Please take a moment and go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlmauwfxK7c. It's one of my favorite songs by my college buddy, Dave. His one man group goes by the name Agape (God's unconditional love for us). He and some of the young minority kids in North Minneapolis who have been orphaned have rapped at the national youth gathering for the ELCA. All are welcome is God's theme in the Bible. We as the church need to reflect how God feels about his creation. Too often we do not.
As far as human sexuality goes, I will tip my hand. Heidi and I came to New England, because we were told by the synod that EVERY church is reconciled in Christ, meaning that we openly welcome gays and lesbians. The sign on the street level of Faith's parking lot says, "All Welcome." Either this is true or we are misrepresenting ourselves and the Father who sent Jesus in love so that all would hear and receive the good news.
Paul is handpicked by God to reach out to the Gentile outsiders. He testifies to this and the insiders go nuts! God is trying to make a point through Paul. Many of the early Christians were Jews (i.e. Jesus and the disciples). I am not. I thank God every day for Paul's boldness and how he risked (and gave) his life, so that I could be welcomed in.
I have a favor to ask. We have more LYFE Groupies who want to go to the youth gathering at Calumet next weekend (Fri, Mar 5th, 4 pm-Sun, Mar 7th, 2 pm) than we can get there with the adult chaperones who have signed up. We don't want to turn anyone away. Please let Sue Grassey know if you can go.
All are welcome.
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