News from the Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples Alliance

April 2005

Download the print version of this month's Crossbeams for your church, friends, and family.

This Month's Crossbeams

Sharon Hart Steps Aside as Open & Affirming Ministry Team Leader

GLAD in the Pacific Southwest Organizes and Plans for the Coming Year

GLAD's Strategic Action Team Leader Denounces Southern Baptist Convention's Anti-Gay Marriage Stance

Central Christian Church of Decatur, Illinois, Moves on Discernment

General Assembly News

You can now purchase your Assembly Banquet tickets and register for GLAD's Pre-Assembly Event at www.gladalliance.org.

Shower of Stoles at the General Assembly for the First Time: Include Your Story Too

Things you can do at the General Assembly in Portland

• Have dinner with John Thomas, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ
• Enjoy an evening of comedy
• The Coming Out Labyrinth
• Develop a decidedly Christian, justice-oriented view on same gender marriage

all this and more on the Alliance Events web page.

Help GLAD Get the Word Out!

Download these files to advertise GLAD's General Assembly activities to your congregation.

• General Assembly Banquet Flyer
• General Assembly Event and Banquet Flyer
• General Assembly Activities Ad

Ushers Wanted for the General Assembly  Seminarians play a vital role at each General Assembly when they serve as ushers. This ministry of hospitality gives emerging church leaders the opportunity to connect with the gathered Disciples community. This year the search is on for more than 40 persons to welcome and assist during worship and business sessions in Portland. Unlike past Assemblies, an invitation has been extended to college students who wish to serve as well. A small stipend is available for seminarians and students who participate. To register, go to www.disciples.org/ga05/usher_reg.htm.

Have Something to Share?

Crossbeams wants to hear from You! 

• What has your congregation done lately to renew or energize it's Open & Affirming commitment?
• What does your congregation plan for gay pride this summer?
• How has your church worked for same gender marriage rights?

Let us know at crossbeams@gladalliance.org

In Other News

HRC Seeks to Hire Religioius Program Manager  The Board of Directors of the Human Rights Campaign Board has approved multi-year funding for a Religious Project Program Manager. The goal of this project is to identify fair-minded religious leaders willing to speak out on an equality agenda, to support "gay-friendly" parish work, to confront the fundamentalists in their intolerance and to support religious families with gay and lesbian members by providing information and services. The position will be located in Washington, DC. Generous benefits and a competitive salary will be provided. The Program Manager will be authorized to hire an Administrative Assistant. This is a rare opportunity for the right person to help launch an exciting new national initiative. For more information call 800 777-4723 or e-mail careers@hrc.org.