Growing in Our Diversity
by Rev. Nancy Muth
So often when members and friends are asked about The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown the word “diversity” is mentioned. We are told that we are unique among mainline Christian congregations because we are a diverse congregation when it comes to race.
We are diverse in so many more ways than racially and as a congregation we like to celebrate that fact. We even had a documentary film made about us
called Destined for Diversity. Click here to see it!
I recently read the following definition of diversity: Read More
The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, as we recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.”
Kevin and I were recently asked to be part of a program at the Germantown Jewish Center to speak about the diversit at First Church and what challenges it brings and what we do with our diversity. We told a bit about our congregation’s history and about some activities we have to celebrate our diversity, and we also shared that there are challenges that come with being
a diverse congregation, but there are great joys and rewards as well.
We have wonderful opportunities at First Church to grow as we build relationships with one another in our church family. We grow both as individuals and as Christians as we learn from those who are different than we are. We can begin to see that there are more similarities among us than there are differences as we are all children of God who are united by our faith in Jesus Christ.
Our faith is a strong bond that galvanizes us to look beyond ourselves to the interests and needs of others, even those beyond our congregation. I believe it strengthens us in our efforts to minister with and to those of our urban community.
God’s children come in all shapes and sizes, all colors and ages, all socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. Let us continue to get to know one another and celebrate our similarities and learn from our differences.
See you in Church!
~Nancy