Ryan Ende: A Life of Love & Rejection

Preached by Rev. Andy DeBraber at the funeral service for Ryan Ende, 31, at Hamilton Reformed Church, Hamilton, Michigan. Ryan was an intern at Douglas UCC in 2007-8, and graduated from Western Theological Seminary in May 2009.

Scripture: Genesis 32:23-32; Psalm 139, Luke 6:20-35

In talking with Ryan’s family and in my experience of him, three qualities came to the forefront:

1. Ryan was always for the poor, the oppressed, the underdog: helping, giving – even beyond his means; he would give you the coat off his back – and his shirt, too; from kindergarten on (student who was clearly poor and would get picked on and Ryan befriended him and felt so bad for him whenever he was teased).

2. Ryan was an intelligent debater and smart writer, frequently wrestling with God, others, ideas, and himself. One of the members of our church wrote of Ryan:

“I recall feeling as though he had a lot of wisdom to offer when he gave his homilies. I also always appreciated his observations, especially given the fact that we are so very close in age and pull from the same "pop culture" drawer. On a different note, he always smelled good and always wore the best shoes and glasses. I also could never reach quite high enough to provide him a proper hug.”

3. Ryan was, in the words so many used, a big teddy bear: so many of the pictures at the visitation showed him smiling, laughing, playing with children (Christopher, his nephew, was telling me how in he pool he would invite all the kids to pile on him, because he could hold them all – they will miss that; and the best thing about Uncle Ryan, they said, was his hugs); he was also a great listener (when he worked with the youth in this church, parents would tell Ryan’s parents that he knows things about my kids I don’t, because he made the space to really listen and offer them a person they could relate to and trust. He viewed everyone with the eyes of Psalm 139 – as fearfully and wonderfully made. Another of our members wrote:

“I remember Ryan for his care of others, particularly the elderly, and for how he related to the kids. He'd kneel or bend down and look them in the eyes. Many adults don't hug our daughter during the passing of the peace, but as soon as he'd see her, he'd ask for a hug. I so appreciated that about him.

Along with these qualities, also existing in Ryan was the paradox of not wanting to stand out but doing things that would make him stand out – at least in Hamilton and Holland and Douglas, Michigan. A couple from our church wrote of first meeting Ryan:

We met Ryan on our first visit to Douglas Congregational UCC in August 2007. We had parked the car and were approaching the front door. Ryan was standing outside on the sidewalk having a smoke. Wow! This was a big, rather intimidating looking dude. OK.... I have no problem with tattoos and piercings. We said hello and went inside. Over time, as we embraced this faith family, we participated in several discussion groups that Ryan led, which really helped us to know Ryan better. I came to see Ryan as a gentle soul...a big teddy bear. When he hugged you, you felt protected and loved. We also came to know of some of his struggles during these small groups and we struggled with him. Even after he left as our intern, we made a trip to Uncommon Grounds on the chance he would be working and we could say "hi" and "how are you doing?" The world has lost another gentle soul and he will be sorely missed.

What so many of us struggled with, and was so hard for Ryan himself, was that he loved everyone but himself. Somehow, that love just couldn’t get through.

Ryan had a passion for the Gospel, for following Jesus the Christ, and for sharing that good news with others. He had a passion for ministry. And when the church that raised him, that nurtured him, that loved him (were you here last night?), and that instilled in him that passion for ministry – that gave him opportunities here, at Clancy Street Ministry in Grand Rapids, in the Muskegon Jail – that agreed to train him for ministry in its seminary – when that church said “No” to ordaining Ryan, emphatically “No,” the beginning of the end was in sight.

Ryan overcame so much to get to that point. He loved and gave so much of himself to get there. He put his blood and soul and guts on the line to stand there and hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant, we recognize your gifts and your passions, your intelligence and your compassion, and offer you the opportunity to enter ordained ministry in the church that you so love because it first loved you.”

A chance, an opportunity – that’s all he wanted. Bring on the classis exams and the call process – though Ryan knew his call wouldn’t be to a church but rather to a ministry among the least of these, our sisters and brothers in the family of God.

A chance, an opportunity – that’s all he wanted. And what did he hear instead? “Wham,” the door closing. “You are most despised and rejected among people, a man of sorrows and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hide their faces, you are despised, and we hold you of no account” (Isaiah 53:3, alt.).

Why? Why? Because he loved too much. Because he was gay. Because he loved men. Because he had the courage and fortitude to come out of the closet, to be the first openly gay student at Western Theological Seminary.

God made Ryan a certain way – and after years of wrestling with God, after years of denying it, hiding it, trying to change it, Ryan finally came to terms with being gay. And, as was his way, his wont, he didn’t hide it from those around him.

Oh, I’m sure this is a surprise and a shock to many of you. As out there as Ryan was – God bless him – with his fashion, his piercings, his tattoos (Jacob wrestling, fishers) – his was a quiet way of being gay – like most same-gender loving people. He wasn’t on the front lines of changing the laws of the land for greater justice or marching in gay pride parades.

In fact, the ministry he felt most called to was bringing the good news of God’s love and new life in Christ to those LGBT folks who, like him, had been so wounded, hurt, and rejected by the church – and would never, or at least not for a very long time, ever set foot in a church again.

As a son of the RCA and one whose ordination is still held in that denomination, I can – as Ryan could – argue passionately and persuasively. We could go over the finer points of Scripture on sexual orientation. We’re not going to. You can, if you wish, find those discussion in many places.

What I can no longer abide is clinging to this one issue as a barrier to full entry in the church. In doing so, our interpretation of Scripture is inconsistent at best and cruel at worst.

We can tell story after story of children from the RCA – and other denominations – who so passionately loved God and wanted to serve the church, that they sacrificed themselves to do so. They tried so hard, willed themselves so much, to not be gay or lesbian that they were willing to love everyone but themselves. And we can tell story after story of the disastrous consequences and tragic results.

The good news is that we can also tell story after story of people who overcame that rejection from the church and much of society to continue to thrive and serve God in a multitude of ways, to love everyone, including themselves. And we can tell story after story of families and churches that have changed to welcome fully God’s gay and lesbian children.

Ryan’s family last night said they believe Ryan’s ministry is just beginning. It is their wish and mine that we learn from the ways Ryan’s life touched us and change, or grow:

1. change ourselves, to become more loving, giving, and compassionate

2. change our churches, that no more would die rejected from ministry for having the courage to be who they are, and

3. change the world, to become a more just place where all are welcomed, have what we need, and know the love of God, others, and self.

May it be so. Amen.

See Ryan's obituary at http://notierverleelangeland.com/obituaries.php?Post=ende--ryan-- where you can also read and post comments

Black Urges "Hope Is Ready" to Keep Talking

By PEG MCNICHOL, Holland Sentinel contributor
Dec 12, 2009

Sharon Adcock is proud of being a Hope College graduate. But she’s appalled at her alma mater’s refusal to recognize Hope is Ready, a student group dedicated to supporting students who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgendered.

“I came into some money this year and I’m giving it to Hope is Ready instead of Hope College,” said Adcock, a 1978 grad. “I’m going to let Hope College know that I think their decision is appalling. I’m proud of Hope College, but I’m ashamed of them for this.”

She spoke up during the afterglow of Friday’s screening of “Milk,” at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.

Read the full article at: http://www.hollandsentinel.com/feature/x1769698665/Filmmaker-urges-Hope-is-Ready-to-keep-talking

Raising Healthy Kids in a Commercial Age

From the campaign "Spare Kids the Ads" by "So We Might See: A National Interfaith Coalition for Media Justice":

Parents are trying to raise healthy kids, but many parents feel like they are in battle with companies that sell candy, fast food, soda, and breakfast cereal. Join our campaign to ask food and media companies to sell healthy foods to kids, not high-sugar, high-fat foods. Our coalition is fighting for the rights of parents to be responsible for their own children’s health and well-being. We want food companies and media companies to help us, to be part of the solution not part of the problem. Wouldn't it be great if our kids were bombarded with advertisements for fruit and vegetables instead of sugar-laden snacks?

Several leading studies, including by the national Institute of Medicine, the Federal Trade Commission, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and Children Now have recommended significant changes in how we advertise food to children. For example, Children Now found in a report released this month that in ten hours of television programming, a child will see 55 commercials for the least nutritious food, compared with only one commercial for highly nutritious food, as measured by the department of Health and Human Services nutrition standards

Explore more about this campaign at: http://www.ucc.org/media-justice/sparekidstheads2009/about.html

Hate Crimes Reported in St. Joseph & Benton Harbor

Dec. 15, 2009
A Benton Harbor resident was attacked over the weekend in what is believed to be hate-motivated violence based on his sexual orientation. Another similar incident was reported to St Joseph police a few weeks earlier. Both attacks occurred at local gas stations. No arrests have been made.

The OutCenter is deeply concerned about the recent acts of violence toward two members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. We urge local law enforcement authorities to continue their expedient work on these cases.

We encourage all residents to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Avoid travelling alone; if you must travel alone remain in well-lit areas.

"We must work together as a community to stop hate crimes," said Jennifer Hsu, executive director of the OutCenter. "The OutCenter is committed to putting an end to bigotry and prejudice against LGBT persons and stands ready to work with allies in southwest Michigan to make this community safe for all people."

If you or someone you know is a survivor of LGBT discrimination or hate violence please contact 269-925-8330.

About the OutCenter: Since 2003 the OutCenter, previously the YWCA Out & Affirmations Center, has been advocating for the rights and increasing awareness of the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Our wide array of services and programs includes: adult support groups; LGBT youth programming; health and wellness referrals and resources; diversity training workshops; and, civic outreach programs. Visit us on the Web at: www.outcenter.org.

Qoute Time

Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you, but not in one ahead.
~ Bill McGlashen

Out Candidate Parker Becomes Houston Mayor

Out candidate Annise Parker won a historic election on Saturday in Houston and is set to take the reins as mayor of the fourth-largest U.S. city. Parker, by emphasizing fiscal responsibility and her experience as a three-term controller, handily defeated Gene Locke in a runoff by a margin of about 53% to 47%. "For Houston, it means we have finally reached the point where being gay cannot be used as a wedge issue to divide the community and prevent us from reaching our aspirations," said veteran LGBT advocate Ray Hill.

Read national and local reaction at: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/6770190.html

How to Ask Someone with Cancer, "How Are You Doing?"

After someone (thankfully, not my husband or son) asked about the projects I’m involved in, and I began sharing what I thought was my contagious enthusiasm about this blog, writing several articles, and consulting to the organization, GreatNonprofits.org (which just published an excellent must-read list of five tips for choosing a charity), his eyes started to glaze over and soon wandered to the television in the room.

Hard to compete with a huge flat-screen TV, but it reminded me of when I had cancer and was asked by a friend, “So how are you doing?” Many of you know what comes next. Though most people who ask truly care, some just can’t or don’t want to open themselves to your pain.

A good rule of thumb is, if you’re not prepared to listen openly, don’t ask the question. And especially don’t ask someone with cancer, who’s going through one of the most difficult, frightening, and painful challenges of their life, how they’re feeling, unless you care enough to listen intently.

And if you really care, don’t ask the question, “How aaaaaaare you?”, which can sound pitying or condescending. Ask, “How are you doing?” and if the person feels comfortable talking about his or her health, it will be tremendously healing for all if you open your ears, eyes, and heart very wide for the answer!

Always hope,
Lori
http://www.lorihope.com/
Author of Help Me Live: 20 things people with cancer want you to know

Read the full blog entry and comments through CarePages at: http://www.carepages.com/blogs/helpshurtsheals/posts/dont-ask-unless-youre-prepared-to-listen-to-the-answer

"Milk" Director to Host Screening at SCA!

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts (www.sc4a.org) will host a screening of Milk this Friday, Dec. 11, at 7p.m. Dustin Lance Black, who won an Oscar as the movie's director, will be in attendance and will do a Q+A following the screening. People need to reserve their space by sending an email to hope.is.ready@gmail.com The tickets are free but they want to make sure that there are enough seats. Read more at http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x1753144651/Venue-set-for-second-film-screening-with-Dustin-Lance-Black

Quote Time

Feelings
that are denied
cannot be released;
feelings imprison us until
they are acknowledged.

~ Aeeshah Clottey

Reactions to Having a Pet or Dog Service

We received more reactions to the idea of potentially have a service for pets, or dogs more specifically, than we have to pretty much any post or Epistle item. The first reaction came from Rev. Bob Dahl, a member of Douglas UCC currently serving as an interim pastor in the Chicago area, who wrote:

"Imagine how surprised I was to open the e-newsletter from my home church and discover an article about Tom Eggebeen. Tom is one of my best friends. We have been buddies since seminary days starting in 1966. He has his M.Div. and D.Min. from WTS. We were in each other's weddings. He and his wife Donna were close friends of me and Doris and now close friends with me and Chris. He is a true friend. However, it's unfortunate that his ministry has gone to the dogs, so to speak.

Tom replied with "Woof, woof" and the following quote:

To see faith and commitment

in someone's face is
always a remarkable moment.

Other reactions:

• I THINK it is a wonderful idea. I've attended two such services that I can recall. My first one was at Douglas UCC, the Funeral Serivce for a good friend, Kenneth L. Schultz. His partner brought ALL the Home pets including Buddy, Collie, birds, and hamsters. Buddy made it a point to greet each and every one in attendance. The second Service, more recent, in Grand Rapids at Fountian Street Church, which I took my dog to. He did real well, UNTIL, the little boy led his pet down the aisle to the altar, a full grown Llama!! My dog was motionless for the rest of the Service!! Maybe do this Quarterly. Would be great for the kids also...
• 
  
• I'm still struggling with the need to have coffee brought into church during worship. Maybe next we could have a cocktail hour? I would suggest before we worry about turning the church into a "doghouse" we worry about getting more folks into the space...those who are willing to and see the need to support financially the church. Count me among those who will depart if the dogs arrive. BTW, a few years ago there was such an issue about pets in the Retreat House because of allergy issues. How is bringing animals into the sanctuary any different?
• 
  

• Pets at service...what a great idea! Of course I would volunteer to help set this up. I personally dont like the idea, but hope if it is carried through that it is done outside. There are those few who are allergic to cats and on rare instance even dogs. Many who have allergies may not let you know.

Rachel Sabbath: Saving Women's Lives

As we again enter a story of childbirth this Christmas, The Religious Institute ("faithful voices on sexuality and religion," www.religiousinstitute.org) has initiated a project to reduce maternal mortality.

The Rachel Sabbath Initiative: Saving Women's Lives supports the United Nations' Millennium Development Goal 5, which focuses on improving maternal health. The Religious Institute calls on congregations and denominations across a range of faith traditions to raise awareness and support for the UN's targets of reducing maternal mortality worldwide and achieving universal access to reproductive health by 2015.

"As faith leaders we are called today to see, hear, and respond to the crisis of maternal mortality worldwide. We encourage faith communities to participate in the Rachel Sabbath Initiative. "

Fifty-three national religious leaders have joined the Religious Institute in calling congregations to participate in the Rachel Sabbath Initiative, to involve religious leaders and faith communities in promoting access to reproductive health care globally and preventing maternal mortality.

A Rachel Sabbath might involve a worship activity like a sermon, prayer, or responsive reading. Each congregation will determine how it will participate in Rachel Sabbath. To learn more or to lead our church in this project, which they encourage congregations to do in January, see http://www.religiousinstitute.org/initiative/rachel-sabbath-initiative-saving-womens-lives

The initiative is named for the matriarch Rachel in the Hebrew Scriptures, who died in childbirth (Gen. 35: 16-19).

Quote Time

The [one] who
never makes a mistake
always takes orders from
one who does.

~ Daisy Bates

Institute on Religion in an Age of Science

From Michael Cavanaugh, Past President and Membership Chair, who found us on the site for the Center for Progressive Christianity (www.tcpc.org):

The Institute on Religion in an Age of Science (www.iras.org) has been the worldwide leader for the past 55 years in trying to bring some sophistication (even sanity) to the contemplations of serious thinkers about the interaction of Science & Religion, and I am betting that is a crucial interaction from the viewpoint of your members. In fact the cultural historian James Gilbert said, in his groundbreaking history of the 20th Century’s science/religion interaction (“Redeeming Culture”) that the founding of our organization turned a corner in that interaction – whereas it had mostly been characterized by hostility or gross apologetics, the 1954 founding of IRAS (The Institution on Religion in an Age of Science) changed the interaction to one of rigor and productivity. We in IRAS continue that work through the publication of the premiere journal in the field (Zygon: Journal of Science & Religion), though cutting edge conferences that have received wide acclaim, and through other media like on-line discussion groups.

IRAS is a non-denominational, independent society with three purposes:

- to promote creative efforts leading to the formulation, in the light of contemporary

knowledge, of effective doctrines and practices for human welfare;

- to formulate dynamic and positive relationships between the concepts developed by

science and the goals and hopes of humanity expressed through religion;

- to state human values and contemporary knowledge in such universal and valid terms

that they may be understood by all peoples, whatever their cultural background and

experience, and provide a basis for world-wide cooperation.

We at IRAS take the natural world seriously as a primary source of meaning. Our quest is informed and guided by the deepening and evolving understandings fostered by scientific inquiry.

From here, our quests for meaning take us in divergent directions. For some, the natural world and its emergent manifestations in human experience and creativity are the focus of exploration. Some go on to encounter and celebrate the sacred in such explorations. For some, understandings of the natural world are interwoven with understandings inherent in various religious traditions, generating additional paths of exploration and encounter. As a result, we articulate our emerging orientations with many voices, voices that are harmonious in that we share a common sense of place and gratitude.

We acknowledge as well a shared set of values and concerns pertaining to peace, justice, dignity, cultural and ecological diversity, and planetary sustainability. Although we may differ as to how these concerns are best addressed, we are committed to participating in their resolution.

"A Christmas Carol" Features Peter Black

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
December 11-13 & 18-20 at the Saugatuck Woman's Club on Hoffman Street at Butler Street in Downtown Saugatuck
Evenings: Friday & Saturday 8pm, Sunday 7 pm ~ $10
Matinees: Saturday 2pm ~ $7

Celebrate the Holidays in Saugatuck! Join us for the 23^rd Annual Saugatuck Village Players community rendition of A Christmas Carol. This year's production of Charles Dickens classic tale of redemption is directed by David Prins, features sets by Michael Schwabe and is accompanied by Peter Black on the piano. The performance is narrated by Ernie Evangelista and stars Steve Williford as the inimical Ebenezer Scrooge with fifteen performers to round out the cast. This charming theatrical event is a Saugatuck holiday tradition.

Reservations can be made and tickets may be purchased at the Saugatuck Convention and Visitors Bureau by calling 269-857-1701 during regular business hours. Also, tickets may be purchased at the Saugatuck Woman's Club starting an hour before show time.

If you need ticket information after hours or on the weekend, call Steve Williford at 616-218-3408 though he probably won't have the chance to answer if the call is made during a performance.

Even if you can find the number, please do not call the Saugatuck Woman's Club - we will not be able to answer their phone, or handle any reservations that come in on their answering machine.

Holland Summit on Racism Features Dr. Tatum

Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, widely recognized as a scholar, teacher, race relations expert and leader in higher education, has confirmed as our morning keynote speaker at the 2010 Summit on Racism schedule for May 20 at Hope College.

A clinical psychologist by training, her areas of research include racial identity development, and the role of race in the classroom. The recipient of numerous honorary degrees, in 2005 Dr. Tatum was awarded the prestigious Brock International Prize in Education for her innovative leadership in the field.

Her best-selling titles include Can We Talk About Race? (2007), Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? (1997) and Assimilation Blues: Black Families in a White Community (1987).

Formerly a member of the President's Advisory Board for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Dr. Tatum also serves on national boards including the Institute for International Education, the Council of Independent Colleges, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. She has served as a faculty member at the University of California at Santa Barbara, Westfield State College, and Mount Holyoke College. She is currently President at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Tatum earned a B.A. degree in psychology from Wesleyan University, and M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from University of Michigan and a M.A. in Religious Studies from Hartford Seminary.

See more at www.ethnicdiversity.org

UCC President Black Critical of Afghanistan Troop Increase

The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, the UCC's general minister and president, today released a statement critical of President Obama's decision to dramatically escalate troop levels in Afghanistan.

On Dec. 1, speaking at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., Obama announced that 30,000 additional troops, as well as 4,000 trainers, will be deployed to fight in the eight-year war.

"Many are concerned that a strategy relying so heavily on military escalation will not achieve the lasting peace that we are called to seek," Black said in a written statement. "An approach that more heavily invests in developmental efforts that will address the root causes of violence, corruption, poverty and injustice, and provide leadership for intensified regional diplomacy seems a more promising path to the de-escalation and eventual ceasefire of this long and deadly conflict."

Black also expressed concern for military families, saying the escalation "asks far too much of our already strained military forces at this time."

The Administration should change its strategy from "winning the war" to "finishing the job," Black said, by placing renewed emphasis on "engagement over escalation." He urged the need to address the "root causes of violence" that plague the Afghan people, such as poverty, corruption and injustice.

Read the full text at http://www.ucc.org/news/Engagement-over-escalation-Black-critical-of-Afghan-war-expansion.html

What Type of Waiting Are You Doing?

William Tweedley, a guest who visits with us regularly from Chicago, offered the following piece on "Preparation Waiting" versus "Stagnant Waiting" in his newsletter this week. He is the owner of WHT Coaching and ordained clergy. See his web site at www.whtcoaching.com.

I've spent a lot of time recently with people who are waiting: waiting for a new job, for a raise, for Christmas, for family to arrive, for family to leave, for classes to start, for classes to end, for new pastors to be called, for the sun to shine (especially those here in the Midwest!), for Spring, for Santa, for hope, for healthier choices, for retirement, for houses to sell . . . . Lots of waiting!

What are you waiting for?

Waiting can either be frustrating, painfully slow and draining, or it can be a place of deep learning and growth. It all depends how you choose to use the time, because there are two types of waiting; stagnant or preparation.

'Stagnant Waiting' is when you wait for something or someone to change things for you. You wait for the government to 'get it right', employers to recognize your potential, partners to change, or even Santa to bring you "The Gift" that will bring you fulfillment. You wait for someone or something else to change your circumstances, to bring you happiness, and make things right again (rather like waiting for Prince Charming to come wake you up). Stagnant waiting is when you let your circumstances dictate your future. You feel helpless, powerless, looking to some outside source to right your situation. This stagnant waiting denies your naturally creative self, limits your belief in yourself and makes you powerless. That is not who I believe you were created to be.

On the other hand, 'Preparation Waiting' is a time of getting ready. It is a time of dreaming, planning, learning about your true self, identifying your strengths, recognizing the gaps you need to develop in yourself, recognizing your limiting beliefs, gathering your resources and identifying allies. Preparation waiting doesn't need to be another 'to-do' action. Rather it can simply be a time when you allow yourself to pay attention. What are your dreams and hopes, what gives you fulfillment and satisfaction, what makes you angry, what feeds you, what can you no longer tolerate? How is life balanced for you right now?

Preparation waiting is a place of empowerment, of 'gathering in' information in order to be ready to make the next step. It's the time when you stop to look at your map of life, see where you are and determine what you need for the next part of the journey, getting you closer to your destination. Preparation waiting is a deeply spiritual place. I believe that is part of the reason most faith beliefs have identified a time of Sabbath - a time of letting go and a time of taking up - all done while waiting. This is Preparation Waiting.

Don't think you are waiting for anything? Don't mistake your cramped schedule, especially in this season, just as action and busyness. Even in your activity, you are waiting for something - the question isn't are you waiting for something, but what are you waiting for, and which type of waiting are you doing?

Which type of waiting are you seeing in your own life? Is it Stagnant waiting or Preparation waiting? Which waiting will have you best prepared for the next season of your life, for your next goal, for the next decade that begins in a few weeks? Which waiting truly serves "your one wild and precious life" (as the poet Mary Oliver asked)?

Life is rich, exciting, hopeful, challenging, joyous, ever-changing, filled with possibility and engaging. And we only have one.

What are you waiting for? And how are you waiting?

If you are waiting in a stagnant place, or you simply want to dive deeper into your own waiting time, being ready for change, you might want to learn more about the upcoming 6-week coaching group tele-class starting in January. See the announcement about it in this newsletter for more information.

See you in 2010!

Thoughts, reactions or comments?
What other topics would you like to read about in these columns? Write to me at William@whtcoaching.com

Poor Suffer Most from Climate Change: Make a Difference!

A strategy to assist all countries in adapting to the impacts of climate change is as important as a plan to curb future emissions since the people who are suffering the most from climate change are the poorest of the poor in both industrialized and developing countries. Clean air, fresh water, secure food sources, and the sustainability of coastalways and other fragile ecologies that communities everywhere depend on are already threatened due to global warming. It is time for the countries that benefit most from activities that cause climate change to acknowledge this injustice and take the steps necessary to correct it.

From December 7-18 government leaders from around the world will gather in Copenhagen, Denmark, to seek a new global agreement that address the causes and consequences of climate change. Hopes for finalizing a new agreement to replace the 1997 Kyoto Protocol during the Copenhagen conference have been greatly diminished due to disagreement among the U.S. and other major carbon polluters about targets and strategies for reducing emissions. But setting the stage for a new treaty to reduce global warming and remedy its effects remains an urgent goal for world leaders

Learn more about climate change and what we all can do, at home, at church, in your community and through government advocacy at http://globalministries.org/get-involved/justice-and-advocacy/climate-change/

and at Countdown to Copenhagen from Church World Service (the CROP Walk folks) at http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/PageServer?pagename=how_adv_copenhagen

Episcopal Church Elects Openly Lesbian Bishop

On December 11, 2009 Reverend Canon Mary Douglas Glasspool was elected bishop suffragan in the Diocese of Los Angeles. Along with the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, this makes her the second openly LGBT partnered bishop in the Episcopal Church. The Diocese of Los Angeles made an excellent choice writes Harry Knox, Director of the Religion and Faith Program. "Bishop-elect Glasspool is known to combine a compassionate understanding of the pastoral needs of clergy and families with a clear vision of justice for the Church and wider community. The hard work of groups of Integrity and Oasis California are paying off and we are now seeing qualified candidates like Rev. Glasspool able to offer their gifts in service of God and their communities. All people of faith are better for their ministry." The next step will be for Standing Committees and Bishops with jurisdiction to consent to today’s election. For more on this election see HRC Religion Council Member, Rev. Susan Russell’s blog,InchAtATime.Blogspot.com and Integrity USA. Also, read our analysis on the significance of this move in HRC blog, the backstory: http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2009/12/religious-advocacy-makes-a-difference-episcopal-church-elects-openly-lesbian-bishop/

John Jobson: "Radiation...done!"

I can now check radiation off the list of things that I have done - and I do not care to check it off more than once… ever. As nice as the facility was (it was decidedly non-institutional) and in spite of how spectacular the people who work there are (they really are exceptional), I am happy to report that I am now finished with radiation. I even had a celebratory beer with dinner that night!

I continue to do quite well. Aside from a now funky hairline – which I have remedied by shaving what little hair I had left completely off, I feel stronger every day. The only thing that I have noticed is that with no hair, my head gets cold extremely fast. When it rains, there is no hair to catch the water and it runs down my face and the back of my neck with amazing speed! With the arrival of winter, when snow hits my scalp, it melts with incredible haste and once melted follows the same path as rain drops.

Katie and I are to go to Detroit next Monday for my first follow-up MRI. A clean bill of health would be the perfect holiday gift.

As always, I deeply appreciate your continued positive thoughts and prayers,
John

Quote Time

The only thing
harder than forgiveness
is the alternative.

~ Philip Yancey

If You Are Inspiring, Your Holidays Will Be Too

by Deepak Chopra

I found this article by Deepak Chopra very helpful and insightful. It offers great ideas and suggestions for us all as we move into the holiday season -- especially those of us who find being with family difficult. Read the whole article, reprinted from Oprah.com, at www.sbnr.org/archive/if-you-are-inspiring-your-holidays-will-be-too/

Mile-long shopping lists, work fatigue, cranky relatives and demanding children means it’s natural to feel stressed out at the holidays. But you can change it all just by changing who you are in each situation. Find out how!

We all know the complaints: family grievances, stressful shopping, never enough time to get everything done, fatigue and collapse. Therapists brace themselves for the holidays as depressed patients become more depressed, addictive patients become more addicted and winter grayness casts its pall.

So let’s change this picture. The holiday season was meant to be the most inspired time of year. It’s an idealistic season when the outer world sleeps so that the inner world can flourish.

The secret to making your holiday inspiring is actually quite simple. Be inspiring yourself. As with any change, you must be the change you want to see in others. But how does that come about? Here are some suggestions:

* Stop doing what never worked in the first place
* Don’t blurt out hidden feelings
* Stay out of the box that others want to put you in
* Tolerate what is difficult; engage with what is simple
* Do one inspired thing, no matter what anyone else thinks

Let’s go through each of these points one at a time because each one has the potential to make this a season of joy-

Quote Time

Moving fast
is not the same as
going somewhere.

~ Robert Anthony

"Countering Pharaoh's Production-Consumption Society Today" DVD Class Starts Wednesday!

WARNING: PROGRAM MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR CHURCH, SOCIETY & THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE, AND COULD POTENTIALLY HELP RESTORE THE MEANING OF COVENANT

Countering Pharaoh's Production-Consumption Society Today
Featuring Walter Brueggemann
A DVD study for Progressive Christians, ideal for Advent:
. Session One: The Way Out December 9
. Session Two: The Decalogue December 16
. Session Three: Countering Caesar December 23
. Session Four: An Act of Imagination December 30
. Session Five: On Not Doing God Any Favors January 6

Walter Brueggemann is an Old Testament scholar and retired professor from Columbia Theological Seminary. Also a United Church of Christ minister, Brueggemann has authored hundreds of articles, several biblical commentaries and more than 50 books, including The Prophetic Imagination, Genesis: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, Finally Comes the Poet, and Theology of the Old Testament.

He addresses these questions and more:
Ø How can liberals and conservatives engage each other?
Ø Can you be a born again and progressive Christian at the same time?
Ø What is the significance of baptism?
Ø What's the Alternative Script?
Ø What does coffee have to do with it?
Ø How are we to understand the role violence plays in the Scriptures?
Ø How do we recover the biblical practice of acknowledging loss?

Wednesdays, 10 a.m., Retreat House. All Welcome!!

"Resurrecting Santiago" from OutCenter Director

The following poem was written by Santiago Lopez, reflecting on his experience in West Michigan, and posted by the Outcenter in Benton Harbor (www.outcenter.org):

THE RESURRECTION OF SANTIAGO
by Santiago N. Lopez

I think back to the stripping of my name
And I wonder, much in my present-day horror, if I welcomed it
An attempt to be like everyone else - culturally dead.
Santiago was knocked down; beaten; often times spat upon and left for dead.
Santiago was killed and Jimmy was born.
Jimmy was something they could say, someone they could understand

Santiago was forced, or should I say, it was suggested that Santiago take Speech Therapy.
"It would seem that Santi... Sant... San... umph... JIMMY was taught English improperly from Spanish-Speakers."

"T - H; TH; MOTH-ER; FATH-ER; FARTHER FROM CULTURE!"

Take Santiago far from his culture. Take him to the land of apple pies; marching bands; and institutionalized racism. His parents will not understand for they will be far too busy realizing their own american dream. Make Santiago understand the importance of staying between the lines.

"PUES, NO PUEDEN HACERLO, MIS ANTEPASADOS NO LOS DEJA; MIS ANTEPASADOS ESCOJIERON MI NOMBRE! ME LLAMO SANTIAGO NAPOLEON GREGORIO LÓPEZ DEL MAGALLANEZ Y NO MAS QUIERO DECIR: ¡VIVA LA RAZA!

"WELL, YOU CAN NOT DO THIS! MY ANCESTORS WILL NOT LET YOU; MY ANCESTORS CHOSE MY NAME! MY NAME IS SANTIAGO NAPOLEON GREGORIO LÓPEZ DEL MAGALLANEZ AND I ONLY WANT TO SAY: ¡VIVA LA RAZ

Children's Christmas Pageant Dec. 20

Our children will lead the service on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 10 a.m. with the Christmas Pageant "Matt and Lucy's Version Births." This fun and insightful pageant will feature all the favorites with a new twist. The children of Douglas UCC will act out the parts and delight us with songs of the season.

Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols at DUCC

Join us at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve (Thursday, Dec. 24) for a beautiful candle-light Service of Lessons & Carols. Full of meaning, wonder, and life, our service will feature the choir, soloists, many familiar Christmas carols, the traditional beloved Bible texts with the story "The Christmas Candle" woven in. For many, this is a highlight of the season - come and make it one of yours!

"Milk" Director Returning to Holland to Share His Story

By PETER DAINING and STEPHEN KLOOSTERMAN

The Holland Sentinel

Posted Dec 01, 2009 @ 07:30 AM

---

Holland, MI —

Filmmaker Dustin Lance Black didn’t like the way he left Holland. And he’s about to fix that.

“It seemed like there was a lot of difficulty and hurt feelings and such around me being disinvited to speak at Hope College, and I think it meant a lot to people in the community to heal that,” he said.

The writer-director was in Holland this fall making his new film, “What’s Wrong with Virginia” when Hope College officials vetoed a student-hosted screening and discussion of “Milk,” the film story of the first openly gay man elected to a major public office in the United States, whichgarnered a screenwriting Academy Award for Black this year.

Black will get his chance at last. He’s taking a break from his busy post-production editing schedule to fly in and speak at a screening of “Milk,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Park Theatre, 248. S. River Ave. It’s less than a mile from Hope College’s campus.

And like Harvey Milk, he’ll share his story as an openly gay filmmaker and let people judge for themselves.

“I never go anywhere to preach,” he said. “I simply tell my story and let people know where I come from.”

Hope College is not involved with the event.

Read the rest at http://www.hollandsentinel.com/homepage/x441561911/Filmmaker-flies-back-for-Hope-students?popular=true

UCOM Gifts Matched up to $10,000

See more at www.ucomgr.org

This is a joint ministry in Grand Rapids of the churches of the Grand West Association, a group of congregations - including ours - within the Michigan Conference UCC. The DUCC Fund has supported UCOM in the past.

Anonymous Donor will double your gift to UCOM

Greetings!

Here's great news for all of our neighbors who look to UCOM for some help and some hope in these tough economic times.

An anonymous longtime UCOM donor understands that the significantly increased need for UCOM’s services requires proportionately augmented giving. To encourage others to join them in supporting this vital ministry, this couple has volunteered to match dollar for dollar every gift from a new donor up to $1,000 per individual gift to a total of $10,000.

To make the offer even more broadly availablethey will match current donors’ increased gifts as well. For instance, If you gave $100 last year and give $150 in 2009, our challenge donors will match the $50 increase with $50 of their own.

Please help us to take advantage of this generous offer by forwarding this email and spreading the word to your friends and families and members of your churches or organizations. This can result in $10,000 in new funding plus the $10,000 challenge donation. Challenge ends December 31, 2009.

This includes gifts designated to programs such as Restore Hope, Preparando para su futuro, Homework House, or the food pantry.

Quote Time

Many of the problems that
arise in life are due to
our having said 'yes'
in situations where
we should have
said 'no.'

~ Amma