Hello

[Joanne Chapman]

Hello my name is Joanne Chapman.
My greatest claim to fame are my 7 grandchildren Like any grandparent I could (but I won't) bore you to death talking about my favorite subject...them!

I am a member of the Community of Christ and a female Missionary/Minister in the same Church. I am also a member of an organization that is mostly (but not all) supported by members of my church. It is called GALA. Gay and Lesbian acceptance. It is an organization that welcomes GLBT people and their family and friends. You can check that organization out at: http://galaweb.org/

I look forward to posting here and hope new friendships can be made through this forum.

God bless...

Joanne

[Zerbie]

Howdy Joanne, welcome.

Whereabouts in Texas are you? I lived in Houston for 7 years and really liked it (I do well with wet weather.)

[Joanne Chapman]

I am in the Bryan/College Station area. Yep you can't live in south Texas if you can't take the humidity.

Glad to meet you and appreciate the welcome!

Joanne

[pnggrad79]

Joanne,
Welcome to Soulforce forums. I live in The Woodlands with my wife and two daughters. I want to thank you for posting and telling us of a community of faith that welcomes gay and lesbian folks. Two years ago when I came out, I wasn't sure there was a church where I could go with my wife and be out, but now it seems there are churches everywhere that are popping up and saying to us, "Come on, you are welcome!". UCC churches, many Disciples of Christ churches, always MCC, several Lutheran and Presbyterian churches have opened their doors. Sadly, there are still many that I come across in the glbt community that have been so badly hurt and shunned by the church that they will not darken the doorstep of one ever again. The tide is turning and it is a good thing. Maybe if more churches get on board, the laws will soon change. That is my hope at least. God bless you.

[Joanne Chapman]

Originally Posted by pnggrad79

Joanne,
Welcome to Soulforce forums. I live in The Woodlands with my wife and two daughters. I want to thank you for posting and telling us of a community of faith that welcomes gay and lesbian folks. Two years ago when I came out, I wasn't sure there was a church where I could go with my wife and be out, but now it seems there are churches everywhere that are popping up and saying to us, "Come on, you are welcome!". UCC churches, many Disciples of Christ churches, always MCC, several Lutheran and Presbyterian churches have opened their doors. Sadly, there are still many that I come across in the glbt community that have been so badly hurt and shunned by the church that they will not darken the doorstep of one ever again. The tide is turning and it is a good thing. Maybe if more churches get on board, the laws will soon change. That is my hope at least. God bless you.

There is a gentle man that attends our North Houston Congregation (which is simply named North Houston Community of Christ) that has also come out. Sometimes his wife comes with him. Sometimes he comes alone. The people there truly love them. I have not met him but I am told by the Pastor there how much she appreciates his contributions to the congregation. He is really talented in music and also has a brilliant mind. She and he have become fast friends.

Even in my church the inclusion of everyone has not been as fast as most would want it to be. But things are much, much better and getting better all the time. I think that those that are not inclusive will find themselves sitting on the pews alone in the not to far future. Or else moved on to a different denomination. IMO As disciples of Jesus we are to emulate what he taught and did. I am unaware of Jesus ever excluding anyone from his love and ministry.

Joanne

[Vanessa White]

And that you for your beautiful words about Christ. I also believe that he never turned anyone away, in fact, surrounded himself with those that were shunned by society at large. I am glad that you have found us and encourage you to post and enjoy!! Peace, Vanessa