October, 1990 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE Page 15
THE GOOD NEWS
This space has been donated to Emmanuel MCC by the Chronicle, and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Chronicle staff or management.
by Roger
Change and growth: What do these two words have in common? One can be the reason for the other, or the result of the other. We in the gay and lesbian community are always changing and growing, partly from our surroundings and partly from within.
Here at Emmanuel MCC, that change is evident. It is also nurtured and brought out. Spiritual growth is happening throughout the entire church. People are realizing and acknowledging, you can be lesbian or gay, and still be a Christian. It is not wrong to love someone, and be able to say God exists in my heart, just because you are gay or lesbian.
We have a gay couple preparing to decide when to express their love in a holy union together. After having been together
for over five years, their love and appreciation for each other has grown. It has even been enhanced by the support of the church, which positively reinforces your decisions.
Here in our community, we have a church that emphasizes love. There is not anyone present saying that you cannot hold hands, or hug, or express any emotion publicly, in the house of God. Here you know you can be adult, and be proud of displaying your emotions and affections.
More of our lesbian couples are coming, and bring their children with them. That's a big step for anyone in our community, to let our biological family know who that "roommate" really is. It's not easy, but in the environment that exudes from the church, it is not as difficult for some of us as it once was. Everyone is wholly supported in their they feel. It's a joyful feeling, and a sight to see a mother beaming with pride, and coming in with her lover and their children, as one whole family. As we become more open in our lives, we grow with each other, males and females alike.
We are beginning to break down the barriers some people in our society place on the general populace. Helping to break those barriers as the gay lesbian force
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grows, is EMCC. We want you all to know we are here! We serve our community with pride. Our lavender banner is proudly displayed in front of the church window, not just a small tattooed plaque saying "church" over a door. We aren't hiding from anyone. Our many members aren't afraid to be seen walking inside. And neither should you. If you're scared or uncertain, set those doubts aside.
Let me ask you a question. How long did it take you to get out of the car, and go into "that bar" for the first time? It took me an hour, after going there three times, and then returning home, without entering at all. How many women finally were in, only to be startled when men dressed in drag entered the ladies room?
When I look back on my beginning gay experiences they were traumatic. I'm more comfortable now with my life and my life partner. But even then, I had a hard time deciding to go to the church, even after he did. The reception I received at the least was attentive, but not so overpowering as to scare me away, or make me feel uncomfortable. As I sat there I felt as I had when younger, going with my parents. Nothing else was different, just my age, and personal growth. I had changed over the years, and grown into myself.
We all have to experience our lives. We can't live what others want us to. Only one Being can judge us. I say God loves us all, and I feel it when I walk into those doors Sundays, in the morning. I feel it during
the social functions the church puts on regularly. Many of our members and their families are non-drinkers, and these functions give them a place to go without alcohol present. And many who do drink can find a relaxing evening of fellowship with a social setting, different from the bars.
For the month of October, we have on the church's agenda one very important happening. The District Conference will be going on in nearby Springfield, Ill. on the October 12 through 14. For these three days, several members from the church will represent our community. They will commune in a camp setting, learning and worshipping with God and their fellow Christians. We are also blessed with having several guest speakers coming to preach. Rev. Joyce will be in from Akron, and Rev Don will be in from our neighboring church community.
So don't miss out on anything! Don't stay home on Sunday mornings. Services start at 11:00a.m. with an open sing-along beginning at 10:45 a.m. During this time of our service, you may hear our own choir, or maybe a trio, or a quartet singing. Coffee is served after services, and soft drinks are available for a small donation. But more importantly, our sermon will hopefully give you a message you will want or need to hear. See you Sundays at 10:45 a.m. at 10034 Lorain Road. For more information, the phone number is 651-0129. Until next month, peace and God bless. ▼
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