Inclusivity & Justice

Metro Prom

As our welcome statement shares, "Matthews UMC embraces God's gift of diversity and rejoices in a loving, diverse community united in Christ." As an Open and Affirming (ONA) Church in Matthews, NC, we live out this commitment through a variety of ministries in the Charlotte area that reflect our focus on inclusivity and justice.

We offer something for every age level, a diverse Hispanic Ministry where six countries are represented, accessible resources for worship with large-print hymnals and resources in braille that can be found in the Narthex on Sunday mornings, and ministries at the heart of who we are that celebrate diversity and inclusion.

See highlights for some of these ministries outlined below, check out the group page for each where you can learn more, and be on the lookout for events featured in our calendar to have an active part in inclusivity and justice in our community and beyond.

Centro Cristiano Hosanna

February of 2020 marked the 10-year anniversary of our Spanish-speaking worship and ministry. Worship is held each Sunday at 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary, small groups are held in homes around Monroe and Charlotte, and groups actively meet for studies and serving. Visit our site in Spanish at cch.matthewsumc.org to learn more about opportunities for connection.

Rainbow Ark Ministry for Persons with Disabilities & Embracing Disabilities Resources

Rainbow Ark Ministry for persons with disabilities is for all ages and actively focuses on Christian education, discipleship, fellowship, and caring for families. Sunday groups are offered for children, teens and young adults, a youth-hosted summer camp event offers fun and time of connection for campers and their buddies, and Rainbow Express Ministries -- a Global Impact Missions partner -- offers Feast with Friends and WillBeans Coffee right here on campus. Link to: Rainbow Ark Groups | Rainbow Express Summer Camp | Rainbow Express Ministries | Embracing Disabilities Resources

Inclusive Grace

Based on Galatians 3:28 "...for you are all one in Christ Jesus," Inclusive Grace is a Reconciling Ministry of Matthews UMC that supports and celebrates LGBTQIA+ persons, their families, and friends, both within and beyond the church community in Matthews and the Charlotte area. Monthly meetings are held at the church and Lifelines are offered for one-on-one care and support. Link to the Inclusive Grace group page for all the opportunities of education, connection and support.

Racial-Bridge Building

United Methodists Stand Against Racism. Bridge-Builders Conversations, based on an array of books, are offered monthly to help focus on personal growth. Bridge-Builders Fellowship events happen the 5th Sunday of each month with Mt Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. We honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an Annual March to Townhall and through our Matthews-area church partnership, we provide a scholarship to a student from the Crestdale community, a historically black community, each year. We shared a video series, Race Matters: A Journey to Understanding with our very own Pastor Chuck and Leaton Harris. We invite you to learn from these resources and more and to become active in the events that are regularly offered.

The Micah Connection

The goal for this ministry is to engage the congregation and community on issues of civil and human rights, poverty, peace, health and climate as directed in Micah 6:8 "Do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God." The focus is to provide tools to connect with and impact our community region, nation and world. Information sessions on relevant topics are offered, along with discussion about The United Methodist Church's view on the topic. Micah Connection events are featured in our online calendar. Learn more on our Micah Connection group page.

Watch the following video for an introduction to the Biblical theme of justice.

Community Forums

Some of the oldest churches in Matthews have joined together to talk about topics important to our community, including racial-bridge building, mental health, and more. We honor police and first responders together once a year and share livestream events for the community. Look for these community events in our online calendar. Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Cross & Crown Lutheran, First Baptist Church of Matthews, and Matthews Presbyterian partner to offer these events.