Many of us are embarrassed and angry at the failure of the United Methodist Church to change its unjust policies toward gay and lesbian people. When, on April 30th, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church at its quadrennial meeting, once again refused to change its pronouncement of judgment on gays and lesbians by a vote of 504-417, I suggested that our denomination hang this sign on itself: “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors—Not!”
When United Methodist denominational representatives met in five regional (jurisdictional) gatherings in July, the Northeastern and Western Jurisdictions strongly dissented from the General Conference’s position, expressing support for pastors who in defiance of church policy perform services for same gender weddings.
Some local UM churches also disagree with national church policy and are determined to not allow those policies interfere with their welcome of gay and lesbian persons. I am proud that First United Methodist Church in Bend, Oregon is one of those churches.
Jubilate! The Women’s Choir of Corvallis and the Bend First United Methodist Church present an evening of artistic celebration Saturday October 11 at the church, 680 NW Bond St. Love Makes a Family is a museum-quality traveling exhibit including photographs and interviews with families that have lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) members. Admission to the exhibit and the concert is free. Donations will be gratefully accepted.
A reception to celebrate the opening of the Love Makes a Family Photo Exhibit begins the celebration at 6:00 p.m. Jubilate! will provide several songs for this opening reception and will then sing a full length concert beginning at 7:30.
Jubilate! The Women’s Choir of Corvallis, was formed in 1994. Open to all women singers, Jubilate! exists to enrich the musical opportunities and experiences of our community. During its development, Jubilate! has become a remarkably diverse community of women, gay and straight, making music together.
Are you doing something? Is your voice being heard? If you are in the Bend area, attend the exhibit and concert on October 11th. Contact “Love Makes a Family” and consider having a photo exhibit in your worship place, library, school, club, hospital, conference, or community center. And, if you are in Oregon, maybe you can arrange to have Jubilate! help you lift your voices. Whoever you are, wherever you are, let your voice be heard.
One day, when enough of us are singing, the powers that be—political and ecclesiastical—will join us in our song that all of us—straight and gay—are God’s children and how it is love that makes a family.
When United Methodist denominational representatives met in five regional (jurisdictional) gatherings in July, the Northeastern and Western Jurisdictions strongly dissented from the General Conference’s position, expressing support for pastors who in defiance of church policy perform services for same gender weddings.
Some local UM churches also disagree with national church policy and are determined to not allow those policies interfere with their welcome of gay and lesbian persons. I am proud that First United Methodist Church in Bend, Oregon is one of those churches.
Jubilate! The Women’s Choir of Corvallis and the Bend First United Methodist Church present an evening of artistic celebration Saturday October 11 at the church, 680 NW Bond St. Love Makes a Family is a museum-quality traveling exhibit including photographs and interviews with families that have lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) members. Admission to the exhibit and the concert is free. Donations will be gratefully accepted.
A reception to celebrate the opening of the Love Makes a Family Photo Exhibit begins the celebration at 6:00 p.m. Jubilate! will provide several songs for this opening reception and will then sing a full length concert beginning at 7:30.
Jubilate! The Women’s Choir of Corvallis, was formed in 1994. Open to all women singers, Jubilate! exists to enrich the musical opportunities and experiences of our community. During its development, Jubilate! has become a remarkably diverse community of women, gay and straight, making music together.
The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. – Albert Einstein
Are you doing something? Is your voice being heard? If you are in the Bend area, attend the exhibit and concert on October 11th. Contact “Love Makes a Family” and consider having a photo exhibit in your worship place, library, school, club, hospital, conference, or community center. And, if you are in Oregon, maybe you can arrange to have Jubilate! help you lift your voices. Whoever you are, wherever you are, let your voice be heard.
One day, when enough of us are singing, the powers that be—political and ecclesiastical—will join us in our song that all of us—straight and gay—are God’s children and how it is love that makes a family.
- Milo
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