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Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church Rochester, New York
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Highlights from the August 2005 edition's:
August 2
Deacon's Corner:
Yo God...my stepbrother passed away last week. I can not remember the last time I saw him... 15, 20 years ago. He was well out of the house when my mom & stepfather married. I don't know what I feel, God. I'm sad for his wife and son. I'm saddened that at 65 his life ended but I'm also angry with him. He never came to see his father in the nursing home. He never helped with any care taking of his father. God...I need to let this anger go...help me to not judge his actions. God...let me come to a place of saying a prayer of peace for him and his family. Yo God...remind me to walk in Your love. Amen
Deacon Debbie
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Pastor's Reflection:
Sunday was my first Sunday back from General Conference and I was so fired up that I preached for a long time. Strangely enough, no one complained, at least to me. General Conference is a time of renewal and rededication. The delegates voted on our 2005 Vision, Purpose, and Mission. Rather than commenting on it, I will present it to you for slow reading and reflection: <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> MCC Statement of Vision Metropolitan Community Churches are on a bold mission to transform hearts, lives, and history. We are a movement that faithfully proclaims God’s inclusive love for all people and proudly bears witness to the holy integration of spirituality and sexuality. Just as Jesus did, we are called to: Do justice, show kindness, and live humbly with God. (Micah 6:8) Explore life’s questions and answers. Raise our voices in sacred defiance against religious (and political or systemic) exclusion. Reach out to those with no hope. Lift up new generations of remarkable, far-reaching spiritual activists. MCC Statement of Purpose As God’s liberated people, we boldly . . . Reclaim our Holy Identity. At MCC, we believe that even in our humanness, we are holy. We are liberated from other people’s definitions of who we are. We are made both body and spirit. We believe that our sexuality is a holy gift from God so we no longer distance our bodies from our experience with God. We are a people who proudly participate in the communion of body and spirit. Advance our call to Social Justice and Action. At MCC, we believe that Jesus led the way in acts of compassion and acts of justice. Because we have been a people in the margins of society, we understand fully the grace that God has extended to us. We seek to distance ourselves from exclusion and draw ourselves closer to including all those who are marginalized in any way. We stand boldly with those who resist the structures of exclusion, as Jesus did, and work to insure freedom for all people. In the margins, we are blessed. Tell the story of God’s Transforming Grace. At MCC, we come as we are to Christ and are changed by what we find. We experience a God with open arms, inviting all to take the sacred journey of faith and transformation. We are growing in our faith and claim that our place in society has magnified our place in God’s family. We are one of the many voices of God that, until now, has been lost in the margins! Nurture the value of Community At MCC, we believe our ultimate ministry is in the world. We know that in order to prepare ourselves for radical service that changes lives, we must equip ourselves and others in the safety of a supportive community. We strive to live out a message that rejects the idea that any are excluded from the family of God. Build bridges that Liberate and Unite At MCC, we have experienced the soul destruction that comes from hate filled rhetoric. In restoring our souls, we have come to find that our voices will speak the liberation that comes through peace, compassion, love, respect and grace. As followers of Jesus, we believe in everyone’s holy privilege to work out their own salvation. While we are a Christian church who follows Jesus, we respect those of other faith traditions and work together with them to free all those who are oppressed by hate, disregard and violence. MCC Statement of Direction MCC has staked its claim. As one of the world’s emerging churches, we are proclaiming a spirituality that is liberating and sufficiently profound to address the issues of our chaotic and complicated world. We live out our belief that in the margins we are blessed and we are offering multiple ways for people to access our message of liberation and inclusion. Through church planting, church revitalization, alliances, the internet, and our work in acts of compassion and justice, we will expand our reach substantially over the next few years. MCC will become a name known to an increasing number of people as a place where all are welcomed and our service to those who are excluded is a primary calling. We will be leaders in the world about the union of spirituality and sexuality by articulating our message and spreading it effectively. MCC Statement of Core Values Inclusion Love is our greatest moral value and resisting exclusion is a primary focus of our ministry. We want to continue to be the conduits of a faith where everyone is included in the family of God, and where all parts of our being are welcomed at God’s table. Community Offering a safe and open community for people to worship, learn and grow in their faith is our deep desire. We are committed to equipping ourselves and each other to do the work that God has called us to do in the world. Spiritual Transformation Providing a message of liberation from the oppressive religious environment of our day or to those experiencing God for the first time is what guides our ministry. We believe that when people are invited to experience God through the life and ministry of Christ, lives will be transformed. Social Action Working to talk less and do more, we are committed to resisting the structures that oppress people and standing with to those who suffer under the weight of oppressive systems, being guided always by our commitment to Global Human Rights. So, you can see, my family of God, that we have high standards to study and live up to. It is an exciting continuation of the journey we have embarked upon. Rev. Jim ....
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Deacon's Corner:
Yo God...It’s morning and I'm waiting to take Bess to the airport. I'm sitting in her backyard with a cup of coffee enjoying the birds and flowers. This tranquil moment is such a gift...no phones...no rushing around.....just the moment. It only lasted a brief time...but what a gift... Your spirit has quenched my thirst. Your gift of nature has filled my spirit with life. You have centered my being once again. Yo God...thanks for joining me for this morning’s cup of coffee. Amen
Deacon Debbie
Pastor's Reflection: Fabulous Announcements Because of the generous memorial gifts in Duane O.’s memory which were applied to our debt to our Building Fund, and to the decision of the Board of Directors to pay off the rest of the loan, we find ourselves DEBT FREE. In June of 2003, we were $31,000 in debt. Through the generosity of the community of Open Arms and the strong stewardship of the Board of Directors, we had managed to pay off all external debt in one year. The Board set up a 3-year repayment plan for our debt to ourselves. We didn’t need that time. Congratulations! It feels so good to know that we are free and clear and can apply any funds left over from our budget needs to our building fund for whatever our coming journey of relocation brings. Thank you for your continued faithfulness.
This weekend Aug. 13th, we will celebrate the 24th anniversary of the founding of Open Arms MCC. There will be a potluck picnic at the Terry’s at 1 on Saturday. Karen W. is coordinating food. I hope to see you there.
This Sunday August 14th, after church, there will be a scrap booking event coordinated by Terry K. and Sherri M. . This contributes to our historical records so those who come after us at Open Arms can see who we are and where we come from.
Five years ago today, Paul and I were at Strong Memorial Hospital. I was waiting to go in for prostate cancer surgery and Paul was waiting to spend a very long day waiting. Surgery and recovery room stay were both longer than expected and it was 9:30 at night before I was brought up to my room. I was not aware of that day because I was heavily sedated but Paul was aware of every minute of it. But he didn’t wait alone. We had started coming to Open Arms MCC about a month before and, even though we were newcomers, the community surrounded Paul with support while he waited. During the days I was in the hospital, there were constant visits and Rev. Ron spent hours every day with Paul and me. Right after I was appointed Interim Pastor, the cancer returned and I spent all the weekdays of July, August and early September having 38 radiation treatments. Open Arms MCC was there for me every step of the way. Now the cancer is back, it seems, even though they still can’t find where it is, and I only know this: my participation in the life of Open Arms is life-giving. Can any one of us know the future: no. We do know that we will all finish this earthly part of our journey and go on to the unknown next part. And while we are on this part of our journey, the prayers and love and support of those around us strengthen us. Your prayers have kept me living a full life with absolutely no symptoms. If I didn’t know I had cancer, I wouldn’t know I had cancer. God has been good to me, very good to me, throughout my life. When we came to church in the first place, we came because Paul wanted to belong to a church. I came to support him. Who knew the interesting twists and turns our lives would take? Years ago, the pastor used to start worship by saying “God is good” and we’d shout back “All the time.” How true such simple words are. On another note, have you noticed that each Sunday seems to bring new faces? Bright faces. Faces who can’t seem to believe that church is like this? And they come back. Twice in the past two weeks, newcomers have asked me “How can I join?” I tell them, “Come for a while, then we’ll talk about membership.” Our mission statement says “Empowering People – Embracing the Journey – Touching the World” We have clearly embraced this journey. We don’t know where we’re going exactly but it’s all good. God IS good all the time. Did you know that 8 people are taking Deacon training class (DIT)? Classes are twice a month and are open to all, DIT or not. It is so wonderful, as your pastor, to see the enthusiasm and hunger our people have for knowledge and growth. Tuesday evening, we explored the way the early church looked at Jesus and then we talked about the ways of looking at salvation. Classes are the 2nd Tuesday from 6-9 and the 4th Sunday from 1-4pm. Join us some time. Next time we’re going to talk about public praying and communion prayers and prayers for the sick.
Until next time, let us pray for one another (oremus pro invicem) Rev. Jim ....
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Deacon's Corner:
Yo God,
She said the waiting one is the hardest. I think she has something there. When you say “yes” to my prayers I am so grateful and full of joy. When you say “no” to my prayers, I'm pissed but I get over it. When you say “wait”...well you know how mad I can get.
God, we have been praying for equal marriage for so long. I have no idea why you have said “wait”, but You clearly have. As other countries around the world open marriage to all, we sit and wait...and sit and wait...and sit and wait. As Donna has said the waiting is the hardest. But our call for equality is clear and our faith strong. While we are waiting, we continue to do the work for the right to marry. Some day the answer will be “yes!” Amen Amen
Deacon Debbie
Pastor's Reflection: Last night, I wrote a fairly long message for this e-link. Then there was a power surge and the lights flickered, the TV shut off, and the computer screen went blank. So, here I am at 5:30am, with foggy brain, starting again. Of course with the blessing of not remembering what I was excited about last night when I wrote, I can only hope that the old brain can string a few words together this morning. For the last several weeks of the season after Pentecost, we have been reading the Genesis story of Jacob (Israel) and his offspring. We have been studying the story of Joseph, he of the many-colored coat. How interesting it is when we read scripture with a queer eye! How inspiring when the first line of Sunday’s passage began with the coming out story of Joseph revealing his identity to his brothers and finding reconciliation with them. And, in the nature of God’s interventions with us, how timely was that passage as two people in the congregation were struggling with that exact issue of revealing their true identity to their families. Scripture is always new, even when we have read the same passages over again for our whole lives. When we bring our own selves to the reading, aspects emerge that we never saw before, or at least never noticed before. We’ve been using a translation called “The Message” written by a man who was a seminary professor of biblical languages and then went to pastor a church. He realized that people had become deaf to the familiar words so he made a translation using contemporary language. It helps us to hear with new ears. When we find our own stories in scripture, it helps to reflect that the Mission statement of our church has as part of its goal to make real in our time and our world our scripture stories. The first part of our mission: empowering people, speaks to each of us finding our voice as Joseph did in Genesis. When you find your voice, you speak the message that God is giving you about your true identity. Then, embracing the journey entails joyfully continuing on the path that is opening before us and taking the hand of our church family as we tread that path together Finally, touching the world means taking the voice and the message beyond ourselves to the many places into which we walk. We are proud of who we are and of who we are becoming. It’s way too powerful a message to hoard for ourselves. Church, it’s time! No more timidity! No more doubt! No more hesitation! There are hundreds of OUR family members in the Rochester community who need to hear what we have to tell. What’s the message, you ask? What are we supposed to tell? It couldn’t be simpler. Tell YOUR story of faith. That’s the story you know best. That’s the story that will cause a light to shine in your eye. That’s the story that will cause your hearers to say, “I want me some of THAT!” Upcoming Events: The clothing ministry, coordinated by Deacon Debbie, will begin again in September. The Artsy-Fartsy Film Group will also start in September. Our new denominational Moderator, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, will be installed at the National Cathedral on October 29 at 2pm. Rev. Jim and Deacon Debbie will serve communion at that service. Next Deacon training class will be on Sunday, August 28 from 1 to 4. The topic will be “Public prayer: being a prayer leader” and will look at different kinds of prayer that ministry leaders must be familiar and comfortable with. The DIT classes are open for anyone to attend. Until next time, let us pray for one another (oremus pro invicem) Rev. Jim ....
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Deacon's Corner:
God, She is about five and so excited standing in line. It's the ice-cream line...her brother and Mom are there with her. I asked her "what kind of ice cream are you getting"? Her smile lights up her chubby face as she says "black". Her mother turns to me and says she means chocolate ice-cream. I look down into her big brown young eyes and say, "I'm getting black too".
God please let me always enjoy the youth around me. Let me listen to their words not changing them into mine. Let me meet them in their world not rushing them into my adult one. After all black ice-cream does taste just like chocolate... Maybe even a little better. Amen.
Pastor's Reflection:
Good morning.
I remember watching cartoons when I was a kid (black and white cartoons!). An image comes to mind of time flying – a clock with the hands spinning. I often feel like that. Sometimes, as I get ready to write my message for the e-link, I can’t believe a week has gone by since I wrote the last one.
Time was an important concept in the early church. They wanted to know what time it was. Jesus had said that he would return. People expected him “soon”. As time went on, people started expecting that Jesus was coming very soon in major judgment on the earth. As they looked around, they couldn’t believe that God could continue to permit the evil and wickedness without doing something. In the early church, a common prayer was “Maranatha!” which means “Come, Lord”. In his early days as a Christian, Paul expected Christ to come so soon that he encouraged people to stay unmarried with their minds focused on God alone and on righteousness. People were sure they were living in the “end” times. As the first millennium arrived in the year 1000AD, people were sure that the world was going to end. As the second millennium arrived, people were sure we were in the end times. Those Christians who rely on the cryptic Book of Revelation as prophecy point to happenings in the modern world as fulfillment of the prophecies and are sure that the Rapture is going to happen momentarily. The Left Behind series of books made a lot of money for the authors who subscribe to this way of looking at the Book of Revelation.
It’s all about time. When will God come? When will judgment fall upon the earth? When will it be over? We don’t know, do we? Jesus told us that it comes like a thief in the night with no warning. Just like our own deaths. We don’t know the day or the hour. If we spend all our time worrying about our death, we’ll forget to live. If we spend our time worrying about the END God’s plan for the earth and all who dwell therein, we will forget to live. My old teacher, Anthony DeMello, SJ, said “It’s those who worry most about the next life who don’t know what to do with this one.” So, what’s pastor’s message about time this morning? Use it well. Let God worry about the end, that’s not your job. Greet each moment with joy. Be concerned more with loving than being loved. Know that your God is never far from you so notice God. Don’t waste time feeling sorry for yourself or being envious or jealous. Open your heart and your arms to greet warmly all whom you meet. Smile instead of scowling. Laugh a lot. Count all your many blessings each day. When worries or sorrows come, know that you are held close and take comfort. Recognize that worries and sorrows pass as do the clouds in the sky. Live each moment right NOW. Leave the past behind and let the future happen in its own time. Embrace THIS moment, THIS day. Perhaps you are thinking that it can’t be as simple as that. Well, I tell you it is.
With my warmest regards, Rev. Jim
Upcoming Events: The clothing ministry, coordinated by Deacon Debbie, will begin again on September 8. See Deacon Debbie for details.
The Artsy-Fartsy Film Group will also start on September 17.
Our new denominational Moderator, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, will be installed at the National Cathedral on October 29 at 2pm. Rev. Jim and Deacon Debbie will serve communion at that service.
Next Deacon training class will be on Sunday, August 28 from 1 to 4. The topic will be “Public prayer: being a prayer leader” and will look at different kinds of prayer that ministry leaders must be familiar and comfortable with. The DIT classes are open for anyone to attend. ....
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Deacon's Corner:
Yo God, We called the storm Katrina. She hit land and left a path of loss unimaginable. The human loss is just starting to come in... Please God let's not think of them as numbers but as people. Folks like us, with friends, family and loved ones. Folks with names and lives that touched so many. God our prayers go out to each of them and their families.
The roads can be rebuilt. The homes can be restored. The trees replanted...the lives are just gone. God let folks know that you are with them. God help us to step up, not only through prayer but action and deeds.. God the storm is over but the healing hasn't even begun. - Amen.
Pastor's Reflection:
Anyone who was in church last Sunday was amazed and pleased at the quality of the sound of our new keyboard. We have not even begun to scratch the surface of it’s capabilities. There are a whole lot of buttons with names of musical instruments and each button has numerous sub-categories of sound. It’s truly a marvel. Jim and Duane have blessed us richly with this gift.
Now, I suppose only a pastor could look at all those many buttons and variety of sounds and think of the congregation. But, think of it: high voices and low, loud voices and soft, confident voices and unsure voices. Individually, some of the voices are sweet and some are a bit harsh and off-key. Blended together, they (we) create a pleasing chorus of voices praising God. Now go from voices to characteristics and talents. So varied and yet blending together to make a pleasing gathering.
There is no individual who is not important to the Body of Christ that is the church as manifested at Open Arms MCC. Each of us is a reminder to each other that God loves us. We are corporately strong and sometimes individually wounded, sick and weak. Those roles and situations change often. Together we support each other because together we are strong.
As we welcome newcomers, we add new voices and new qualities to our sound and appearance and abilities. How good God is! How richly we are being blessed.
Upcoming Events: The clothing ministry, coordinated by Deacon Debbie, will begin again on September 8 at 6:30. See Deacon Debbie for details. There is a Board meeting at church on Friday, Sept. 9 at 6pm The Artsy-Fartsy Film Group outing will also start on September 17.
Our new denominational Moderator, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, will be installed at the National Cathedral on October 29 at 2pm. Rev. Jim and Deacon Debbie will serve communion at that service.
Next Deacon training class will be on Sunday, August 28 from 1 to 4. The topic will be “Public prayer: being a prayer leader” and will look at different kinds of prayer that ministry leaders must be familiar and comfortable with. The DIT classes are open for anyone to attend. Action Item's:
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Until next time, let us pray for one another (oremus pro invicem)
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This page Last updated on: August 24, 2005 By: Martha K. |
