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Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church Rochester, New York
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Highlights from the September 2006 edition's:
September 27, 2006 ============================================================================ ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS THIS SUNDAY AT 9:30 Steve J will teach "Understanding the Bible 101" in three sessions Classes will be in the sanctuary. Please be on time if you are going to attend. Understanding the Bible 101. What does the Bible say about who we are as individuals and as a church? What does it say about homosexuality? In what way is the Bible God's Word for us and how do we extract meaning from these ancient texts? Come and explore these and other questions. Over four weeks, we will discuss how the Bible has been used against us and, more importantly, how we can reclaim it for ourselves. The Bible really is full of good news for GLBTI people. Come and discover what it has to say to you =========================================================================== ======================================================================
Deacon's Corner:
Yo God,
Deacon Debbie ===============================================================
Pastor's Reflection: We had a visitor Sunday from out of town. He came from a place where it is not easy to be who he is. During our Community Greeting, I asked him what he thought. His reply was, "It's a little bit overwhelming." People come to us not expecting a lot from church. They expect to visit, quietly settle into a back seat, be unnoticed and unwelcomed, and then go away. They would not at all be surprised to be ignored or even rejected. What a shock Open Arms MCC must be! We are great at welcoming and greeting and noticing. Another person who was at worship Sunday usually sits quietly alone. On Sunday, two of our men invited him to sit with them, and warmly brought him into their presence. They acted out of simple kindness and consideration and had no idea how momentous that simple act of inclusion meant to him. A woman who hasn't come many times sent me an email to tell me that with all the trials and troubles happening in her life, Open Arms MCC is a place of refuge. Steve J. and I, talking yesterday, laughed at ourselves about rarely taking any Sundays off. We agreed that it was because Sundays just aren't right without coming to Open Arms. That's what happens when a group of people become church. That's what happens when we open up to the Spirit of God and let the Spirit flow within and among us. That's what happens when we create a climate within which people can be empowered to be themselves and comfortable within their own skins. We are good at raising voices in praise. We are good at fellowship. We are good at being rowdy. And we are good at growing, not only in the size of our community, but also in the directions in which we are led by God. There is another area in which we can grow: being silent and reflective with each other. It seems easy for us to be loud and talkative and joyful. It's not so easy for us to be silent together. When a couple has been together for a while, the ability to quietly be together without conversation becomes part of their nourishing time. At Open Arms MCC and at other MCC's around the world, we serve Communion every week. At Open Arms, we can learn to be quietly reflective before and after taking communion. This can and should be a reflective time. Through the whole rest of the service, we are in communion with one another in our exuberance. During Communion time, we need to learn to be comfortably silent together and focus on our communion with God. This is an exercise that can benefit us individually and as a church. Sit quietly, close your eyes, talk to your Creator and listen to the reply, sing the communion songs, respect the silence and prayers of your fellow communicants. And so we will continue to grow in ways of the Spirit. Rev. Jim ================================================================================== Prayer Requests: For those who have lost job's For Those who are dealing with personal issues For Laura's friend, Mike, who is fighting cancer with all his strength and for his wife who supports him For Jean L. who is very ill in ICU in Massachusetts and for her husband, Joe, and children, Donna and Mark as they hover and worry about the matriarch of their family. For our community leaders as they speak out for equal marriage For Woody's mother as she recovers from by-pass surgery For the lonely and broken-hearted For those who are in the process of coming out For Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, our denominational moderator, and for Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman our regional Elder, and for all the leaders and Elders of our church. For our Open Arms deacons and other pastoral leaders as they grow into their service For all the cares and concerns of our hearts ===================================================================================
========================================================================== Choir Practice is on TUESDAY'S at 7pm at church. We will sing a mixture of contemporary and traditional music and have fun and fellowship while we make a joyful noise to God. All are invited to participate whatever your skill level. The only requirement is a willingness to praise the Lord in song ==========================================================================
ONE ANOTHERING
There is a new One Anothering group forming. Linda H. will be facilitating with a co-facilitator. The group will meet at church beginning Thursday, October 12 at church. There is a sign-up sheet in the fellowship hall. Books cost $11. If you would like to join this group or ask for more information, please contact Linda. ========================================================================
MEMBERSHIP CLASS Membership class will be Sunday, October 29 from 1-4 please contact Rev. Jim ASAP if you have questions or would like to be in the class
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Upcoming Events: Fellowship snacks: If you would like to help provide snacks for after-church fellowship, please sign up on the sheet posted in the fellowship hall, near the coffee. Thank you!
Scrapbooking: Sherri M. is working on keeping our church scrapbooks updated. If you have pictures or newspaper articles of recent events, such as the 25th Anniversary weekend or the move to the new church, please get the items to her as soon as possible.
A Community Forum on Marriage On Thursday, Sept. 28th
7:00-9:00 PM At the First Unitarian Church of Rochester 220 Winton Rd. South, Rochester NY 14610
Learn about the next stages of the fight to end discrimination against same-sex couples and win marriage equality in NYS. The program is being hosted by The Empire State Pride Agenda, Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley and co-sponsored by over a dozen community partners that champion civil liberties for all! Saturday, 10/7/06: Oktoberfest hosted by David E. at his home in Batavia. The potluck feast will begin at 2pm and go until the last person leaves. Bring a dish to pass, games, cards, etc... and enjoy good food and good company. Deacon Karen Ware is coordinating this event. Please contact her.
Sunday, 10/22/06: Dedication and Open House. We will observe Fellowship Sunday on this date also.
Social Justice Action Alert: October 6-8 is Rochester's annual River Romance Weekend. As part of the romance and festivities, the City is hosting a "Renewing of Vows on the Banks of the Genesee River", Friday Oct. 6 at 7PM on the Pont de Rennes Bridge (the bridge at High Falls). The ceremony will be followed by fireworks, a laser show and a free reception complete with a massive cake. Empire State Pride Agenda has asked for same-sex couples married or somehow united in Canada, Massachusetts, Vermont or New York to provide a friendly gay presence by participating in this event. This will not involve protests or confrontation in any way but there will be media there and you may be asked for a quote etc. We are reminding the community that same-sex couples also have loving relationships to honor, celebrate and protect with marriage. No registration or fee is required. You must be there by 6:45PM (factor in parking time.) More information will come at the Marriage Forum on September 28, but please contact Anne T. or Bess W. Sherri M. if you think you may be attending. This will be fun.
September 20, 2006 ========================================================================== Choir Practice is on Thursday 9/21 at 7pm at church. PLEASE NOTE beginning next week, choir practice will be on Tuesdays beginning next week. ==========================================================================
ONE ANOTHERING
There is a new One Anothering group forming. Linda H. will be facilitating with a co-facilitator. The group will meet at church beginning Thursday, October 12 at church. There is a sign-up sheet in the fellowship hall. Books cost $11. If you would like to join this group or ask for more information, please contact Linda. =======================================================================
CLEANING THE CHURCH For this week and next week (the 23rd and 30th), we need volunteers to clean the church. If you are willing to do this please contact Terry K. ASAP. ========================================================================
MEMBERSHIP CLASS If you've been coming to Open Arms MCC for a while and would like to consider membership, please contact Rev. Jim as soon as you can. ======================================================================
Deacon's Corner:
Yo God,
I am not talking about such things as
having a job, roof over my head, or food on the table....I am blessed
there... Deacon Debbie ===============================================================
Pastor's Reflection: It feels good to be home. I'm not talking about Paul's and my home in Dalton. That always feels good and we aren't there enough! I'm talking about our new church home. It feels like we've come to a place meant just for us. And we have. Worship for the two weeks we've been there has been terrific. We're on our way to using the church not only on Sunday but days between, too. We are seeing new faces and are even seeing children. We are becoming aware of the need for additional minstries. One Anothering is a small group study program that has been a wonderful force for growth at Open Arms MCC. Choir is something we've been wanting for a long time and now are in a position to implement. The Youth (ironically, we define youth as 40 and under) is forming and planning service activities. Adult Sunday School is planned to begin October 1. An outside group is planning to hold square dance classes in the fellowship hall. A Christmas Party is being planned. Social Justice ministry is formed and announcing monthly meeting times. The ADT security system in installed and armed. The trash pick-up service is established and removed the boxes from our new chairs. A Sam's Club membership has been established for the church for supplies. We are working on a sexton and a cleaning service. Locks have been changed. Terry K and David E. have built a platform at the rear of the sanctuary for the tech station. I am only just warming up. There have been so many things happening and being planned and being implemented that make our new building our new home. But the real home happens when I walk into the sanctuary. A sense of peace comes over me. We have worship space that was built to be sacred ground, that has only ever been used to glorify God. The prayers of all those people over the decades has permeated the walls of the building. It has been sanctified by prayer and the love of God. It feels good to be home. Rev. Jim ==================================================================================
Prayer Requests: For L's friend, Mike, as he undergoes rigorous cancer treatment For those who have lost loved ones For those who face serious illness and those who support them For our troops For world leaders For church leaders ===================================================================================
Upcoming Events: Fellowship snacks: If you would like to help provide snacks for after-church fellowship, please sign up on the sheet posted in the fellowship hall, near the coffee. Thank you!
Scrapbooking: Sherri M. is working on keeping our church scrapbooks updated. If you have pictures or newspaper articles of recent events, such as the 25th Anniversary weekend or the move to the new church, please get the items to her as soon as possible.
Sunday, 10/1/06: Adult Sunday school will begin at 9:30 in the sanctuary. Understanding the Bible 101. What does the Bible say about who we are as individuals and as a church? What does it say about homosexuality? In what way is the Bible God's Word for us and how do we extract meaning from these ancient texts? Come and explore these and other questions. Over four weeks, we will discuss how the Bible has been used against us and, more importantly, how we can reclaim it for ourselves. The Bible really is full of good news for GLBTI people. Come and discover what it has to say to you
Choir: This week choir is on Thursday at 7:00 PM. Beginning NEXT WEEK, choir practice will move to TUESDAYS at 7pm. We will sing a mixture of contemporary and traditional music and have fun and fellowship while we make a joyful noise to God. All are invited to participate whatever your skill level. The only requirement is a willingness to praise the Lord in song. Saturday, 10/7/06: Oktoberfest hosted by David E. at his home in Batavia. The potluck feast will begin at 2pm and go until the last person leaves. Bring a dish to pass, games, cards, etc... and enjoy good food and good company. Deacon Karen Ware is coordinating this event. Please contact her.
Sunday, 10/22/06: Dedication and Open House. We will observe Fellowship Sunday on this date also.
September 13, 2006 ========================================================================== Open Arms Choir Practice: each Thursday at 7pm at church Beginning THIS Thursday, September 14 ==========================================================================
Pastor's Reflection: Another small miracle happened for us this weekend! As soon as we were unloaded and set up and had eaten together, we were AT HOME. When 85 people showed up for service on Sunday, only one of whom was a first-time visitor, we were really at home. Worship was so joyful and filled with the Spirit. Even though it seemed like we filled the sanctuary right up, in fact we had spaced the seats and the aisles with great generosity. Soon our 100 new chairs will arrive and we will have more space for the new visitors we anticipate. What was most evident throughout the process of moving in and worshiping, was that the people of Open Arms MCC are the church. The building is just the icing on the cake! Sunday's sermon was titled "The end of the road; the beginning of the journey." My friends, we are on such an incredible journey. Our focus since last October has been getting to our new church. We've accomplished that. We've reached the end of that road. Now that we are in the middle of Chili, we have a journey that we can't even begin to imagine. Several people have already been talking to me about our outreach. A group of square-dancers has asked to use the fellowship hall on Monday nights for 30 sessions. A young(er) people's group has formed and is writing their mission statement and planning their service activities. Adult Sunday school will begin on October 1st at 9:30am with a series of 4 weeks presented by Steve. And it just goes on and on. We have caught fire, the fire of the Holy Spirit. God will be bringing us special people, special gifts, special challenges. And now, we are ready to receive these gifts. As I've said to you before: it just keeps getting better and better. Rev. Jim ========================================================================== Deacon's Corner:
Yo God,
Deacon Debbie ================================================================== Prayer Requests: That we be received graciously and gently by the community in Chili That we be a blessing to the community of Chili and surrounding areas, to the whole greater Rochester community. That our troops come home soon and safely That the survivors of 9/11 and their families heal; that the families who lost loved ones find peace That the leaders of Open Arms MCC, of the denomination throughout the world, keep focused on God That the President and leaders of our government seek peace and understanding That the leaders of the world will put ego aside to do the best for their people For all our sick and those who support them For the broken-hearted For those who struggle in relationship For those who suffer from addictions, depression, mental illness =============================================================================== Upcoming Events:
Choir practice is Thursday at 7 at church
Store House Volunteer's Needed! Starting 9/14/06. The Store House is a ministry of Asbury First Methodist Church. They provide clothing for those in need. We will meet the second Thursday of each month from 6:00 - 8:00 The Store House is located on East Ave next to the Church.
There is a Board of Directors meeting: at church on Friday, September 15 at 6. Only those guests who are on the agenda are allowed voice at the meeting.
Artsy Fartsy Film group: will meet at The Little Theater at 12:30 pm on Saturday, September 16
Adult Sunday School on October 1, will be at 9:30 at church
Oktoberfest is October 7 at 2pm at David E's home in Batavia. It is a potluck with games and conversations and whatever your creativity can plan.
On October 22, we will have the formal dedication of our church and an open house. Please plan to bring family and friends. *************************************************************** September 13, 2006
======================================================================================== An Historic Day On Tuesday, September 5, Rev. Jim and Terry K, John W and Gene V met in the offices of Underberg&Kessler, attorneys for Calvary Assembly of God with Attorneys Duncan Farney and Andrew Emborsky. Sale papers were signed; Promissory Notes were signed; Checks were handed over and, for the first time in history, Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church became a property owner. God is Good! ======================================================================================== Move In Day is Saturday, September 9 at 9am. There will be two teams: Team One will meet at Patrick's house. Anyone with a pickup truck is encouraged to join this group to pick up our stored chairs to bring them to our new church.
Team Two will meet at our new church to
unload the PODS and begin setup for Sunday worship. Directions:
From 390 get off at Chili Ave Exit, turn
right (west) and go until you pass a funeral home on your left and then a
cemetery. Turn left onto Marshall, the church is on the left right at the
end of the cemetery.
From 490 West get off at Route 204, which
takes you up to Chili Ave. Turn right (west) onto Chili and left onto
Marshall.
From 490 East, get off at Chili Center,
turn right at the exit to get to Chili Ave. Turn left on Chili Ave, right
on Marshall.
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Praise Team and Choir
We are recruiting for a praise team and
for a choir. Steve Johnson will be leading both. There will be one
rehearsal each week on either Tuesday or Thursday nights. Contact Steve
if you want in:
sajroc@rochester.rr.com
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Deacon's Corner:
Yo God,
What a treat to share worship with Moses this past Sunday! For we have been a people wandering for so long... Really God, having Rev. Jim portray Moses, snake staff and all, was great. To gather under a shelter, 40 plus strong and worship was very spiritual. Rev. Jim's message that we are a community is so clear now. We are a community building within ourselves and reaching out to the world. This Sunday will be our first time in our new church home. We will enter a new neighborhood, outside the walls of our home. We will be challenged to continue to be community with each other. We will be challenged to reach out to our neighbors. We will be challenged to minister to all who come to our doors. We will be challenged to continue to follow our mission statement... Empowering people. Embracing the journey. Touching the world. God, we have come this far because of You. Let us never forget, that it is not about us, but all about You. Amen
Deacon Debbie
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Store House Volunteer's Needed!
Starting 9/14/06.
The Store House is a ministry of Asbury First Methodist Church. They provide clothing for those in need. We will meet the second Thursday of each month from 6:00 - 8:00 The Store House is located on East Ave next to the Church. During that time we sort clothing that has been donated. This will be our second year supporting them, come join us. Questions contact Deacon Debbie.
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Artsy-Fartsy Film Group starts up
again on September 16 for a matinee at the Little Theater. More info to
follow. Contact Rebecca if you have questions.
Until next time, let us pray for one another (oremus pro invicem)
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This page Last updated on: September, 2006 By: Martha K. |
