1983 - Journey Magazine - April

APRIL

1983

~CltiA\IVILA\II~ '~~ ~C~()I~ ~ I~I~ by Nancy Collective

Editor's Note: We welcome Nancy Radclyffe to JOURNEY as a collective writer and thank her for the ministry she is doing.

You are in our prayers, Nancy.

This column will be a regular feature of JOURNEY and a continuing way for the Spiritual Life and Clergy Care Center to share helpful information with Clergy and Congregations relevant to the care and assistance of Fellowship Clergy. Its contents will vary from Spiritual insights to practical suggestions.

Your ideas and suggestions are welcomed and may be included in the column.

The bulk of this piece will be devoted to more explanation about SLACC but first here is a valuable resource of relevance to our leadership and congregations.

The Alban Institute is a nondenominational, non-profit corporation committed to working for better congregations.

Their printed material - usually small booklets resulting from actual studies and evaluations - are very applicable to our ministry.

Write them for a full list of their titles and services.

Two of their publications which are particularly recommended are: "The Pastor as Newcomer" and "The Lay Person's Guide to Conflict Management."

Both have been used to the benefit of some of our congregations and pastors. There are special dynamics that occur with the arrival of a new pastor and the leaving of the old pastor, for congregation and pastors.

"The Pastor as Newcomer" provides relevant useful insights and ways to make the transition smoother.

Our churches.rbeing in the world, are not immune from conflict.

The "Lay Per.son's Guide to Conflict Management" is of such value that one Board of Directors paid "Air Express" to get it in time to manage their conflict.

Using this guide they did so with great success!

My last listing shows each booklet selling for $2.50. Write: The Alban Institute, Inc. Mount St. Alban Washington, D.C. 20016 SLACC is a relatively new program in the Fellowship which operates with the approval of the Board of Elders and is accountable to them.

For the first time in our 14 year history there is a program whose sole concern is the care of the clergy. SLACC operates separately from the Credentials Committee as of the February meeting of the Board of Elders. At that' same meeting the Board of Elders appointed this writer as the Sr. Chaplain to the Clergy.

The Center will continue to be developed gradually as

2 JOURNEY,

APRIL

1983

Reactyite

Writer and Senior

Chaplain

available talent and financial resources increase.

The present emphasis of outreach is to active clergy, lay worship coordinators and their spouses; especially on a crisis intervention basis. As the program expands more crisis prevention elements will be put into place such as Clergy Retreat Centers. More active outreach to student clergy, former clergy, deacons and lay leaders will be seen as SLACC grows.

The staff is presently limited to myself - serving the entire Fellowship - and Rev. Marianne Van Fossen who serves the MidAtlantic District Clergy. Clergy in need of assistance are identified by their own phone calls and letters as well as by other people who call or write and suggest that someone could use a phone call or note.

All such people are ministered to in some manner. Often a note or quick call to say , "You're in my prayers" makes all the difference in the world.

A big plus for this program is that of total confidentiality.

The Sr. Chaplain, for instance, cannot bring charges against any clergy or serve in any credentialing or potential disciplinary roles such as CCCC, DRC's and as District Coordinator.

The Chaplain also has an advocacy function on behalf of the clergy to the Credentials Committee and the Board of Elders.

The two expansions of SLACC which are now on the drawing board are, the first clergy retreat center which will begin as a place to get away from it all, and Referral List Counselors. The latter are laity and clergy who are qualified and willing to work with a few people at a time. These counselors must first fill out a resume format, provide the Sr. Chaplain with transcripts and letters of reference.

If approved to be a "Referral List Counselor" the Chaplain will then refer "matched" clergy, spouses, etc. to you.

These counselors will be classified in various ways to help make a positive match between counselor and counselee.

Good listeners, spiritual advisors and therapeutically trained persons are all needed.

If you think you may qualify write to the address below for the resume format and qualifications outline.

Rev. Nancy Radclyffe Spiritual Life and Clergy Care Center P.O. Box 3004 Orlando, Florida 32802 If you think you need to talk above address or call (305) 894-1081.

to someone,

write

to the

sat r COLLECTIVE EDITOR: Paula J. Schoen wether COLLECTIVE MEMBERS: Loni Allen, Teri Anglin, Lucia Chappelle, Phil Gallnitz, Hasani Gough, Kurt Kreisler, Frank Zerilli COLLECTIVE LIAISON: Troy Perry COLLECTIVE ARTIST: Jean Gralley COLLECTIVE WRITERS: Bob Arthur, R. Adam DeBaugh, Jennie Boyd Bull, Nancy Radclyffe, Nancy Wilson, Larry Uhrig COLLECTIVE CONTRIBUTORS: Joseph Gilbert, Patricia Litka, G. Duane Littlefield, Mary Merriman, Jim Glyer

JOURNEY is a monthly magazine of UFMCC. The focus of JOURNEY is to provide news and report issues of concern within UFMCC and the Lesbian and Gay community.

Contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced or extensively quoted without permission.

Editorial Office: 5300 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 304, Los Angeles, CA 90029.

Phone: (213) 464-5100. Subscription rate $16.80 per year U.S., Canada, Mexico. $20.80 other areas. Published by Universal Fellowship Press. Printed in U.S.A. All materials submitted to JOURNEY must be inclusive of gender, age and race.

The Editor will modify any language not meeting these criteria.

2 3 4 6 7

8 10 12 14 15

Chaplain's Corner Another Call?

General Conference Christian Social Action Letters FFO Why? Fellowship News News Substance Abuse

CO VER.- Paula J. Schoen wether

by Jim Glyer Pastor, MCC Portland Often I have encountered persons in the UFMCC who tell me in moving terms that they feel a sense of "call." When we sit down together to explore what this sense of "call" means, it frequently means that they are being "called" to become clergy.

However, there are others who feel they are being "called" but who do not sense that they have a call to be clergy.

The reality of their "call" is as real in their case as the reality of others who feel "called" to be clergy. This "call" is also different than the leading one might have to become a Deacon in the local church.

Not infrequently, these persons are already Deacons but have not yet found the fulfilling of their unique sense of mission.

Over the years, I have come to feel that there is a need to recognize the existence of a significant number of persons in the UFMCC who are experiencing what I term, "Another Call." This other "call" is as serious as that which we commonly associate with a "call" to become clergy. Usually, the persons regard it as a lifetime "call" and would be willing to invest whatever time or training might be needed to equip them to live out their "calling."

One woman who explored the meaning of her "call" is now devoting time and energy to the problem of alcoholism though she herself is not an alcoholic. She spends hours counseling and supporting the families and lovers of those who struggle with alcoholism.

She continues to attend special training opportunities and feels that she has found the work to which God has "called" her. Some years back, I knew a man in a western city who had considerable expertise in office management.

As the fulfillment of his sense of "call" he planned to give time to organizing efficiently the office of his local church and to assist other MCC's with good office methods.

The number of illustrations could be extended but these two will make clear the kind of thing I have in mind when I raise the issue of "Another Call."

It is my impression that there are a significant number of persons who have experienced this sense of "Another Call."

We need to give prayerful thought to this matter and to what God wants us as a

Fellowship to do about it. I can see at least two essential supports that the UFMCC can provide for such persons: (1) Even as we validate the "call" of clergy by licensure and ordination and the call of Deacons by some special recognition, so we need to think about how persons in the UFMCC who have this sense of "Another Call" might be validated by the Fellowship.

(2) Along with validation, we could give thought to how their sense of "call" might be nurtured.

What training opportunities should they be encouraged to undertake, what channels of communication and support between persons with a similar sense of "call" need to be facilitated, what encouragement and guidance could the Fellowship provide?

I believe that our Fellowship needs to be more aware of persons who have experienced "Another Call."

We could provide an opportunity for such persons to come together to discuss and pray about the meaning of their experience.

Last summer when I shared this vision with the 75 persons attending the conference continued on page 14

ADDITIONAL HOUSING AVAILABLE The Conference Coordinator for General Conference has announced that all double rooms are taken at the University of Toronto residence halls.

Anyone who would like to may stay at Victoria University which is adjacent to the campus of the University of Toronto.

It is within short walking distance of where conference meetings will be held.

Both double rooms and singles are available.

Write: Mr. Gary Ruona, Residence Hall Manager, Victoria University, 140 Charles Street W., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1K9.

Daily rates are (Canadian dollars) $21 for a single and $28 for a double including tax.

A deposit for one night must be paid in advance to reserve a room. This must be in Canadian currency.

This may be done by use of a bank draft.

The Fellowship offices will not be handling these reservations.

-------------.-APRIL

1983, JOURNEY

3

•

DreUle of TORONTO Toronto, Canada, is a perfect city for a Conference.

It has an excellent public transportation system, including a subway that is clean, safe and fairly inexpensive. A number of shopping centers including the Eaton Center, downtown, which is a marvel of architectural beauty. Many small and attractive eating places.

And an interesting list of educational, historical and recreational places to visit.

When Phil Gallnitz and Richard Ploen of the Conference Management Team visited Toronto recently they found a friendly welcome and despite the cold weather and snow they were able to visit the University of Toronto, where the Conference is to be held, the Park Plaza Hotel, the Church in Toronto and downtown Toronto.

Gary Chapman, Conference coordinator from the host Church, acted as host to the duo and got them to their meetings and gave them a walking tour of the city. Gary is a veritable walking encyclopedia of knowledge of the city of Toronto.

RIGHT: MCC Toronto meets in the educational building of Bathurst St. Baptist Church.

(The snow pictured here will be gone by July).

4 JOURNEY,

APRIL

1983

The University of Toronto has a large cam pus in the center of the city.

It is made up of a number of colleges. General Conference will be held in New College.

Worship services will be held daily in Convocation Hall which is a large circular auditorium seating over 1700. It has a large pipe organ which we will be renting.

Meetings will be held in the Medical Sciences Building which has an auditorium and numerous classrooms and seminar rooms.

Because it is a school we are able to make use of some of the resident halls on the campus for housing. Rooms consist of a single bed in a room or two single

beds per room. Bathroom facilities are off the hall. Breakfast is included in the room charge and will be at Wilson Hall in New College, one of the residences we have.

The rooms are quite comfortable but not Spartan.

When conference attendees arrive for General Conference they should go first to their residence hall or to their hotel, if they have chosen to stay there, and get settled in their room.

People who have made room requests for the University residence halls will have been informed which hall they will stay in. continued on page 5

LEFT: Toronto General Conference Committee from left to right are Bob Foster, Gary Chapman, Rev. Brent Hawkes and Bill Watts.

GC continued

from page 4

Since most people will be arriving on Sunday, July 10th and the first meeting of Conference will be in the morning of Monday, July 11th, it will be a great opportunity to visit the regular Sunday worship service of MCC Toronto on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. Those who plan to stay over on Sunday, July 17th are invited to join with the church to celebrate their 10th Anniversary.

Toronto MCC is taking the title of "host church" seriously.

They plan to provide a "hospitality room" at the University to be open almost continuously throughout the Conference.

Also they are producing a "Memorabilia Booklet" which will provide lots of valuable information including nearby restaurants, sight seeing places and a sample listing of all varieties of community places.

The members of the Toronto congregation have offered to make housing available to persons attending the Conference from World Church Extension churches and those coming from outside the continent.

This is a generous contribution they wish to make to encourage those whose travel expenses will be so costly.

Interested persons should contact the church. The address is: MCC Toronto, 73路0 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 2R4.

During the Conference a Nursery room will be available at the Toronto Church.

The plan is for parents to share the responsibilities for this program.

Anyone who will want to avail themselves of this possibility must contact the Church by May 1, 1983. See the address given above.

There are a number of hotels near the campus.

A list of these may be obtained

by writing to the Registrar at the UFMCC Office, 5300 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 304, Los Angeles, CA 90029.

While the photos that Richard took in Toronto give the impression that he and Phil met with some pretty wintery weather,

everyone they talked to assured them that by conference time in July it would be considerably warmer.

Not only can we expect good weather, but it portends Conferences.

to be one of the best of

ABOVE: During General Conference worship services will be held at Convocation Hall on the University of Toronto campus.

APRIL

1983, JOURNEY

5

Department of Christian Equal Rights Amendment Introduced in Both Houses of Congress

by R. Adam DeBaugh

Collective Writer "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. " Well, it is back. And that's all it says.

If you forget that it is the dreaded ERA, with all the political rhetoric and misinformation that has been spread about it over the past 10 years - if you just read it, those 24 simple words, it doesn't seem all that threatening, does it?

But you can bet that those 24 words are again going to generate more other words, both written and spoken - shouted, is more like it - and more political heat and more emotional turmoil, maneuvering, anger, frustration, sadness, joy and confusion than any other 24 words in our history.

Those 24 words are the Equal Rights Amendment and it is back! Though the final time limit expired last year for the states to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, it has been reintroduced in the 98th Congress and members have flocked to co-sponsor it.

House Joint Resolution 1 (H.J. Res. 1) is what the ERA is called in the House of Representatives and 210 Congresspeople introduced it together on the very first day of the session, with another 26 joining since then for a total at his writing of 236.

More will probably join on soon.

In the U.S. Senate it is called Senate Joint Resolution 10 (S.J. Res. 10) and 55 Senators have co-sponsored.

The constitutional amendment needs to pass both houses by a two-thirds majority, or 290 in the House and 67 in the Senate.

Things look good for passage in both Houses, which then send it on to the states for ratification.

And the states were where it got stopped the first time.

Three-fourths of the states have to ratify a proposed Constitutional amendment before it becomes part of the U.S. Constitution.

The ERA was ratified by 35 states the first time around.

But the National Organization for

6 JOURNEY,

APRIL

1983

Social Action

Women reports that recalcitrant state legisla tures in Illinois and Florida (two of the most unrepentant anti-ERA states) have been turned around and are now pro-ERA legislatures.

This is due to major political lobbying and campaigning by pro-ERA forces in the 1982 elections.

NOW believes that ratification of the ERA is not only possible, but well within grasp.

But first it has to pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate, by a two-thirds vote in each House. Write your Senators and Representatives and tell them of your support for the Equal Rights Amendment.

UFMCC General Conferences have consistently passed pro-ERA resolutions.

And get ready for the ERA coming back to the state legislatures!

It's only 24 little words.

"Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. "

***

LESBIAN/GAY RIGHTS LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN 98TH CONGRESS Civil Rights legislation protecting Lesbians and Gay men from discrimination has been introduced in both the United States House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, and the process of signing up co-sponsors is progressing well ahead of previous years.

The Senate bill, S. 430, was introduced in February

by Senator Paul Tsongas (D-MA) and has been co-sponsored by Senators Alan Cranston (D-CA), Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI), Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), Daniel P. Moynihan (D-NY), and Bob Packwood (R-OR). The only Senator who co-sponsored the bill in the last Congress and who has not come back on the bill as a co-sponsor is Lowell Weicker (R-CT).

The Senate bill would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by adding a prohibition against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment.

It is hoped that despite the conservative nature of the U.S. Senate, another six to eight co-sponsors might be added to the bill this year.

In the U.S. House of Representatives,

Representatives Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Ted Weiss (D-NY) have again introduced the omnibus Lesbian/Gay civil rights bill, this year numbered H.R. 427. As of this writing, there are over 30 members of Congress signed on as co-sponsors, but we are confident that the list will surpass the record number of co-sponsors set in the last Congress, 61. Steve Endean, Executive Director of the Gay Rights National Lo b by, predicts that over 70 co-sponsors will be signed up this year.

H.R. 427 would amend the civil rights act of 1964, adding the words "sexual orientation" to the list of human conditions for which it is illegal to discriminate.

It covers not only employment (which the Senate bill concentrates on), but also housing, public accomodations, public facilities, education and federally assisted opportunities.

The House bill, as is the case with the Senate bill, has a provision that would prohibit the use of quota systems and affirmative action as remedies for discrimination, a provision that Lesbian and Gay activists agree with since affirmative action and quotas are inappropriate remedies to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

The third major piece of legislation already introduced in the 98th Congress (which began in January 1983 and will conclude in December 1984) is H.R. 1697, the Public Health Emergency Funding Bill introduced by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA).

This bill, which at this writing has 17 co-sponsors and by the time you read this will probably have three times that number, is a direct response to the AIDS crisis (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

The bill would set aside 1% of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Fiscal Year 1984 appropriation (about $40 million) in a revolving fund for public health emergency research.

In succeeding years the fund would be replenished by whatever is required to keep it at 1% of the NIH appropriation.

The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees NIH, would be empowered by the legislation to determine in consultation with officials from the Center for Disease Control, NIH and other public health agencies, that a disease or disorder constitutes a public health emergency. continued

on page 9

LETTERS Dear Editor: Thank you for JOURNEY Magazine. felt compelled to write because of the book review by Nancy Wilson.

"When will women (some) realize the strength of the spirit and true love with true forgiveness? " Nancy Wilson's article, "Books - a Review" in JOURNEY Magazine, January 1983, noted: "For those of you who may consciously or sub-consciously wonder why they (Lesbians) are always angry ... " She went into some intricate, minute parts of life.

God Bless you, Nancy Wilson. I am Lesbian, alive, in love with God and appreciative of the positiveness God's helped me to encounter!!

God Bless you, Nancy Wilson! Positiveness will come your way!!

Sincerely, Marie Olivo Church Clerk MCC Albuquerque,

NM

Dear Editor: Thank

you

for

JOURNEY.

It

is

beautiful, well edited and filled with the news and thought that our Fellowship needs as we grow together.

I particularly thank you for allowing the Faith, Fellowship and Order Commission space to present a diversity of viewpoints as we grow toward developing a Christian Theology of Sexuality in our Fellowship.

The covers for each issue have been especially striking, and sales here at MCC Baltimore have increased noticeably. Thank you for feeding our Fellowship bread on our journey.

In Grace and Truth, Jennie Boyd Bull

subscription special* YES!

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APRIL 1983, JOURNEY

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'.'""

.

~"

UFMCC's Commission on Faith, Fellowship and Order EDITOR'S NOTE: The following article by Rev. Gilbert in reprinted from an early.edition of THE GA Y CHRISTIAN when it w3l~being published by the Northeast District.

Faith, Fellowship and Order is developing a grass roots Christian Theology of Sexuality.

The Tollowing story does not report an official stand by FFO. These articles will reflect the diversity of UFMCC.

by Joseph Gilbert Clergy Representative to FFO Southeast District Because we are a Christian church one might expect that the great divisions among us would be over theological or eccIesiological issues. Christians have traditionally permitted themselves to battle one another "in love" over the purity of the faith. But if it is true that we have made new skins for new wine, maybe we can avoid this plague of controversy.

And I see signs that this is the case. I believe we are learning to respect other people's religious devotions and to show the beauty of ours to them.

But I am concerned that we may be rushing to judgment in another area. It seems to me that a people who stand, according to Leviticus, in bloodguiltyness need to give some very real thought to Christian morality.

I believe that through Christ's life, death and resurrection I am free of the judgment of that Levitical law.

But I see brothers and sisters of this Fellowship daring to judge the lives of themselves and' others not on the basis of "What would Christ have me do?" but "What laws apply to me?"

8 JOURNEY, APRIL 1983

I do not pretend to have any special access to Christ's wisdom.

I have found that ordination made me neither wiser, nor holier than I was before. If a man calls me at three o'clock in the morning and whispers "I'm married. I have children, I want to maintain my home and family.

But increasingly, I realize I am Gay. What do I do?" ... I am not always sure what Christ would have me to say. Or someone comes to me with a problem unique to their lifestyle which I do not understand, and I am not always sure what Christ would have me say. I find myself in sexual situations in which I am not always sure what Christ would have me do.

But I do know I am forbidden to simply turn to the law ... any code at all ... and say, "This is the answer."

Instead I must see what actions will reflect God's love and our loveableness.

One of the finest couples I know in this Fellowship do not define loyalty to each other in terms of "body-fidelity."

Their love for each other permits sexual contacts outside that relationship.

I believe theirs is a true and honest love. And yet I find myself sometimes asking what effect they have on the lives of others ... persons with whom they have casual sex.

Because I know these two people, I believe that each such person knows that he has been truly perceived as a real person.

That very attitude may well legitimize an act that others might consider immoral. But the lack of it may very well flaw an act that others might consider moral.

Not too long ago I was being taken to the airport in one of our cities. Up front, two of the brothers were talking.

In the back, a young man I love and respect very

much rode beside me. In the middle of an otherwise casual conversation, he handed me a pack of matches advertising one of the local baths, smiled and pointed to himself. I asked if he had enjoyed himself.

Upcoming articles

by Faith, Fellowship and Order representatives are: "The Risen Christ and Sexual Liberation"

by Rev. Marianne Van Fossen; "Evangelism and Sexuality"

by Rev. Jo Crisco, "Eucharist and Embodiment"

by Rev. Jennie Boyd Bull and "Sexual Holiness" by Sally Sumerall.

"Yes," he said, "but I was afraid you would think less of me for having been there."

I said that I suspected there was often a great deal of loving kindness at the baths. He remarked that he had seen more acts of Christian Charity that night at the baths than he sometimes did in church.

And I suspect that he might be right. I believe that there were probably men there that night ... men whom you and I might want to judge ... who could have interrupted what they were doing, turned to Jesus Christ and without embarrassment said "Lord, this is a friend of mine."

I wish that were always true of all of us in our churches.

I have become aware that more women in our community think in terms of "body-fidelity" than do men.

Yet I think of one woman I know who uses untypical definitions.

And I respect the courage it takes to make her own definitions of what are and are not loving acts ... what is loyalty and what is not ... what is seemly and what is not. And I am in fear

continued on page 15

CONGRESS continued from page 6 Once such a determination is made, money can be spent out of the revolving fund for biomedical research at or through the NIH into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disorder or disease. The bill also would allow the Secretary to waive current peer review and competitive bidding requirements, which often take six to eight months to finish, delaying important research in crisis situations, and would require annual reports to the Congress on how the money in the fund has been spent.

Tim Westmoreland, Assistant Counsel for Rep. Waxman's Subcommittee on Health and the Environment told JOURNEY that "obviously AIDS is the public health emergency which is at hand" and the fund would most probably be used to do research and treatment of AIDS, though other unusual public health crises such as Legionaires Disease and toxic shock syndrome would have been eligible for funding the way the legislation is drafted.

"AIDS prompted this legislation," Westmoreland said, adding that Representative Waxman may introduce the bill as an amendment to the NIH authorization bill which is coming before his subcommittee early this spring, in addition to having it stand as separate legislation.

A DAY OF CELEBRATION FOR THIRD WORLD PEOPLE

What Can You Do? As always, there are important things each of us can do to help this legislative process. Steve Endean of the Gay Rights National Lobby, says that we have an excellent chance of getting the Lesbian/Gay civil rights bill out of committee for the first time in this Congress! But legislators need to hear from their constituents. What was true when this writer started lobbying for Gay and Lesbian rights in 1975 is still true -most legislators have not heard from substantial numbers of their Gay and Lesbian constituents!

So the first task you have is to write your Representative and Senators.

All members of the House of Representatives may be reached by writing them care of the House of Representatives Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515. All Senators may be reached by writing them care of the Senate Office Building, Washington' D.C. 20510. All Congressional offices may be reached by phone through the U.S. Capitol switchboard, (202) 224-3121.

It is important for you to contact your representatives and senators in the U.S. continued on page 11

Rev. Renee McCoy GENERAL CONFERENCE JULY 11- 17,1983

Pastor, Harlem MCC Chair, Department of Race Relations

XI

PREACHING Rev. Brent Hawkes

Rev. Elder Jean White

Pastor, MCCToronto

Executive Secretary, World Church Extension

Rev. Elder Nancy L. Wilson Clerk, Board of Elders

Rev. George McDermott Pastor, MCCProvidence

Mr. Larry Rodriguez

Rev. Elder Freda Smith

Lay Representative, Southwest District

Vice-Moderator, Board of Elders

Rev. Renee McCoy

Rev. June Norris

Pastor, Harlem MCC

Pastor, St. John's MCC

Rev. Elder Jeri Ann Harvey

Rev. David Farrell

Pastor, MCC Los Angeles

Pastor, MCC San Diego

Elder Michael Mank

Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry

Treasurer, Board of Elders

Moderator, Board of Elders

APRIL 1983, JOURNEY

9

again? For of, through, glory forever. Amen."

by Bob Arthur Collective Writer I am currently teaching a course at Samaritan Education Center on Luke/Acts.

One of the questions that inevitably arises when teaching Luke comes from the eighth chapter.

Many have asked the question, "Why would Jesus, in deference to the request of demons, allow them to enter a herd of pigs and destroy them?"

Historically there have been several different answers, but not many which are really satisfying. After our discussion on this subject, I decided to spend some time in study to find a more satisfying answer.

Depending on whether one reads from Matthew, Mark, or Luke, Jesus was in the country of either the Gaderenes, Gergesenes, or Gerasenes. This is really no problem, since Gerasa (sometimes called Gergesa) was a small town in that region of the Decapolis dominated by the regional capital city of Gadara. That would be like calling a resident of Los Angeles a Los Angelino or a Californian.

Either is correct.

However, from Josephus we know that this area was inhabited by people primarily of Greek origin. So although pigs were unclean to Jews, the Greeks were under no such constraint in raising pigs.

Why then would Jesus permit the destruction of personal property in the context of healing a demoniac?

The question reminds us of the similar question that arises when we read of God's allowing a faithful servant like Job to be afflicted with the loss of possessions.

A standard answer to either question is a reading of Romans 11 :33-36: "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are God's judgments, and God's ways past finding out!

For who has known the mind of God? Or who has been God's counselor?

Or who has first given to God, and shall be repaid

POSITION AVAILABLE APRIL 1, 1983 DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION Job qualifications: 1.

Demonstrated Professional skills in: a.

Administration b.

Financial Management & Development c.

Staff Supervision & Training d.

Interpersonal relationships e.

Communications & Public Relations 2.

Evidence of Commitment to the goals of the Universal Fe\1owship and to Gay and Lesbian rights 3.

Flexibility in leadership style 4.

Sensitivity to the needs of women & Third World people 5.

High energy level SALAR Y: $18,000 per year to start, + benefits Send resume & 3 references to: Rev. Nancy Wilson UFMCC 5300 Santa Monica Blvd., No. 304 Los Angeles, CA 90029

10 JOURNEY, APRIL 1983

to whom be

While that is definitely true, God allows us understanding from time to time, of the ways in which God operates.

In a reading of John 9, the healing of the man who was blind from birth, we find non-acceptance by the Pharisees. There was even a hint that the man may have conspired with Jesus to pull off a hoax! We do not read of many who came to believe in the Christ as a result of this miracle.

However, in the healing of the demoniac, not only was he freed of possession, but another visible evidence that could not be labelled a hoax took place at the same time: some 2,000 pigs became possessed and destroyed themselves (Mark 5: 13). What was the result? Of ocurse the immediate reaction was fear, and a request for Jesus to leave the country.

But Mark 5:20 tells us that after Jesus left, his fame was spread throughout the Decapolis and everyone was astonished.

There was no attempt to disprove or disclaim what Jesus had done. In fact we read in early church history, how Gadara became a center of Christianity and the seat of a bishop.

So we might infer that because of Jesus allowing these pigs to be destroyed, a whole region became Christian.

But what is the lesson here for us? Perhaps it is that we must not be short-sighted in our observations.

In John 9:2, the disciples asked Jesus whose sin caused a man to be born blind.

Jesus' response was that it was neither, but an opportunity to show forth God's majesty in the healing of blindness. Too often we do the same thing. But we should learn from our own history. We have lost several churches to arson in our brief history. The first question that inevitably arises is, "Why?" Why is God doing this to us? Why do we deserve such calamity?

Why doesn't God spare us when we are about the work of God? Yet we have seen in every case, it has worked to our benefit in some way: usually increased outreach.

Maybe it is time for us to stop continually questioning God, and to begin trusting God to know what God is doing, and to claim Romans 8 :28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to God's purpose."

JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS Administrative Assistant (2) Clerk/Typists Production Typist with Typesetting Skills Shipping & Receiving Clerk Positions are available after April 1, 1983 For more information & for appointment to come in and fill out an application, ca\1 Rev. Nancy Wilson or Mr. Frank Zerilli at (213) 464-5100.

Universal Fe\1owship of Metropolitan Community Churches 5300 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 304 Los Angeles, California 90029

II CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: 10centsperword including names, numbers, etc. All orders must be pre-paid and received by the fifth of the month.

Classifieds must be inclusive of gender, age an d race.

JOURNEY CLASSIFIEDS are for church needs only.

Make checks to UFMCC, JOURNEY.

II WANTED Assistant Pastor for MCC Long Beach, CA; salary to start at $12,000 plus benefits. Send resume to Rev. Dusty Pruitt, MCC Long Beach, 1041 E. 7th Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813.

and to God, are all things:

try one

================= ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BOARD OF ELDERS The Board of Elders, at our meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on February 18-22, voted unanimously to reorganize the central offices of the UFMCC. The action was taken after a long period of study, evaluation and consultation.

We believe the new plan will be cost-effective and better serve the changing needs of our growing Fellowship.

The Board of Elders will be hiring a Director of Administration who will have primary administrative responsibility for the central offices.

The details about this job and other jobs available have been sent to every church in the Fellowship, to other publications and to Lesbian and Gay organizations.

(See JOURNEY classifieds).

Reorganization will begin April 1, 1983.

CONGRESS

continued

from page 9

Congress. The forces of anti-Lesbian/Gay demagoguery are already active against this legislation and Congresspeople need the support of Lesbians and Gay men and nonLesbian/Gay supporters to spur them to co-sponsor and support our legislation.

Write for the new edition of WRITING TO CONGRESS, the second edition of the Let's Do The Gpsoel Series, which provide

helpful tips on writing your representatives and a new Bible study. Writing to Congress is available for $1.00 (75 cents each for over five copies) from the UFMCC Department of Christian Social Action, 8301 16th Street, Suite 201, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.

Join

the Gay Rights

National

Lobby.

Memberships are only $20 and by joining you will become part of a lobbying team that deserves most of the credit for the record number of co-sponsors of the Lesbian/Gay civil rights legislation in the last Congress and the success of the bills before Congress now. Send checks made

out to GRNL to P.O. Box 1892, Washington, D.C. 20013.

Become a GRNL Field Associate.

Gay Rights National Lobby is signing up field associates in every Congressional District in the U.S., people who will help mobilize support for pro-Gay legislation and organize letter writing campaigns, lobbying and Congressional visits. Become a GRNL Field Associate by writing to Susan Green, GRNL, P.O. Box 1892, Washington, D.C. 20013.

Lastly,

be informed,

be involved

and

We have a Biblical directive to "prophesy to the rulers" (Ezekiel 34) and as people of faith we have a responsibility to share our sense of God's love for all people with those people who are in positions of responsibility for the governing of our country. must be with the legislators, as well as with. the people who are working to make government more responsive to the needs of the people. pray.

from Samaritan DEAR DORA

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A discount for repeat ads paid in full in advance is available at: FULL YEAR (12 issues) 20% off HALF YEAR (6 issues) 10% off (Preparation charges not included in discounted rates). Checks must accompany ad copy, payable to UFMCC, marked "JOURNEY Ad." All advertising must be inclusive of gender, age and race.

Advertising of tobacco, alcoholic beverages or sexually oriented services will not be accepted.

Education Center

A BRAND NEW EDITION THE TIMELESS CLASSIC

BY THE REV. ELDER FREDA SMITH

DANCEROUS DEREK DIESEL DYKE

"DEAR DORA ...will knock your socks off! Freda Smith's use of the English language is superb. It will bring home to you why all of us must change the 'status quo' as it pertains to women and especially to Lesbians in our society."

The Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry, Founder and Moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches

ORDER Please send Name

YOUR

COpy

TODAY!!!

copy(s) of DEAR DORA at $4.95 each to

----------~--------Address ------------------

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Freda

Samaritan Education Universal Fellowship

Smith

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SAMARITAN EDUCATION CENTER 5300 SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD, SUITE 104 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90029 U.S.A.

APRIL

1983, JOURNEY

11

fellowship news ~

"COMING OF AGE"

by Mary Merriman Student Clergy, MCC Tampa For some people, one of the greatest responsibilities and commitments one makes in a lifetime is the purchase of a home, as it requires a great deal of care and steadfastness to keep up with the continual mortgage payments and the cost of upkeep and repair to the home.

Consequently, a sigh of relief is heard and a celebration ensues when one makes the payoff on the property and can feel reasonably secure in the fact that there is a "home to call one's own."

MCC Tampa, FL will "sigh" and "celebrate" April 15th through the 17th as we complete a decade of responsibility and commitment and "BURN OUR MORTGAGE!!!" As part of our celebration, we would like to share a brief history of MCC Tampa - our home!

MCC Tampa was founded in 1971 by the Rev. Lee Carlton, currently Pastor of MCC of the Palms in Ft. Myers, FL. The first meeting place was in the Franciscan Center, (currently Dignity Tampa's meeting place), with approximately 12 people in attandance.

In a short period of time, membership grew to the 50's and 60's and a more permanent meeting location was sought.

The group met in a Presbyterian church for a short period of time and then sought space with the Unitarian Church in April of 1972. They began by renting the space, but in March, 1973, during the pastorate of Rev. Charles Larsen, currently Pastor of MCC of the Resurrection in Houston, TX, a mortgage for the purchase of the building was signed. Signing the mortgage was a big step, as it signified the intention of MCC Tampa to make a long term commitment, 10 years at the least, .to serving God through the Church's efforts in the Tampa Bay community.

(Incidentally, long term commitments are not foreign to MCCT as relationships of 5, 10, 15 and 30 years are not uncommon among our membership.

Remarkably, one couple celebrated their 50th An-

12 JOURNEY, APRIL 1983

such as walk-a-thons, charities, etc.

In addition, MCC Tampa, in years past, planted the seeds for MCC King of Peace in St. Petersburg, as well as work begun in Sarasota and Orlando.

Our inreach programs include, but are not limited to, Christian Education, the Deacon's Closet through which we provide food for our people in need, and which we have recently expanded to allow our niversary this last August!) members to take food to people whom Getting back to the history. Church they know are in need as a personal ministry, membership continued to grow. As is true the C.A.R.E. program (Christian Awareness of all buildings and of all groups seeking to & Responsibility), as well as a host of establish themselves, a variety of needs and Committees, the BOD and Pastoral Staff desires came into being. Rev. John Hose, upon whom we depend to provide sound who is Elder Emeritus of the UFMCC and leadership and direction in meeting the currently serving as a Worship Coordinator many responsibilities which we have in North Carolina, became pastor in 1974. assumed.

In the years to follow, a five year plan of Being the first, and longest sustaining renovation was developed and begun in organization in the Tampa Bay area has order to make the various repairs needed not been easy. The past 12 years have had for the church building, and to add those times of abuse, pain, hurt, fire and vandalelements which would beautify God's ism. God, however, has also blessed us house of worship. immeasurably and remained loving and New pews, a new organ, new sanctuary caring, giving this family of God the air conditioning, and a new roof were but a strength to overcome every obstacle placed few of the major tasks of this community in its path, and to remain steadfast in our and family. In 1979, Rev. Marilyn R. Marr charge to teach and preach the gospel of became, and currently serves as the pastor Jesus Christ. of MCC Tampa. We have completed the As MCC Tampa has remained open to major portions of the five year plan men- the public media, we pray that we have tioned earlier, the latest additions being the added a quality of life to our community, renovation of the church sanctuary ceiling, as we have tried to portray the lifestyle and sound and lighting; the insulation of the cares and concerns of all our sisters and entire church building; and the replacement brothers, that this area might know and of the Fellowship Hall air conditioning understand more fully that we are people system. endowed with all of the God given abilities MCC Tampa is not limited to being which are shared by all of humanity, and solely an edifice, however. As these doors not just sexual beings. Many'organizations have remained open, literally thousands of have emerged in the past few years to meet people have passed through them, and the variety of needs which our community many have lovingly and unselfishly given of expresses, be it religious, social, political, their time, their talents, their money and economical or emotional. themselves to see this become a testimony We are beginning to see some real to our love of God, for one another, and changes in the Lesbian and Gay populace for all of our sisters and brothers through- and the rights which we are, or should be out the Tampa Bay area. Among-the many granted simply by virtue of our humanity. ways in which this church gives in its We, all of us, have made a commitoutreach are the Nursing Home Ministry ment to God, and to one another, to established over seven years ago as an support one another, to care for one outreach to our elderly sisters and brothers another, and to be a family of God sharing confined in the nursing home across the with one another the joy and liberation we street; the Christian Children's Fund, have found. Certainly MCC Tampa is here through which we currently sponsor three to stay. New projects such as a Campus children in Uganda, the Phillipines, and Ministry and Deaf Ministry are already in Brazil; the Prison Ministry through which the beginning stage. Needs, such as a new hundreds of prisoners are learning that roof, will be ever present. New goals will there are those who care and that God be set for the future years to come, and loves them, too; our Christmas Project with all of these will come new opporthrough which we provide food and gifts to tunities to continue to be all that we can families in need in the Tampa Bay region; be. as well as innumerable ongoing projects continued on page 13

JOURNEY continued from page 12 We are inviting the UFMCC to celebrate with us, be it in person at one' of the activities planned for April 15th through 17th for which you may contact the church (Actual Mortgage Burning during the evening worship April 17), or in Spirit, as we Praise God for our "Coming of Age."

by Patricia Litka Worship Coordinator Modesto MCC We need an office!

An exciting yet frightening thought ...it would be the first openly GAY office in Modesto ... Modesto, where people ask "What church do you attend?" before they ask where you live, where you work or where you go to school.

The Bible belt of Northern California. There are 324 churches listed in the 1982 telephone book, all within a 13 mile radius. Are we ready for this???

My fears vanished as we began to recall how the Lord had blessed Modesto MCC in the past 16 months.

We started praying for an office. The places we fcund were either in the "not so desirable" part of town or were too expensive.

One night it was pointed out to me that I had not practiced what I had preached, i.e.: "When you pray be specific!"

So I prayed "Lord, we need an office that is centrally located, has ample parking at a price our church budget can afford.

The size is up to you but it must be large enough for us to hold classes, rap groups, etc."

Later that week at a dinner party, I asked one of the women giving the party if she was still praying about a church office.

One of the guests said, "Not long ago I moved out of an office that is centrally located, has plenty of parking and the price is right."

A few days later we rented the office at 1115 K Street Gust two and one half blocks from the 6,000 member First Baptist church and Bible school).

The owner was asking $200 a month but if we would repair, paint and clean it we could lease it for $170 a month. PRAISE THE LORD!!! 600 square feet. It even has a smail office within the office.

What wonderful fellowship was shared while painting and cleaning.

(I must be honest ...they didn't let me do anything except look ...bless their hearts.)

Before we moved in the office with cardboard boxes for files and a card table

for a desk we received a gift ... and what a gift!

Two women who had attended church gave $1000 for new desks, chairs and file cabinets.

(God just "Keeps on blessing and blessing.")

Rev. Bob Cunningham gave us two couches , and two end tables with lamps were given by members from Merced. The $1000 gift also paid all the utility deposits and telephone transfer.

On November 10th over 50 persons attended our open house.

During announcements on Sunday December 5th I was handed a card.

I opened the Christmas card and stood there in shock ...for the first time in my life I was speachless. A note said "Merry Christmas.

Here is your copier."

Love Jeanie Blackburn and Patricia Boggiano.

There was a cashier's check for $2000. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Matthew 21 :22).

Monday morning I called Modesto Typewriter to see if they still had the new Royal copiers ...they sold for $2600 ...they had one left. I prayed and set off to see what kind of arrangements I could make.

As I was ushered into the copier section of the store I saw a big red tag "CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 30% DISCOUNT." With a shaking hand I 'wrote the check for $1851.29.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow."

Excel in the Redwoods (San Francisco Bay Area) 113 Columbia Mill Valley, CA 94941 Excel Great Lakes .410 Baldwin Drive Rochester, MI 48063 Excel in the Spirit: NorthwestGathering (Portland, OR) 4051 E. Burnside Portland, OR 97214 Excel Los Angeles 926 Nowita Place Venice, CA 90291 Excel in the Desert (Phoenix) P.O. Box 121 Scottsdale, AZ 85252 Excel by the Sea (Santa Barbara) 125C North Milpas Street Santa Barbara, CA 93103

WOMEN'S SPIRITUALITY RETREAT TO BE HELD IN APRIL worship

services

will

also

For more information, or call: Darlene Harryman 1846 Colorado Boise, Idaho 83706 (208) 344-3038 The Northwest District will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of their Women's Spirituality Retreat from April 29 through May 1st.

Sisters can attend the Retreat at Camp Tamerack in Sisters, Oregon for $29. This fee covers lodging and meals for Saturday and Sunday. Working scholarships will be made available to offset part of the fee and arrangements are being made for lower rates for children and for child care.

Workshops will deal with women of the Old and New Testament, Jesus' ministry' to women and women in religion today.

A sharing time will be used to tell the history of MCC and women.

Meaningful

be provided. please

write

MCCSEATTLE BEGINS SUNDAY SCHOOL A long time dream was realized January 16 as the first Sunday School class for children of the Congregation was held.

The class will meet during the regular Worship Service, and the children will return to the sanctuary to take Communion with their families.

The classes will be led by two teachers and the major focus will be a loving environment where the children can learn about Jesus, God and Holy Spirit.

The continued on page 15

APRIL

1983, JOURNEY

13

CHILDREN OF LESBIANS AND GAYS UNITE FOR SUPPORT

NEW BAPTIST ANTHOLOGY INCLUDED TINNEY SERMON A sermon explaining God's identification with homosexuality through the human nature of Jesus Christ, based on St. Luke's account of the conversion of an Ethiopian eunuch, has been published in a new sermon anthology just released by Judson Press.

Authored by Dr. James S. Tinney, a Howard University professor and pastor of Faith Temple, a predominantly-Black Gay and Lesbian church in the nation's capital, the sermon is entitled, "What Meaneth This?"

It is included in a new book, Outstanding Black Sermons. Judson Press is the official denominational publishing house of the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. "This marks the first time any book by this Baptist publisher, or any collection of writings by major Black Christian leaders, has included a positive viewpoint on homosexuality," said Tinney.

STANDING ON THE PROMISES Samuel DOH chose to quit after nearly 20 years as a bank employee rather than give up his leadership role with the Louisville, Kentucky Dignity/Integrity chapter.

A complaint has been filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), although bank officials point out that EEOC guidelines do not include sexual orientation as a category protected from discrimination.

First National Bank of Louisville spokesperson Jodie Goldberg said that Dorr's position as president of the Dignity/ Integrity chapter constituted an "outside activity which may reasonably subject the bank to criticism or adverse publicity" as spelled out in its employee policy manual.

DOH, a branch manager, was asked to give up his lay ministry or resign. He has since had to rent his house and sell a number of possessions.

Gay and Lesbian activists in Louisville are organizing a boycott of First National and many depositors have already closed their accounts due to the bank's treatment of Dorr.

14 JOURNEY, APRIL 1983

GRNL'sNEW RIGHT TO PRIV ACY FOUNDATION APPOINTS EDUCATION AND RESEARCH DIRECTOR Rick Davis has been appointed Education and Research Director for the Right to Privacy Foundation, a new organization set up by the Gay Rights National Lobby to engage in research, analysis and education on public issues of national legislation of interest to Lesbians and Gay men.

Davis, who holds a B.A. degree in speech and a law degree, served as a special projects coordinator during the St. Paul, Minnesota Lesbian and Gay rights referendum in 1978 and as an openly Gay member of the Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights from 1979-1981.

Davis commented that while many other organizations engage in educational activities on homosexuality, "the Right to Privacy Foundation is unique in its focus on national legislation.

We're choosing projects carefully to make sure we're highly effective while avoiding duplication of the functions and services of others."

A GRNL Press Release offered the following analysis of the movement: "Lesbian and Gay male activists, leaders and organizations are usually understaffed, underfinanced and seriously overworked.

Faced not only with overcoming the old myths and stereotypes about Gay people, but with constant assaults by the reactionary New Right, the often almost frantically-busy activists are too often preoccupied with putting out the ever-present brush fires. Even for those not absorbed with brush fires, the shortage of funds, staff and time makes the execution of their civil rights program extremely difficult.

There is scarcely the opportunity for careful analysis, planning or creative thinking."

Projects under consideration include the analysis of the impact of anti-gay bills and amendments in Congress and of the arguments being used by the Moral Majority and other such anti-gay groups.

The Foundation can be contacted at 750 - 7th Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003.

Statistics collected by the National Gay Task Force regarding Lesbian and Gay parents indicate that there are 10 to 12 million persons who share a mutual concern ... that of a parent's homosexuality.

It has finally been recognized and acknowledged that a vast majority of children (who sooner or later learn of a parent's homosexuality) are acutely in need of counseling, support and assistance in their attempt to understand and cope with their personal feelings of confusion, anger or resentment ... their sense of loss, rejection, isolation and stigma.

The plight of CHILDREN OF GAYS has been specifically addressed by Llana Lloyd of Los Angeles who has been joined by others working to develop a network of self-help support groups for a "new minority within a minority within a minority!"

To date, COG support groups have been started in Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington, DC, New York City, Arlington, VA and Newport, Rhode Island.

For information about or assistance in starting a COG support group in your area, please contact Llana Lloyd, 8306 Wilshire Blvd.

No. 222, Beverly Hills, CA 90211; Telephone: (213) 738-1008 (no collect calls please).

CALL continued from page 2 sponsored by the Northwest District, 17 responded by attending an after-hours meeting to discuss all of this.

It is my recommendation that at the General Conference to be held in Toronto, an opportunity be provided for such persons to come together to discuss this concept.

I could see meetings announced to take place after-hours on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

It would be the task of those in attendance to see if there is substance to this matter of "Another Call" and what - if any - course we as a Fellowship might be encouraged to take to facilitate those who have experienced "Another Call."

I also recommend that publicity be given to this concept prior to Toronto so that there may be Fellowship-wide discussion ~ of this idea.

It could be that my experience in the Fellowship is unique and that there is no need to explore this concept.

It could also be that God is bringing this idea to consciousness at this time so that we may be led of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling God's unfolding purpose for this Fellowship in yet another way.

-

-

---

For Information: I

Substance

Abuse

new beginnings The Task Force on Substance Abuse will not be able to totally eliminate the problems of chemical abuse.

It will, however, be an out-stretched hand to many of our sisters and brothers who feel trapped in the pain and misunderstanding of chemical abuse.

Very little has been published on the subject of Substance Abuse within the Lesbian and Gay community.

It has been reported that 70-85% of the total U.S. population abuses chemicals in some form or another.

It is not known what numbers are actually involved in this statistic from the Lesbian and Gay community.

I feel assured that many of our sisters and brothers are not accounted for in these national surveys.

If this is true, then we have an insurmountable need to reach out and offer our help to these individuals.

You may ask, how can I, one person, do anything to help? The answer is simple; become involved and stand in support of educating as many people as possible on the facts, not myths, of chemical abuse.

I am confident that all of us at some point have come in close contact with individuals who have or are abusing chemicals. Some of us have even lived with the pain and agony of the chemically abusive person.

Chemical abuse, ironically, is not an illness with an understandable cause and effect relationship.

It is not an illness that strikes only the weak, or the wealthy, or the poor, or those of low intellectual functioning.

It can be found in anyone.

Chemical abuse usually stems from an individual's attempt to cope with their problems and stresses involved in daily living. What this does, in essence, is allow the individual to mask their perceptions of reality and temporarily alleviate the pain surrounding the problem(s).

This cycle leads the person further and further into trouble because they begin to lose touch with what the problem(s) actually are. The

Task

Force

G. Daune Littlefield, Chairperson Substance Abuse Task Force 1810 Marland Wood Road, No. 2102 Temple, Texas 76502 or:

person begins to not be able to feel anything at all.

You still ask, how can I help? First, you can become actively involved and convinced that you can make a difference.

Secondly, you can learn the basic fundamentals involved in chemical abuse. One of the main objectives of the Task Force will be to provide this kind of educational support.

The Task Force is comprised of a chairperson, Daune Littlefield, and three mem bers; Shiley Young, Diablo Valley MCC; Rev. Steven Quesnel, South Atlantic District; and Rev. Michael Piazza, MCC Atlanta. These individuals are contributing a great deal of their time and talent toward completing the goals of the Task Force.

Young, a truly outstanding individual, has developed a greatly needed referral network for individuals who are experiencing crisis situations and have turned to MCC for assistance. Quesnel has formulated and instigated our first pilot program for a District Level Task Force on Substance Abuse.

The concept of a District Task Force has been very successful and has stimulated a lot of local church member participation.

In turn, the cost of providing these local church workshops has been very cost efficient.

God is also blessing in other ways by providing lay representatives from the local churches who will be responsible for distributing information generated by the Task Force.

Projects that are planned for the coming year are to incorporate the concept of the District Task Forces in as many areas as possible. Secondly, to develop, publish and distribute a crisis intervention pamphlet for every church in the Fellowship which will provide practical guidelines on the "how to's" in dealing with a wide range of counseling situations.

The Task Force needs your support and prayers.

We ask that you who are called to service in this area respond now and let us put you to work.

If you feel that you want to work on this Task Force, simply write to me at the address listed below.

Let us stand in Unity and Faith that as a chosen people we can make a difference in the world in which we live.

May God gain the glory and the blessings from this project.

cia Agape MCC 2336 Hemphill Ft. Worth, TX 76110

EDITOR'S NOTE: A report on and Gay alcohol abuse titled the Report" is available from: The Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center c/o Alcohol A buse Program 1213 N. Highland Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90038 (Make $15 checks payable to the Alcohol Abuse Program).

JOURNEY continued from page 13 planned activities cover a broad spectrum and creativity will be encouraged and supported.

Songs, books, games, crafts, outings and discussions are all ways people learn - children are little people and they learn the same way.

Support groups for the women and men of the Church were recently formed.

Both meetings had good turnout and each group formed some positive plans for their developm en t.

The Women's Group plans to meet on the second Saturday of each month and will plan various types of group activities.

Their plans include some service projects such as raising funds for the Women's Retreat in Sisters, Oregon in April.

The Men's Group will meet each Thursday at 7 :30 p.m. They plan to have rap sessions as well as various social functions.

FFO continued

from page 8

and trembling because that courage is called forth because people ... you and 1. .. are trying to define and judge in areas we are forbidden.

I am not suggesting license. I do not know the answers. But I believe that this is an area we must begin to discuss. We must begin to give real, and not superficial, thought to Gay and Lesbian Christian ethics and morality.

It is not licit for us to go back into some sort of Levitical closet.

But let us search out God's will for us, so that at any time, during any sexual encounter, we could turn to Christ and say, "Lord, this is a friend of mine."

APRIL

1983, JOURNEY

15