Open Arms

Metropolitan Community Church

Rochester, New York

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The Weekly newsletter of Open Arms Church

Highlights from the January 2007 edition's:

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Dear Saints,
The Pastoral Leadership Council has been keeping you often in prayer.  Not only have we kept you in prayer we have also tried to touch base with you individually.
Each of the nine members of the council was given a list of names to keep in touch with.  Either through, e-mails, cards, phone calls or after Church on Sunday.

With the start of the New Year we have changed our lists. This is one way to continue to build relationships within our Church family. Please remember that this does not mean that you can only talk to that Pastoral Leadership member. Each of us needs to bring our thoughts and concerns to those we feel most at ease with.
What we hope is that our e-mails,cards, calls and chats at Church remind you that we care about you. That Open Arms cares about you and that God's love is always with you.

Blessings-
Pastoral Leadership Council.
Deacon, Bonnie, Deacon Renee, Lu, Deacon Terry, Deacon Paul, Steve, Deacon Gene, Deacon Debbie, Deacon Karen and Rev. Jim.

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Deacon's Corner:

Yo God:
I pray to my friends and love ones, hear my prayer-
I pray for forgiveness to those who I may have hurt through action or word.
I forgive those who hurt me through their own actions and words.
I pray for pardon for those I may have lost touch with or pushed away.
I myself pardon those who lost touch or pushed me away.
I pray for understanding for my pain as I heal from within.
I will recognize that you too must heal from within.
I pray to acknowledge that everyone's voice should be heard.
Please acknowledge that my voice also should be heard.
I pray to support your cause and passion knowing that it is not mine.
Please support mine in the same way.
God, help me reconnect with friends and family.
God, assist me in staying connect to myself.
Yo God, be with me in this and every prayer...Amen-

 Amen-

Deacon Debbie

Pastor's Reflection:

 Par-tay!  We had our holiday party on December 30 at Gates Memorial Park.  What a great lodge - the perfect size for us.  What incredible food! - thanks to many.  What a fabulous carving station with our own home-grown chef, Karen Lasky!  What a great DJ - Chuck Argento who donated his time to us!  What beautiful decorations, thanks to Bonnie Reda!   What hard work coordinating the whole party - thanks to Patrick Fisher, with sage advice from Anne Tischer.   What dishy entertainment with our own Diva, Sherry Lynne.  I've only mentioned some of our wonderful people who worked together to provide us with this fabulous time together.

Each time we have a party, at least one person says "that's the best party we ever had!"  I agree.  It just keeps getting better and better.   A few people, relatively new to us, were surprised that a church party could be the way WE party together.   I was surprised that they were surprised.   Why should we be different outside church than we are inside?  Isn't the whole point of Open Arms MCC to be ourselves, always and everywhere?  Isn't it appropriate for us to be able to party together as well as pray together?  If we laugh and pray and boogie together in church, shouldn't we do that at social gatherings as well.   God has richly blessed us.  We have formed a community within which we are safe to be ourselves and to enjoy being together.   It doesn't get any better than that!

Happy New Year

 With Love,

Rev. Jim

Upcoming Events:

Announcements:

GAME NIGHT! On Saturday, January 13th, there will be games and snacks in the church fellowship hall at 6pm.  Bring your favorite finger foods and your favorite games, and join us for lots of fun and laughter! There's a sign-up sheet posted in the fellowhip hall.  Ray and Lonnie will be hosting monthly game nights.

Gay History Fair - January 27 - all day.  It's time to get excited about this educational event we will be hosting/sponsoring.  Dr. Vicki Eaklor, noted GLBT historian and author.  A full day of Queer Heritage, speakers, GLBT displays & vendors. $6.00 registration includes lunch.  Call 426-0862 to reserve a spot.

Pastoral Leadership Council will gather for retreat and study on Saturday, January 13, from 9 to 5 at church.

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Deacon's Corner:

Yo God:


 Amen-

Deacon Debbie

Pastor's Reflection:

 With Love,

Rev. Jim

Upcoming Events:

Deacon's Corner:

Yo God:


 Amen-

Deacon Debbie

Pastor's Reflection:

 With Love,

Rev. Jim

Upcoming Events:

Deacon's Corner:

Yo God:


 Amen-

Deacon Debbie

Pastor's Reflection:

 With Love,

Rev. Jim

Upcoming Events:

Deacon's Corner:

Yo God:


 Amen-

Deacon Debbie

Pastor's Reflection:

 With Love,

Rev. Jim

Upcoming Events:

Until next time, let us pray for one another (oremus pro invicem)

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