I have grown from having Beth as our pastor.
08 Dec 2004
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Reflection from Nancy Tkacs of First United Methodist Church of Germantown |
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Cut your losses?
05 Dec 2004
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A sermon by Rev. Jim McIntire, Bala United Methodist Church
Jim was Beth's predecessor at First United Methodist Church of Germantown. Beth is a pastor to Jim's children. Jim is pastor to Beth's parents. |
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Our job is to try to walk in the footsteps of Christ.
05 Dec 2004
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A reflection by Michael C. Mahan, from First United Methodist Church of Germantown |
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There were no winners today.
04 Dec 2004
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Bishop John Schol writes to the Baltimore-Washington Conference |
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Grace was abundant.
04 Dec 2004
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Pastoral Letter from Bishop Marcus Matthews regarding the Beth Stroud Trial
December 3, 2004 |
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We absolutely fell in love with Beth and Chris.
08 Dec 2004
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I was emotionally drained after both days of the trial. There was that tiny bit of hope that the verdict would be in Beth's favor because I do believe in miracles. In spite of my anger and frustration at the actual verdict, I took some satisfaction from the fact that one person in that pool voted their conscience. Then my hopes were raised again by Beth's eloquent defendor as he put forth the idea that punishment needn't be defrocking and creativity in the punishment was possible. The vote of 7 to 6 was encouraging to me, because I know change comes slowly. But my tears flowed as I thought of what it will be like for Beth's congregation to see their pastor, whom they love so very much, lose something so precious to her.
I was honored to be a witness to the love and support expressed by Chris, Beth's parents, FUMCOG and other churches and Soulforce. The singing, praying and wonderfully bonding communion services took me from despair to hope again. I met and talked with many wonderful people. Over all, the experience was motivating. I felt I had to share it with my board members, since they couldn't be there and very much wanted to be. Beth spoke to us at PFLAG Philadelphia last spring and explained all about the trial and her reasons for embarking on this journey. We absolutely fell in love with her and Chris, we saw them as our own children. I emailed my board about my experience at the trial, stressing the support offered by so many. I will do the same at our meeting this Sunday afternoon.
I also attended as the conference representative to the UCC national Justice and Witness Ministry Team, which has as members several gay and lesbian ministers and lay people. We at UCC believe strongly that we need to do whatever we can to support other denominations and faiths in their journey not just to acceptance but to affirmation of lgbt people.
If there is anything that I can do as president of PFLAG Phila or as a UCC member to help in this cause, you have only to ask.
Sincerely,
Carole Greenauer |
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