myChurch.org

[BruceChris]

I know I should be proud to say this, but it does hurt a little to be in the position to speak so lovingly about my own local (UCC, almost all GLBT) church, after hearing about so many bad experiences. Here in Minneapolis, we have so many warm, accepting and liberal churches! To all of you who have said that you have stayed so long in churches that did not have have much to offer you, that did not support you, or even were homophobic and judgmental I am truly sorry.

To say that the problem is not church, or religion, but the wrong church or religion, at least for you, does not help if the nearest place that you feel good about is just too far away. (I suspect that if I had grown up in a Red or Red-necked state, I wouldn't have a clue)

Peace and Love, BruceChris

[Dash]

When I listen to all of you speak, I feel connected to those fledgling Christian communities of the 1st century.

We come here to our quiet, safe place...hidden away from the turmoil and anger that rages against us. This Church is not yet a proud building stretching its arms to the sky. It is a humble house, unmarked and unknown to those who swing their swords against us in the streets. Here we come to comfort and feed each other. Here we prepare one another for the rigorous trials of faith and debate that we will face when we step away from this house. Here we grow full in the certainty of our calling and the assurance of Divine love for us. Here we share the dark wine of our sorrows and the bread of our brokenness, and we know how close we lie to the heart of the One who knew the same kinds of sorrows and brokenness. Here we find special gifts and unique beauties that God breathes through us for the sake of those we love.

Here there is no need to justify our presence. There is no need to prove our worth, voice our creed or give a call sign. There are no books to record lineage or succession; no role call keeping expectation.

How sweet it is to recline upon Our Beloved’s breast and feel the beating of that faithful heart. How sweet it is to greet one another in love, and link arms around a loyal neck.

Look! There’s Vanessa, full of grace... and bright-eyed Zerbie, 30 posts shy of a thousand. That one’s Joe Brummer...he'll never let us stray from the true path. Sitting over there...the holy one and weak, with a lively twinkle in his eye...our Liberal Crozier with his dear Spouse, encouraging Nate in his path to ordination. And I see my friend Daniel too. I’d like to be like him someday.

Awediot and Emproph rush in like the wind, fresh and strong from the races. Soon they'll be off again running with horses and contending with angels. Ah...here comes SolApollo! He’s not the man he used to be. And, three women, strong in faith...victorious Tdogg...Lydia, always ready with a good word...and dear Mia with boundless joy. I say, have you ever met a man more patient in discourse than Dewdrop_world? Not I...

Have you seen Keltic’s children? Blessed are children with father like him.

Our friend Jamie McDaniel is guarding our back. I hear he’s planning for a wedding next year. And, Steven Webster is getting married soon as well! All our best hopes for them both! These impending nuptials don’t make me bitter one bit! Hah!

There goes Rick, a man of action and courage to lead us through the night. Nearby is Pnggrad, who knows how to live as a light in a dark place; and, Schoolboi, who is definitely on the move. His journey will take him far. There on the far side is nowvoyager. Her ship is filled with treasures. Now and then you'll see our new friend, LGBT_FLIGHT_ATTENDANT who is so kind to visit us when in town. And don't forget Morningrob, who will surely greet us at the feast of the dawn.

Revtj now...there's a true minister of God, if ever I knew one. Have you met Suzer yet? She has the soul of a gentle jurist. And BruceChris? I feel three times blessed that he is with us. He gives me hope. Then there is Sbonser whose gentle hands will never be empty of healing. And NonLemming, whom I bless every time he quotes Oliver Wendell Holmes. He'll find the right path, make no mistake! Britt says he's full of compassion, and I believe it; but I don't know where he'd fit it being so full as he seems to be with strength.

Ah...and, where would we be without our darling Jennifer5. She will be a powerful queen among women soon. That I do not doubt!

[Zerbie]

I am crying.

I am going to print out your post and keep it.

[Jennifer5]

I think I agree Zerbie I'll have to do the same... I knew I was in trouble when I saw your post and then had to read Dash's....

I don't know how to write such things... I can rarely find the words... I'll say I really do love everyone of the people here and this place seems to be the only one that is always here...

I know everyone has there problems, me included... but when my family is all over the place and those friends that I think I have are gone... there's always someone here... I love you all

Dash... keep posting... I think you have what it takes to really pull us all together

I thank god of who ever it is every day for all of you... I've learned so much from all of you and feel like I gained a whole family in the process...

[Vanessa White]

Dash:







I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!