RitaTG
Wonderful visit to a local United Church
Posted on: 12/14/2009 10:42
Hello my friends!
I hope you don't mind that I wish to report back to you on advice I had received under my "Views on Trangenderism Please" thread from way back.
There I was advised to perhaps explore by visiting another church that may be more accepting than my present denomination (evangelical, fundamentalist). This agreed well with my spirit and I have followed up on that suggestion.
I know very little of other churches even within my present denomination so I had little to go on. Just for background ..... about 1 1/2 years ago I had looked up churches for a transgender friend of mine. I had a list and I had heard that perhaps the United Church may be more open. This one particular church on the list drew my attention though it was just a list entry. I had contacted the lay pastor there (hope that is the right term) and she met my friend and I for coffee and was wonderful. That friend never followed up on going back to church (yet). This particular congregation apparently is known for being quite traditional and conservative and is made up of mostly older folks. I felt the urge to go and I emailed the pastor and I have gone twice now. The love and acceptance was WONDERFUL! What a gift to recieve during this Christmas season! There is so much I would love to share and I would like you all to know that YOU MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE to those that are not welcome elsewhere. My present denomination talks of love and how I am "welcome" to attend but the glass wall of segregation is there as I was removed from helping when I told them about me. Enough of that..... now I have found a place where I can be myself and I can fully partcipate and BE A PART of things! How wonderful is that! ...and I did not even pick the United Church in town that apparently is the more progressive one. There are times that not knowing is best and I feel this is one of them. I chose the church based on a leading of some sort (spiritual??) and not by church resume. That is just a report on how it happened rather than an endoresment of a particular method.
Just so you know ..... I was so amazed by the first experience that I brought another transgender friend with me for the second visit. And yes .... they welcomed, loved and respected her too! Thank you United Church .... thank you my friends here ..... and most of all .... thank you my God for leading and making this all possible!
Rita
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RevJamesMurray
Posted on: 12/14/2009 13:06
Rita- glad to hear your visit went well.
I know of a small traditional UCC congregation. They were settled with an openly gay minister who is married to his partner. His partner is also a very devoted Christian. Many in the congregation were not sure what to make of this same-sex couple. Over time, they discovered they had more in common with this same-sex couple who are Christian, than they had in common with their heterosexual friends who are not Christian.
As the former US President Jimmy Carter once said, "Once we understand, we can care, and once we care, we can change."
clergychickita
Posted on: 12/14/2009 13:50
Yay, Rita, how wonderful! I am so very glad that you found the acceptance you richly deserve. Merry Christmas!
cjms
Posted on: 12/14/2009 15:54
Yeah!!!
SG
Posted on: 12/14/2009 23:14
Rita, it really does something that thing of feeling loved and accepted versus hearing you are.... May you have a blessed season.
myst
Posted on: 12/14/2009 23:24
This is such a good story to read about Rita. I'm really glad that you have found welcome, comfort and acceptance with this new found congregation and place of worship.
artemisia
Posted on: 12/15/2009 08:18
Hi Rita, just wanted to say how uplifting and joyful your story is! Thanks for sharing it, and I am so glad that you found a truly welcoming and loving church family. Also think it's so cool that you were drawn to this church by a feeling and not by a recommendation...must be those mysterious ways at work!
Pinga
Posted on: 12/15/2009 08:47
Rita
Thanks for sharing good news...and so glad you were/are welcomed in real life, as well as here.
carolla
Posted on: 12/15/2009 21:42
Thank you Rita for sharing your story with us. I'm so happy you received this gift of acceptance and love. I pray your journey will continue to be rewarding for you. And Merry Christmas!!
crazyheart
Posted on: 12/15/2009 22:22
thank you rita for the news. I am very happy for you.
Motheroffive
Posted on: 12/15/2009 22:51
I'm happy to hear this, too, Rita. It's wonderful to hear, both for your sake and for what we say we stand for and whom we stand with. Yay! May your relationship with the people of that congregation be everything you hope for it.
Northwind
Posted on: 12/16/2009 20:08
I am so glad you had that experience Rita. I'd hope you would get the same welcome at my church too.
I agree Motheroffive, it does fit with what we say we stand for and with whom we stand.
RitaTG
Posted on: 12/17/2009 17:04
To all of you ...... thank you so much for the kind words and good wishes.
I am so happy to be in the process of becoming part of such and important Christian movement .... a movement that is inclusive rather than exclusive..... a movement based on love. I will do my best to contribute in a positive and loving way and perhaps help other spiritual orphans find a home at last.
HUGS to all....
Rita
Pinga
Posted on: 12/17/2009 18:45
Rita
I think you gave us all one of the best Christmas presents of all.....thank-you for sharing your story.
Kinst
Posted on: 01/04/2010 12:19
That's great Rita!!
pommum
Posted on: 01/04/2010 12:53
What a wonderful story Rita and thanks for sharing!
Tiger Lily
Posted on: 01/05/2010 00:25
Just came across your story - and it's so wonderful to hear!! Really happy for you
TL