Several staff and members from Norman's St. Stephen's United Methodist Church attended the recent Reconciling Ministries Network Convocation in Estes Park, Colo.

The convocation is put on annually by RMN, a national grassroots organization dedicated to enabling full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the United Methodist Church.

Founded in 1984, RMN consists of 272 congregations, 36 campus ministries, 77 reconciling communities and more than 80,000 individuals. Organizations involved include the Parents' Reconciling Network, Reconciling Ministries Clergy, United Methodists of Color and RMN's student movement, MOSAIC.

Attendees from St. Stephen's were the Rev. Amy Venable, Kay Antinoro, director of educational ministries, Sharon Gray, director of care ministries, Erin Floyd, director of youth ministries, and church members Marilyn Nicely, Eddie Rothermel and Steve Davis.

The convocation packed a lot of activities and information into four days.

"Each day we had worship along with Bible study," Davis said. "In addition, there were break out workshops and sessions on various topics relevant to the changing church and steps we can take to be a more inclusive body."

Workshop topics included "Transforming Our Congregations," "Equipping for Social Change," "Engaging Intersections: Toward Wholeness and Arts" and "Storytelling." In addition, plenary sessions focused on "Intersections of Oppression," "Marriage Equality" and "Global Connections."

Worship at the convocation was vibrant, colorful and uplifting, Venable said.

"Each time we gathered for worship in the camp auditorium, a large, tri-fold canvas served as the backdrop for the worship space," she said. "While we were worshipping, an artist painted new elements onto the mountain landscape scene from behind.

"It was amazing and beautiful and emphasized to me the importance of creativity in the worship services we put together each week at St. Stephen's," Venable said.

The music at the convocation left a lasting impression on Davis and is something he would like to see incorporated more into the worship experience at St. Stephen's.

"I thought the music, use of drums and other worship experiences may appeal to a wider spectrum of people that we may not be reaching," he said. "While I don't want us to change the overall feel of our worship experience it does seem that we might be a bit more open to new experiences."

For Venable, attending the convocation brought home to her the struggle that many of her peers have faced during the past 25 years.

"Most lesbian and gay folk who sense a call to ministry have encountered a series of heartbreaks as they realize not only that ordination will not be theirs, but also that the church either will not welcome them as members or will only welcome them so far," Venable said. "We've missed out on talented leadership because they have not been included."

When asked what he came away with from the convocation, Davis said "A sense of hope for the future of the United Methodist Church as we address the issue of full inclusion as the body of Christ. I have a greater appreciation for my own faith community. So many people have felt betrayed by the church or shut out because of their own life experiences."