2011 Summer Katalyst

KATALYST NEWSLETTER OF RECONCILING MINISTRIES NETWORK

VOL. 28 NO. 3

WWW.RMNETWORK.ORG

SUMMER, 2011

Loving Our Neighbor: Practice, Practice, Practice!

by Rev. David Meredith

In 1984, I attended my first General Conference in Baltimore as a seminary student. I carried a once-upona-time hopefulness born of romanticized sentiment about the church of Jesus Christ and our Wesleyan part of it. That year, our movement, led by Affirmation, carried a similar hopefulness. The child-like exuberance continues today. Some bring hope for acceptance.

Some bring energy for changes. Some bring commitment to fight for justice regardless the cost. Some bring wide smiles and big eyes to make a difference. Perhaps you will go to Tampa, Florida for General Conference in 2012 eager that this is the time for your once-upon-a-time hopefulness.

Unfortunately, there has been no “And they ALL lived happily ever after!” At each of the General Conferences I’ve attended, St. Louis, Louisville, Denver, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Ft. Worth, I have had moments when the warmedheart of my Wesleyan evangelical experience confronted the renewed exclusions of United Methodist institutional policies and practices. I haven’t been alone. Many of you shared them while crying on bleachers, screaming in balconies, chanting on sidewalks, and singing in jail cells.

When the inner faith of God’s assuring grace meets the outer reality of denominational barriers, it is difficult to surmount.

That’s when the General Conference is like going to the dentist. It feels like a root canal. Why do I put myself through it? I’ve been convinced by the sign I see from my dentist’s chair, “Only brush the teeth you want to keep.” I want to keep this United Methodist Church and I want to help it become fully-inclusive of ALL people in ALL ways especially for those who haven’t come, have been turned away, or who have left the UMC, for those in our congregations at home, for the young growing up in our communities, and for those of many languages, cultures, colors, and faiths throughout our changing world. ALL still means ALL. I go to the dentist and General Conference for other reasons as well. It’s like teeth cleaning, a prophylactic treatment, which keeps the church (and me) accountable, cleaned up, and ready for another four years. In each quadrennial cycle we have had positive results from our preventive check-ups: 1) the formation of the Reconciling Congregation Program (now RMN); 2) successful legislative initiatives; 3) a decreasing size of the majority in opposition; 4) vibrant witness events; 5) same-gender weddings; and 6) powerful non-violent actions.

General Conference preparations are also akin to daily flossing. I hate doing it but my gums are healthier at my next visit. The relational organizing of the past six years is our way of flossing. Listen to stories. Tell stories. Keep it up!

Twice a day! We, and the UMC, are healthier because of it.

The final outcome has often been disappointing, hurtful, and painful each time additional layers of prohibition and continued on pg 6

Love Your Neighbor

by Audrey Krumbach Growing up in small town Georgia, our standard reply to a dare was I-might-could-if…. This single word expresses bravado, fear, and a pride-saving request for help. When my timid best friend asked if I would audition for the drama club, I replied, I-might-could-if you will try out with me.

When she said yes, we screamed in terror but both ended up with parts.

When people ask if I expect the 2012 General Conference

to vote for full inclusion, I think, “they-might-could-if you tell them your story!”

Love Your Neighbor is the fifth and final year of the Called to Witness campaign where we have been building relationships, perfecting our public narrative skills and organizing in strong teams. This year, the Love Your Neighbor campaign will mobilize United Methodists from across our connection to engage in holy conferencing with continued on pg 3 Summer 2011 • Katalyst | 1

Spotlight: Lakewood UMC, St. Petersburg, FL

by Siobhan Sargent Last March I had the pleasure of participating in the worship service of Lakewood United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg Florida. After several months of serving Florida’s AC as a Jurisdictional Organizer and becoming acutely aware of the challenges and pitfalls that the LGBTQ community face in this conference, I recognized their invitation to share my story as a profound and intentional act of love.

It was a gift to stand in the pulpit that Sunday morning and feel the full presence of the body of Christ as an inclusive and affirming community to all individuals regardless of age, race, gender, class or sexual orientation.

In June, Rev. Tracy Hunter, pastor of Lakewood UMC, along with gifted lay-leadership worked with other Reconciling United Methodists throughout Florida to organize their first ever Annual Conference Witness.

Together they took important steps forward in Florida’s conference, sponsoring legislation, building visibility and continuing to offer safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in our church.

Engaging a conference that still holds deep hostility towards our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, Lakewood UMC provides in many of its ministries an opportunity for healing and

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brian Adkins Helen Andrew

reconciliation. One of only two Reconciling Congregations in Florida, this congregation has been on the forefront of moving towards a more inclusive United Methodist Church by stepping out through its work with RMN and confronting the structures of oppression and silence that have long abused the spiritual and material wellbeing of God’s LGBTQ children.

Looking ahead to General Conference 2012 in Florida, the road ahead will not be easy but with congregations like Lakewood UMC participating in year five of RMN’s Called to Witness Campaign, “Love Your Neighbor,” I am confident that the possibilities of what we can accomplish together are endless. This amazing congregation, no doubt helps set the tone as a living embodiment of what it means to love your neighbor as yourself.

New Reconciling Communities

Congregations:

Church of the Incarnation UMC in Arlington Heights, IL Christ UMC in Salt Lake City, UT Desert Mission UMC in Scottsdale, AZ First UMC in Pittsburgh, PA Hillview UMC in Boise, ID La Tijera UMC in Los Angeles, CA Mequon UMC in Mequon, WI University UMC in Syracuse, NY Northbrook UMC in Northbrook IL

Communities:

Happy Heretics SS Class at St. John's UMC in Austin, TX Journeys Class at Westlake UMC in Austin,TX Kairos Sunday School Class of Belmont UMC in Nashville, TN Reconciling Ministries Community of Central UMC in Traverse City, MI United Campus Ministry at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR 2 | Katalyst • Summer 2011

RECONCILING MINISTRIES NET WORK mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.

Rev. Bonnie Beckonchrist Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger Vincent Cervantes Rev. Dr. Daniel Diss Jayson Kerr Dobney Giselle Lawn Rev. Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey Madelyn Marsh Rev. David Meredith Rev. Joshua M. Noblitt Rev. John Oda Rev. Dr. Karen Oliveto Rev. Dr. Bruce Robbins Rev. Dr. Derrick Spiva Monica L. Swink Bishop Melvin G. Talbert Joy T. Watts RMN STAFF David Braden Director of Development Meg Carey Business Manager James Dalton Communication/IT Coordinator Rachel Harvey, Deaconess Associate Executive Director Ted Jackson Administrative Assistant Audrey Krumbach, M.Div. Field Organizer Rev. Troy Plummer Executive Director

Love Your Neighbor, Cont’d

continued from pg 1 General Conference delegates. Beginning in August of 2011, we will seek to obey Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) by telling our stories and building relationships with United Methodists from every walk of life and theological position.

Together, Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) Chapters, Affirmation members and Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) Annual Conference Teams in fifty four Annual Conference areas will recruit, support and coach Love Your Neighbor volunteers who will learn to tell their stories and build relationships with General Conference delegates.

Campaign Goals and Outcomes: • 22 Jurisdictional Organizers will train and coach volunteers • 54 RMN-ACTs and MFSA Chapters will host Love Your Neighbor training events • 1500 Love Your Neighbor Volunteers will gather and practice Holy Conversations through storytelling, intentional listening, and one-to-one meeting skills • Each delegate living in the US who will attend the 2012 UMC General Conference will be contacted and hear the stories of two Love Your Neighbor volunteers

Get Involved • Visit http://www.loveyourneighbor2011.org • Invite United Methodists to attend the Love Your Neighbor training events • Publicize Love Your Neighbor training events • Provide hospitality and logistics for Love Your Neighbor training events • Attend and support Love Your Neighbor training events • Meet with one or two General Conference Delegates • Support team members who are practicing their stories • Plan local events during General Conference

Sing a New Song Award Winners The Cup of Justice Award is given for taking bold action to bring about systemic change where injustice, oppression, and exclusion exist.

The 2011 Cup of Justice Award recognizes the endurance, the teamwork, the strategy, the implementation, the impact on our United Methodist way of life, of the trial team and outcome for Rev. Amy DeLong and, in particular, her advocate Rev. Scott Campbell who was Amy’s choice from among all the available clergy of our church. Scott contributed time, travel, money, heart, passion, clear thinking, cooperation, flexibility, nimbleness, focus, and humor. Amy says, “Scott was so resilient; as each of our 11 brilliant trial strategies were knocked down by the presiding bishop, there was still another. His depth of wisdom and ability to remain steady and centered in the midst of overwhelming odds was just amazing.”

The Voice in the Wilderness Award is given for taking risks, despite isolation in a wilderness to proclaim the rightness of inclusion for all people in the church and for standing against injustice despite that lack of support.

The 2011 Voice in the Wilderness Award goes to a Mississippi lesbian couple, Renee Sappington and Connie Campbell, who answered the call from their pastor to share their testimony on the floor of the Mississippi Annual Conference in 2009. Renee and Connie moved quickly

Renee Sappington, Rachel Harvey, Connie Campbell

from shock over hostile responses to their testimony to direct action. They organized. Through emails, phone calls, and personal visits, they recruited and empowered 80 Mississippians to the first Believe Out Loud training.

Over one weekend, they mobilized over 80 signers who successfully passed a Sacred Conversations legislation at the Mississippi Annual Conference, which Bishop Ward is implementing. In the midst of this, Connie and Renee created a team, growing their list of Reconciling United Methodists in Mississippi from 36 to over 200! Along the way they have become Mississippi Moms to many in the wilderness longing for family.

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Vanessa Meeks - Atlanta, GA

The Methodists have a lot of gay ministers. The church takes our money, takes all kinds of gifts we bring, but we can’t get married or have other rights. We should.

Being here, I am awestruck. I’m overjoyed. And I would never have known about any of this, if I hadn’t met Julie (Photo left). Julie was going to the conference, and I decided two days before to come with her. I feel like I’m home. I am excited. I want to know more.

I want to know where I could fit in to possibly even help. Every time I learn something, I share it. I’m involved with the teenagers. They want to know how they can be accepted. So I share my story with them. I want to put it out there, that the Methodist Church is a loving, inclusive place. And for members of Reconciling Congregations like my own, I want them to know that they can do more than just be a member.

Derrick Spiva - San Francisco, CA At Sing a New Song, I had the great privilege of being host to Bishop Yvette Flunder. Coming from outside the United Methodist denomination, she really emphasized how important it was that we keep in mind that this was not just an internal struggle but that it would take all of us working together across denominations, across traditions, across states and communities to work together as one in unity in order to accomplish the goals of all inclusive love. Our traditions are important, but it’s also important for us to make that transition together. As we reflect on Sing a New Song, I can't emphasize it enough, that we keep the message of Jesus in mind, which is, to love our neighbor as our self. If I was to boil it down to one question that encompassed all that we explored to act upon here, it would be “How do we best love our neighbor as our self?”

Rev. Amy DeLong - Osceola, WI Sing a New Song feels a little different from other gatherings. In that, so often it feels like as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people we are asking permission to be let into the church. At this conference we are saying, "We are tired of asking for permission and we are now going to claim our space within the church. We belong here rightfully and the Church is impoverished without us." And that kind of boldness is what the movement needs.

What I would say to clergy around the country is to be bold, be brave, act courageously. I said in my sermon that we will not get anywhere in the movement if people of privilege are not willing to risk some of that privilege­—popularity, prestige, pensions, and purses. We have to take real risk for real change to come. I would encourage my colleagues to be bold in their witness and to put actions behind their words.

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Compiled by Amy Barbour, J

Joseph Kyser - Boston, MA My experience at SANS is indescribable.

Before this event, my participation with RMN was very limited, but during the week, I came to understand the full presence RMN has in our church. The loving individuals I interacted with embraced me, supported me, and challenged me to dream without limits. I was pushed beyond the inadequate worldviews I had constructed, and was forced to see others for the true lifegiving beauty they held inside given by our Creator. We created friendships and shared laughter. The Church erupted in the midst of all of this diversity. In less than a week I realized, we are ALL family.

Jane & Israel Lopez - Lebanon, PA

Jane: I’ll take away trying to get away from the discrimination. I never knew there were avenues to go about change, but now I can see there’s something I can do; maybe I’m only one drop in the ocean, but a drop can make a wave. I’m just very much glad I came; to see what I didn’t even know was going on. This has been an amazing eye opener; a window to see what my daughter is doing [Rachel Harvey]. I can’t imagine being more proud.

Israel: There are restrictive laws against gays, and I think it’s wrong. I understand more about the LGBT community and in a different way now. I just see people; people God loves. The church needs to show God’s love for all people. I just think about LGBT individuals who have committed suicide or not been loved or touched, and I can’t even understand that people make laws to exclude them. I’m not leaving the same. It’s been a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed myself.

Shells Stephens - Evanston, IL Growing up I was surrounded by musicians and the understanding that singing a song meant you had prayed twice. When I was told that I was going to get the opportunity to go to Sing a New Song, I was positive it would be a source of rejuvenation. I was right, but I didn’t realize it would play the role that it has in my life. This past year has been one of many firsts for me. I went to my first pride parade, entered my first serious relationship, and upon arriving at Sing a New Song had my first RMN event. From learning to tie a bowtie, to worshiping with over 600 people, to discussing the future of the church, to skype dates with my partner just to say; “Baby, you wouldn’t believe how at home I feel,” Sing a New Song was more than praying twice. It awakened the song deep in my soul and for that I will always be grateful.

Jen Tyler, and James Dalton

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Mission Trip Tampa: General Conference 2012

by Rev. Troy Plummer Some of our most self-avowed practicing United Methodists faithfully gather every four years at our international legislative convention known as General Conference (GC). United Methodists from around the world will be at the next GC from April 24-May 5 in Tampa, Florida. Every four years, we get the opportunity to alter our rules of life as United Methodists in a Wesleyan effort to “move on to perfection.”

This past February, RMN, MFSA, and Affirmation leaders from California, Minnesota, Tennessee, Washington DC and Illinois began planning for this Tampa mission trip.

Building upon many years of coalition work, we expanded our coordinated efforts to launch the Love Your Neighbor campaign. This expansion includes: • grassroots organizing to build relationships with General Conference delegates • multi-lingual website resource for constituents and delegates • central conference relationships coordinator staff person • onsite advance teams in Tampa for early delegate arrivals • onsite strategic witness and legislative teams

Creating an Altar for All

by Rev. Troy Plummer Launched at the Minnesota Annual Conference this year, nearly 1,000 United Methodist clergy have signed on to conduct marriages for LGBT persons now! Eleven annual conferences are creating an altar for all where supporting faithfulness and fidelity for loving couples is not dependent upon sexual orientation. To locate a clergy person in these annual conferences, visit: http://www.rmnetwork.org/actnow/altar-for-all. Even with one local clergy case pending, another Minnesota pastor exclaimed, “Publicly signing the statement brought joy back into ministry. I felt lighter.”

These clergy are calling leaders, laity and the whole UMC to abide by the highest calling of the Gospel by making the ministries of the church available to all members. Ordained and lay leaders know that for them and every person there comes a moment to decide and these faith leaders are choosing pastoral ministry rather than legalisms.

Rev. Dr. Phil Wogaman states, “In the aftermath of the Amy DeLong trial, I'll guess that further trials are much less likely. The penalty established quite clearly that even if there is a trial there is much less likely to be loss of ordination. So one can credibly claim that there are situations where performing such ceremonies is the higher pastoral responsibility. In light of that, I believe it is a mistake even to treat performing such ceremonies as necessarily being contrary to the Discipline!”

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From Left to Right: Rev. Troy Plummer, Jill Warren, Tim Tennant-Jayne, Ann Craig, Steve Clunn, Walter Lockhart to resource delegates decision making • coordinated media plan for domestic and international United Methodists Centering on the Great Commandment, which directs us to love God and love our neighbor through the example of the Good Samaritan, challenges us and our church at GC to: love your neighbor who isn’t just like you. You are invited to join us in this journey! To volunteer, visit www.mfsaweb. org.

Practice, Practice, Practice, Cont’d

continued from pg 1 exclusion have been enacted. Nevertheless, the sign remains “Brush the teeth you want to keep.” Each quadrennium we return to purposefully persevere in our engagement of the powers.

Although I go to GC2012 hopeful and to do what it takes to restore health to our denomination, neither is my primary motivation this year. As Wesleyans, you and I practice our faith using means of grace and other spiritual disciplines.

Therefore, I’m going to General Conference to practice!

With God’s help, I pledge to practice discipleship, practice loving my neighbor, practice being the church for ALL people, practice holy conversations that honor conflict at a table of commitment and inclusion, practice witnessing to Christ’s redeeming love in everything I say, do and indeed who I am, practice reforming the church by the power of the Spirit, practice growing the church one person and faith community at a time, and practice carrying the gospel of Jesus Christ around the globe to the ends of the earth.

Friends, I’m going to practice the old, old story in a new, new song. I hope you’ll sing along.

When a New Yorker was asked by a tourist, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” she answered, “Practice, practice, practice.”

How do we get to a fully-inclusive United Methodist church? How do we get to the embodied reign of God on earth? Practice, practice, practice.

Felt Figures & The Greatest Commandment

by David Braden Like many young Christians of my generation, I first learned about the story of the Good Samaritan on felt board.

On the backdrop of a sky blue bulletin board with a desert scene strewn with rocks and a worn path, we watched our Sunday school teacher animate the felt figures. From felt figures to VeggieTales to classic bible study, Sunday school classes across the world teach young children the story of the Good Samaritan because it illustrates the depth of care and love we are to share with others who are different from us. It personifies the Greatest Commandment – to Love God and Love Your Neighbor.

At RMN, we have spent the past several months designing our grassroots organizing and media campaign strategies with our coalition partners for Love Your Neighbor. More than ever before, RMN is poised to change the discriminatory policies of The United Methodist Church to support the full inclusion of all God’s people.

At Sing A New Song, RMN and MFSA raised $52,576 in support of our collaborative efforts to build relationships with United Methodists across the world as well as advance

progressive and inclusive policies in our church. We would not be in the position we are today to change the hearts and minds of our church without your loyal support.

I invite you to respond to this unique opportunity and join the hundreds who have already said “Yes” to an inclusive church by making a gift to further the ministries of RMN today. Your generosity will help us to reach more delegates with the message of the Greatest Commandment and return The United Methodist Church to the heart of the inclusive Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can make a gift online at www.RMNetwork.org, write a check, or give us a call (David Braden, 773-736-5526).

My Sunday school teacher spent hours cutting and gluing each individual felt figure and preparing each story she would share with us so that we would be captivated by the Good News. With your gift, you empower RMN to share the Good News embodied in Love Your Neighbor with the church and world – felt figures and all. However you choose to give, thank you for your support!

Gifts in Memory and Honor of...

Drew Phoenix was honored by Jen Ihlo Jimmy Creech was honored by Joan Byerhof Rev. Amy DeLong was honored by Amanda Stein Amy DeLong, Sam Byrd, Jared Littleton Maureen Vetter was honored by Catherine Denman were honored by Joy Watts Dr. Brian Watson was honored by Charles Chipman Rev. Dr. Jean Hawxhurst was honored by Leonard Sjogren RMN Staff were honored by Chip Aldridge Rev. Bob Epps was honored by Stephen Ham Fairness and Equality were honored Ed and Janelle Armstrong

by John Dahl and Claire Dahl were honored by Therese Armstrong Rev. Vern Groves was honored by David Poindexter The Dorr Family was honored by Will Green Mary Kraus and Drew Phoenix were honored by Ella Curry Bishop Jack Tuell was honored by Woodland Park UMC Hillview UMC, Boise, ID was honored by Janine Watkins In Memory of...

Amee Miller & Jim Paparello Bishop Mel Wheatley is remembered by Gene Hawthorne were honored by Jann Nestell Alice Shelton is remembered by Judy Shelton Bonnie Beckonchrist, April Hall Cutting, Kathi McShane, and Bruce Robbins were honored by Jeanne Audrey Powers

In Honor Of...

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Reconciling Ministries Network 3801 North Keeler Avenue, Third Floor Chicago, IL 60641-3007 Address Service Requested

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Sing a New Song DVDs We hope you enjoy these presentations for free by downloading them at http://www.vimeo.com/rmnetwork Three DVDs will be made available from the events at Sing a New Song for $10 each disk plus shipping.

• DVD 1, Sermons (4): Jennifer Battiest Neal, Amy DeLong, Sean Delmore, Garlinda Burton • DVD 2, Plenary Sessions (2): Bishop Yvette Flunder, Bishop Joe Sprague • DVD 3, Bible Studies(3): Althea Spencer-Miller To order these DVDs today visit http://sans2011.org/dvd-orders or email ted@rmnetwork.org or call 773-736-5526.

Allow four weeks for delivery.

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