Sunday school

[Britt.]

Reverend Noel said something about a 5th/6th grade Sunday school position being open yesterday. I called Angela (who handles these things, but wasn't there) today. I'm not really sure what inspired me to go after that, but 5 minutes later, & I'm teaching that class starting September 10. I thought there would be more to taking such a position than just calling, & saying you want it, but in any case, I'm an openly gay Sunday school teacher. Suddenly.

Just wanted to share, since I consider it exciting.

[Dash]

Let me just be clear... This is in Tulsa? :)

Good for you!

I've been the closeted gay High School Sunday School teacher before...years ago. It was a scary time... :eek:

[tdogg]

As in Oklahoma??

Well, good for you Britt - I hope you enjoy your teaching!! Kids are fun, that's for sure. Let us know how it goes, and for the record, i think it's very cool. :cool: :pray: :)

[Britt.]

Yeah. Tulsa, OK, of all places. I don't think anyone at my church is going to have a problem w/ it though. It's a very open place, but if someone does (or someone outside finds out, & does, for that matter), I'm sure I can handle it.

Beyond that, I like to teach & help. Also, these kids are 10 & 11, meaning some may have their own perspectives on things. I'm sure I'll learn from them too.

Anyway, if anyone is curious about the church, it's website is here (http://www.stduntulsa.org/). It says open to all on the front page, which I did not automatically attach a lot of meaning to when I first went, but they actually mean it.

[pnggrad79]

First, congratulations and I hope you enjoy yourself. 10 and 11 year olds are very smart and they "get it". They are hormonal and giddy, silly and funny. Good luck. ( I know because I teach them in school)

Secondly, does your pastor know you're gay? Is he ok with it? I, like Dash, was a closeted lesbian Sunday School teacher. But I was in a Southern Baptist church, and was pulled in to talk with the pastor on more than one occasion for suspected "lesbian" behavior. (None of which actually occurred, but you know how SB's are)

I applaud your church for being open to all, I wish more were like it.;)

[Daniel]

Britt- Good for you and for your church, St. Dunstan's! (Curious about the name, I googled this: http://www.britainexpress.com/History/saxon/dunstan.htm and http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0519duns.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0519.htm&h=313&w=260&sz=15&hl=en&start=2&tbnid=MdQT-DmEyFLQ-M:&tbnh=117&tbnw=97&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dst.%2Bdunstan%26ndsp%3D20%26svnum%3D1 0%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%2 6sa%3DN You are in very good company. Dunstan was a teacher as well as an important English saint! And the patron saint of musicians. My kind of guy.)

[Britt.]

Britt- Good for you and for your church, St. Dunstan's! (Curious about the name, I googled this: http://www.britainexpress.com/History/saxon/dunstan.htm and http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...Den%2 6sa%3DN You are in very good company. Dunstan was a teacher as well as an important English saint! And the patron saint of musicians. My kind of guy.)

Patron saint of that church too. Really musical people & services. I guess they also have a choir, although they're off during the summer (same as Sunday school. Summer is kinda the off season there).

Secondly, does your pastor know you're gay? Is he ok with it? I, like Dash, was a closeted lesbian Sunday School teacher. But I was in a Southern Baptist church, and was pulled in to talk with the pastor on more than one occasion for suspected "lesbian" behavior. (None of which actually occurred, but you know how SB's are)

I've never really had an opportunity to sit down & talk to Noel or Kathleen for more than a few minutes, so they might not know (most people figure it out before too long). I can guess by their services that they wouldn't be bothered by it. Plus, Angela (who handles memberships, & gives out these positions) knows. She's the one who put me in that position, knowing full well. I'm thinking if she isn't worried about it, I don't need to be.

I know how SBs can be, but I think my more "interesting" experience was GUTS "non-denominational" church about 10 years ago. Halloween play depicting people in hell, which, I'm pretty sure, still gets advertized in the papers, to get people to come & "get saved." People speaking in tounges, so Satan supposedly couldn't understand what they were saying to God, claiming you should only listen to Christian music, etc. Think like us or go to hell (by default, "denominational"). Crazy. I stayed away from church after that until about a month ago.

[Jennifer5]

Have fun Britt. that will be a neat thing to do.... let us know how it goes...:love:

[BruceChris]

From what I have seen, the Episcopalian church can be one of the most exciting churches out there, with so much going on. The churchs on the left have pretty much staked out their positition, and they're willing to talk, but there isn't much of anyone to talk to. The churchs on the right, on the other hand, have their positions cast in stone, and there is nothing to talk about. And you have this new lady head bishop, who looks like she has a LOT of things that she might do.

Of course, the people there are 90% of what most of us need to find in a church, and if they work for you, what can I say?

Peace and Love, Chris

[Britt.]

Well, tomorrow is the first class. I met a couple of the kids (there are 7 in my class) a couple weeks ago. Wish me luck or whatever. Sorta nervous, being that I've never done such a thing before. I'm looking forward to it though.

[Jennifer5]

Good Luck Britt.!!!! You'll do great I know it! They're love you! Have fun!:D
Let us know how it goes, you're favorite part about teaching... all that good stuff..:)

[Daniel]

Song: Everything's Coming Up Roses Lyrics
Momma Rose

[Speaking] Finish? We're just beginning and there's no one to stop at this time!
I had a dream, a dream about you, baby.
It's gonna come true, baby.
They think that we're through, but baby,

You'll be swell! You'll be great!
Gonna have the whole world on the plate!
Starting here, starting now,
honey, everything's coming up roses!

Clear the decks! Clear the tracks!
You've got nothing to do but relax.
Blow a kiss. Take a bow.
Honey, everything's coming up roses!

Now's your inning. Stand the world on it's ear!
Set it spinning! That'll be just the beginning!
Curtain up! Light the lights!
You got nothing to hit but the heights!
You'll be swell. You'll be great.
I can tell. Just you wait.
That lucky star I talk about is due!
Honey, everything's coming up roses for me and for you!

You can do it, all you need is a hand.
We can do it, Mama is gonna see to it!
Curtain up! Light the lights!
We got nothing to hit but the heights!
I can tell, wait and see.
There's the bell! Follow me!
And nothing's gonna stop us 'til we're through!
Honey, everything's coming up roses and daffodils!
Everything's coming up sunshine and Santa Claus!
Everything's gonna be bright lights and lollipops!
Everything's coming up roses for me and for you!