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Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church Rochester, New York
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Highlights from the October 2006 edition's:
October 4, 2006 ============================================================
Oktoberfest is is Saturday, October 7
hosted by David E
at his home in
Sundays : Adult Sunday school will begin at 9:30 in the sanctuary. This week Steve Jwill teach and discuss Matthew 15:21-28, the story of the Canaanite woman's faith.
Tuesdays at 7pm. Choir rehearsal at church
Sunday, 10/22/06: Dedication and Open House. We will observe Fellowship Sunday on this date also. This is the 38th anniversary year for Metropolitan Community Churches. Social Justice Action Alert: October 6-8 is Empire State
Pride Agenda has asked for same-sex couples married or somehow united in
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
===============================================================
October 11, 2006 ============================================================================ October 11 is National Coming Out Day You are out when your outside matches your inside, when your speech and behavior doesn't change depending on where you are, when you don't have to hide who you really are to please someone else. ============================================================================ October 22 is Dedication Sunday We will bless our new church and bless God for bringing us to it. We will celebrate with our choir who sound WONDERFUL. We will celebrate with dance during worship. We will bless God and raise God up. We will also celebrate Fellowship Sunday on that day. Our denomination began with hope and trust 38 years ago. W will have a 2nd offering to send to the denomination for church planting, church revitalization, emerging ministries. Join us and bring family and friends to celebrate God's goodness to us. ============================================================================= Deacon's Corner:
Yo God,
================================================= Pastor's Reflection: We are called to be servants, not to be served. We are called to be a beacon of hope for those who have feared to hope. We have been called to forget how to judge but to remember to look at our own hearts to find where we need to grow with God's grace and help. We are called to be a refuge for the outcast and broken-hearted. So many of our people were raised in church and learned early to love God - and then were told that they were not loveable, that even God considered them an abomination or unworthy and unfit to be with God's people. And they learned to believe that about themselves and to hate themselves for being who they were. We are called to be a place that boldly and loudly and repeatedly affirm that God loves all God's children who were indeed created by God just the way they are! We are called to be a place of safety where ALL God's people can reclaim their faith and reject bad teaching about themselves. We are called to be a place of safety as sexual beings, to be a place where all sexualities can be celebrated as God-given and blessed. We are called to raise our voices against injustice wherever we find it. We are called to be strong and vocal advocates for peace and for equality in all ways for all people, including equal marriage. We are called to be servants, not to be served. Rev. Jim ============================================================= Upcoming and Ongoing Events: Sundays: Adult Sunday school will begin at 9:30 in the sanctuary. This week Steve J will teach and discuss Matthew 15:21-28, the story of the Canaanite woman's faith. Tuesdays at 7pm. Choir rehearsal at church
Social Justice Dinner and Discussion Saturday October 14, 4PM Open Arms Church Fellowship Hall Topic: "Marriage Equality: it's personal and it matters." Dinner: Chili and Cornbread will be provided. All are invited and bring friends! Call Anne T.for information or to volunteer to help.
Open Arms MCC provided a gay presence at the Renewing of Vows Ceremony during the River Romance Events. Kerry & Max and Bess & Anne were part of 6 gay couples who took part in this very romantic public event at High Falls. And starting this month Open Arms members will be addressing the Monroe County legislature each month to call for county support of marriage equality. If you would like to be involved in Social Justice activities or get emailed information, please see Bess & Anne or Sherri & Donna. The Artsy Fartsy Film Group will meet Saturday, Oct 21 at 12:30pm at the Little Theatre. We'll see either "The Science of Sleep" or "Little Miss Sunshine" depending on the Little's schedule. It should be noted that the matinee time for "Science of Sleep" is 12:50, which is very close to our meeting time. Check for more details as the date approaches. Contact Rebecca for more information. The Youth Group will be doing a bible study from The Message. The first meeting will be Friday, Oct. 13 at 6pm at the home of the Wescotts. If you are interested please see or email Rebecca G
Sherry I will be selling scarves to benefit the church. The cost is $25. For more information please see Sherry
There will be a membership class on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 1-4pm. If interested please see Rev. Jim
Fall Back: Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday morning at 2am on Sun. Oct. 29.
A Monster's Ball will be held on Saturday, October, 28 at the Roger Robach Community Center in Charlotte. Sponsored by Outlandish and Equal Grounds, the ball is a benefit for the Rainbow Seniors. Tickets $7 in advance, $10 at the door. Pete Fedele has tickets.
On Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9:30-4:30 in the fellowship hall, there will be a new marriage ambassador training. This training will have plenty of info on networking provided by Todd Plank, Nora Yates and friends. Please sign-up ASAP. Space is limited and lunch will be provided. Sign-up sheet can be found in the fellowship hall.
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Prayer Requests:
For Laura's friend, Mike, as he bravely faces the aftermath of aggressive cancer treatment
For Mike R as he seeks employment
For those who struggle with depression and loneliness
For David E's relatives
For our troops
For world leaders that be guided by the Spirit of God rather than by ego and aggression.
For all those who remain in the closet, whatever their closet is, that they find the courage to raise their heads and stand proud, knowing they are loveable just the way they are. ==============================================================
October 18, 2006 ============================================================================ This Sunday is our Dedication and Open House at 11 am. Come and bring friends and family. Search the highways and byways and bring anyone you find.
============================================================ There will be NO Sunday School this week at 9:30 because of Dedication preparation. ===========================================================================
Deacon's Corner:
Join Me-
Yo God,
Amen Deacon Debbie ===============================================================
Pastor's Reflection: It's an ancient tradition to Dedicate a church. First we build and then we purify and then we dedicate and bless the space. But we didn't build this church building, you might say. It's true that historically, the building was built by the Seventh Day Adventists and then bought by Calvary Assembly of God. It's true that it has always been a house of prayer from its beginning. It's true that each of the two previous occupying congregations filled the space with prayer and song and dedication to God. We are the inheritors of that devotion. In the past three years, Open Arms MCC has experienced a revitalization; the Spirit of God has come flying into worship and into individual hearts. The Spirit of God does not go where it is not welcomed. God has helped us to come to new life in the process of forming a warm and welcoming community. We have strived to grow together and to put ourselves and selfishness and ego aside. We have worked together first to pay of significant debt and then to raise an almost unbelievable amount of money working toward the purchase of our new church home. God spoke to hearts within and without the congregation of Open Arms MCC making possible to transform Open Arms MCC from renters to owners. And then we moved into our building and felt at home from the first day. We talk and we argue and we even raise our voices as we try to figure out the best way to use our space for the glory of God. We sometimes let ourselves get in the way of God's plan in our assumption that we know best or at least better than some others. So, in the midst of all this humanity - the noble and the ignoble sides of our humanity - we stop to dedicate our church. We stop to purify the building and our own hearts and to rededicated an already dedicated building and to dedicate our individual hearts, already dedicated to God. Will we change anything by holding a formal Dedication Ceremony during worship Sunday, by introducing Liturgical Dance to Open Arm MCC, by a degree of pageantry? I say 'YES!' Why? Because every time we stop to put ourselves back in synch with God and with each other, something wonderful happens. Because every time we stop to realize that our own egos and willfullness impede the forward motion of God's people, we have the chance to put ourselves back on track with God and with each other. I can't wait till Sunday. I can't wait to stand in God's presence in formal worship to invoke the presence of the Spirit and to dedicate not just a space but our hearts! What a wonderful thing!
Rev. Jim ================================================================================== Prayer Requests: A prayer of thanksgiving that our friends, Carol and Cheryl, in Buffalo have come through the snow storm in one piece. They will be without power till the end of the week but good friends have stepped up. And a prayer of thanksgiving that David was spared in Batavia. I ask your prayers for Bill F. and his sister, Linda. Their father died over the weekend. They are going to have brief calling hours and service at the funeral home Tuesday evening in South Dayton, NY (down by Jamestown) with the funeral Wed. a.m. Jim C.' sister-in-law, Rosemary, Duane's sister, will undergo surgery on Thursday morning. Doctors have discovered a large mass that they suspect is ovarian cancer. Please keep Rosemary and the family in your prayers. A big thanksgiving 'hoorah' and a prayer of gratitude that our friend, Jeanne, in Massachusetts, is recovering well after her hospitalization. For the lonely and broken-hearted For our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan
Upcoming Events and Announcements: Announcements: The 20 and 30-something group will meet on Friday, Oct. 20. We will meet at Sean's abode, please contact Sean for more information.
The Artsy Fartsy Film Group will meet Saturday, Oct 21 at 12:30pm at the Little Theatre. We'll see either "The Science of Sleep" or "Little Miss Sunshine" depending on the Little's schedule. It should be noted that the matinee time for "Science of Sleep" is 12:50, which is very close to our meeting time.
Sherry I. will be selling scarves to benefit the church. The cost is $25. For more information please see Sherry.
========================================================================== 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
==========================================================================
Fall Back: Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday morning at 2am on Sun. Oct. 29.
What is Marriage Ambassador Training? It is a day of training and networking sponsored by the Empire State Pride Agenda. Participants discuss why marriage equality is important, and learn practical skills that help them know how to speak persuasively to family and friends, how to talk to the media, and how to contact elected officials to urge them to support marriage equality. It is dynamic, informative, and empowering! On Saturday, November 18th, Open Arms is hosting a Marriage Ambassador Training from 9am-4pm. There is no cost, and a continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Space is limited and filling up fast! To reserve your place, please sign up in the fellowship hall, or call Anne T. & Bess W. or Sherri & Donna T..
If you would like to be added to the church directory, please fill out an information sheet and have your picture taken by Oct. 29. See either Terry K. or T. We are trying to update our birthday list. If you recently started attending and would like your birthday added please see or email Deacon Paul J. Drivers needed. Deacon Bonnie is coordinating rides to help people without transportation come to church. If you can drive, even if one Sunday a month, please contact Deacon Bonnie. A Monster’s Ball will be held on Saturday, October, 28 at the Roger Robach Community Center in Charlotte. Sponsored by Outlandish and Equal Grounds, the ball is a benefit for the Rainbow Seniors. Tickets $7 in advance, $10 at the door. Pete Fedele has tickets WORLD AIDS DAY. There will be a community-wide observation of World AIDS Day on Sunday, December 3 at 6:15pm at 3rd Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St, Rochester, NY 14607. Open Arms MCC will be a co-sponsor of this event. We need a number of Open Arms volunteers. For more information, see Patrick F. or Deacon Gene. Save the dates: December 10 - Lights of Love December 30 - Holiday Party October 26, 2006 ============================================================================ BREAKING NEWS: The State Supreme Court of New Jersey will announce its decision on the same-sex marriage case brought by Lambda Legal on Wednesday. The decision will be announced at 3pm, Wednesday, October 25. After 3pm on Wednesday, you can get the decision on the New Jersey State Supreme Court website at http://ga4.org/ct/-1zPb991_Ruh/Decision ===========================================================================
Deacon's Corner:
Yo God,
As you hit the crest of the hill, you see a steeple on the left.... Coming down the hill, our new sign "Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church" greets us. This past Sunday we dedicated this holy place to continue Your work, God. Ninety-two of us gathered to sing and dance and celebrate our new home, a new record attendance. Rev. Elder Diane Fisher's spirit was dancing with us as the elements were danced in. Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson's heart was with us as we used the same communion setting that had only been used during her installation in Washington. Rev. Dolores Berry's soul traveled miles to sing right along side our choir. Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman's smile of love warmed us from so far away. The very history of our church filled our pews.... We heard the powerful strong and clear words that Rev. Jim spoke, reminding us that are doors are open to all. God, we have taken another huge step with You and blessings continue to surround us. Let us continue to sing and dance and celebrate not only our new church...but the new paths our work can now take with Your blessing.
Amen Deacon Debbie ===============================================================
Pastor's Reflection: I'm still riding high after Sunday's service of Dedication. We had several firsts: Liturgical Dance. Michelle and Jessica performed two dances, one to bring in the River of God's grace, the second tobring in the bread and grape juice for communion. Several people who had misgivings about introducing liturgical dance to Open Arms MCC, made a point of telling me how much they appreciated it. One went so far as to say she wants it EVERY week. Deacon Paul danced in the book of the gospels showing a transformation in his attitude; first, being oppressed by the scriptures and then being liberated from his attitudes towards scripture and finding them a joyful addition to his life. Some wondered how he could twirl all the way down the aisle without falling over!!! A new choir: Steve Johnson deserves kudos for his skillful work with the choir as they gave their debut performance to open worship. The voices blended beautifully. Attendance: we broke all time attendance records. We had 92 in worship. A visitor's packet: Deacons Terry and Renee have prepared an informational packet for new visitors. When God gives us hope, it is hope beyond our wildest imaginings. We have grounded Open Arms MCC in God and in the Spirit of God. When the Spirit blows through, you know you've been in church. We have become a responsible community of faith. We take our responsibilities of forming community seriously. We welcome newcomers seriously. We reach out together and help each other seriously. We take our stewardship responsibilities seriously. As we live in this new church, there are additional expenses. We have expenses for a musician, we have ADT security services and water bills and trash pickup bills. We have a snow-plowing contract. We have hired a cleaning service because we need regular, dependable cleaning. We have to move toward paying a full-time pastor. We need to hire a sexton to open and close the church and make sure the walks are shoveled and salted, not just for Sunday but for during the week, too. We will have additional program expenses as we use our facilities during the week and not just on Sundays. In other words, we are a growing church. The Board of Directors has been diligent in taking care of their responsibilities. And you have been diligent in your giving. We will be mailing out Stewardship Letters within the next week. I'm asking you to be generous and responsible in your pledge to the church. And what do you get for your generosity? A living vibrant church where you can be filled and recharged for your life, a community that loves and accepts you, a worship space that you can be proud of, a church that accepts its responsibility to be a light to this world and to work for justice, blessings in your life as you use your gifts wisely. When we remember that God is at the center of our lives, we give back a portion of what has been given to us. I am so proud of Open Arms. Sunday, a first time visitor had this to say to me: "I must sat that it was really exciting to be with you during your church dedication. And I look forward to many more visits with you. I also enjoyed the fact that your congregation was so warm and inviting. Moving to New York by myself and feeling all alone, I really felt at home at Open Arms MCC. I hope to make your church my new home." Could we ask for more? When we open ourselves to God, good things happen and keep happening.
In the past three years, Open Arms MCC has experienced a revitalization; the Spirit of God has come flying into worship and into individual hearts. The Spirit of God does not go where it is not welcomed. God has helped us to come to new life in the process of forming a warm and welcoming community. We have strived to grow together and to put ourselves and selfishness and ego aside. We have worked together first to pay of significant debt and then to raise an almost unbelievable amount of money working toward the purchase of our new church home. God spoke to hearts within and without the congregation of Open Arms MCC making possible to transform Open Arms MCC from renters to owners. And then we moved into our building and felt at home from the first day. We talk and we argue and we even raise our voices as we try to figure out the best way to use our space for the glory of God. We sometimes let ourselves get in the way of God's plan in our assumption that we know best or at least better than some others. So, in the midst of all this humanity - the noble and the ignoble sides of our humanity - we stop to dedicate our church. We stop to purify the building and our own hearts and to rededicated an already dedicated building and to dedicate our individual hearts, already dedicated to God. Will we change anything by holding a formal Dedication Ceremony during worship Sunday, by introducing Liturgical Dance to Open Arm MCC, by a degree of pageantry? I say 'YES!' Why? Because every time we stop to put ourselves back in synch with God and with each other, something wonderful happens. Because every time we stop to realize that our own egos and willfullness impede the forward motion of God's people, we have the chance to put ourselves back on track with God and with each other. I can't wait till Sunday. I can't wait to stand in God's presence in formal worship to invoke the presence of the Spirit and to dedicate not just a space but our hearts! What a wonderful thing!
Rev. Jim ================================================================================== Prayer Requests: A prayer of thanksgiving that our friends, Carol and Cheryl, in Buffalo have come through the snow storm in one piece. They will be without power till the end of the week but good friends have stepped up. And a prayer of thanksgiving that David was spared in Batavia. I ask your prayers for Bill F. and his sister, Linda. Their father died over the weekend. They are going to have brief calling hours and service at the funeral home Tuesday evening in South Dayton, NY (down by Jamestown) with the funeral Wed. a.m. Jim C.' sister-in-law, Rosemary, Duane's sister, will undergo surgery on Thursday morning. Doctors have discovered a large mass that they suspect is ovarian cancer. Please keep Rosemary and the family in your prayers. A big thanksgiving 'hoorah' and a prayer of gratitude that our friend, Jeanne, in Massachusetts, is recovering well after her hospitalization. For the lonely and broken-hearted For our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan ============================================================ Thanksgiving Food Baskets We will continue our annual practice of bringing food items for several weeks, leading up to November 19, when some of us stay after church to prepare boxes that contain all the preparations necessary for a hearty Thanksgiving Dinner. We deliver these boxes to AIDS Rochester for their clients and families in need. Each week, we will collect the items DURING worship service. Here's the schedule: October 29: large jars or cans of gravy, cans of vegetables, cans of cranberry sauce November 5: large cans of sweet potatoes, large bottle of juice or 2-liter bottles of soda, large cans of fruit November 12: boxes of jello, large bags or boxes of stuffing, one complete dessert (cake mix AND icing, pie crust AND filling, brownie mix November 19: 12-18 pound frozen turkeys, turkey-sized roasting pans, 5 or 10 pound bags of potatoes Please participate in this food drive. It's fun and serves a really good purpose. ======================================================================= Don't miss your chance to be a part of history: Story Telling Project Rochester Community Television Studios (RCTV Channel 15) Wednesday, October 25, 3-7pm 21 Gorham Street (off St. Paul across from Genesee Brewery) We will be pairing straight allies and same sex couples to do video interviews (we'll rehearse what the questions should be and what people want to say for their stories -- this is not a high-pressure Hollywood production). We will also be taping solo stories and testimony if people want to do it that way. The interviews will bee edited together and the video can air on local cable access channels and can be used in our lobbying work. Please call Metro Justice at 880-8731 if you can participate. ==============================================================
Upcoming Events and Announcements: Announcements: Sherry I. will be selling scarves to benefit the church. The cost is $25. For more information please see Sherry.
========================================================================== What is Marriage Ambassador Training? It is a day of training and networking sponsored by the Empire State Pride Agenda. Participants discuss why marriage equality is important, and learn practical skills that help them know how to speak persuasively to family and friends, how to talk to the media, and how to contact elected officials to urge them to support marriage equality. It is dynamic, informative, and empowering! On Saturday, November 18th, Open Arms is hosting a Marriage Ambassador Training from 9am-4pm. There is no cost, and a continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Space is limited and filling up fast! To reserve your place, please sign up in the fellowship hall, or call Anne T. & Bess W. or Sherri & Donna T..
We are trying to update our birthday list. If you recently started attending and would like your birthday added please see or email Deacon Paul J. Drivers needed. Deacon Bonnie is coordinating rides to help people without transportation come to church. If you can drive, even if one Sunday a month, please contact Deacon Bonnie. WORLD AIDS DAY. There will be a community-wide observation of World AIDS Day on Sunday, December 3 at 6:15pm at 3rd Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St, Rochester, NY 14607. Open Arms MCC will be a co-sponsor of this event. We need a number of Open Arms volunteers. For more information, see Patrick F. or Deacon Gene. Save the dates: Saturday, November 4, there will be a potluck and games night at church. Sign up in the fellowship hall. Sunday, December 3 at 1pm: Annual Congregational Meeting December 10 - Lights of Love December 30 - Holiday Party
Until next time, let us pray for one another (oremus pro invicem)
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> This page Last updated on: October, 2006 By: Martha K. |
