News from the Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples Alliance

Contents: September 2006

O&A Ministry Team Celebrates Vaughn Beckman at his Retirement Celebration

[ed note:  this article was written before we received news that Vaughn passed away on September 6.]

Rachel Frey, Vaughn Beckman, Christy Newton, Ann Canady

Due to his ongoing battle with cancer, Vaughn Beckman has retired from full-time ministry. In a powerful and moving service, representatives of the O&A Ministry Team were on the scene to help celebrate the ministries of preaching, pastoral care, and prophetic vision Vaughn has brought to many. Each person present and the many others they represented in the service have been influenced and graced by Vaughn’s love and ministry.

On behalf of the O&A Ministry Team, Ann Canady, Rachel Frey and Christy Newton presented Vaughn with a potted plant of lavender for healing, lifting up his ministries within GLAD, the O&A Team and the Institute for Welcoming Resources. The warmth and appreciation shared by all radiated the power of God’s Spirit to conquer evil and pain, revealing light on the path into a glorious future full of love, joy, hope, and peace.

Well done, Vaughn Beckman, good and faithful servant of God.