The church, located at a busy intersection not far from Route 15, draws a membership of over 300 and follows a motto that welcomes those of all walks of life: 'Open hearts, open minds, open doors.' 'The United Methodist Church's official stance we believe is not consistent with Christian values and feel it is exclusive, so the network works together to seek to change the official policy,' Bechtold explained.
The church has flown the pride flag periodically since 2015 when the congregation voted overwhelmingly to become a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network. It has flown consistently since 2019, when Bechtold was appointed to the Sparta church.Īccording to Bechtold, there is a network of congregations across the nation that have made a commitment to be fully inclusive to all sexual orientations and gender identities. Guido said there has been no video evidence that has proved helpful. While Bechtold said there are surveillance videos on the church's front doors that help staff monitor who comes and goes, it was likely too dark to see any activity that evening.
