General Conference begins in about a week. This short Conference is to consider and vote on the various proposals that came out of the Way Forward Commission last year.
Please join us on Sunday, March 3, 1:30 – 3:00 at Nardin Park United Methodist Church.
Rev. Melanie Carey, a clergy delegate, and Alex Plum, a lay delegate, will share their General Conference experiences and the GC decisions on the direction of the denomination and LGBTQ inclusion in the worldwide church.
Finger foods and beverages will be provided.
The event is hosted by the Nardin Park Church and Society Team and Dedicated Reconciling United Methodists. The church is at 29887 W. Eleven Mile Rd, Farmington Hills. That’s just west of Middlebelt.
Showing posts with label Program. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Program. Show all posts
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Thursday, February 9, 2017
An Act of Love, February 12
You are invited to see the film “An Act of Love” on Sunday, February 12 at 5:00 at Nardin Park UMC, 29887 W. Eleven Mile, Farmington Hills. This is just west of Middlebelt.
This free event features the award-winning documentary “An Act of Love,” copies of which were given to delegates to General Conference last summer. The 90-minute film explores the deep divisions in the United Methodist Church over same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy. The film centers on an unlikely advocate for LGBTQ inclusion, Rev. Frank Schaefer, who was put on trial by the Church for officiating his son’s same-sex wedding. Their story is presented within the context of the larger debate and includes voices from all sides.
A discussion, led by Pastors Melanie Carey and Wes Brun, will follow the film. Pizza, popcorn and beverages will be provided.
Childcare will be provided with reservation through Nardin Park’s office, M-F 8:30-4:30, 248-476-8860.
Upcoming programs:
Sunday, May 7 – Learn about the Ruth Ellis Center’s valuable, growing services from Jerry Peterson, Executive Director, and our opportunities for both service and financial support.
Questions? You may contact Karen Roth at karensmiles18 at hotmail dot com
This free event features the award-winning documentary “An Act of Love,” copies of which were given to delegates to General Conference last summer. The 90-minute film explores the deep divisions in the United Methodist Church over same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy. The film centers on an unlikely advocate for LGBTQ inclusion, Rev. Frank Schaefer, who was put on trial by the Church for officiating his son’s same-sex wedding. Their story is presented within the context of the larger debate and includes voices from all sides.
A discussion, led by Pastors Melanie Carey and Wes Brun, will follow the film. Pizza, popcorn and beverages will be provided.
Childcare will be provided with reservation through Nardin Park’s office, M-F 8:30-4:30, 248-476-8860.
Upcoming programs:
Sunday, May 7 – Learn about the Ruth Ellis Center’s valuable, growing services from Jerry Peterson, Executive Director, and our opportunities for both service and financial support.
Questions? You may contact Karen Roth at karensmiles18 at hotmail dot com
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Report of Frank Schaefer's visit to Ann Arbor
I was in Ann Arbor yesterday to hear Frank Schaefer speak. He is the United Methodist pastor who was defrocked last fall. Though much of his story was told in the news, it is good to hear it from his perspective. The event was recorded and should be posted to YouTube sometime soon. Here is my summary of the evening.
Frank opened with scripture. I think it is from 1 John. There is no fear in love. Perfect love casts out fear.
When Frank's son Tim was young the father took the son to Annual Conference in eastern Pennsylvania. At that session there was a huge and contentious debate about how to treat gay people in the denomination. At the time Tim was beginning to realize he is gay and hearing all that hate speech (as Frank now calls it) from the church was devastating to the young boy.
Sometime later Frank got an anonymous call saying Tim was suicidal. Frank and his wife had no clue. They quickly assured their son he was loved, no matter what.
By 2007 Tim grew up, went to college, fell in love, and asked his father to officiate at his wedding to Bobby. Frank immediately said yes, first out of love for his son and second because Tim would have been crushed by a second big rejection.
But Frank was conflicted. He knew he had violated church law. He had warned the bishop and district superintendent what he was doing and got no response from them. But Frank also wanted to keep his job. He had a family to feed and three more kids to get through college.
So Frank never mentioned the wedding to his congregation. He never pushed gay issues, though he did talk about inclusion. His wife pushed him to do more, but he needed to protect his job. He regrets his timidity now.
Even the talk of generic inclusion and general progressiveness annoyed the conservative members of his church. So when he welcomed a lesbian couple to the church there was open dissent. Someone found out about the forbidden wedding and filed a complaint with the bishop. Frank said it was the son of a conservative couple who was in the military and who Frank saw only once a year. "Nothing personal," the man said.
There was mediation. A lot of conservatives were initially on his side. He did it for his son, after all. But that support was given with the assumption Frank would express a bit of remorse and ask for forgiveness. Frank didn't do that. Many initial supporters turned their backs. On to a trial.
Frank knows the Book of Discipline is quite conflicted in what it says about sexual minorities. He was annoyed that he was not allowed to balance the good parts against the bad. At least not directly. He and his legal team devised a story comparing the incident to the Good Samaritan parable with Tim cast as the victim at the side of the road. Through the story Frank made the points he wanted to make.
But the lawyer for the church was a fire-and-brimstone speaker and told the jury if they didn't convict they also would face Hell. During this Frank's many supporters, wearing rainbow stoles, stood in protest. Frank was convicted. He thought he had prepared himself for that, but was still devastated.
The second day of the trial was to determine punishment. This time Frank could call witnesses. One was an eloquent champion of social justice. Another was a scholar of the Book of Discipline. The last was Tim, who poured out his pain at hearing all that hate speech as a young boy. The audience was moved to tears. The jury chatted during the testimony.
During the lunch break Frank spent time alone in prayer. He was still fearful of losing his job and being unable to support his family. He and his legal team had prepared a finely crafted response allowing Frank to walk an ambiguous line. But then he realized a few things. First, the church had to stop its bullying. Second, Jesus had given up everything and was unjustly accused while Frank was only asked to give up his job. Third, he could draw strength from all those rainbow stoles. This was a moment of perfect love.
So he gave a different closing statement, calling on the church to end its hate speech. He put on his own rainbow stole. He could see the church lawyer thinking, "Gotcha!" The lawyer asked Frank directly -- will you pledge to never do another same-sex wedding? Frank said he could not make that pledge. With that his job was over. And with that Frank finally felt free.
Frank's summary: The official church defrocked me. The Reconciling Church refrocked me.
Since the trial he has been warmly embraced by the Reconciling Movement and has not lacked for money or work. Gays and allies are hungry for Frank's message. A bishop in California has offered Frank a job being a pastor of a local church. They're still working out details, though Frank expects to start working there in July. Until then his schedule is packed with speaking engagements.
Don't hesitate to stand for love.
Then came a Q & A session. Here is some of what Frank said:
Even if the denomination splits, we need to talk to LGBT youth in conservative congregations.
There is no bridge between progressives and conservatives through theology. That bridge will come through personal and emotional connection.
Frank is for religious freedom. If a congregation does not want to perform same-sex ceremonies, they should not be forced into doing them. But those who want to do them should be allowed.
How do we make the Book of Discipline not be a problem? By putting people above the book, by going back to John Wesley's primary rule of do no harm, by recognizing the Discipline isn't the highest authority.
Every congregation should be asking: Why is our message no longer meaningful to young adults?
What can laity do? Prod your congregation to declare itself to be Reconciling. Put up a booth at the area pride festival because people want to know where they can be safe in worship.
Frank opened with scripture. I think it is from 1 John. There is no fear in love. Perfect love casts out fear.
When Frank's son Tim was young the father took the son to Annual Conference in eastern Pennsylvania. At that session there was a huge and contentious debate about how to treat gay people in the denomination. At the time Tim was beginning to realize he is gay and hearing all that hate speech (as Frank now calls it) from the church was devastating to the young boy.
Sometime later Frank got an anonymous call saying Tim was suicidal. Frank and his wife had no clue. They quickly assured their son he was loved, no matter what.
By 2007 Tim grew up, went to college, fell in love, and asked his father to officiate at his wedding to Bobby. Frank immediately said yes, first out of love for his son and second because Tim would have been crushed by a second big rejection.
But Frank was conflicted. He knew he had violated church law. He had warned the bishop and district superintendent what he was doing and got no response from them. But Frank also wanted to keep his job. He had a family to feed and three more kids to get through college.
So Frank never mentioned the wedding to his congregation. He never pushed gay issues, though he did talk about inclusion. His wife pushed him to do more, but he needed to protect his job. He regrets his timidity now.
Even the talk of generic inclusion and general progressiveness annoyed the conservative members of his church. So when he welcomed a lesbian couple to the church there was open dissent. Someone found out about the forbidden wedding and filed a complaint with the bishop. Frank said it was the son of a conservative couple who was in the military and who Frank saw only once a year. "Nothing personal," the man said.
There was mediation. A lot of conservatives were initially on his side. He did it for his son, after all. But that support was given with the assumption Frank would express a bit of remorse and ask for forgiveness. Frank didn't do that. Many initial supporters turned their backs. On to a trial.
Frank knows the Book of Discipline is quite conflicted in what it says about sexual minorities. He was annoyed that he was not allowed to balance the good parts against the bad. At least not directly. He and his legal team devised a story comparing the incident to the Good Samaritan parable with Tim cast as the victim at the side of the road. Through the story Frank made the points he wanted to make.
But the lawyer for the church was a fire-and-brimstone speaker and told the jury if they didn't convict they also would face Hell. During this Frank's many supporters, wearing rainbow stoles, stood in protest. Frank was convicted. He thought he had prepared himself for that, but was still devastated.
The second day of the trial was to determine punishment. This time Frank could call witnesses. One was an eloquent champion of social justice. Another was a scholar of the Book of Discipline. The last was Tim, who poured out his pain at hearing all that hate speech as a young boy. The audience was moved to tears. The jury chatted during the testimony.
During the lunch break Frank spent time alone in prayer. He was still fearful of losing his job and being unable to support his family. He and his legal team had prepared a finely crafted response allowing Frank to walk an ambiguous line. But then he realized a few things. First, the church had to stop its bullying. Second, Jesus had given up everything and was unjustly accused while Frank was only asked to give up his job. Third, he could draw strength from all those rainbow stoles. This was a moment of perfect love.
So he gave a different closing statement, calling on the church to end its hate speech. He put on his own rainbow stole. He could see the church lawyer thinking, "Gotcha!" The lawyer asked Frank directly -- will you pledge to never do another same-sex wedding? Frank said he could not make that pledge. With that his job was over. And with that Frank finally felt free.
Frank's summary: The official church defrocked me. The Reconciling Church refrocked me.
Since the trial he has been warmly embraced by the Reconciling Movement and has not lacked for money or work. Gays and allies are hungry for Frank's message. A bishop in California has offered Frank a job being a pastor of a local church. They're still working out details, though Frank expects to start working there in July. Until then his schedule is packed with speaking engagements.
Don't hesitate to stand for love.
Then came a Q & A session. Here is some of what Frank said:
Even if the denomination splits, we need to talk to LGBT youth in conservative congregations.
There is no bridge between progressives and conservatives through theology. That bridge will come through personal and emotional connection.
Frank is for religious freedom. If a congregation does not want to perform same-sex ceremonies, they should not be forced into doing them. But those who want to do them should be allowed.
How do we make the Book of Discipline not be a problem? By putting people above the book, by going back to John Wesley's primary rule of do no harm, by recognizing the Discipline isn't the highest authority.
Every congregation should be asking: Why is our message no longer meaningful to young adults?
What can laity do? Prod your congregation to declare itself to be Reconciling. Put up a booth at the area pride festival because people want to know where they can be safe in worship.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Randy Roberts Potts will visit FUMC of Ann Arbor
Linda Haywood of First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor shares with us:
A rainbow mosaic has been permanently installed at the west entrance to FUMC. It serves as an outward and visible sign in our church that ALL are welcome. We celebrate its presence! Photos of it are here, along with a story of how the church became more welcoming. That page also has a link to the church's Facebook page.
In January, FUMC's Rainbow Crossing, Church & Society and Wesley Foundation co-sponsored a movie night with a showing of For The Bible Tells Me So. Rev. Bob Roth led a meaningful discussion at the end of the movie. We are looking forward to showing other movies in the future that address LGBTQ issues.
Rainbow Crossing and the Music & Liturgical Arts Ministries at FUMC are co-sponsoring an Extravagant Welcome week-end.
On March 10, Randy Roberts Potts will speak at 5 PM about his coming out experience as the grandson of televangelist Oral Roberts. His speech is titled "Miracles and Mendacity". This will be followed by a dinner at 6:15 PM. Reservations for the dinner catered by Sidetrack must be made in advance by calling 734 662-4536. MUSE Cincinnati's Women's Choir will begin performing at 7:30 PM. MUSE is both a supporter and a change agent, offering inspiration and support for women's groups, human rights concerns, peace and justice movements, lesbian and gay issues and multicultural, community building alliances. There is a cost associated with the dinner. There will be a free will offering collected after Mr. Potts speaks and after MUSE sings.
On Sunday morning, Randy Roberts Potts will speak at both the 9:30 AM and 11:45 AM services. His talk is titled "A Place at the Table". MUSE will also sing at both services.
We welcome one and all to join us for this wonderful week-end!
A rainbow mosaic has been permanently installed at the west entrance to FUMC. It serves as an outward and visible sign in our church that ALL are welcome. We celebrate its presence! Photos of it are here, along with a story of how the church became more welcoming. That page also has a link to the church's Facebook page.
In January, FUMC's Rainbow Crossing, Church & Society and Wesley Foundation co-sponsored a movie night with a showing of For The Bible Tells Me So. Rev. Bob Roth led a meaningful discussion at the end of the movie. We are looking forward to showing other movies in the future that address LGBTQ issues.
Rainbow Crossing and the Music & Liturgical Arts Ministries at FUMC are co-sponsoring an Extravagant Welcome week-end.
On March 10, Randy Roberts Potts will speak at 5 PM about his coming out experience as the grandson of televangelist Oral Roberts. His speech is titled "Miracles and Mendacity". This will be followed by a dinner at 6:15 PM. Reservations for the dinner catered by Sidetrack must be made in advance by calling 734 662-4536. MUSE Cincinnati's Women's Choir will begin performing at 7:30 PM. MUSE is both a supporter and a change agent, offering inspiration and support for women's groups, human rights concerns, peace and justice movements, lesbian and gay issues and multicultural, community building alliances. There is a cost associated with the dinner. There will be a free will offering collected after Mr. Potts speaks and after MUSE sings.
On Sunday morning, Randy Roberts Potts will speak at both the 9:30 AM and 11:45 AM services. His talk is titled "A Place at the Table". MUSE will also sing at both services.
We welcome one and all to join us for this wonderful week-end!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Details of Amy DeLong's visit
Rich Peacock sends the following information about Amy DeLong's visit to the Detroit area. She will take part in four programs. All will be worth your time.
The weekend is titled Journeys toward Inclusion: walking with Jesus and our LGBT sisters and brothers, March 16-18.
Presenter: Rev. Amy DeLong is an ordained Elder in the UMC in Extension Ministry in WI. Amy is the Executive Director of Kairos CoMotion, a non-profit organization she co-founded in 2000, dedicated to progressive theological education and advocacy. She is an eloquent speaker and writer who witnesses with passion and humor for the full inclusion for gay lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender persons in the Church. The Christian Century printed an interview of her in a recent issue.
Rev. DeLong was also recently put on trial for being a lesbian in relationship and for conducting a same-sex union ceremony.
a - Friday, March 16 - Sharing Our Journeys - a casual evening listening to Amy tell her story and music by Katie Geddes of Ann Arbor Ark fame. Newburgh UMC, 36500 Ann Arbor Trail, Livonia - 7:00 pm -no reservations needed
b - Saturday, March 17 - Mapping Our Journeys - a time to hear Amy's organizing experience and stories from congregations who are revising their stories towards inclusion. You will leave with resources and a strategy to move into a new chapter of inclusion. Teams of 3 or 4 are encouraged.
Nardin Park UMC, 29887 West Eleven Mile, Farmington Hills, 9 am to 2 pm, $10 per person at the door, which includes lunch.
- Email your registration by March 10 to Wes Brun: bwbrun@yahoo.com
c - Rev. DeLong preaching at Ann Arbor Green Wood on Green Road - Saturday night - 5:00 pm - casual dress
d - Celebrating the Journey towards Inclusion in Worship - Rev. DeLong preaching and Choirs. Sunday, March 18, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm @ Detroit Central UMC, 23 East Adams -no reservations needed
The weekend is titled Journeys toward Inclusion: walking with Jesus and our LGBT sisters and brothers, March 16-18.
Presenter: Rev. Amy DeLong is an ordained Elder in the UMC in Extension Ministry in WI. Amy is the Executive Director of Kairos CoMotion, a non-profit organization she co-founded in 2000, dedicated to progressive theological education and advocacy. She is an eloquent speaker and writer who witnesses with passion and humor for the full inclusion for gay lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender persons in the Church. The Christian Century printed an interview of her in a recent issue.
Rev. DeLong was also recently put on trial for being a lesbian in relationship and for conducting a same-sex union ceremony.
a - Friday, March 16 - Sharing Our Journeys - a casual evening listening to Amy tell her story and music by Katie Geddes of Ann Arbor Ark fame. Newburgh UMC, 36500 Ann Arbor Trail, Livonia - 7:00 pm -no reservations needed
b - Saturday, March 17 - Mapping Our Journeys - a time to hear Amy's organizing experience and stories from congregations who are revising their stories towards inclusion. You will leave with resources and a strategy to move into a new chapter of inclusion. Teams of 3 or 4 are encouraged.
Nardin Park UMC, 29887 West Eleven Mile, Farmington Hills, 9 am to 2 pm, $10 per person at the door, which includes lunch.
- Email your registration by March 10 to Wes Brun: bwbrun@yahoo.com
c - Rev. DeLong preaching at Ann Arbor Green Wood on Green Road - Saturday night - 5:00 pm - casual dress
d - Celebrating the Journey towards Inclusion in Worship - Rev. DeLong preaching and Choirs. Sunday, March 18, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm @ Detroit Central UMC, 23 East Adams -no reservations needed
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Love Your Neighbor training session
A large part of the Sing a New Song convocation last August was devoted to contacting out General Conference delegates and telling them how we feel about LGBT inclusion in the United Methodist Church. The next part of that effort is the Love Your Neighbor Campaign. And the first part of that campaign is a training session to learn effective ways to contact delegates.
Love Your Neighbor training will be held on Saturday, November 5 from 9:30 to 3:30 at First United Methodist Church, 209 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti. I strongly urge you to clear your calendar, save the date, and get your friends to come too. This is important work. More details will be posted as they come available.
Love Your Neighbor training will be held on Saturday, November 5 from 9:30 to 3:30 at First United Methodist Church, 209 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti. I strongly urge you to clear your calendar, save the date, and get your friends to come too. This is important work. More details will be posted as they come available.
Fall Potluck and Program
Dedicated Reconciling United Methodists are holding their Fall Potluck and Program on Sunday, October 23 at 5:00 pm. at Nardin Park UMC. We'll start with the meal. Please bring a dish to pass and your own table service. The program and worship will follow at 6:00. The program will be "A Modest Proposal Toward a More Inclusive UMC." It will be presented by Rev. Tom Macaulay, former Ann Arbor District Superintendent, and Rich Teets, co-chair of the Church and Society Committee of FUMC, Birmingham. The guest musician will be Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay. The evening will end with fellowship time at 7:00.
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