Christ UMC is committed to being a safe, welcoming, and accountable community. This page outlines our key policies and how to request use of our facilities.
Building Use
Our building is available for use by church groups and community organizations whose purposes align with our values. To request use of our facilities, please complete our online Building Use Request Form.
For questions, contact the church office at 507-289-4019 or email@cumethodist.com.
Non-Discrimination & Welcome
Christ UMC welcomes all people into the full life and ministry of this congregation, without regard to age, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or economic status. We are a Reconciling congregation and a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network.
Commitment to Marriage Equality
Christ UMC has been a congregation in the Methodist tradition since 1857, rooted in Jesus’ call to love God and neighbor. We are a Reconciling congregation committed to the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons and their families in the life and ministries of this church.
We recognize that when two people come together to form a primary committed relationship, they often ask the church to bless their wedding. We affirm that God’s grace is open to all, and we witness to that grace through our commitment to justice and equality.
We will honor and celebrate the wedding of any couple, licensed in Minnesota, who seek to commit their lives to one another in marriage.
Approved by the Leadership Board of Christ United Methodist Church, July 11, 2019.
Guidelines for Creation Care
Alongside the clear scriptural imperative to care for the earth (see Genesis 2:15 and Psalm 104 for two examples), our reconciling statement and land acknowledgement compel us to be intentional stewards for all of creation.
With open hearts, open minds and open doors, we welcome people of all races, nationalities, theologies and abilities. We welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We offer a safe and compassionate place to reconcile faith, identity, hope, understanding and mutual respect.
We welcome you and name the sacred power of the Wahpeton people on whose land we stand.
While we cannot reverse much of the harm that has been done by human ignorance, greed and sin, we can covenant to do better. The following practices shape how our congregation works for the flourishing of all creation. We encourage all groups within and renting space from our church to join us in our creation care practices.
Safe Gatherings Policy
The safety of children, youth, vulnerable adults, and those who serve with them is a sacred responsibility. Christ UMC’s Safe Gatherings Policy establishes clear standards for training, supervision, conduct, and reporting across all church-sponsored activities, whether on-site, off-site, or online.
All staff and volunteers serving with children, youth, or vulnerable adults are required to complete Safe Gatherings training and a background check, and to renew certification every three years.
Key commitments include: the two-adult rule (two unrelated, approved adults present at all times), open and observable spaces, appropriate boundaries in all interactions, and clear reporting procedures for any safety concerns. Minnesota mandated reporting requirements apply.
If you have questions about this policy or the Safe Gatherings certification process, contact the church office.
Photography & Recording
Christ UMC welcomes photography and videography at worship services and church events, with the following guidelines:
- During worship services, we ask that photography and video recording be unobtrusive and not disruptive to the service or to other worshippers. Flash photography is not permitted during services.
- Some individuals in our congregation — including children and vulnerable adults — may not wish to be photographed or recorded. Please be respectful of this and honor any request not to be included.
- For media inquiries or requests to record for broadcast or publication purposes, please contact the church office in advance.
- Photos and videos taken at church events may not be used for commercial purposes without written permission from Christ UMC.
Safety Team
CU Methodist has a Safety Team whose purpose is to ensure the physical safety and well-being of all who gather in our building and at our events. The team operates discreetly and in coordination with church leadership and, when necessary, with local law enforcement.
For questions about safety procedures or to report a concern, contact the church office.
Privacy
Christ UMC respects the privacy of our congregation and those who contact us.
Information submitted through our website or provided to church staff is used only for church ministry purposes and is not shared with or sold to outside parties. For questions about how your information is used, contact the church office at email@cumethodist.com.