Sorry this is a week late, but here is the testimony I gave last week at our General Conference service at CWM. I re-wrote this three times and I still feel like it wasn't exactly what I wanted to say.. but for better or worse, here it is:
When I sat down to write this testimonial a lot of images came into my head, and a lot of memories, both good and bad. But when I tried to focus on a moment where I felt the Holy Spirit come down on General Conference, my mind kept coming back to the afternoon of Wednesday April 30th. For 3 hours we listened to delegates "perfect" the Majority and Minority reports dealing with Paragraph 161G: Human Sexuality. those were the longest 3 hours I've ever sat through. And the most painful. The deceitfulness and hatred that came through was beyond difficult to listen to; although I felt adequately prepared for deal with that. What I was not prepared for were the emotions following the vote. Pain so intense I literally felt like I couldn't breath. Pain I haven't felt since standing at Rachel's memorial. At first, the pain was all I could focus on. My personal pain, and pain for all who this decision hurt. Eventually, however, I was able to realize that I was not alone in my pain. Not only that, but i was also surrounded by my church.
My church was standing arm in arm to represent the body the larger church had just broken.
My church not only included those of us in rainbow stolls, but delegates on the floor and other visitors in the bleachers who were hurting too.
My church started to sing.
My church drowned out those who were trying to continue 'business as usual'
And although that has been the hardest part for me to try and process - the complete apathy emanating from many on the floor. Although that's been difficult, I keep coming back to those on the floor who do care.
Who did stand
Who sang with us.
That even though "THE United Methodist Church" told me that I am not wanted, that I am not ready to be a disciple of Jesus because I love women, MY church, this one here at CWM and my extended church of RMN, MY church loves me because THE United Methodist Church doesn't (among many other reasons as Marla pointed out to me after service :)).
They open their doors wider to me.
They open their hearts and minds to me.
They care.
There's a great song by Savage Garden called 'Crash and Burn' When I turned on my music to shuffle when I got on the plane coming home, it was the first song that played and I couldn't help but feel how appropriate it was. I won't sing it, but there's a part that I feel sums up my experience in Texas.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Testimony
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Going to the Chapel....
CWM celebrates the historic decision of the California Supreme Court to overturn the same-sex marriage ban in their state.
Asserting that the current ban is discriminatory, the Court ruled today that same-sex couples should have equal rights to marriage.
Today we witness once more the movement of justice in our time, as same-sex couples in California are granted the same rights as their heterosexual peers.
Here another United Methodist celebrates at the Supreme Court. Rev. Janet McKeithen sports her General Conference stole and buttons in this AP photo. Another UM for justice!
Read more about the decision, here.
CWM Happenings
This Week at CWM
Peace With Justice Sunday
May 18th at 5 PM
CWM Upper Room at College Ave. UMC
14 Chapel St.
Somerville, MA
This week at CWM we will be celebrating Peace With Justice Sunday. This is one of six Special Sundays in the life of the United Methodist Church designed to raise awareness and support for programs that promote peace and justice in both the church and the world.
Every year United Methodists across the country raise money. Unfortunately, the 8 million church goers only contribute a mere $247,173. That is less than .03 cents per Methodist.
Won't you consider bringing an additional donation? Our goal at CWM is to raise $200 on Sunday.
Join us as we celebrate God's call to justice! Pastor Tiffany Steinwert will be preaching.
Coming Events
Mental Health Sunday
May 25th at 5 PM
CWM Upper Room at College Ave. UMC
14 Chapel St.
Somerville, MA
Join us as we celebrate Mental Health Sunday. CWM member and UCC Deacon, Beth Yolton will be preaching.
Somerville Interfaith Pride Service
Sunday, June 8th at 5 PM
College Avenue UMC Chapel
14 Chapel St.
Somerville, MA
Join Somerville communities of faith as we kick off Boston Pride week with a special interfaith celebration.
Boston Pride
Saturday June 14th starting at 10 AM
Old South Church in Boston
Join CWM as we celebrate Pride. We will begin by joining the Pride Interfaith Worship at 10 AM at Old South Church. After the service, CWMers will gather outside the church to line up for the march. We will march as a congregation.
Keep up to date with the happenings at CWM through our facebook calendar.
