Tickets are still available at the door for tonight's celebration of the Open and Affirming designation afforded t St. John's United Church of Christ.
Last night at the Wealthy Street Theatre Queeries Movie "Fish Out of Water," I saw Theresa Bileth the Open and Affirming Committee Chair for St. John's. She was practically floating with excitement on the eve of her first planned community event.
Not only will there be good food, music and supportive friends from area churches present, (and there is still room for you) she is excited about her church.
So hear now from Theresa Bileth about why this is important. And consider your own churches and faith communities. What is there for you to celebrate? Let me know, and I will help spread the news.
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"On March 26, 2010, St. John's United Church of Christ Grand Rapids was designated the 869th Open and Affirming congregation of the UCC! For those readers that are unaware, this designation recognizes and proclaims the depth of welcome and love that the congregation extends to all people, particularly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Being open is not new to the United Church of Christ. The first gay pastor in the UCC was in 1972. Our church was given it's label because we live it, walk it and talk it every day. (Examples: Our pastor, Bill Lyons, spoke at the Stonewall Candlelight vigil downtown GR, our church was a sponsor for the Rock Out To Come Out concert downtown in Rosa Parks Circle in Summer '09, we participate in the AIDS Walks, we attend benefits around the city and hold a booth at West MI Pride Fest every year just to name a few.)
We have a history of standing up for others and wanted to have an event that would invite those in the community to celebrate not only our journey of acceptance but their own. We ALL belong and we are all welcome to participate in the full life of the church and the community.
On Saturday, Oct. 16th, we will gather to celebrate not only our Open and Affirming designation but our history of hospitality and welcome by presenting the St Johns UCC Grand Rapids Open and Affirming Banquet.
We will tell the stories associated with each milestone along the way—from our refugee response in WWII, our welcome of women in leadership, female pastors, gay pastors, our accessibility addition in the 1980s, same sex unions, our Open and Affirming designation earlier this year, etc.
The banquet will also include a beautiful catered dinner by West Michigan Caterer owner Bobby Johnson and wonderful entertainment by multi-album Michigan based recording artist Ben Walter and his band, Notes to Myself.
We are thrilled to present this meaningful celebration. We pray that it shines a bright light on the journey of acceptance and hospitality that the United Church of Christ has always extended to the wider community.
We pray that the people attending will feel inspired to pay it forward, shine brightly and lift those around them. Peace. Hope. Love. Equality. Compassion. Acceptance. Every voice counts!
www.stjohnsuccgr.org"
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Blessings and good luck on your work. St. John's United Church of Christ is located at 1934 Bridge St. NW at the corners of Bridge St, Covell St. and Lake Michigan Drive.
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