| "The Q&A with Mary was my favorite. She offered solid academics and solid faith. I would love to bring her to our region. She spoke my language and was so articulate. Her theological and biblical insights. She provided a vocabulary. She’s wonderful." [From an attendee's evaluation] |
The first Open & Affirming training event for Disciples congregations and ministries took place at First Christian Church Las Vegas February 9th -11th. Eighty individuals representing congregations from 16 states took part in the three day event that encouraged uniting, empowering and creating as we share our ministry together.
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"Thank you for providing this conference and giving us the opportunity to
network and meet one another. After 22 years of marriage and 25 years in
the christian school ministry I came out as a gay man and lost it all. I
have spent the past four and a half years rebuilding and trying to figure
out where I fit in and what God thinks of me now. Finding the United
Christian Church of Renton was definitely a God-send to me. I have enjoyed
ministry there for the past three years as a worship leader/choir director.
But after so many years of "evangelical training" I tend to slip back into
the "condemning myself" mode of thinking. My church offered me the
opportunity to attend the Breathing Life conference, at their expense, as a
gift to me. I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I enjoyed the fellowship,
the speakers, the discussions, and the interconnectedness that we all seemed
to have together, whether gay or straight. What I wasn't expecting was how
God touched me during the communion time together. Somehow through the
ministry of dramatic presentation, without words, God touched my heart with
an overwhelming sense of how He gave His life for me even as a gay man. He
loves me. I was deeply moved and warmed by that whole experience. I can't
say that I still won't struggle with who I am or where I fit. I have a lot
of years to recover from. But I can say I have a better understanding of my
life in Christ as I am and it's moved me closer to my own acceptance of who
I am. I continually search my heart for how I can help others in the same
way.
Thank you, Tom Winger Renton, WA" |
Attendees participated in three days of training that encouraged them to return to their congregations and regions with valuable tools that will help them support and lead the Open & Affirming ministry.
Highlights of the event include the three inspiring speakers. The event presenters confronted and inspired those present. Emily Eastwood challenged us by sharing the story of her grandmother who cleared the way for her to reach her dream (to an 8 year old girl, touching Roy Roger’s hand was vitally important) just as God’s Spirit goes before us to enable us to reach our dream of welcome among Disciples. Mary Ann Tolbert urged us to move from being victims to being preachers of the Gospel. Ron Parker helped us focus on the practicalities of moving from exclusion to welcome.
Attendees also participated in the “Sounds of Silence” workshop and now have the necessary tools to share this workshop with others. Worship was lead by Phoebe Spier and Stephen Austin.
| "Each [keynote speaker] provided different information and all were helpful. I really appreciated the variety represented. All three presentations were excellent." [From an attendee's evaluation] |
Participants were encouraged to take what they had learned and experienced and return home with specific ways of breathing life into their congregations and regions. As event host Ben Bohren said, “What happens in Vegas, DOES NOT stay in Vegas”.
According to the evaluations from the participants, the event strengthened ties between Open & Affirming ministries, increased their theological understand of what it means to be Open & Affirming, and gave participants a chance to assess their ministries' Open & Affirming commitment and move to live that commitment out more fully. Many of the negative comments on evaluations focused on wanting more of a good thing and more time to spend on various topics.
The Open & Affirming Ministry Team wishes especially to thank worship leaders Phoebe Spier and Stephen Austin; and speakers Emily Eastwood, Mary Ann Tolbert, and Ron Parker for their participation and leadership. The team is grateful to the congregations, individuals and GLAD members that supported this event with their finances and prayers. Finally, special words of appreciation from the team go to the congregation and pastors of First Christian Church Las Vegas. Reverends Ginger and David Jarman were hospitable, helpful and encouraging throughout the planning and hosting stages. This event would not have been possible without everyone's support.
[ed. note: and of course, special thanks from all of GLAD to the Open & Affirming Ministry Team for providing this valuable event to our Open & Affirming ministries.]
| GLAD Alliance Inc. P.O. Box 44400 Indianapolis, IN 46244-0400 |
glad@gladalliance.org | return to www.gladalliance.org |