There are weeks of exciting times ahead of us.  I am so looking forward to the festivities of our 25th Anniversary.  Sunday, Deacon Paul preached about making room in our hearts and minds for praising God.  Rev. Jim preached recently about reclaiming the term "born again" and about "new life in Christ."  That's what Open Arms MCC is all about:  making a joyful noise unto God and shaking off our lethargy, our staleness, our old baggage and moving forward in excitement and joy, stretching and taking risks and growing - individually and together.  Open Arms is about making each of our experiences of church and of God something NEW in our lives; new because our old ways were to sleep-walk through life.  God makes a difference in our lives; Church makes a difference in our lives; Community makes a difference in our lives.  And we make a difference to God, to the Church and to the Community.

For the last several weeks, Rev. Jim has been visiting Equal Grounds a few times a week.  He established "his" chair.  Today when he stopped in, the owner, John, came over to semi-apologize for moving Rev. Jim's chair to a different part of the room.  It's a funny little incident, isn't it?  BUT, when we put ourselves out there, we get noticed and it makes a difference.

For so many years of our existence, we at Open Arms MCC silently moved in the community.  For the last few years, we have not been able to be silent.  We've raised our voices, been very out as a Church, been active in the equal marriage fight.  It makes a difference.  Just like the servants in the Gospel story, we haven't buried our talents but rather invested and increased them.  It makes a difference.

Today, July 19, is the 3rd anniversary of legal Canadian marriage for Deacon Paul and Rev. Jim.  And we still don't have the rights and benefits.  April 29 was the 2nd anniversary of the marriage of Bess and Anne that we celebrated in Washington Square Park downtown with many clergy standing in support.  They still don't have the rights and benefits.  Only by continuing to be out and proud and loud will the needed changes happen.  And in this struggle, Open Arms is in the forefront of the campaign for full equality.  As it should be.  We can not keep silent.

Let's let our 25th anniversary be our rising to a new level of commitment and activism.  Let's take back the Word of God and not be cowed by those who claim to be religious but who show no love.  Let us love them and pray for them.

Onward and upward to the greater glory of God.

That our closing date will be settled soon and that our move be sooner rather than later

For the deacons who have dedicated themselves to service

For the Board of Directors who responsibly manage the finances of the church

For the leaders of our denomination, that they will continue to work tirelessly for the full inclusion of LGBT people

For our government leaders, and for the leaders of all the nations, that their goal be peace and unity, rather than war and alienation

For justice for all

A prayer of thanksgiving for the daughter of Deb K's co-worker, who is doing remarkably well

For all who suffer from cancer and for those who support them

For Laura H's friend, Mike, as he continues his arduous round of cancer treatments.