| "Called To Be Community" - A Celebration of GLBT Inclusion Annual GLBT Prayer Service |
| "Called To Be Community" - A Celebration of GLBT Inclusion Annual GLBT Prayer Service |
The GLBT Community of St. Joan's came together for a reflective prayer service at St. Joan's titled "Called To Be Community"—A Celebration of GLBT Inclusion— Wednesday, June 22, 2005 in the SJA Church.
Reed, came next, gamely performing her composition "My Grateful Heart." A litany reading involving the congregation was led by Joki, Anderson and Pearson, with "We Believe in a Sacred Power," again from Duncan's Courage to Love. The Lord's Prayer was recited and Anderson concluded with a closing prayer and blessing "Called to Become" from the book Psalms of a Laywoman by Edwina Gately. Reed closed the service singing "I Will Be There For You."
Hospitality offered wine, chocolate covered strawberries and punch by the church entry. The GLBT Pot Luck group would like to thank the beautiful community of St. Joan of Arc, a sacred part of creation, for their undying commitment to Inclusion, Love and Justice for all GLBT people, their families and friends.
With stifling heat conditions, a scant 35 people were in attendance with SJA GLBT Pot Luck Support Group leaders Ron Joki, Sue Anderson and Jay Pearson who presided over a thoughtful 35 minute presentation. In these times of 100 degree heat index and unpredictable torrential rains, 35 over heated people getting 35 quality minutes feels sufficiently agreeable. Joki and Anderson welcomed everyone with the reading "A Song of Welcome" from the book Courage to Love by Geoffrey Duncan. Sensational folk singer/songwriter Ann Reed, both sang and played her guitar, empowering us with her signature tune "Leap of Faith," while everyone joined in on the chorus. Pearson read the first reading from the book "Coming Out to God" by Chris Glaser. Joki offered a reflection of gratitude and support to the GLBT community and invited parishioners to march in the Pride Parade. Unfortunately the June 26 parade concurrently ran with our George Wertin "Celebrate George" retirement services.
It doesn't matter who you are or where you're coming from,
This Place has got an open door to make you feel at home.
And if you will come in and join us, you will soon perceive
That though we might all have our doubts,
there's something we believe:
The shape and form of every person comes from God's own hand;
And though you might not recognize it, or yet understand,
To all who see your deepest nature there's a sign that shows
You share a likeness with the One
from whom all life arose.
This world may soil you or contort you, robbing you of pride,
And people leave you feeling small, with words aimed to deride,
Still nothing can defeat the truth that you derive from One
who counts your worth today as much
as when you first were born.
So join your hands with ours and let us grow in self-respect,
And hear the story of a Friend who call us to connect
Around this table where we share the bread of life that gives
A healthy new-found confidence,
to let your spirit live.
Closing Prayer entitled "Called to Become" from the book "Psalms of a Laywoman" by Edwina Gately.
You are called to become
A perfect creation.
No one is called to become
Who you are called to be.
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It does not matter
Whether you sparkle with life
Or are silent as a still pool,
Whether you sing your song aloud
Or weep alone in darkness.
It does not matter
Whether you feel loved and admired
Or unloved and alone,
For you are called to become
A perfect creation.
No one's shadow
Should cloud your becoming.
No one's light
Should dispel your spark.
For God delights in you,
Jealousy looks upon you,
And encourages with gentle joy
Every moment of the Spirit within you.