Grace United Methodist Church — Attraction in Dallas

I visited this church for a worship service back in May 2012. Enjoyed it and the people were fairly friendly. I signed the guestbook as a visitor. The minister sent me a nice email acknowledging my visit. I asked her about Sunday school classes and she promptly replied that they have several and recommended one. I decided to visit and told her that I would be doing so in the middle of June. She said that she would let the teacher that Sunday know. I showed up and asked for directions to the Sunday School class. The woman that I asked was very cold and pointed to the room. Later, I found out that she was a member of the class! The teacher introduced himself and walked away. He seemed very distracted. I sat down and as people were coming in, I could hear them whispering about who I was. I felt very uncomfortable. Finally a lady asked curtly, "Are you a member of this class?" I replied that I was a visitor. She responded with "Well, I didn't think so!" It was very obvious that I was a visitor as there were only about 20 people in the entire class. A man came in the room later and started talking to people then looked and pointed at me across the room and asked "Who are you?". I was so taken aback on how rude the people of this class were! My experience was so different from just attending the worship service. I don't blame the pastor as she was very thoughtful and welcoming of me but this Sunday school class went out of their way to show that visitors were definitely NOT welcomed. I have...

A sanctuary for imperfect people, a place where you can truly be yourself in the eyes of God. It feels a bit like Pentecost every time we worship, with people from all over the world, different races, gender and sexual orientations, ages, faith backgrounds. I am continually challenged and stimulated by the diversity of opinions that others share here. We share communion together every week with an open table, meaning that Everyone is welcome: the poor, the disabled, the mentally-ill, the introverts, the people who aren't terribly friendly before coffee in the morning, and everyone else! I feel like I'm going to my family home when I go to church, not some place where I have to slap on a plastic smile (although usually people loudly express their delight to see you again). ...

I've not attended church in over 20 years because of the judgements on so many levels that seem to taint many churches. My sister & brother-in-law brought me & the experience was nothing short of unbelievable, moving & touching. Rather than condemnation, there is love, compassion & care for the community. I'm even more impressed at Rev. Reedy's dignity and respect when someone disagrees or questions something. The sanctuary is beautiful, the divers church population is beautiful, the messages of God's grace & love are beautiful. Every time I come home to Dallas, this...