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E-Link
The Weekly newsletter of Open Arms Church
Highlights from the September 2007 edition's:
September
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Open
Arms Metropolitan Community Church
E-link September 4, 2007 |
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Pastor's Reflection
I am in constant awe and gratitude for
the openness, kindness, and generosity of this congregation
of Open Arms MCC. With just a mention on August 26 that
Deb's grand nieces and nephews were in need, over $1000 was
given. With just a mention that the Duo fund was empty,
$800 came in on 8/26 and over $100 more on 9/2. And you are
not just a community who writes checks, you reach out in
love and concern to those in need and those who hurt and
those who need help. On Sunday, we heard a reading from the
prophet Jeremiah. In it, God really speaks harshly to the
people of Israel to get their attention. In it, the
question gets asked, "Where is God?" As we grow as a
church and as a community, we know where God is. God is in
our recognition of the beauty of creation; God is in the
kind word we speak to one another; God is in the generous
sharing of resources. God is in the care for one another.
God is in the raising of our voices in song and prayer as we
experience the presence of the Spirit of God among us. As I
consider God looking at us in love, I am certain that God
smiles. As Jesus sees how we try to continually learn and
grow from the lessons he taught us, I am certain that Jesus
is proud of us for knowing that the answer to "Where is God"
is "God is right here!"
This weekend keep the Open Arms MCC folks
who will be traveling in your prayers for safe passage to
and from Allentown.
Rev. Jim
Deacon's Corner (last
week, your pastor was lazy and didn't write an elink.
Deacon Debbie was not lazy and so we have the treat of two
of her wonderful reflections this week - Rev. Jim)
August 29
Yo God,
I'm beat...emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Physically, every fiber in my being cries out for rest.
My back trembles as I bend to lift that one last load of the
day.
Emotionally, I am exhausted.
I'm not sure how to find the laughter once again.
Spiritually, I feel spent, depleted, and washed-out.
I'm praying but I cannot hear an answer....
God help me stop this crazy circle of being.
Yes, my body is beat; so let me be wise enough to rest.
You yourself rested when needed.
My emotions are raw, but I can mend them with kindness.
Kindness to myself, to those around me, and to You.
My depleted spirit can be refreshed through love.
Love for myself…
Love for others…
Love for You.
God, I'm praying but I cannot hear an answer.
Or maybe I just did? Amen-
September 4
Yo God,
You have created us to be creatures that learn through
life's experiences.
You have made our lives an opportunity for learning.
Often our must painful awareness opens doors we never
believed possible.
Sometime we have to walk through what seems like a dark
valley to get there.
Our life choices are not good or bad, they are choices.
They become gateways for learning and moving on.
Kurt Vonnegut talks about "wrang-wrangs" in our lives.
Teachers who teach us great lessons, vastly important,
taught
through struggle, pain, trial and tribulations.
God, I pray that I recognize the "wrang-wrangs" in my life.
Troy, Grace, Emily, Rev Jim...
I pray that I am open to the lessons they have to teach me.
I give thanks for those teachers, knowing that You too are
always there. Amen-
Deacon
Debbie
Until next time, oremus pro
invicem, (let us pray for one another)
If you would like to
be removed from this mailing list, please send an email with
the subject line "Unsubscribe"
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Thanks to Steven F for his
hard work in setting up the sale of household
items a few Sundays ago. Instead of profiting
himself, Steven used his couponing talent for
the good of the church. Thank you,Steven.
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Please keep Deb C's family in
your prayers as they mourn the loss of her niece.
And thank you to those who generously contributed
for the welfare of the five children. Over $1000
was given to Karen L for the children's needs.
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There will be a
sub-regional gathering for Region 3 on September 8
in Allentown, Pennsylvania. There are a dozen or so
congregants of Open Arms MCC going. Donna J has a
room to herself and is willing to share the space.
Let Rev. Jim know if you are interested. Thanks.
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Ilan L, our
keyboardist, has just lost his 18 month old niece,
Yuval ,in Israel. He is flying out on Thursday and
will return on Tuesday. Being with his family is
very important as they sit Shiva for seven days.
Please pray for the peace of the family and that
Ilan has safe travel.
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Ray is planning a clam
bake/picnic on September 15. Contact Ray for
details:
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Rainbow Seniors of
Western NY are holding a dance on October
13 at the Roger Robach Center.
Tickets are $10 advance and $13 at door and $7 for
members. Pete F has tickets. You can see him at
church
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Prayer Requests
For DeeDee's brother, Mike, who
is making steady progress toward healing. Please
keep Mike and the family in your prayers.
Rev. Lu's friend, Walynda, who
was here from Georgia for the ordination, who is
recovering from gall bladder surgery.
Prayers for: those in need of
employment.
for those who are depressed and/or
fighting addictions.
for those who struggle in relationship.
for those who are dealing with cancer
and chronic illnesses.
for those in financial difficulty.
for those who are feeling alienated by
their church.
for pastors, deacons, and for all those who love
and support those mentioned above.
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Rev. Delores Berry and Judy will
be returning for an intensive weekend in September.
Tentative schedule:
Friday, September 21, 7pm
Healing Service with Rev. Delores
Saturday morning: play day
with Rev. Delores for those who are interested in
going to the Corning Glass Museum.
Saturday evening: Public
Concert with Rev. Delores
Sunday Morning at 11am.
Worship with Rev. Delores.
Please block out the dates for
this intensive, spirit-filled weekend. |
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Open
Arms Metropolitan Community Church
E-link September 12, 2007 |
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Deacon's Corner
Yo God,
I remember…the towers, the Pentagon, the field.
Pictures still run through my mind, 9/11/01…
…the horror, the loss, the helplessness…
Be with each of us as we continue to heal.
Be with the families who lost loved ones.
Be with those who survived.
Be with those who risked themselves to save others.
Be with our Nation as we remember.
God rest your healing hands on us all.
Remind us that in that terror there were great acts of
kindness.
Remind us that in all that loss there was a rebirth of
humanity.
Remind us that You did not cause that moment in time, for
You are a loving God, not a vengeful God.
You too still cry with us in our pain and loss.
We remember…the towers, the Pentagon, the field…
Keeping that memory in pray…Amen
Deacon Debbie
Pastor's Reflection
We talk a lot about faith. We define it. We check to see
whether we have it or not. We see if our worship reflects
it. We examine our lives to see if faith is active. All the
above tell us whether our faith is just words or whether it
is operative in all our words and actions.
The best test of faith is adversity. I don't mean a test
for test's sake to see how tough we are. I mean what is our
attitude when we hit adversity in our lives. If you are
alive and conscious, you will find occasional adversity,
whether it be financial problems, addiction problems,
relationship problems, health challenges or whatever it may
be. What happens when those hard times hit? Do you feel like
God is absent? Do you blame God for not taking good enough
care of you? Do you forget about God and faith altogether?
We sometimes have such useless ideas about God. To listen
to some (the ones who ask "Why is God doing this to me?")
you would think that God's purpose is to grant our wishes
and protect us from harm - sort of like a cross between a
Genie and a Guardian Angel. To listen to others, God is only
present when times are good. They act like God leaves when
we are in most need.
We are involved in a church whose mission is
transformative theology. Transformation is change. Change is
challenging. We have often reflected together on our need to
really know ourselves and to face ourselves truthfully -
even when the truth isn't pretty. We are called upon to see
our strengths and our weaknesses honestly and to work on our
weaknesses so that we can really transform, with God's help,
into people who make a difference.
How that translates into my daily life and yours is never
clearer than when we face adversity. Some of us like to fall
apart and wallow in self-pity. Others like to act as though
nothing is wrong. Others still immediately reach out for
support. Some do all these and more. The times of adversity
in our lives are like great storms that cause damage,
sometimes significant damage, sometimes damage that seems
irreversible. The person who has God active in hir life,
goes about the difficult task of cleaning up the mess and
getting through days, one foot in front of the other,
knowing that ze is not alone - ever! Individually and
together, we walk the talk of faith. Individually and
together, we allow ourselves to rest in the always serene
Spirit of God, no matter how troubled the world outside us
may be.
Onward and upward - transformed in God.
Rev. Jim
Until next time, oremus pro
invicem, (let us pray for one another)
If you would like to
be removed from this mailing list, please send an email with
the subject line "Unsubscribe"
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The September 15 clam
bake is canceled. The next potluck and games
night will be announced soon.
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Subject: Community Business Forum Social, RMSC,
Th 9/13/07, 5:30pm, $5 Special
You're All Invited! Please consider attending.
No RSVP required. Just show up and enjoy the
networking!
The Rochester Community Business Forum [CBF] is
a not-for-profit 501c3 organization embracing
the lives of Rochester's gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgender, intersex and questioning men and
women and those who support their efforts to
lead healthy, productive lives. Monthly Socials
are conducted in an effort to provide
professional, educational, and networking
opportunities for all who attend.
The next
CBF Social is
Thursday September 13, 2007 -- 5:30-7:30pm
-- at the
Rochester Museum and Science Center (patio level) at the corner of East Ave. and
Goodman St.
in Rochester NY. This month the fee is only $5.. and
the fee includes admittance, appetizers and a
limited open bar, while supplies last.
As your schedule allows, please consider joining
us. This month we will be recognizing the work
of the HIV Vaccine Trials Unit at the University
of Rochester Medical Center in the global search
for a vaccine that may help prevent AIDS. Their
staff will be on hand to answer questions about
vaccine research and to coordinate an optional
group photo of those who indicate they would
like to be included (The photo will be taken in
a space removed from the main Social event.)
I look forward to seeing you again or meeting
you for the first time!
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Rainbow Seniors of
Western NY are holding a dance on October
13 at the Roger Robach Center.
Tickets are $10 advance and $13 at door and $7 for
members. Pete F has tickets. You can see him at
church
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Prayer Requests
For DeeDee's brother, Mike, who
is making steady progress toward healing. Please
keep Mike and the family in your prayers.
Linda G had surgery on her
back for two slipped disks this afternoon. Keep her
in your prayers.
Prayers for: those in need of
employment.
for those who are depressed and/or
fighting addictions.
for those who struggle in relationship.
for those who are dealing with cancer
and chronic illnesses.
for those in financial difficulty.
for those who are feeling alienated by
their church.
for pastors, deacons, and for all those who love
and support those mentioned above.
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Rev. Delores Berry and Judy will
be returning for an intensive weekend in September.
Tentative schedule:
Friday, September 21, 7pm
Healing Service with Rev. Delores
Saturday morning: play day
with Rev. Delores for those who are interested in
going to the Corning Glass Museum.
Saturday evening: Public
Concert with Rev. Delores
Sunday Morning at 11am.
Worship with Rev. Delores.
Please block out the dates for
this intensive, spirit-filled weekend. |
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Open
Arms Metropolitan Community Church
E-link September 19, 2007 |
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Deacon's Corner
Yo, God,
It was a beautiful wedding…
There was violin music…a white arch facing the Hudson
valley, family and friends gathered around, joy and love
beamed from both sets of parents, a young man and woman
vowing to love, honor, and support each other in Your Holy
name.
It was a beautiful wedding…
I was saddened, God, not for this young man and young woman,
but for those of us who cannot marry. Sure we can have
commitment ceremonies, Civil Unions in some states, but the
legal right to marry is not ours. Even if we marry in
another country it is not recognized here in this country.
How can a country built on freedom and equality not see this
injustice?
Let me share my sadness as part of the story.
Let my anger be included but let it not block the way
God, take this sadness within me and change it into social
action.
Take that social action and lead it into social change.
Take that social change and lead it into equal marriage.
Equal marriage for all here in the United States.
God, let my work be Your work, work of inclusion not
exclusion. Amen
Deacon
Debbie
Pastor's Reflection
Commitment! That's my word of the day.
I never worry about our people's generosity. I never worry
about our people's response when needs are announced. I
never worry about our people's understanding about where God
is.
I sometimes wonder about our commitment
to being present for worship. We have had a bit of a slump
in attendance. For the end of summer, we rarely broke 50
and this past Sunday, we broke 54. That's a bit lower than
our regular attendance at our old place on Norris Drive
towards the end of our stay there.
What does it mean to be part of a church
community? It means giving and receiving. Giving our
support to our chosen community - both in terms of being
part of activities and also in terms of financial support.
It means recognizing that our presence adds to all who are
present. It means a recognition that we are committed to
the well-being of all the congregants. And it means getting
fed spiritually; receiving what God has to say to you in
community. It means being lifted up in the prayers of the
congregation and experiencing the communal presence of the
Spirit of God. I'm sure there are other ways, also, of
giving and receiving that are personal to you.
Commitment to the church doesn't mean
everyone being at every thing that happens. Our lives are
too busy to allow for that. Sometimes we need to take care
of ourselves in other ways. But it does mean seriously
considering making church a priority in our lives not just
when we feel like it or find it convenient.
Commitment to the church is a
relationship. Relationships need nurturing and feeding. I
acutely feel the presence of each of you when you are here.
I look around, consciously asking God to be with you where
you most need God. I also acutely feel the absence of each
of you when you are not here. I miss you when weeks go by
and I don't see you. I miss you when I don't see you
filling one of the roles in worship or when I don't see you
being prayed over at communion. I feel enriched when I get
to pray over you. Our Jewish sisters and brothers will
observe Yom Kippur Friday into Saturday and break their fast
Saturday evening after sundown. They have spent these past
days of the High Holy Days doing intense inner work
reviewing their past year and the state of their lives and
relationships. They will attempt to make amends or grant
forgiveness in the relationships that have not gone so
well. They will purify their hearts with fasting and prayer
and reflection. I wish us similar commitment.
This weekend, Rev. Delores Berry, will
bless us with her presence, her prayer, her singing. Can
you see the benefit of her presence for you and for Open
Arms MCC? Can you see the benefit of the powerful presence
of the Spirit in Rev. Delores. Can you commit to
participating in the activities of this weekend?
Whatever you decide, please take some
time to examine your commitments and spend enough time to
tune up your relationships, all your relationships, even the
one with your church.
Rev. Jim
Until next time, oremus pro
invicem, (let us pray for one another)
If you would like to
be removed from this mailing list, please send an email with
the subject line "Unsubscribe"
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Rev. Delores Berry and Judy
will be returning for an intensive weekend in
September.
Schedule:
Friday, September 21, 7pm Healing
Service with Rev. Delores
Saturday morning: play day with Rev. Delores
for those who are interested in going to the
Corning Glass Museum. Please let Rev. Jim know
ASAP.
Saturday evening: Public Concert with
Rev. Delores 7pm.
Sunday Morning at 11am. Worship with Rev.
Delores.
Please block out the dates for this
intensive, spirit-filled weekend.
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Jim and Paula H, from Buffalo,
are arranging a canoe/kayak outing
for Saturday, Sept. 29. Please let Jim and Paula
know ASAP if you plan to go.
buffalojames1238@yahoo.com
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Sunday School Class will
start on the First Sunday of October and run for six
weeks. Rev. Lu Johnson will teach on "Women in the
Bible." |
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Rainbow Seniors of
Western NY are holding a dance on October
13 at the Roger Robach Center.
Tickets are $10 advance and $13 at door and $7 for
members. Pete F has tickets. You can see him at
church
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Membership class will be
held on Sunday, October 14 from 1 - 4pm. If you
have been attending Open Arms MCC for a while,
please consider attending this class. Attendance
does not obligate you to anything. If you can come,
please let Rev. Jim know. |
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Prayer Requests
Roza's brother-in-law's brother,
Angelo, died in NYC. Please keep the family in
prayer.
For DeeDee's brother, Mike,
who is making steady progress toward healing. Please
keep Mike and the family in your prayers.
Linda G had surgery on her
back for two slipped disks. Keep her in your
prayers for speedy healing.
Prayers for: those in need of
employment.
for those who are depressed and/or
fighting addictions.
for those who struggle in relationship.
for those who are dealing with cancer
and chronic illnesses.
for those in financial difficulty.
for those who are feeling alienated by
their church.
for pastors, deacons, and for all those who love
and support those mentioned above.
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Open
Arms Metropolitan Community Church
E-link September 26, 2007 |
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Deacon's Corner
Yo God,
Maria Edgeworth wrote, "The human heart, at whatever age,
opens only to the heart that opens in return."
How true that was for my stepfather Earl and myself. I
always thought he did not love us kids.
He paid more attention to his beer can collection than to
the family.
He said many a hurtful word to all of us over the years. My
memory holds many spiteful arguments with him and my Mom. My
heart was not open.
Three years ago Earl went into a nursing home. For the first
time I saw a frail old man losing his mind day by day.
Looking back I saw a man who did not have great fathering
skills but was a wonderful grandfather.
Looking back I saw a man who could not make that leap from a
generation that held back their feelings, to someone who
could say I love you.
Looking back I saw a man who did the best he could with what
he was given...I opened my heart to him, thank you for that
God.
Rev. Dolores Berry said Earl was surprised that he ended up
in heaven. He has been asking forgiveness from lots of folks
up there.
Earl, know that I forgive you and I'm glad that you and God
are working things out. I also took the tie Rev. Dolores
said you wanted me to have.
Thanks...Amen-
Deacon
Debbie
Pastor's Reflection
I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling
exhausted after the whirlwind visit of Rev. Delores Berry
and Judy. (By the way, keep them in your prayers as they fly
out of Philadelphia on Wednesday to visit our MCC churches
in England.)
She was delayed in arriving on Friday but
we started the service at 7 anyway, knowing she'd arrive
when it was time -God's time. 54 people attended the
Healing Service. We were blessed to have both Gary L and
Steve J to play for the service. After some music, we
opened with a long prayer time and a teaching on healing.
Then we sang more and then different people shared their
testimony of God's presence in their lives. Delores and
Judy arrived around 7:45 and with music and individual
prayer, we rested in the Spirit until almost 11pm when
Delores just ran out of steam and had to quit with a dozen
people who still wanted prayer.
On Saturday night, Rev. Jim, Rev. Lu,
Rev. Delores and Judy shared supper together before the
concert. We arrived at church - a little late - to have
around 30 people there for the 90 minute concert. After the
spirited songs by Rev. Delores, she prayed over about 15
people individually. We left church around 10:30.
On Sunday morning, 73 people came to
Sunday worship which seemed like one of our best ever. Rev.
Delores was in rare form and had us laughing and praising
God in her sermon which was titled, "Blessed are they who
mourn" and/or "All hell done broke loose" It was a
wonderful message. There were yet more people who wanted
prayer after service and the last person left church at
around 3. Delores and Judy had a quick burger with Rev. Lu
before they headed back to Pennsylvania. Your pastor went
straight home and crashed.
We had love offerings for Rev. Delores'
work on Saturday and Sunday and, as usual, the congregation
was very generous.
I was wholly exhausted. Or was I holy
exhausted?
Rev. Jim
Until next time, oremus pro
invicem, (let us pray for one another)
If you would like to
be removed from this mailing list, please send an email with
the subject line "Unsubscribe"
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Jim and Paula H, from Buffalo,
are arranging a canoe/kayak outing
for this Saturday, Sept. 29. Please let Jim and
Paula know ASAP if you plan to go.
buffalojames1238@yahoo.com
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Deacon Debbie's step-father, Earl
Scherer, died Saturday evening. His funeral will be
on Friday, Sept. 28. Details can be found in his
obituary which will run in Thursday's Democrat and
Chronicle. |
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Sunday School Class will
start on the First Sunday of October and run for six
weeks. Rev. Lu Johnson will teach on "Women in the
Bible." |
|
Rainbow Seniors of
Western NY are holding a dance on October
13 at the Roger Robach Center.
Tickets are $10 advance and $13 at door and $7 for
members. Pete F has tickets. You can see him at
church
|
|
Membership class will be
held on Sunday, October 14 from 1 - 4pm. If you
have been attending Open Arms MCC for a while,
please consider attending this class. Attendance
does not obligate you to anything. If you can come,
please let Rev. Jim know. |
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Prayer Requests
Jonathan, Sheila C grandson, is
in need of prayer for a speedy recovery.
Sandra H's friend, Marybeth G,
is still in need of our prayers as she recovers from
a serious car accident.
Linda G had surgery on her
back for two slipped disks. Keep her in your
prayers for speedy healing.
Deacon Karen welcomes prayers
for a speedy recovery from dental surgery.
DeeDee's brother, Mike,
continues his recovery in a rehab center. Prayers
for a speedy recovery.
Prayers for: those in need of
employment.
for those who are depressed and/or
fighting addictions.
for those who struggle in relationship.
for those who are dealing with cancer
and chronic illnesses.
for those in financial difficulty.
for those who are feeling alienated by
their church.
for pastors, deacons, and for all those who love
and support those mentioned above.
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This page Last updated Nov, 2007 By:
Martha K.
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