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In UniTY Chairman, Board of Publications Editor, IN UNITY
SUMMER
Volume
ISSUE
The Magazine of the Universal Fellowship
of Metropolitan
Community
V, No.1
Churches
REV. TOM TAYLOR 1333 W. Sycamore, #30 Willows, California 95988 BOARDOF
ELDERS
REV. TROY PERRY Moderator
REV. JOHN HOSE Vice Moderator
REV. RICHARD VINCENT Clerk
REV. JAMES SANDMIRE Treasurer
REV. JOHN GILL REV. FREDA SMITH REV. ROY BIRCHARD Women's Correspondent DIANE RICHARDSON U.S. District Correspondents Great Lakes REV. RAY THOMAS P. O. Box 39235 Cincinnati, Ohio 45239 513/791-2083 Northwest REV. MICHAEL ENGLAND P. O. Box 11607 Salt Lake City, Utah 84110 801/531-9434 Southwest JAMES MILLER 213/467-1002 Northeast REV. LAURENCE G. BERNIER 131 Cambridge Street Boston, Massachusetts 02114 617/523-7664 Southeast REV. KEITH DAVIS P. O. Box 370963 Miami, Florida 33127 305/7 58-7190 South-Central GARY R. LEWIS P. O. Box 60738 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106 405/528-3100 Mid-Central REV. CAROL CURETON P. 0_ Box 3407 St. Louis, Missouri 63143 314/647-6419 World Correspondents Canada REV. ROBERT WOLFE 20 Trinity Square Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1 B1 Europe JO McVAY-ABBOTT 61 Earl's Court Square London SW5 9DG, England 01/828-8172 Africa FELIX MACLEKEE P. O. Box 266 Zaria, Nigeria Australia ANTHONY BABICCI P. O. Box 207, Paddington Sydney, New South Wales 2021
EDITORIAL/REV.
TOM TAYLOR
This is both a time of joy and sadness for me. It is a time of joy because I have the opportunity to invite you to Dallas and give you a hardy "Howdy pardner!" This year's conference is shaping up to be one of the best ever. You won't want to miss it. I'm sure those of you fortunate enough to make the trip will have a spiritual experience you won't quickly forget. You will also get a chance to see UFMCC at work. You'll come to understand why and how the Fellowship continues to grow. Even at work, it is apparent that God is at the center of the Fellowship's core. Dallas is a warm and hospitable city and the members of MCC Dallas have been working long hours to make our visit with them a memorable one. It is a time of sadness because this will be my last visit with you in these pages. Someone else will take over the reigns next issue. I hope you extend to them the same warmth you have extended to me during the past two years. The Board of Elders at their last meeting in Dallas moved to consolidate the Board of Publications in Los Angeles under the leadership of Dick Mickley. The growth of the Fellowship makes it imperative to have a strong publications department, one located where it can properly coordinate the growing number of church publications. I have long felt the isolation that many of you must feel, living outside the L.A. area. It has proven an impossible task for me to coordinate the news of a fast growing Fellowship isolated as I am in Willows and Sacramento. There is also not enough money in the Fellowship coffers to pay for my transportation to and from L.A. nor to continue to pay for the necessary long distance phone calls. I have tried to show during the past two years that church publications need not be dull or flat. I have tried to show that appearancethe way a story appears on a page-is almost as important as what the word says. Graphics in any publication is extremely important. You first must make the reader want to read what you've written. I've also tried to show that we don't have to settle for the cutesy "art nouveau" that so decorated many of our earlier publications. Cutesy, frilly art, overdone, can drive readers away. I've also experimented with the use of photographs. If we are truly free, we need not be afraid anymore. Pictures, like the man said (-or is it the woman), are truly worth a thousand words. IN UN ITY is the official representative of the Fellowship wherever it appears. We cannot settle for half best. It must reflect the entire body of the church and not just the editorial opinion or bias of one person or persons within the church leadership. I have tried to be responsive to your needs and the needs of the Fellowship under the guidance of God. The extent to which I have succeeded is due in great part to your support, the support of the Board of Elders, my own church board and to Mike Newton of Terrific Graphics, in San Francisco. Mike has been my graphics expert. It is his magic that took my ideas and made them a reality. Thank you all for your love and support. ~' "May God bless you real, real good!"
~ IN THIS ISSUE Welcome to Dallas from Rev. Elder Troy Perry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 Editorial by Rev. Tom Taylor 3 God's Team at Work in Stockton/The Grace of Belonging 4 WE'VE A STORY TO TELL THE NATIONS :. . . . . . .. 5 Court Backs God In Approval of Gays/Outreach: Gays In Prison 6 Unity With A Difference by Rev. Arthur Green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8 Dateline " 9 Outreach: The Gay Alcoholic/The Deaf and Non-Speaking 10 National Church Council Endorses Gay Rights 11 IN UNITY is published each Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter by the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, 1046 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, California 90015. ŠCopyright 1975 by the Universal Fellowship. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. Editorial, circulation and advertising offices, 1046 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, California. Application to mail at 2nd class postage is pending at Los Angeles, California. Annual subscription rate $3.00. Please address all subscription correspondence and change of address information to 1046 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, California 90015. The publication of any name or advertisement is in no way meant to convey sexual orientation and opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necesarily reflect those of the editor or the Universal Fellowship. 3
.-------
m orking In Stockton Last October, at the Northwest District Conference, Stockton, California was opened up for a feasibility study. November 2, we made our first contacts, and on November 22, we had our first service. We began with 14 people; 13 men and one woman! God began dealing with our brothers and sisters and things began to move. We moved from house to house for three weeks. We then had a generous offer to meet regularly in a big, big home, where numbers did not matter. After being there for six weeks, we were averaging 30 to 45 people. At this time, numbers did become a problem. We needed a place to settle, somewhere to work out of, somewhere to call home, and able to put a sign on the door. We found a perfect place to worship for the perfect cost! An old rummage store, with a kitchen and bathroom, put together with ticky-tacky tape and plaster board. It was charming, yet a total disaster; all wrapped-up into one big job ahead of us. Our brothers and sisters in Christ pulled their resources and talents together, and we worked day and night for a week-and-a-half. Praise the Lord! We now have a quaint sanctuary, kitchen, and undoubtedly, the smallest bathroom in the Fellowship! We began with services on January 26. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. We dropped in numbers to an average of 18 to 20. God was sifting the dedicated from the rest. We held onto most of our original 14 members and began to build again. The Holy Spirit was blessing our congregation with prayer warriors, dedicated, reborn Christians, workers for Christ. We have grown from one morning service, to an additional evening service, Tuesday evening rap group, Wednesday evening Bible study, taught by Alice's mother, and a choir! The Lord is blessing us with interested people who contribute to and grow from our services and activities. 4
ALICE JON ES was born in Oklahoma City on Aug. 1937. A former Baptist, she studied at the Oklahoma Baptist University participating in their youth evangelism. She met Candy on April 27, 1972. They joined the MCC in the Valley in 1973 and moved to Sacramento to study under The Rev. Elder Freda Smith. The move to Sacramento came shortly after their union on March 8, 1974. They began the Stockton MCC eight months later. Ms. Jones was recommended for licensing at the June Northwest District Conference in Monterey.
CANDY NAISBITT was born in Springfield, Ohio on Jan. 26, 1949.Raised a Lutheran, she moved to California in 1966. She studied at the University of California at both Los Angeles and Santa Barbara as well as the University of Utah. She met Alice in 1972 and joined MCC in 1973.They were married by Rev. John Rowe on March 8, 1974. They moved to Sacramento in 1974. They began the work in Stockton that November. Ms. Naisbitt was recommended for licensing at the June Northwest District Conference in Monterey. She has a 5-year-old son.
TheCirqceof Belonging ... We are not made to feel at home at M.C.C. Stockton, rather, we are allowed to be at home. Such a difference is almost too real to describe. It is more than merely a feel ing of just being comfortable in belonging to 'something'. And it is more than just a 'good' feeling, and it is more than simply a 'sure feeling' feeling. The feeling we have beings to transcend all time. The feeling of belonging is not there as something which we were solely and purposely seeking. Rather it is there by its own grace. It is ours to share with all those with whom our lives touch. The feeling is shouting, ever so gently, "I do belong!" and, "You too can belong." This feel ing of belonging became even more apparent to us after we were baptized. We became even more aware of all the blessings which are ours. And with that there comes a bountiful grace in an acceptance of His Will while we work toward an understanding of it. Our Stockton study group is tremendously fortunate in having two tireless worship coordinators. We have each gained tremendous knowledge and understanding of God's word through their efforts. It would have been unfortunate had there been only one coordinator ... we might not have been even half-way there yet! LESLIE K. McCLEERY CURTIS L. FRAZIER
We have several interested in going to General Conference, and are trying to raise enough money to charter a bus. Our fund raising task at present is bumper stickers! Our people receive such joy and added strength from meeting new people within the Fellowship, that they are eagerly awaiting their trip to Dallas in July. Interest and an awareness of the Fellowship has been impressed upon our people by taking our congregation to other churches in the area for an occasional evening service. We began last January, by going to Sacramento, to hear Rev .. Ron Anderson of Fort Worth. In March, we went to San Francisco to see Rev. Robert Falls, of Oklahoma City. In April, we went back to Sacramento, to be blessed with Rev. Paul Van Heck. The Stockton Study Group no longer feels 路the isolation we once did, when we knew very little of the entire Fellowship. The Rev. Elder Freda Smith visits us often, giving encouragement by showing that she cares. We have built our membership back up to 35 actively interested members. We have been blessed with many gifts, loans, and talents. Two of our brothers, charter members of the San Fernando Valley, are buying the church new hymnals. Another brother has loaned us the use of his piano. Two brothers have supplied us with advertisements plus - they have created beautiful posters and can be seen all over Stockton. We have an incredible list of concerned Stocktonians who have offered help in counseling, medical aid, housing, bond services, and u nbel ievable other services too numerous to mention, assembled by a brother who spent many hours of concern for his other brothers and sisters. -We are indebted to these people who do so much for the love of Christ. This testimony of Stockton Study Group merits an explanation as to why we are moving so rapidly and so well. "The praises go up and the blessings (continued on back page)
"WE'VE A STORY TO TELL TO THE NATIONS" Sixth Annual General Conference of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches Dallas Texas
Friday, August 1
Tuesday, July 29 :00 a.m.
(Lobby) Worshrp Service (Grand Ballroom and Lobby) all..District
•. 00·
1:45·
Coordinators
10:0011:45
a.m.
Lunch
5:30p.m.
Business Meeting
5: 30·
7: 30 p.m.
Supper Worship Service (Grand Ballroom, Lobby) Sermon: Rev. Elder Smith
Saturday, August 2 Registration
8:00 a.m. 9:00 ·10:00
a.m.
Worship Service (Grand Ballroom)
10:00·11
Sermon: Rev. jay Deacon.
11 :45·
:45 a.m, 1 :30 p.rn.
(Lobby) Worship Service (Grand Ballroom) Sermon: Rev. Paul Van Heeke Registration
a.m,
1: 30 p.m.
3:15 p.rn. Meetings and Workshops - Session II Spanish Ministry; International Understanding in UFMCC; Handicapped; Team Ministry; Youth; Credentials Com.
3:45·
5:30 p.m. Meetings and Workshops - Session III Faith, Fellowship & Order; Prison Ministry (USA); Aging; Sexism; Racism; Church Music; Credentials Committee 7: 30 p.m.
(Grand Ballroom)
3:00·
5:30 p.m.
Business Meeting (Rose Room)
5: 30·
7: 30 p.rn.
Supper Worship Service (Grand Ballroom) Sermon: Rev. Val Valrejean
Lunch
1:30·
5: 30·
Lunch Guest Speaker
7:30 p.m,
10:00·11 :45 a.m. Meetings and Workshops - Session I By Laws Committee; Christian Education; Evangelism & World Mission; Social Action Workshop; Alcoholism; Minister's Spouse; Small Group Dynamics; Credentials Committee 11 :45·
Business Meeting (Rose Room)
Ms. Elaine Noble, Massachusetts State Representative
ednesday, July 30 9:00 ·10:00
Worship Service (Grand Ballroom)
Sermon: Rev. Robert Wolfe
Supper
1:30 p.m.
:00 a.m.
Business Meeting
1:30·
7:30 p.m.
5:30 p.rn, Meetings and Workshops - Session III Women in UFMCC; Religious Orders; Social Action Workshop; Alcoholism; Youth; Small Group Dynamics; Credentials Com.
Worship Service (Grand Ballroom, Lobby)
1: 30 p.m.
Meetings and Workshops - Session II & Order; International Understanding in Handicapped; Church Music; Credentials Com.
3:45·
7:30p:m.
11 :45·
Lunch
3:15 p.m. Faith, Fellowship UFMCC; Sexism;
7:30 p.m.
a.m.
Sermon: Rev. john Barbone
participating
1:30·
5:30·
9:00 ·10:00
11 :45 a.m. Meetings and Workshops - Session I Social Action Committee; Publications Committee; Christian Education Committee; Samaritan Bible School; Spanish Ministry; Aging; Team Ministry; Racism; Credentials Committee 1:30 p.m.
Registration
8:00 a.m.
Registration
.00 . 10: 00 a.m.
July 29· August 3, 1975
Supper Worship Service (Grand Ballroom) Sermon: Rev. Carol Cureton
7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 31 8:00 a.m. 9:00 ·10:00
(Lobby)
Registration a.m.
Worship Services (Grand Ballroom)
Sermon: Rev. Elder Birchard 10:00 ·11 :45 a.m.
Business Meeting (Rose Room, 75th Floor)
11:45·
1:30p.m.
Lunch
5:30 p.m.
Business Meeting
1:30· 5: 30·
7: 30 p.rn,
:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 3 10:30 ·11:00
a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Supper
Singspiration Morning
Worship Service
Sermon: Rev. Elder Perry
World Evangelism
Worship Service
7: 30 p.m.
(Grand Ballroom) Sermon: Rev. Lee Carlton
Evening Worship Service
Address: Rev. Dr. Norman Pittenger 5
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Court Backs God REV. TOM TAYLOR
OUTREACH The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC) is a bona fide church and meets every test of a true religion, a three-judge federal court ruled May 20 in San Francisco. In making the decision, the three judges unanimously found that denial of MCC religious services to prisoners who request them is a serious infringement of their constitutional rights guaranteed by the First and 14th Amendments. The state cannot restrict a prisoner's religious freedom unless it can prove such worship would constitute a "clear and, present danger to the good order and discipline of the prison," the ruling stated. The federal panel ordered an evidenciary hearing to determine if the state can prove that MCC services, in fact, constitute a danger to prison discipline. The ruling came as the result of a suit filed Feb. 14, 1973 against Raymond Procunier, then director of the state Department of Corrections, by UFMCC and state prison inmates who had requested the ministry of the church. The Church is seeking full visitation rights, including the right to conduct services within the prisons, San Francisco attorney John Wahl explained. Wahl is handling the suit for the church. UFMCC joined with Herbert L. Lipp, Ronald J. Kitner and Melvin C. Hull, then prisoners at San Quentin now out on parole, in filing the suit after the Rev. Joseph Gilbert, then UFMCC prison ministry director, had been banned by Procunier from holding services at San Quentin. Procunier, who was charged with the supervision, management and control of the state prisons, refused to allow religious services "aimed primarily at homosexuals" in the prisons. He left it up to individual wardens to determine visitation permits for UFMCC ministers, Wahl said, noting they had the same responsibility with any minister. The state argues that services by UFMCC ministers will delay and hamper rehabilitation efforts by the prison; create sexual unrest; and would promote felonious acts by the inmates, Wahl said. Homosexual acts are prohibited by California law, the lawyer explained, noting however a consensual sex bill had been signed in April and would become effective Jan. 1, changing the law as it pertains to adults. "This could materially affect their arguments," the attorney continued. UFMCC argues services would not hamper rehabilitation but would instead help, Wahl said. Religious counseling will help the prisoner face his sexuality with better understanding and help him cope with life's problems, making him more susceptable to rehabilitation, Wahl said. He estimated there were between 5,000 to 10,000 homosexually oriented inmates in California prisons. Most are serving time for non-sexually related charges, he said. The evidenciary hearing won't take place for at least three months, Wahl noted, indicating the state had appealed the decision. 6
A SPECIAL MINISTRY: THE CH REV.
TERE ANNE RODERICK
California Medical Facility, Vacaville, is located nearly 40 miles from Sacramento in Northern California. Here, the Department of Correction's houses their sex offenders. Many of these persons are gay brothers whose crimes are not primarily sexual, but whose sexual preference is known to the Department. These men have often been treated like animals by both the authorities and the other inmates. They are required to undergo therapy aimed, in many instances, at changing their sexual orientation. Through the San Francisco Metropolitan Community Church, the Fellowship is attempting to give these people a sense of worth which they have never received through therapy or through their institutionalization. M.C.C. has been visiting Vacaville for over three years now, working at first on a one-to-one basis with inmates through a system of visitor-correspondence, and later, through my acceptance as a probationary chap Iiain in the Protestant Chaplain's Office of that institution. To this date the program has been successful, both from my own point of view and from that of prisoners and the authorities as well. The general ideas for the program stem from my experiences and those of the other members of the visitation group in dealing with inmate problems at Vacaville and other institutions. The basic idea is for us to be a "caring presence" inside the walls of the institution; someone an inmate can come to without fear of becoming exposed or-being punished for their sexual preferences.
A June 27 appeal hearing has been scheduled, Wahl said, indicating it would undoubtedly be reset. The evidenciary hearing will not be held until after the appeal is heard. The state is asking the panel to reconsider its decision or to amend it permitting an appeal to the Circuit Court of Appeals. "The state is seeking a technical ruling to allow an appeal to a lower court," Wahl said, explaining the appeal correctly lies with the federal Supreme Court. The state must prove that MCC services are a "clear and present" danger, Wahl said, indicating they might have a difficult time, since Black Muslims are currently permitted to hold services inside California prisons. "We are currently preparing our case," Wahl said. "I would strongly urge anyone with the knowledge or any information concerning MCC services held in jails or prisons anywhere in the world to contact me. We need the names and addresses of anyone who might have information." The unanimous ruling by judges Oliver J. Carter, Joseph Smead, and William East, is clearly a victory for the Church, Wahl said. MCC officials, jubilant over the victory, felt it could establish the framework for similar court victories elsewhere. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawyers in Illinois can use this decision in their suit against a prohibition of MCC services in the state prison at Menard. The California decision is not binding on other states, Wahl cautioned, but agreed it could help set a precident. "The ruling would become binding if it goes before the Supreme Court and is upheld." The Rev. Troy Perry, UFMCC founder and moderator for its Board of Elders said he was jubilant. "Of course we are jubilant that a federal court has ruled what we know has been true in the eyes of God all along." "This is indeed a day to praise the Lord," Richard R.
Approval of Gays BEHIND
BARS
Because it is necessary for us to keep privileged information secret, me news about what is actually going on within this institution is limited. Only the inmates and their counselors are aware of the changes made in those intimate lives. Many of the inmates have new leases on life because they have finally come to realize that they are not alone, mat there are people outside the walls who are willing to help. For some, this is enough reason to want to be paroled, and in some cases, it is enough to gain them parole dates. Because there are not sufficient programs to handle the caseload of people given parole dates, parolees can be a problem for any group. I.C.C. does not have the facilities to house, employ or counsel the large numbers of gay persons who come to use for assistance. When these people are recently released from penal institutions the problem becomes even more acute. In a number of cases these persons are released with less than $200, no job, no friends (other than the church) and no employable skills. These people turn to us for help and we are able to give them only referrals to inexpensive rooming houses, job agencies, and places where they may obtain food. In this way, we are a part of the great fallacy that contends an inmate is only rehabilitated after he or she has either become amenable to the authority of the parole and penal authorities, or after that inmate has served his or her time. Even the Attorney General of California has finally come to the realization that this is not the case. The question now before us is: What can we do to help these people readjust to society?
(continued on back page)
Mickley, National' Administrator for the Church's Board of Prison Ministry said from Los Angeles. "This denomination has a serious commitment to prison ministry which it tries to fulfill in many ways. The decision will open the door for bringing the love of Christ to many people in prison." Mickley, on behalf of the Board, also praised Gilbert and Wahl. "After God, we thank the Rev. Joseph Gilbert for his foresight and Attorney John Wahl for his determined effort to win this victory, which, for us, is not only historic but meaningful." The case originally was taken under submission August 2, 1973, but had to be reargued when one of the original trial judges, the Honorable Oliver Hamlin, died as the case was eing prepared. The three original plaintiffs have since been paroled and the suit joined by 25 other inmates. Procunier has been replaced as Director of Corrections and Rev. Gilbert has been succeeded y a th ree-rnan Board. Gilbert, reached in Providence, Rhode Island, where he is astor of MCC-Providence, said the decision "opens a whole ew era in MCC prison ministry. What the state would not
ermit can now be done to the glory of God. " Wahl feels the state's requests for a reconsideration of the ecision will be taken under submission and eventually be enied. "The case may go right up this year to the Supreme Court," ahl said, stressing he would like to argue the case before the high court. "If something goes to the Court by an appeal, it must make an order disposing it," Wahl stressed. The High Court could summarily dismiss the appeal, letting the decision stand, or it could consider it on written briefs only or allow oral argument.
"The local ban on MCC prison services still stands," Wahl said. "Nothing will be done until a final decision is made." Indicating he had heard of MCC services in other state prisons, Wahl said he was waiting for full input. HI understand
these services went off without a clear and present danger to anyone but the devil. " "For some persons, the disturbing feature of the Church (UFMCC) and its ministry is the unconventional purpose of administering 'primarily to the spiritual and religious needs of people who are homosexual in sexual orientation.''' the court ruling states. "We hold no office to delve into a discussion of the theology involved; however, we do contend that while most Christian ministries believe and consider individuals of homosexual sexual orientation to be abominations and undesirable in the eyes of God, the Church's ministers homilize well that under the Scriptures Christ considered such an individual among His brotherhood of man. "In any event, it is manifest that the mere fact of one having homosexual proclivities does not per se deprive him of legal entitlements and constitutional immunities ... "We find from the undosputed record evidence that the Church and its ministry do not teach or promote homossexuality manifestations or any sexuality among its some 15,000 members, except to acknowledge the fact of homosexual orientation among humans and their need for spiritual ministry, ... " "We believe that the Church's ministry and work and the religion espoused by the Church and its ministry possess the cardinal characteristics associated with traditional 'recognized' religions in that it teaches and preaches a belief in a Supreme Being, a religious discipline and tenets to guide one's daily existence." Theologically, U F MCC is rather fundamental istic, Gilbert said upon the initial filing of the suit. It's only official doctrine is a brief affirmation of the belief in God, salvation through Jesus Christ, His son; and in the sustaining gift of the Holy Spirit. The unofficial but consistent sexual ethic is Iittle different than any major Protestant denomination, Gilbert said. Sex is best in a continuing, monogamous style relationship; sex is not sinful in and of itself, but only as persons use each other as sexual objects, without love. UFMCC is a Christian church organized to serve the homosexual community rather than a homosexual church, Perry has maintained from the beginning when he started with 12 members in 1968. The basic principle of the UFMCC is not sexual eth ics or orientation, Gilbert said, estimating about 80-95 per cent of the members i each congregation are Gay. "The church presents itself as a place where both 'straights' and 'gays' can meet to worship God." The common denominator is Christianity, he added. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION OR KNOWLEDGE OF MCC SERVICES IN PRISON INSTITUTIONS OR JAILS ARE ASKED TO CONTACT ATTORNEY JOHN WAHL, 1255 POST STREET, SUITE 1128, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94109.
Christian fellowship in the light of the As the word 'fellowship' is used in the Gospel illumination of it. denominational name of our part of the It is particularly disturbing to see the universal Christian Church, it is good for us meetings of some district conferences of as sisters and brothers to consider the UF MCC turned into debati ng societies nature of Christian fellowship. raising issues of doctrinal differences; to Fellowship is often thought of and pracsee these same district meetings turned tised as being socially pleasant to persons into mock legislative sessions trying to who are like ourselves in looks, thought, or pass "rules" and promulgate "laws" when action. We have seen what a devastatingly the UFMCC By-Laws clearly state the narrow and largely sterile atmosphere that purposes for which districts exist - Christattitude has produced in most Christian ian fellowship, being the first among them. bodies. With such a grim picture easily conjured up by us in reflecting on the state of fellowship in most Christian Churches, we THE REVEREND ARTHUR R. GREEN should turn to the Gospel itself for understanding. Paul, in his Letter to the Ephesians (particularly the first four chapters) provides us a most complete framework for examining the basis, the operation and the ultimate goal of Christian fellowship. Fellowship with God is God's first and great desire for each and everyone of us. "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world" (Eph. 1 :4) is Paul's way of telling us that God's all-inclusive grace is free to us. Theologian Thor Hall points out Paul's vocabulary of "chose ... before the foundation of the world" is the Apostle's way of symbolizing that fellowship is God's original will for all of us. Christian fellowship is God's gift to us all - unworthy as we are. "He destined us in love to be His children through Jesus Christ ... In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished upon us." (Eph. 1:5-6). The manifestation of Christian fellowship for us is we are brought into it not by our goodness but by God's loving grace. THAT IS THE GOOD NEWS! The purpose' of Christian fellowship is to bring all the world together with Christ Politicizing the meeting times of coming as head. "According to His purpose which together for fellowship, inspiration, and He set forth in Christ ... to unite all things deep spiritual unity is the sure way to in Him" (Eph. 1 :9-10) is Paul's way of divide us as a Christian Church. We can and saying we are all called together in Christ. often do this same thing on the congregaThis is. what God wills and intends us to tional level when we are overly concerned do. This is why as individuals we are called with "rule-book" religion. Making a sotogether to achieve, to practice, and to called law to solve a problem is the way the promulgate this fellowship as God intends. insecure find a club to beat upon the uninGod knows very well we are all different formed. It is not the way of Christ and it and has created us that way. This is Paul's does not promote Christian fellowship. own understanding of Christian fellowship We often forget it is God and not our(Eph. 4: 1-16) where he stresses the dynamselves who has called us into this Fellowic unity as "There is one Spirit. , . one ship, which is Christ's body - the Church. hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. " There is no room for presumption or pride Yet, Pau I tal ks of the different gifts of on our part that we in any way created it. those within the fellowship in Ephesians Those who want to use Christ as the 4: 11. With different gifts certainly come a grand arbiter to put themselves 'in' and host of different ideas, patterns, and others 'out' must realize it is God who has practices. given us the only real principle -of unity A sign of spiritual immaturity in our Christ Jesus. This Christian principle that Fellowship at large and in some of our Paul explained in Ephesians 2:11-23 (using local congregations is that some persons the example of Jew and Gentile) is that by refuse to accept differences among us. compromise on some points and agreement Individuals as well as groups of individuals on what is best we can achieve a unity of often insist upon a mindless conformity on many seemingly natural opposites. Those their own ideas and ruthlessly oppose and in UFMCC clinging to some unchristian sometimes persecute those who have d if- "Christian Orthodoxy" or simply wishing ferent ideas. This constitutes a rejection of to assert their personal prejudices or points
Unity With A
Difference
8
of view are denying their need and obligation to find unity in Christ Jesus. The spiritual desires of many persons within our Church and of the whole Church remain unfulfilled largely because these desires are centered on self, rather than God. Our d-esires that cause us to assert ourselves and our affectations rather than seeking God's willdo lead to a certain kind of liberation. But is this liberation the true liberty (fellowship) in Christ? If affirming every part of the self is considered our most important goal, we will then waver at the slightest chance for Christian discipleship and rationalize our excuses for avoiding the way of the cross. Christ's own words about finding fellowshipping and following and following Him clearly indicate that giving up (denying) a lot of the self is vital. If we avoid seeking a ministry of reconciliation (self-denial, compromise on what is best) which is the true fellowship in Christ, we miss the point of what this life is and what God intends for us. Those of us who by God's grace have become part of the Christian fellowship by belief and baptism must be willing to let our lives (and our common life) be transformed by God. A new life principle has been introduced into us and begins to lead us to a new self and a new relationship (fellowship) with God. What is the goal of this new fellowship and this new self that is part of it? Paul refers to it in terms such as "being upright and holy," "forgive one another," "be like Him," and like phrases. Paul talks ofthese states of new consciousness and altered self awareness not so much as what we do as what we need let happen to us as part of the Christian fellowship. That is what the remainder of Ephesians is all about (Chapters 5 and 6) - an explication of this new life and lifestyle. Only as we seek to bring reconciliation and true liberation (peace and harmony) to others do we find the new life. To do this, we in fellowship (the Church) must live as Christ lived. o The Church must teach and preach (show and tell) the good news of what it means to be in fellowship with God and ou r sisters and brothers (wh ich for Christians is one and the same thing). o The Church (you and I) must offer reconciliation (healing) to all, and be ready to suffer in order to bring all into Christ's Kingdom (fellowship). The Church (particularly UFMCC) is a fellowship of frail human beings and can be expected to fail, as it often does; But, partaking and sharing fellowship is what we are called to do. Because we are also a divine fellowship, called by God, we cannot fail. Why will we not fail in spite of our ego trips, our sin, and our confusion? We will not fail because our resources are great. We have Christ! Now let us start believeing and acting as though we do. "For He is our peace ... and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility. " (Eph. 2: 14). Love creates and sustains the family of God.
BORBE CALLED TO PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia, PA- The Rev. Don Borbe, former asst. pastor at Sacramento, California was installed as pastor of Philadelphia MCC on June 8. The Rev. Freda Smith, senior pastor in, Sacramento and a member of the UFMCC Board of Elders, officiated at the services. Rev. Borbe was called as pastor during a congregational meeting April 13. He arrived in Philadelphia May 5 and bad his fi rst service there May 11. . CHICAGO CALLS KEN MARTIN CHICAGO, IL- The Rev. Kenneth T. Martin was installed as pastor of the Good Shepherd Parish MCC on February 2. The Rev. Elder John Hose, pastor at Tampa, Florida officiated at the services. "Papa" John had also been present on the church's chartering in 1970 for the kick-off of its building fund drive in 1973; STOCKTON GROUP Editors Note: The Stockton study group was recommended for mission status at Northwest District Conference in May. VALREJEAN IS CALLED RIVERSIDE, CA-Rev. Val Valrejean, former asst. pastor of MCC Seattle was officially installed as the pastor of Trinity MCC of Riverside, California on Jan. 1. The Rev. Troy Perry, moderator of the UF MCC Board of Elders, preached the sermon and the Rev. Robert Sirico, former pastor of Seattle gave testimony.
'''-A.'--~•..••,G E es, CA- The Rev. Lee J. Carlton turns over his pulpit __ James Sandmire during special services in the . Rev. Sandmire, formerly pastor of MCC San called to LA when Rev. Carlton resigned to go :0 coordinate church extension there. Carlton has - called as pastor of the Sydney church. Rev. John Barbonev f erly of Washington, D.C. has been called to replace Re . Sandmire in San Francisco. GAY PRAYER Boston, MA- The Bay State has become the first state in the union to have opening prayers at its legislative session offered by an openly gay minister. Rev. Nancy Wilson of the Metropolitan Community Church
of Worcester was invited to make the opening prayer to the May 27 session of the House by Rep. Elaine Noble under a provision which allows each representative to invite one guest minister each year to offer the opening prayer.
SAN FRANCISCO MCC ELECTS NEW PASTOR SAN FRANCISCO-Rev. John M. Barbone, (at right) from Washington, D.C., was elected May 11 by the congregation of Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco to be its new pastor. CARLTON CALLED SYDNEY, Australia-Christ's Community Church here will be chartered July 6. The Rev. Lee J. Carlton has been called as pastor. Carlton left the pulpit of the Mother Church to work with church extension in Australia and New Zealand. The church here began with a worship service on July 15, 1974. The Rev. Troy Perry and Rev. Carlton conducted the service during a tour of Australia and New Zealand. During that service 16 people indicated there was a need for MCC in Sydney. Within a week a committee was formed and a worship coordinator elected. Initially meetings were held in private homes. In late September they moved to Quaker Hall. The name was changed during this period. SOUTHEAST DISTRICT NEWS by Rev. Keith Davis TAMPA RENEWAL A SUCCESS TAMPA, FL- The spiritual renewal in the Tampa church, under the direction of the Rev. Elder John Hose, with the Elders preaching, was a definite success. Many lives were transformed and touched by the Holy Spirit. The combining of the Tampa Renewal and the East Coast Pastor's Conference was well planned and executed. The Elders conducted their business meeting during the weekdays, meeting with the District Coordinators for reports and planning, and they put in many hours of work which meant they were active from 8 to 12 hours or more daily. One of the oustanding guest speakers to the pastors was the Rev. Walton D. Moffitt, president of the Florida Fellowship of Community Churches (FFCC), and pastor of the Chapel by the Sea, of Clearwater. He is a highly educated and spiritually sharing leader in the area and we were most greatful to hear his words of wisdom and guidance to young ministers. COLUMBIA IS NEW MISSION Columbia, SC- Two members of the church traveled to the Pastor's Conference and the Board of Home Missions interviewed their Interim Worship Coordinator. Mr. Fred Cason, (continued
on back page)
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The Universal Fellowship has added a new dimension to its ministries, that of alcoholism and related problems. It has been estimated that almost 75 percent of known homosexuals have a drin king problem. That is not to say that all are alcoholics. We are extremely cognizant in the 'gay community' that for years our primary source of social life has been in the bars. We also recognize the social pressures we live with. Is it any wonder that gays use alcohol as a means of escape from problems with which they cannot cope? There are no scriptural verses that say "Thou shall not drink," but there are 627 verses in the Bible that condemn drunkenness. This fact is taken from an in depth book called"God Is For The Alcoholic" by Jerry Dunn. I firmly believe that God is for the alcohol ic, if, and that is a big if, the person is willing to surrender their life to God. Our churches should be equipped to deal with the problem of alcoholism. We need alcoholic counselors; we need a nonjudgemental outreach to these people. This problem is a fact, it does exist, and
we cannot sweep it under the rug any longer. The truth is many people do not know how to deal with it, they throw up their hands and hope it ~ill go away. Many of our ministers offer to pray with the alcoholic. Most alcoholics reject this immediately, because most alcoholics have given up on God. It takes patience and strength to lead an alcoholic back to sobriety, because unless an alcoholic sincerely wants to be helped, there is not much anyone can do. This is why an educational program is so important. Well meaning, lovers and friends can do more harm than good. An alcoholic has to be left to suffer their own consequences. As long as we provide them with a means of escape, by bailing them out of jails, paying their liquor bills, putting a roof over their head and feeding them, why should they want to get sober? A program of preventative education can also be used, by frank, open and honest discussions of alcohol. The fact IS that alcohol is a drug, possibly one of the most deadly, as it is so easily obtainable and socially acceptable. There are many
health problems that can evolve from constant and indisciminate use of alcohol. It affects the nervous system, the brain, the liver, the kidneys, and the stomach, to mention only a few. Every person has the right to drink or not to drink. Drinking done in a responsible manner can be beneficial. No person should try to force a drink on another, and a non-drinker should have the right to refuse without being questioned or made fun of. The majority of non-alcoholics think nothing of offering a drink when you go to their homes. This is fine. However, if someone refuses, do not insist. This person may be an alcoholic. There are now many avenues of help for the gay alcoholic. The government has become aware of the problem, and is funding programs and half-way or recovery houses for gay alcoholics. There are many programs of rehabilitation. The Health, Education and Welfare Task Force report to Congress recognizes alcoholism as a chronic illness and disease that cannot be cured but can be arrested. There (Continued on back page)
.A SPECIAL MtNISTRY: DEALING WITH THE ALCOHOLIC AND RELATED PROBLEMS Exhorter joan johnson
UFMCC
EACH
A SPECIAL MINISTRY: A SIGN OF LOVE Reverend john Emery, San Francisco
Of the many ways of communication used by the deaf and mutes, the least understood is the use of signs and finger spelling; especially the use of signs. The clarity and beauty of expression by sign language cannot be surpassed. It has also been found useful by people with speech loss due to neurological involvement, by laryngectomies, and even by skin divers for underwater communication. In fact, the full extent of its usefulness has yet to be explored. The need for human beings to communicate is one of our most basic needs. Many deaf persons are not able to meet the pace required for oral speech so there is a need for implementation in their means of communication. Rigidly enforced restriction of communication in the early years of their childhood could conceivably have psychological implications. Enthusiasm for teaching speech to the deaf has increased through the years in order to prepare the deaf child to take his proper place in society. However, the deaf child mustbe trained in all areas of living and be given the opportunity to mature to his/her greatest capacity. In their all-around education the child's developoutside of the classroom in the use of signs and finger spelling goes hand in hand with his classroom development of oral communication. There is some public opinion that those who use the manual means of communication have not done as well educationally. Dr. Helmer Myklebust, professor of audiology at Northwestern University, feels those who use this means of communication turn out as well in educational achievement as any other; the 10
capabilities of each person is the deciding factor, not merely the means of communication. Alexander Graham Bell appeared before a Royal Commission in 1888 to give evidence on teaching the deaf and commented, "We want the method, whatever it is, that will give us the readiest and quickest means of bringing English words to the eyes of the deaf, and I know of no more expeditious means than a manual alphabet." Since man/woman is a social being, it is important that he/she develop a means of communicating with others, including the deaf. It is not difficult to learn the manual alphabet and sign language and it will pay dividends to both the deaf and the hearing interested in the welfare of their fellow Christian brothers and sisters. Sign language is not taught in public schools. However, in many residential schools for the deaf the sign language is permitted in public assemblies so that the children may have the opportunity of understanding guest speakers through interpreters. In these schools the sign language is also permitted in the dormitories, on the playground, and in social activities. So it is with many congregations in the Fellowship who have encouraged sign classes. At services and 路other public functions members of the congregations can be seen communicating "The Word." The Los Angeles Church has a silent choir. To watch them "sing" the Lord's Prayer is an inspiring experience. An active ministry to the deaf is but one area where MCC can meet the needs of our "handicapped" gay brothers and sisters.
- -Metropolitan Community Church participates in the National Task Force on Gay People in the Church through the active presence of the Rev. Roy Birchard, former pastor of MCC New York; the Rev. Carol Cureton, pastor, MCC St. Louis; and the Rev. Rodger Harrison, pastor, MCC Costa Mesa.
National Church Council Endorses Gay Rights Founded in September 1973, the task force seeks to advance the reconciliation of gays to the Body of Christ through dialogue with Christian communions and their members - both through predominantly-Gay ministries such as MCC and Dignity, and also through the support of gay caucuses in the traditional denominations. Founded as a result of a "zap" by a non-religious gay activist group of a meeting of the Governing Board of the National Council of Churches, the task force seeks to assist gay Christians in the liberation of the Church. Following two years of meetings between task force members and representatives of staff and constituency of the National Council, the Governing Board on March 6 this year adopted 84 to 17 with 6 abstentions the following" Resolution on Civil Rights Without Discrimination as to Affectional or Sexual Preference." It is felt the resolution can add materially to support for H.R. 166, the gay civil rights bill currently before the U.S. Congress. Says Rev. Birchard, "We are not presently seeking UFMCC membership in the National Council. We are trying to promote dialogue through every available church channel, every ministerial association, state or local church council. We want to get in dialogue with the National Association of Evangelicals, as
well." b
b
THE NEW YORK TIMES,FRIDAY,
RIGHTS ADVOCATED FOR HOMOSEXUALS Council of Churches Balks at Their Ordination-Favors Equality Amendment By KENNETH
A. BRIGGS
Special to the New York Times CHICAGO, March 6-Resolutions advocating equal rights for women and for homosexuals were passed today by the governing board of the National Council of Churches meeting here. The board, consisting of representatives from the council's 30 Protestant and Orthodox constituent church bodies, endorsed a position that favors "full civil rights" for those who might be deprived of them "because of their affectional or sexual preference" but made it clear that such a stand did not imply that homosexuals should be eligible to serve as ministers. The Rev. William Johnson of the United Church of Christ=the
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The text of the resolution
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follows:
A RESOLUTION ON CIVIL RIGHTS WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION AS TO AFFECTIONAL OR SEXUAL PREFERENCE The National Council of the Churches of Christ has always held that, as a child of God, every person is endowed with worth and dignity that human judgement cannot set aside. Therefore every person is entitled to equal treatment under the law. For this reason the National Council of the Churches of Christ has endeavored to insure for all persons regardless of race, class, sex, creed, or place of national origin their full civil rights.* To this list the Governing Board now adds affectional or sexual preference. Discrimination based on any of those criteria is morally wrong. Many persons, including some of the members and pastors of some of our churches, have been and are being deprived of their civil rights and full and equal protection of the law because of their affectional or sexual preference. THEREFORE 1. The Governing Board reiterates the Christian conviction that all persons are entitled to full civil rights and equal protection and to the pastoral concern of the church. 2. The Governing Board urges its member churches and their constituencies to work to ensure the enactment of legislation at the national, state and local levels that would guarantee the civil rights of all persons without regard to their affectional or sexual preference. 3. The Governing Board asks the General Secretary to request the appropriate units of the Council to gather for the Board's information work already done or in process in the communions on this subject and to explore the most effective ways of relating the theological insights of the churches on the effects of discrimination and prejudice to the lives of homosexual persons in the community and the churches. *See the policy statement on Human Rights adopted by the Council's General Assembly, December 6, 7963. b
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MARCH 7,1975 only avowed homosexual to have been ordained by a major Protestant denomination=said the statement applied to homosexual rights in the public sector, but that the principle of church-state separation did not place the same obligations on the church. However, Mr. Johnson added, "It will be difficult for church bodies to support civil rights in the public sector and to avoid issues of discrimination in the churches." Although many Christian groups including Roman Catholics, have indicated an interest in the issue of homosexuality recently, churches have remained virtually unanimous in their opposition to homosexuals in the ministry. Traditionally, Christians have taught that homosexuality is aberrant, while showing a pastoral concern for homosexuals as individuals. Rights Amendment
Backed
The board also passed, without dissent, a resolution backing the Equal Rights Amendment, which has been ratified' by the- legislatures 0 f 34 states, and needs approval by four more to become
the 24th Amendment of the United States Constitution. As the board ended a three-day session at the McCormick Inn, the 150 delegates also agreed to explore closer ties with Cuban churches, approved further efforts to alleviate world hunger and voted to continue a study of possible invasions of privacy by investigative agencies of the Federal Government. ... In contrast to some story board meetings in the past, this session was low-key and cautious. Many delegates attributed the lack of boldness in part, to the general tenor of the nation, caught in a deep enning recession, and the feeling that the council was groping for a new direction. The resolution on homosexuality comes at a time when churches are reviewing the subject generally. During debate on the issue, the Rev. Samuel Wiley of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, warned that passage might "suggest tacit approval of a lifestyle I couldn't approve." Another delegate, the Rev. Dr. Robert Marshall, head of the Lutheran Church in America cau-
tioned the board against appearing to condone the ordination of homosexuals. Backers of the resolution said that the only intent of the statement was to underscore the council's resolve to protect the legal rights of all persons, and not to recommend a policy on ordination. The vote in favor of the resolution was 86 to 17. Since October, 1973, the council has been conducting discussion with an ad hoc group, the Task Force on Gay People. The Rev. Jack Yates, whose discussion group brought the resolution to the floor, said that churches should recognize that many of their members were homosexu.als whose rights needed safeguarding. Further, he said, "If we are going to ask the rest of the world to protect rights, we must do it also in the church." Specifically, the resolution recommends that member churches wor k to pass laws to assure the civil rights of homosexuals and asks for a show of "pastoral con-
cern."
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A SPECIAL MINISTRY: PEALING (continued from page 10) :: .
WITH THE ALCOHOLIC
are many trains of thought concerning alcoholism. Some believe alcoholism is anly a svrnp torn of an underlying cause. Remove the cause and the person can be cured. Yet a study made at Chicago's Grant Haspital, showed that 15,000 alcoholics consulted had never been able to return safely to. social drinking. ' The mast successful arganization in helping the alcoholic has been Alcoholics Anonymous. It is from this program that Alcoholics Together was faunded. In October 1969, a member of AA became interested in the activities of Metropalitan Cammunity Church. His. efforts to. help alcoholic members of the church led to. the original meeting of alcoholic homosexuals and eventually was named Alcohollcs Together. _ Alcoholics Together is not a church organization, It is a group that is self-supporting QY its awn ccotrtbuttens. However many of our churches sponsor AT meetings because it is a program of help. It is a program that allows Hw person the prjvl!ege of accepting a God they can understand .. lt fol!~wS all the principles and traditians of Alcoholics Anonymous, but is directed to. the gay alcoholic. As rigorous honesty is part of the pragram, it is much easier to relate living problems with other gay alcoholics. Communian lines of grape juice have been instituted where feasible, far the purpose of providing not only to the alcoholic, but to those who. come from backgrounds where arcehel is not used, a full and meaningful cornrnunlon. Just this past year, the Catholic Church has given dispensation to their priests to. USe grape juice, because of the alcoholic problem. There is no. one hard, fast solu tion to this problem, but, as the Universal, Fellowship has reached aut to the prisons and the handlcapped, we should be able to extend that hand of help to the alcohalic. We appreciate the response we received to Rev. Perry's letter and our questianaire. However, there are many of you that did not respond as yet. We hope to hear fram you, with suggestions. inquiries or any way that we can be of help. Please address your letters to Exhorter Jaan Johnson, 1046 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, California 90015.
II. A SPECIAL MINISTRY: THE CHURCH (continued from page 7)
6EHIND -
BARS
There are five ways in which we can asslst a person in adjusting and coping with society upon their release back Into. society, They are: Giving them a true-to-life picture of what thll job situation, cost of living and ather financial difficulties might b@; giving, the person suppart far any crafts or schooling which he she might -become involved in which would generate income or skill which could be 'put-to use after release; assisting them in contacting more than one organization or agency which might be able to. provide the necessary job housing situatian; developing a war king rappor-t with both parole .agent and institutional counselor so. that any letters of 5upport\vill be viewed, In a positive manner; and, impressing upon the pClrson :the: tdea that once released, he or she becomes not onlv responsible far their ownfaod, shelter, clothing, emplayment, and lifestyle, but that they, mu~talsa obey the restrictions set by, the parole board if they truly wish to.' remain an the streets. These things are necessary to. the growth' Ilnd stability Qf ther person returning to. the streets. Each ane must learn that while the church is willing to. be supportive of their ench:aVQfS, the church cannot and will not sup part the person. Where the necessities of d<llly living are .concerned, each person must be responslble for his or her awn livelihood. The church can -anly assist where it is able. (The amount of assistance given each person is a matter far each local church to. and not far anyane to. dictate. Another, perhaps equally important aspect "f the rehabllltatlon process, is far the local church to. make the person feel at home, preferablv without providing housing or monetarv support, unless the congregatian feels led to. do. so.. (The prison ministry has many programs which need support, and which are very beneficial to. inmates about to. be released. I wauld recommend investigating these prograrns.] One good way to. accomplish this, is to give moral support through visitation and correspondence, Another way is through contacting relatives and friends who. are not also. 'pflsoners. It is not wise to. pass messages, and in many instances it is illega.l 'to do so.. Letting Inmates knaw they are in yaur thoughts and praYQfS without giving them any provocation far sexual fantasies is also. wise. If it 'is permitted, (this must be okayed with the institution beforehand] simple prayer with the inmates during a visit might be helpful, as might counseling such as that now practiced at Vacaville. (But again, anly as permitted by
or
or
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the institutian.) Many institutions will not permit any contact between knawn members of M.C.C. and the inmates in their care, as they wish to. farce a certain farm of sexual expression upon the population of the institution. While this is certainly not always the case, there have been enough instances of this kind af conduct far discretion to be urged. With regard to. services within the institutions, as far as I know, there are no. services currently being conducted within any California Department of Corrections facility at this time. (Atascadero. is not under the Department of Corrections.] There is, however, a United States District Court suit now pending regarding this denial of the inmates' basic civil rights. [Ed. Note: See accompanying article on this page.] What can you as a concerned member of M.C.C. da? Get involved! Write to. the Prisan Ministry to. find aut haw yau can help. Remember that 'there but far fortune go. you' or I'. Write': Richard Mickley, Rev. Bud Bunce, or Rev. Elder Richard Vincent: U.F.M.C.C., 1046 S. Hill Street, Las Angeles, CA 90015.
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STOCKTON
STUDY GROUP
(Continued from page 4)
came down",
The Lard Jesus Christ is welcomed into. all of our activities. The services and functions are all Christ-centered and the credit is given where the credit is due. We are not patting ourselves an the back. Our efforts wauld be in vain, if they were not in Gad's will. We have, as co-warship coordinators, learned and grown very much in war king with the Stockton Study Graup. Our people respond very well to having the two. of us as their worship coordinators, Spiritualty, our co-rnlnlstrv is daubly rewarding. Scripture says "Where two. or more are gathered in my name, there I will be alsa." Christ is the center of our ministry together. We had individual calls, 12 years apart; the Lard put us together. Our people relate to. us bath Jndividually and together. They find different messages from our sermons and spiritual guidance, and find that we campliment each ather. The disciples were sent out two. by two, We definitely support the co-ministrv concept, We knaw that the Fellowship's prayers have been with us. We appreciate all the encauragement that we have received. It is refreshing to knaw that aur efforts have not been in vain, that our Savior Jesus Christ has been the true vine and we are the branches of the MCC Fellowship'. We invite all who. visit Stockton, California to. worship and share with us. After all, anyane who. comes to. a strange town, may definitely find fellawship within any MCC! Stockton Study Graup 2606 North Wilsan Way Stockton, Califarnia 95204
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(209) 463-0478
DATELINE
(continued from page 9) Jr. who has been' active with the church far a year. They also. presented ,a..,eraper petition to' be accepted as "Missian" status which was ap, ptoved. The Tampa Board of Directors met in a special meeting to. cansider appolnting Mr. Casan an exhorter af the Tampa church. Columbia has a great future and we ask far yaur spirltual prayers. CHURCHES CHARTERED SPECIAL-Six churches have been chartered during the past five months: Oceanside. Califarnia, MCC Palamar was chartered March 23; New Orleans, Louisiana, chartered March 30. On April 20 Houston, Texas recetved its charter, Baltimare, Maryland an May 11, and Hartfard, Connecticut, on June 1. Sydney, Australia will receive its charter an July 6. NEW HOMES SPECIAL-Three churches in the past three months have either purchased or reased new facilities: Oceanside, California (MCC Palomar) dedicated their new rental property an March 23, while St. Louls, Mo., purchased their own building and dedicated it an June 1. San Diego. is currently planning dedlcatlon of their newly purchased facilities.