DUMC News

Rev. Dr. Leo Yates

January 24, 2024 Reconciling Sunday Celebration (Feb. 11): Come for the Service, Stay for the Food


Mark your calendars now because the only place you’re gonna want to be on Sunday, Feb. 11, is at Dumbarton UMC.

WHY?

Because it’s Reconciling Sunday, Dumbarton’s annual celebration of our commitment to welcome and affirm LGBTQIA+ persons, families, allies, and friends!

WHY?

Okay, well, the first reason is pretty amazing, but if you need more convincing: Our guest preacher will be Rev. Dr. Leo Yates (who prefers to be called Leo), an ordained deacon in full connection. Leo brings a variety of gifts and grace that includes serving in pastoral counseling, deaf ministries, accessibility ministries, and sign language interpreting. Leo is appointed as a hospital chaplain and serves as the disability coordinator in his secondary appointment at Emmanuel UMC.

He comes with previous experience as the former chairperson of the Baltimore-Washington Conference Commission on Disability Concerns. He currently serves as the secretary of the Global Ministries’ Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee. In addition to these, Leo is the chair of the order of deacons in the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

WHY?

You still need more convincing? Okay, the literal icing on the cake of this annual celebration is a Mardi Gras-themed potluck immediately following worship (FYI: Dumbarton potlucks are AMAZING!).

Starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, Dumbarton offers you an inclusive, affirming worship service, one that will be led by a fantastic guest preacher, followed by a delicious potluck. It’s the trifecta of awesomeness!

See you there!