I left the UMC last summer because of several statements made to me by various clergy:
1) “We really don’t know when life begins.”
2) “Jesus isn’t the only pathway to God.”
3) “Jesus would support the redistribution of wealth.”
4) We can’t put a bible verse in a free bag lunch because it might not be going to a Christian.”
But, I do miss the Wednesday night potlucks.
Congratulations for shaking the dust off your feet and heading out. I heard similar stuff in the UMC, such as, "Now, Mom, marriage isn't the only thing your kids should be thinking about when it comes to sex", and "poor people have no hope, really" and "we can't pray for Jesus' teachings to be heard understood around the world because it might offend Jews who are visiting our church", and similar insanities. I simply could not allow my kids to hear such nonsense any more. I started homeschooling Sunday School and began the hunt for a new church.