Life's Journey

Our Worship Service on May 20th will be Lakeside–

at the Guilford Marina (exit 138 off interstate 85/40 – if you need more specific directions, call the church office 227-2174).  Some of the men have graciously agreed to grill hamburgers and hotdogs for us.  They will provide the trimmings (chili, lettuce, tomato, onion, etc.).  We need to bring side dishes (pasta or potato salad, chips, etc.), desserts, and drinks.  There are picnic tables and benches under the shelter, but feel free to bring your own chairs.  We have the shelter reserved from 10 -2.   Please remind any guests of the no smoking policy.  This is always a fun event; we look forward to seeing you there!  

  Our Easter Service was held on April 8th at 9:00 am.  

  We built a flower laden cross as a part of our worship and enjoyed Easter Brunch following our worship service.  A Scavenger Hunt was held  for the children.

Dear Friends,

As most of you know, being an Open and Affirming church means a good deal more than being nice to everyone, including members of the LGBT community. It means even more than living a shared life where the full rights and responsibilities of church membership are offered to everyone. It means being advocates and if need be fierce advocates of people who have and continue to live under the weight of oppressive forces.

On May 8 and the months leading up to that date every religious and secular organization which makes a claim of being advocates for the LGBT community will be afforded the opportunity to fully embrace that calling. On that date citizens of the state of North Carolina will vote on Amendment One. This amendment is not about marriage but is instead about barring recognition of civil unions and domestic partnerships. If it were passed the result could include interfering with child custody and visitation rights which protect the best interest of the children, could potentially invalidate domestic violence protections of unmarried couples(this has already taken place in Ohio), could take away important human rights by invalidating trusts, wills and end of life directives, and would invalidate domestic partner benefits(including healthcare) for several municipalities.

Opposing this bill has little or nothing to do with our political inclinations. It has everything to do with being voices for justice and equality. Historically, this would be the first time the state constitution has ever been amended to discriminate against specific individuals. Traditionally the constitution has only been amended to increase the rights of individuals.

On January 8 at my request the Deacon Board endorsed efforts for our faith community to offer a leading voice in opposition to this Amendment. In coming weeks and months a plan will be devised and implemented to the end of offering that voice. On February 4 my sermon will be aimed at addressing some of the “whys” and “hows” of taking this stand.

At a personal level I would say that in the six years in which I have been afforded the opportunity to pastor an Open and Affirming congregation I have had the privilege of being pastor to many members of the LGBT community. I will never refer to you as “they.” In the deepest sense of the word you are family. Life’s Journey is a family and to stand with and for you is to stand with and for myself and my family.

Please consider this letter a call to engage this struggle for human rights with all the love and passion which a human heart can contain.

Your Pastor and Friend,

Phil