LGBTQ+ Ministries

All Means All.

Our church is committed to the full inclusion of all persons regardless of sexual orientation. The church overall is a beautiful mix of people where we seek to see and accept each person as they are. Our connections with the larger LGBTQ community include annual participation in Palm Springs Pride, sponsoring a film at Cinema Diverse (our local LGBTQ film festival), and a spiritual life retreat entitled Imago Dei, focusing on the intersection of sexuality and spirituality.

Rainbow Ministry

**Our Purpose:**
Rainbow Ministries is to help create a safe, affirming, and inclusive space where all members of the Queer Community feel seen, valued, and supported. This ministry aims to celebrate the diversity of our community, foster deeper understanding, and promote meaningful connections within and beyond our church.
**Our Goals:**
1. Build Community: Cultivate a welcoming environment that encourages authentic relationships and mutual support among both our LGBTQ+ members and our allies.
2. **Raise Awareness:** Provide advocacy, education, and resources to foster understanding and compassion for LGBTQ+ experiences, both within our congregation and the wider community.
3. **Offer Outreach:** Develop programs and initiatives that support LGBTQ+ individuals facing challenges, such as isolation, discrimination, or lack of access to resources.
4. **Celebrate Diversity:** Organize events that highlight the richness of LGBTQ+ culture, contributions, and stories, reinforcing our shared humanity.
5. **Foster Spiritual Growth:** Ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals feel empowered to explore and deepen their spiritual journeys in a loving and inclusive environment.
**Our Vision:**
Our Rainbow Ministry is designed to nurture and uplift both our members and the broader community through its two distinct yet interconnected focus areas: Rainbow Fellowship and Rainbow Outreach.
**Rainbow Fellowship** is our internal focus, dedicated to the spiritual growth and well-being of our congregation's LGBTQ+ members and allies. It aims to cultivate a safe, affirming space where individuals can explore their faith, share their experiences, and deepen their connection to spirituality and community. Through fellowship gatherings, discussions, and shared worship, we strive to inspire each other and grow together in love and understanding.
**Rainbow Outreach** is our external focus, devoted to extending support, advocacy, and compassion to the wider LGBTQ+ community. This initiative seeks to create impactful outreach programs, foster meaningful partnerships, and address the challenges faced by individuals outside our congregation. By demonstrating active love and care, we aim to bridge gaps, raise awareness, and shine a beacon of hope for those seeking connection and belonging.
Together, **Rainbow Fellowship** and **Rainbow Outreach** reflect the heart of our ministry: to celebrate diversity, build meaningful relationships, and radiate love within and beyond our walls.
Ultimately, our vision is to be a beacon of hope and love—a ministry that inspires people to live their truth boldly and to connect deeply with their faith and with each other.

How UMCPS Gets Involved

Palm Springs Pride Parade

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
LGBTQ Film Festival

The Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival, is dedicated to advancing and further strengthening our diverse gay community through the establishment of a world-class forum that presents lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender cinema from around the world. We bring together film artists, film lovers and industry professionals in a celebration of motion pictures that reflect, inform, enrich and often transform lives.
Imago Dei

UMCPS is partnering with River of Hope (the new ELCA faith community in Palm Springs) to bring Peter to Palm Springs for a symposium on spirituality and sexuality we are calling "Imago Dei" (or "Image of God"). The sumposium is happening in the UMCPS sanctuary.

Our Celebration of the 2021 Palm Springs Pride Parade

We had a fantastic time enjoying walking alongside one another and letting everyone know UMCPS is committed to the full inclusion of all persons regardless of sexual orientation. Look below for some of the moments that were captured during the event!