TCMF’s Welcoming Statement
As Taftsville Chapel Mennonite Fellowship we believe God calls us to welcome all who have a sincere interest in following the way of Jesus. As a church we support the flourishing of individuals, couples, and families without limitations based on gender, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, abilities, economic circumstances, or immigration status. We want to provide accountability and encouragement to one another in the way of Christ for transformation of each other towards the love and holiness of our Creator. As Christ has shown kindness to us, we seek to extend kindness and respect to those who join us along the way.
Pastor’s Statement of Hospitality Regarding Gender, Sexuality, and Marriage
We are aware that among churches there have been different responses to questions related to gender, sexuality, and marriage and who is included and welcome to participate with full inclusion in the Body of Christ. Our pastor wrote a statement as a resource for considering both the theology and practical application as to how to treat questions related to:
- Same-sex couples who have been married
- Same-sex couples who are dating but not married (and may wonder if they are eligible for marriage)
- Gender non-conforming persons who may self-express in ways incongruent with what has been traditionally expected of their natal sex
- Persons who have been divorced
- Single people (whether or not they have questions about marriage or their sexuality, many just want to know that they can find community)
- Women who sense they are called to ministry
- People who have questions about these and other matters (both for themselves and seeking guidance as to how to treat/understand others in relation to scripture)
You are welcome to read our pastor’s Statement of Hospitality Regarding Gender, Sexuality, and Marriage for Taftsville Chapel.
Accessibility
Our church desires to provide a meeting space where anybody can join us in worship regardless of abilities and disabilities; we want to do our best to make our gatherings accessible to all. If you or a loved one would like to attend our church and have special needs or questions about accessibility, please let us know in advance by contacting our pastor or Taftsville Chapel’s general email and we will plan to offer accommodation.
Although we have on-going work to do in providing accessible gathering space for worship, we share some of our progress that the Anabaptist Disabilities Network invited our pastor to write about regarding Taftsville’s accessibility ramp.
Child and Student Safety
At Taftsville Chapel Mennonite Fellowship we are committed to the safety of children, families, and volunteers. In an effort to lessen the possibility of abuses occurring and to maintain conduct that is above reproach, we have developed the following guidelines for our children’s ministry that we ask all who teach and lead the children and youth in our church to sign and commit to uphold.
As a precaution for children’s safety, we also ask that parents, guardians, and other adults are aware of the expectations in our Child & Student Safety Policy.