welcome is central to our understanding of ourselves as a faith community. How we wish to continue to define, refine, and live our welcome is vital to our calling as Christians. Open and Affirming was a designation originally aimed at embracing the LGBTQ community within churches—and this remains central to what Open and Affirming means—but through this process we will address many aspects of what Olivet’s welcome truly means and how it is expressed for all who wish to enter our doors.

Everyone is invited to come with your experiences, curiosity, and questions, to learn more about the Open and Affirming or ONA process. Everyone’s presence will help to shape and strengthen the process.

• February 22nd led by Olivet’s ONA Core Group- Olivet’s Welcome and the ONA Journey
• March 1st led by Ryan Harper-background on the Christian landscape and the LGBTQ community
• April 19th led by Rev. Lynn Harper- looking at scripture that can help lead us in our discussions
• May (date TBD)- discuss what we’ve learned and decide what next steps we may take in this journey