Stanley Church Celebrates 'Open and Affirming' Mission

Stanley Congregational Church will mark their anniversary of commitment to welcoming all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions with a celebration at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Rick Williams of Stanley said the church is committed to creating an "open and affirming" congregation which welcomes all lifestyles. The Rev. Shawn Garvey, Stanley's minister, said the church models its acceptance after Jesus.

Garvey said, “By becoming an Open and Affirming church we welcome all including our LGBT community friends. I feel strongly that having a heart of authentic welcome is in compassionate keeping with Jesus' inclusion of everyone; particularly those that the society around him cast aside or sought to alienate."

As part of the United Church of Christ, Stanley has charged with making "a public covenant of welcome" into their congregation and ministry since 2003. The church itself opened in 1876.

Mayor Bruce Harris and his partner of 32 years Marc Boisclair will attend the celebration, which will include refreshments and brief acknowledgements from Garvey and Harris. The Stanley Music Group, which includes professional musicians, will provide music.

"We have dinners every four months or so, and this one is special," Rick Williams of Stanley said.

Garvey said the LGBT community has been denied the same inclusion in some churches over the years. "We seek to change that reality," he said.

About Stanley

Stanley welcomes all members of the public to worship service at 10 a.m. each Sunday. The Sanctuary is handicap accessible and a coffee hour follows each service.

Church classes are available during the school year for children as young as 3 years old through eighth grade students, and childcare is available for infants and toddlers.  

High school students are encouraged to serve as ushers in worship or assistants in childcare or the classroom.