The GLAD Alliance was busy at the General Assembly.
Pre-Assembly Event, held at University Christian Church on the edge of the Texas Christian University campus was attended by over 60 friends and members of GLAD. Event coordinator Matthew Chastain led us all in making hats to help us introduce ourselves to one another. A brief moment was used to introduce Carol Blakley, now promoted to GLAD's grandmother. The focus of the day was the anti-racism presentation from Jessica Vazquez.
Jessica spoke of the concept of 'New Found Land,' about our cultural myopia, the power of language, the myth of race and colorblindness - that to be colorblind is both impossible and not desireable. She pointed out that our fears often arise from a fear that the world is not an abundant place and she challenged us to understand the connections and intersections of all our issues: that ultimately we cannot work simply for the rights of gay men and women without working for the rights of others.
At the event, Moderator Patricia Case was present in spirit via DVD. Case spoke of the reasons for creating Jesus Diner, a place open to all, and she highlighted the accomplishments of the Alliance over the past year. You can see her presentation by clicking here.
The GLAD Booth, designed and constructed by Roger Wedell, proclamed 'Jesus Diner: All God's Children Served.' The booth sold an impressive assortment of books and DVDs covering topics from inclusive church to Bible study. The book sales were managed by Karen Barr. Most of the books on sale at the booth are also available on GLAD's website at www.gladalliance.org/resources.html. Mark Johnston reports that an impressive number of pastors and church leaders from all over the country, Wyoming to Florida, Alabama to Missouri, came and were hungry for our materials.
The GLAD Banquet, attended by over 230 members and friends, included song from the Dallas women's choir MosaicVoice and a challenging presentation from Sylvia Rhue of the National Black Justice Coalition. You can see the entire banquet by clicking here (yes, the sound quality improves after the first minute).
GLAD also hosted four Aftersessions, including time for Open & Affirming Congregations and, for the first time, one specifically for youth and young adults.
We can't say thanks enough to the people who made these events possible: Roger Wedell for booth design and construction, Cy Rowell for local event planning, Karen Barr for managing book sales, Casey Williams for managing the Open & Affirming materials and Aftersession, Wayne Sparrow and Steve Martz for managing our funds; Matthew Chastain for planning the Pre-Assembly Event, and Mark Johnston for Banquet and Aftersession planning and managing the booth.
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| Cy Rowell making announcements at the Pre-Assembly Event | Judith, Maria, and Nancy at the Pre-Assembly Event |
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| Carol Blakley at the Pre-Assembly Event | Todd Adams, Associate General Minister and Vice-President, brings greetings from Sharon Watkins and the General Church to the Pre-Assembly Event |
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| Making our hats at the Pre-Assembly Event | |
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| Jessica Vazquez presenting at the Pre-Assembly Event | Carol and Susan, Allen and Nelson at the Informal Dinner |
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| The Jesus' Diner booth | The Jesus' Diner Bookstore Buffet |
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| The Jesus' Diner Discernment Bistro | Casey Williams providing Open & Affirming information at the Jesus' Diner |
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| MosaicSong at the GLAD Banquet | Sylvia Rhue speaking at the GLAD Banquet |
| GLAD Alliance Inc. P.O. Box 44400 Indianapolis, IN 46244-0400 |
glad@gladalliance.org | return to www.gladalliance.org |