SEPTEMBER

,

F

SEPTEMBER

1971

VOLUME DONATION

11 NUMBER FIFTY

CENTS

8

IN N ITY A PUBLICATION

OF THE UNIVERSAL FELLOWSHIP OF METROPOLITAN

COMMUNITY CHURCHES INC.

CO-EDITORS PAT RARDIN CONNIE VAUGHN

TREASURER REV. LOUIS LOYNES

FOUNDER

CIRCULATION RUSTY CARLSON

FEATURE WRITERS C. SHAWN FARRELL PAT RARDIN

GRAPHIC DESIGNER CONNIE VAUGHN

OUR COVER STAFF MARTY SENECA KEN LOIHANA

PROPOSED EMBLEM FOR PRINTED BY M C C -

UNIVERSAL FELLOWSHIP OF

L A

METROPOLITAN

BOARD OF FIDERS OF UNIVERSAL FELLOWSHIP OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES REVEREND REVEREND REVEREND REVEREND

COMMUNITY CHURCHES

TROY D. PERRY JOHN H. HOSE RICHARD A. PLOEN LOUIS LOYNES

CHAIRMAN BOARD OF PUBLICATIONS UNIVERSAL FELLOWSHIP DON HUGHES PSAlM

133: 1

how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to ~ell together IN UNITY!

BEHOLD,

IN

M AGA!

UN 11Y

OFFICES

Hl71.

EDITOR

IN ALL OF

I NE

Los

PUBLI

ANGELES,

RIGHTS IN

IS

UNI1Y.

CALIFORNIA.

RESERVED. No

SHE 0 MONTlIL

Y BY MAiliNG

REPRODUCTION

ANONYMOUS

THE

LETTERS

UN I VERSAL ADDREse:

IN OR

WHOLE

FELLOWSII

2201

OR PART

ARTICLES

WilL

SbUTH

WITHOUT BE

I P OF ME TROPOL I TAN COMMUN I TY CHURCHES. UNION

AVENUE,

PERMISSION

CONSIDERED

FOR

Los IS

ANGELES,

PROHIBITED.

CA.

90007.

ADDRESS

E DI

TOR I H

COPYRIGHT

LETTERS

TO

PUBLICATION.

2

FROM THE PULPIT ~.etr(Jp(Jlitan

OI(Jmmunit~ 0I4urdy MISSION

New Orleans.

Mi s s i on of San Dieg0

Mailing:

P. O. Box 50081

New Orleans, Services:

70150

604 Iberville

New Orleans, Rev.

La.

La.

David E. Solomon,

~.etrllp(Jlitan

Street 70130 Missionary

OI(Jmmunif~ OIqurt4 MISSION

Milwaukee Mission Chicago Church

of

Prince of Peace Parish 2024 West Highland Avenue Milwaukee,

Rev.

Paul

Wisconsin

53233

W. Sydman,

Pastor

MISSION

Fresno

Missiori

Los. Angeles

of

Church

1362 "N" Street Fresno, Lee Spangenberg,

3

California Worship

Co-ordinator

I've had same interesting experiences in my life. This last week I had. one that sort of transcends other experiences that I've had lately.

I found out, since I've cane out and been a memberof the ccmnuni ty, that I've met a lot of strange peop.le , I've met same people whowere very delightful and others who were very strange. Sameof them I feel sorry for and others I don't feel so sorry for.

I remember t not too long ago and yet it was quite a while ago, that I met saneone who carneto me that I really felt sorry for.

A friend whan it had been drummed into that his Pastor said he was sinful and that he was sick. And samehow Godwould work miracles and change him. His family applied a lot of pressure and one day I received a phone call. This young man had committed suicide and died. I told you the story of the sixteen year old boy whose father was going to beat him into a heterosexual life in Hawaii, whopicked up a pistol and blew his brains out, just before I arrived in Honolulu. This last week a friend called Steve and I at hane and told us that his lover's sister had flew in from back east sanewhere. She'd come in and brought her Bible. She sat downwith him and said, "I want to tell you sanething. You are sick! Youare ill and Goddoesn't love you and you've got to realize that." He does not attend this church. Andof course he was the type of person who immediately said, "Oh yes I'm ill and I'm sick." And she said, "I'm going to take you back homewith me and you can live with me and I'll watch oven YOl." Lovely relationship that is going to be, I'm sure.

I thought about this thing and I've never preached the message "Does Godwant you to change?" "Does God want you to change?" Yes and no.

I rememberthe story of the little black . boy and the little white boy vlho were having a good time; they were playing. The little black boy was running around shouting "Black is beautiful". And he was giving the black power salute and after a while the little white boy got caught up in it.

The little black boy said, "Whites are terrible, I want you to may that."

And the little white boy finally said, "I want to be black. It's

beautiful and it's great and I want to be just like you." The little black boy said "Fine. cane over to the garage." Andhe got out same black paint and colored the little boy allover.

The little boy went home, he walked in and he said, "Guess what, mama? I'm black." Andthe mother, of course, put her hand on his body and said, "My God, what have you done? Howam I ever going to get that off? Get upstairs. I want you to see your daddy." On the way upstairs his sister passed him and she said, "Get away from me, black boy." He walked on upstairs and his father walked into his roan and said, "I'm really going to whip you. Whathave you done?" The father beat the boy real good and then he walked out. About that time the phone rang and the mamahollered up and said,"It's your friend on the phone."

He picked up the phone and the little black boy said, "Howis everything going?"

"I'll tell you one thing.

I've only been black about 15 minutes, but I hate whites already, I'll tell you that."

Changes! Changes! I want to tell you something this morning. Goddoesn't want you to change your basic sex drive. I can tell you that emphatically. lam ~assed sometimesby people who try to use scripture, but I read scripture too. I love mystraight brothers and sisters, I love myheterosexual friends.

If it was not for mymother, I wouldn't be here today. Amen.I have nothing, nothing, nothing against mybrothers and sisters who are heterosexual.

But you knowsanething, as I look at scripture I found that Godknewhe would have more trouble with my straight brothers and sisters than my gay brothers and sisters.

There are 363 scriptures that deal with heterosexuals whohave sex and there are only 6 that pertain to homosexuals. Three hundred and sixty three.

Changes! Changes! Morethan anything in the world Godwants you to be you. He wants you to be true to you more than anything else in the world. I go along sometimes in our conmurii.ty and I see all kinds of people, as I stated whenI started.

When I look at people they fit into several catagories and in certain shapes. Andyou knowwe expect people to react in certain ways in this congregation, in this church. I knowgood and well that if I ever ran into ShawnFarrell and she had on a dress, I wouldn't Continued

page 26

MISSION Harmony Mis s ion of San Francisco Church 902 "J" Stree't Sacramento, Deacon

California Joseph

Worship

95814

'H. Gilbert

Co-co r d ina to r

Sunday:

5:00 PM

MISSION

San Jose

Mission

San Francis

Contact

through

of

co Chu r ch

San Francisco

San Jose,

~.etropolihttt

Church

Ca l if'o r n ia

QIommutti~l!

QIlyurtly

MISSION

Tuscon

Mission

Phoenix Contact

of

Church

M. C. C. Phoenix

Tuscon,

Arizona

Deacon A. Mros,

Missionary

4

~.etrllpllHtan 2201

S. UNION

<llommunit~ <ll4urdr

AVE.

LOS ANGELES,

PHONE:

213

CALIF.

90007

- 748-0123

Rev. Troy D. Perry, Pastor Rev. John H. Hose, Asst. Pastor Rev. Richard A. Ploen, Minister of Christian Education Rev. Kenneth R. Jones, Minister of Visitation

REV. TROY D. PERRY

Sunday:

9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, & 7:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 PM

~.etrllpllHtan

<llommunit~ <llqurr4 CHICAGO

Good Shepard Parish Mailing: P. O. Box 285 Chicago, Illinois 60690 Services: 3342 No. Broadway Chicago, Illinois 60657 Rev.

5

Arthur Green, Pastor Sunday: 7:00 PM

Reverend Troy D. Perry as the founder of Metropolitan Canmunity Church and the Pastor of M C C - L. A. attended public Grammar and High schools in Florida, the Moody Bible Institute in Summit, Illinois and Midwest Bible College in Chicago.

Rev. Troy D. Perry first felt the call to the ministry at the age of thirteen and was a licensed minister by the age of fifteen.

He Pastored his first church in Alford, Florida and his second in Santa Ana, California.

While Pastoring at the Church of God of Prophecy in Santa Ana , he realized and accepted his homosexuality.

He resigned as Pastor and separated fram his wife.

About this same time he was drafted and spent the years of 1965 1967 in the Arrrry.Hhile stationed in Gennany, he Pastored a Pentecostal Church for servicemen.

He got out of the service and returned to the Los hlgeles area in 1968.

In August of 1968 Rev. Perry was with a young man who was aTTested at a local bar. This young man had never been arrested before and so took it quite hard. vlhenhe was released on bail, Rev. Perry took him home to counse.lhim. There this young man wept and said, "No one cares for us hanosexuals."

Rev. Perry said, while trying to calm him, "God cares. "The young man said he was not accepted in his awn church because he was a homosexual.

After- this experience, Rev. Perry prayed for guidance.

He asked, God, do you want me to start a church?"

And so Hetropoli tan Canmunity Church was founded.

.~.etropolihttt

QTommuttit~ ar~urdr SAN DIEGO

Chollas View Methodist Church 906 North 47th Street San Diego, Ca l if or n ia

REV.JOHN

Rev. John H. Hose, Deacon Howard Williams,

H.HOSE

Pastor Asst.

Pastr:>r

Sunday: 路7:30 PM

John Hose is a native of Massillon.

Ohio, a city of some 35,000 more noted for its football teams than the stainless steel products from the plants of Republic. He spent his first 19 years of life there, graduating from Washinqton High School 3rd in his class with National Honor Society status. During his high school years, his interest in Church work had already begun. At 16, he was President of the Massillon inter-denominational Youth Council, Vice-president of the County Youth Council, and President of the Evangelical League for the State of Ohio. He was an active member of St. John's Evangelical & Reformed Church.

After working a year in one of Republic Steel's plants, he matriculated at Elmhurst, Ill., where he was graduated in 1937 Cum Laude. During his student days. he directed the Church choirs for St. John's E & R Church in Melrose Park, Ill., worked for Hull House in Chicago, and the Bensenville Chi1drens home at Bensenville.

Ill. John's college years were full of activity, and his involvement included editing the College Weekly, also in the Glee Club, Chapel Choir, Elmhurst College Theatre and Director of Youth work in St. Peter's Church, Elmhurst.

John entered Eden Theological Seminary in the fall of 1937 and received his B.D. degree in 1940. During his tenure there, he served as Assistant Pastor ~f St. Pau1's E & R Church in Belleville, Ill. Minister of Youth, First Congregational Church, Webster Groves, Mo., and interim Continued page 27

cfJlfl.etropolihttt arommuttit~

ar~urt~

DENVER

Mailing: Box 11303 Denver, Colorado 80211

Services: 1400 LaFayette Denver, Colorado

Rev.

Street

Ron Carnes, Pa s t rr Sunday: 7: 30 PM

2BR.eirnpnHtan QIllmmunH\! QIqurtq

I

HONOLULU Mailing: P. O. Box 1116 Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744

Services: 2500 Pali Highway Hon olu lu, Hawaii

Rev. Ron Hanson, Pa s t or Sunday: 7:30 ~M

REV. RICHARD PLOE N CHRISTIANS like wheelbarrows like canoes

ARE

~ .. no good unless pushed. need to be paddled.

like kites

if you don't keep a string on them, they flyaway. content when petted.

like kittens like footballs

you can't tell where thev'Il bounce next.

like balloons

full of air and ready to blow upl

like trailers

they have to be pulled.

like neon lights ...

keep going on and off.

.....But some are like a good watch ... open of face, pure gold, quietly busy and full of good works.

c:tffit.eÂąrnpnlitan (1lommunH\! QIqurtq OAKLAND 440 Santa Clara Avenue Oakland, California 94610

Rev.

James

E.

Sunday:

Sandmire, 7:30 PM

Pastor

Rev. Richard Ploen is Dean of Samari tan Bible Seminary. He is also Minister of Christian Education in the Mother Church. He has been active in numerous programs of the church and received one of the Founder's Awards the first year that they were given.

He has a Bachelor's degree from Chapman College, a Master of Divini ty fran Pittsburg Theological Seminary and a Master's in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christiari Education.

After completing Seminary, Rev. Ploen served in the mission field in Africa.For three years he taught in the .American Mission School (~condary) for Sudanese boys. VJhilehe was there he spent sumner's traveling through northern Africa .and Palestine.

He was ordained in the United Presbyterian Church in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. As Minister of Christian Education in this large church, he was responsible for all the educational programs for children through adults.

He was then called to Joliet, Illinois to the First Presbyterian Church.

Again serving on a multiple staff, he planned and organized an extensive Christian Education program for this church which was the largest in the Presbytery (District) â&#x20AC;˘ Amonghis offices, he was President of the Ministers and Directors of Christian Education of the Greater Pittsburgh area. And Vice-President of the Mt. Lebanon Ministerial Association. Also he QI'Iganized the Adult teacher program for the Joliet Council of Churches.

c:ffiR.etrnpnHtan Olnmmunit~

0l4urt4

PHOENIX

1426 East Maricopa Phoenix, Arizona

Rev.

REV.LOUIS

Freeway 85002

Robert J. Cunningham..

Sunday: 1:00 PM

Pastor

LOYNES

Rev. Louis Loynes was born and raised in San Jose, california where he lived with his family until entering college at Vallejo, California.

After his graduation frxm college t he entered the U.S. Navywhere he served for approximately 13 years, about 9 of which were spent in the orient, before he resigned his commission as Lieutenant Commander to pursue other endeavors. During his tenure in the Navy, he attended courses of study and was graduated frxm the U. S•. Naval Post Graduate School, General Line School, Monterey, California and the U. S. Naval Har College, Newport, R. 1.

His early upbringing was in the Presbyterian Church and later with the Unity Church until he becameassociated with Metro!X'litan Camnuni ty Church of Los Angeles. As a charter memberof the Los Angeles church, Rev. Loynes has been with MC C almost since the beginning ccmnencing his attendance at the third service held by MC C in the little house in Huntington Park, California.

As a memberof the Board of Directors, MC C - L. A. and First Reader, Rev. Loynes has been interested and active in furthering the work and goals of the church as well as those of the Universal Fellowship of Metro!X'litan Community Churches in his capacity as Elder.

Think Before you speak those angry words ...

THINK! For careless thoughts are like wild birds ...

THINK! You never mean them - that is true But they can hurt, and often do, The ones you love ... and make you blue ..• THINk! Before you do that foolish act ...

THINK! You know it's wrong and that's a fact ..• THINK! . Go home tonight and sleep on it!

Just meditate a heap on it!

Then you won't have to weep on it!

THINK! -NICK KENNY, in N. Y. Daily Mirror

c:ffiR.etrnpnIitan Olnmmunit~ WASH' N GTON

D.C.

705

S. E.

7th Street,

Washington

Dim eyes cannot read fine print. Let your testimony for Christ be written in large letters that the world may see.

-William Ward Ayer

Rev.

0l4urt4

D. C. 20003

Paul Breton, Pastor Sunday: 2:00 PM

8

I

~~.."... ..~ ..

,.,.> ..~~.. ', â&#x20AC;˘

I

God

Wants you

to be you.

THE POSSIBLE DREAM A oondensed history of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churohes from 1968 to General Conferenoe 1970.

In August of 1968, Troy furry felt he was called upon by the Lord to start a church where Homosexuals could feel that they belonged.

He consulted with friends to find out what they thought of his idea and most of them supported him, but one cautioned that although it was a lovely idea , it sounded like an Impossible Dream.

In the following month, ~ev. Perry placed an advertisement in the Los Angeles Advocate, a newspaper which serves the homophile community,stating that services would start October 6th. On October the 1st, Rev. Perry met with Tom Terrie, Leo Hares and John Greathouse.

Troy asked Tom to serve with him as Treasurer ~nd John as Church Clerk.

The four ~en were apprehensive that night.

They were waiting to see how many would be interested enough to attend the first service, which was to be held the next Sunday in the home of Troy Perry. They agreed to receive an offering and to preach a strong sermOn even if they were the only ones present.

As the day came, the first service excitement mounted.

Tom Terrie made a green screen for an altar backdrop.

It stood in back of a coffee table for that first Sunday, which served as the altar.

Steve Sands, a friend of Rev. Perry's brought a silver cup, Madeline Nelson, a next door neighbor loaned a silver dish.She was excited about the new idea, bu twas afraid that the police would raid the service. Rev. Perry had a friend in the ministry who loaned him a black robe, offering plates and hvmn books. Bob Belville and Jim Belvrey gave two silver candle hOlders.

The time finally arrived for the service to begin.

Nine friends plus three newcomers came in response to an ad Troy placed in the Advocate.

There was no piano so the small group sang without accompaniment.

Everyone was reluctant to lead the

singing so Rev. Perry went ahead, conducting the entire service himself.

"The Lord really moved that day, people were weeping, "Troy said.

After service, they had coffee and cake and testified as to what the service had meant to them.

The small group grew steadily until they could no longer be seated in the living room of Rev. Perry's house.

A plan began to form to acquire another meeting p Laoe w.i fh the hopes of eventually renting their own church. It was decided to have a party for New Year's Eve and suggested that they rent the Women's Club of Huntington Park.

When the group went to look at the building, they immediately thought of renting it for Sunday Services.It seemed impossible to meet the $35 per month rental but, after much prayer, they decided to move in for services on December 1, 1968.

The first floor was chosen as it had a meeting room with kitchen facilities nearby and a large foyer for an informal gathering.

The fellowship continued to meet each week. On January 12,1969 Metropolitan Community Church of Los Angeles received its first members.

Twenty chartered members in all.

In . February, Steve Sands intervi ewe d Rev. Troy Perry for an Advocate article. That week Dick Michaels and Bill Rand visited Rev. Perry to photograph him.

After the article was published in the February issue, attendance jumped about 20 persons per Sunday~ Most of the new people said that the interview in the Advocate 'is what attracted their attention and aroused their interest in the church.

The first Easter Sunday Service of Metropolitan Community Church/of Los Angeles was truly one of the most beautiful services the church had ever experienced.

Because of an anticipated, unprecedented attendance of over 400 persons, services were held on the second floor of the Women's Club. Several members carrying flags and banners led the procession up the stairs folloHed by the church choir and officiating ministers.

10 Continued Page 27 j

RELIGION

The Homosexual Church Two years ago this week a newspaper called The Advocate, which circulates primarily in the homosexual community in Los Angeles, carried a small announcement inviting readers to Christian worship services conducted by the Rev. Troy Perry. On the following Sunday, only nine of. Perry's friends and three strangers showed up to worship. But despite this rather meager response, Perry, a Pentecostal preacher and an admitted homosexual, remained convinced that "the Lord" wanted him to found a gay church.

Today, Perry is pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church, a 420-member homosexual congregation that holds regular Sunday services in an old theater in Hollywood. And, considerably buoyed by his own organizational success, Perry last week undertook the next logical step: the creation of a national federation of churches for male and female homosexuals, complete with a moderator, elders, missionary branches and even a seminary. (The function of the seminary will be to train clergymen who will concentrate on bringing an evangelical Protestant message to millions of unchurched homosexuals in the U.S.) Called the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, the nation's newest denomination claims a total membership of 1,000 in San Francisco, San Diego, Phoenix, Chicago and Los Angeles, phis growing mission congregations in a half dozen other cities from Boston to Honolulu. Unlike most churches, the new denominatiori's officials say, homosexual congregations normally draw up to twice their enrollment to Sunday services. "Our services are identical with Christian services everywhere," says the Rev. Mr. Perry, who is the only officer of the denomination at present willing to have his name publicly identified with the church. But one variation from normal religious practice occurs in Perry's marriage services, which he has so far performed for 36 homosexual couples-eight of them lesbian. "We substitute the word 'spouse' for 'husband' and 'wife'," the pastor explains."

Suicide Prevention: Like other liberal denominations, the Universal Fellowship stresses service over creed and cult, and members are accepted principally on the basis of their willingness to help the homosexual community. At the mother church in Los Angeles, members provide legal and medical services which, Perry claims, homosexuals have difficulty obtaining from regular agencies. The church has also 'organized a group-therapy program conducted by a homosexual psy_

'California law recognizes all marriages between partners who can show a certificate from an ordained minister proving that their marriage has been solemnized in a church ceremony. This law does not stipulate that the partners must be a man and a woman, only a "husband" and a "wife."

11

chologist, sensitivity training groups run by a graduate theology student, a suicide-prevention referral service, and a special class in sign language for deaf homosexuals.

Not all the church's organizations are limited exclusively to homosexuals. (Some 20 per cent of its congregants are, in fact, heterosexuals.) The church runs a counseling service for mothers who discover that their children have homo-sexual inclinations and a young people's club that provides religious instruction and social activities for teen-agers, whose fathers or mothers are homosexuals. But the primary purpose of Perry's

gelical Protestants. But all have joined his fold because they desire a conventional religious life-and a minister with a personal interest in homosexuality. An ordained Baptist preacher, Perry was married and the father of two children before he discovered his real sexual preference. But he prefers God above all, and his church is orchestrated with the kind of evangelistic fervor Pentecostalism has always offered uneasy souls.

Prohibitions: Although some religious historians have alleged that Jesus _himself was a homosexual, Perry does not agree with them. "But had Jesus lived in this age," the 30-year-old pastor argues, "he at least would have been labeled a homosexual. After all, he never married, ran around with twelve guys and was even betrayed by a kiss from another guy." In any case, Perry emphasizes that the majority of homosexuals feel that Jesus was not "anti-homosexual"-and that seems to be enough for them. Despite Biblical prohibitions against homosexual love, most religious homosexuals believe that Christ died for the sins of all men. "As far as Christ is concerned," Perry concludes, "love in any form is permissible."

Editors note:

Perry:

'People,

not perverts'

denomination is to provide dignity, support and old-time Gospel religion to the gay community. "We've got to help homosexuals break away from the myths that many of them entertain about themselves," PelTV believes. "Not all homosexuals are .witty, brilliant, constantly happy or more artistic than other people.

At the same time, we are trying to educate others to see us as people, not as perverts. We accept the terms 'homosexual' and 'gay,' but we regard terms like 'queer: 'faggot' and 'fairy' with the sam~ }oati~i~g that the black person has for mgger , Indeed, like all-black churches, Perry's denomination is growing because it caters to Christians whom other churches don't want-or can't accept. Some 40 per cent of his parishioners in Los Angeles were baptized Roman Catholics and another 40 per cent are, like Perry, evan-

Reprinted from the October 12~ 1970 "Newsweek" magazine for this second anniver8ary of the VniversaZ FeZZowship of MetropoZitan Community Churches

3Z~1 Beautiful!

I j ustrecei ved and read the recent August issue of In Uni ty • I was very impressed with the sermons re-. sulting fram the Spiritual Renewal Conference.

I have only been a Christian for 7 years and I definitely feel that the LDrd has used me as anyone can be, if they Hill allow His will to be the guiding factor in their total life.

Up until a year ago I was successful at repressing the feelings which mybackground labeled "unnatural. "Guilt HaS my constant canpanion. I came to realize that I had. to accept myself for what I was, as the Lord had already done.

I wasn't ready to embrace the "gay life", because what I saw was an empty sordid life-style.

The bar scene, cruising and one-night-stands in no way gave me the impression that happiness was the goal that ultimately resulted fran this route.

I won't go so far as to say that the non-Christian doesn't experience happiness t but I feel that the Christian has the capacity to possess it.As Rev. Wilson said in his July 16 sermon! " ••• Godwants to use us as a people, but we've got to get the right priorities in life and we've got to be :determined to live and love and serve Godabove all else and to our brothers ••• Andonly you and I can reach these people.

As a recent graduate of a small major denaninational Christian. college, and now entering a teacher's credential program at a state college, I am quite aware of the stigma that the major: segment of society places on the life-style that I have accepted. The teaching profession is certainly not an open job opportunity for a homosexualwho is not willing,to become a Closet-queen.

I don't believe I would purposely go around proclaiming to everyone around me that I am gay, but I am no longer ashamed of what I feel. I feel very strongtY that the Lord has led me into education, but at this point I mow that following the Lord is primary. If I should have to cane to the point where my 5 years of higher I

education is deemeduseless, in perhaps, future circumstances, I mow the Lord will showme where I should go frxm there.

I guess sane with more cynical leanings would call me "unrealistic" because I am not involved in a gay way of life, n<;>r having experienced anything of that

lme.

l ~\ ~ ~ ~

.

~~

Last summer, I spent my break from ~ school as a summer-missionarysent out by ~ a program sponsored by a large Christian dencrnination. I workedwith a team of 10 ~ college students from all around the U.S. Wewere to be a ministry to migrants, but . not just a nice "churchy" group that came in the camps for services.

Welived in ~ the camp. Weused the same dirty cabins. .~ the sameWOOd-burning stoves t the same ~ outhouses, worked in the same fields, ~ getting our hands the same strawberry-red . and bean-green stains that our fellowmigrants had. l£]ebecamemigrants to reach migrants for Jesus Christ.

It is the same with us. It really takes one homosexualto be an effective witness to another for Jesus Christ.

It is useless and selfish to hide behind a mask of anonymity when our hearts are marked with the name Christian and our' brother gropes in darkness and perhaps loneliness, because he doesn't personall y mow this sameGodof Love.

If insecure in sharing our faith, we need to rely more on the Holy Spirit to guide us as He did Peter and John. "When the council saw the boldness of Peter and John, and could see that they were obviZ :I: ously uneducated non-professionals, they were"amazed and realized what being with '"~ Jesus had done for the.'Il!" (Acts 4: 13) ::0 There Has sanething more than church-mem- < m bership which guided their boldness. "We " cannot stop telling about the wonderful things He saw Jesus do and heard Himsay~ '5 '" (Acts 4:20) I don't Hish to be hailed a martyr for anyone.

Civil rights, equality and lustice are all important to me, but they lose their torch-glow "in the light of His glory and grace."

Thank you for al10Hingme to share.

l

·· ·

12

FROM THE DESKS

~etrnpnlitan

(finmmunitll

(fiqur.cq

MIAMt Mailing: Miami,

OF YOUR EDITORS

P. O. Box 5077 Florida 33131

Services: 920 Alton Road ,Miami Beach, Florida Rev. Brad Wilson, Pastor Sunday: 11:30 AM & 7: 30 PM

~etrnpnlitan SAN

Olnmmunitu

(fiqurdt

FRANCISCO

Mailing: Community Center 1760 Market Street San Francis co, California Services;..Er25 San Francisco,

Polk St r e et.

Calif. 94102

Rev. Howard Wells, Pastor Rev. Alice Naumoff, Asst. Pa s to r Sunday: 1:00 P. M.

We, as your editors,. would like to invite any and all of you whoread this magazine to write al~icles for In Unity.

You do not have to be a professional writer, although we would.like to also receive articles from professionals.

We, as your editors, have had no prior training in this job, butwe try..

Won't you try along with us?

Wewould like to also extend a special invitation to all ministers, whether they are affiliated with M C C or not.

Youdo not have to be a hanosexual, just recognize hanosexuals as humanbeings ,as people, as God's children.

Wewould like to espcially hear fran those ministers affiliated with MC C. If you have a sermon that you believe would be good for all our Fellowship,submit it. And if you can write a sennon,you can write an article.

Also how about a little background, an autobiographical bit about yourselves. Wheredid you go to school, where were you originally ordained, when did you first hear ofM C C, and so on?

What to write about?

That is partially answered above. Youcan write about your particular denomination and its reaction to homosexuality.

Youcan follow the monthly theme or if you have same ideas of your own, sul:mit them. Following is a list of the monthly themes for the rest of this year.

FOR Oct.

"WHO

13

W-,S TIlE

CHEAP

FAIRY

THAT

LEFT

A DIME

FOR MY TOOTH?"

SUBJECT Fellowship General Conference Third Anniversary of MCC - LA

DUE

9/13/71

Nov.

Thanksgiving

10/12/71

Dec.

Birth of Christ

11/10/71

This is the magazine for the Universal Fellowship, let's make it that.

It has been 1 Los Angeles written magazine for too long. If you can't type t write or print it.

Or if you have a cassette recorder, send us the cassette tape.

SAMARITAN BIBLE S:8MINARY ENTERS SECOND YEAR

Classes will resume at Samaritan Bible Seminary for the Fall Quarter on September 20, 1971, when the school officially begins its second year of operation.

The Dean, Rev. Richard Ploen, announced that the Fall classes are now scheduled and arrangements for the Instructors have been completed.

The classes are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings and : are each two hours in length beginning at 7: 30 P.M. The Mother Church has provided facilities for the classes to be held.The address is 2201 South Union Avenue, Los Angeles, California 900070

2illl,etrllfllllitctu

OIllmmuuitll

OIqurtq

TAMPA Mailing: P. O. Box 1063 TaITIpa, Florida 33602

Services: 2904 Concordia TaITIpa, Florida

Rev.

Lee J. Carlton,

Pastor

Classes for the Fall Quarter are: Monday-Exposition of the Gospel of John Taught by Rev. Roger Harrison Wednesday-Church Administration Taught by Rev. John Hose

cfo1,etrllflllIitau

OIqurtlr

DALLAS

Friday-History of Christian Thought Taught by Rev. Ted Calloway Two units of credit are granted upon the successful completion of each twelve session class.

The instructors are well educated and dedicated men. Rev. Roger Harrison is the Pastor of our Costa Mesa Church.

Rev. John Hose is the Assistant Pastor of the Los Angeles Church.

Rev. Ted Calloway, recently frcm the Episcopal ministry, is a member of the Los Angeles Church.

New students may enter at the start of each quarter â&#x20AC;˘ Admittance is by application and a personal interview with the Dean of the Seminary.

A minimal fee is charged for each course.

The Seminary has moved a step forward this summer with the addition of 850 theological reference books. The gift of a friend, the library will provide an excellent resource for students to research a topic or to enlarge their knowledge on most Biblical or Theological SUbjects.

This facility will be available to all students without charge.

Persons interested in attending classes may write for a brochure and an application by addressing their inquiry to: Dean Richard Ploen, Samaritan Bible Seminary, 2201 South Union Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90007.

OIommltuifll

Mailing: Dallas,

P. O. Box 1344 Texas, 75221

Services: 4015 No r rn arid v Dallas, Texas

Rev.

Richard Vincent.

Sunday: 1:30 PM

Pastor

'We didn't agree, and so he just walked outl' 14

HISTORY OF

IN N ITY In February, 1970, I was in the MCC Newsletter office, watching Bo Siewert. doing the paste-up for the r~cc News of the Los Angeles Church and it looked very interesting to me, I said. "Hey, Bo , that looks like fun.1I I don't remember her exact comment. but the next day found me sitting at the light table finishing the paste-up that had looked like a lot of fun the day before, That was my bapti sm to the Publications Department.

About a month later, we were startinq on the first issue of IIInUnity.1I Bob Ennis was our Editor. "Bo" was Advertising Director. I did Graphic Arts. My better half, Pat Rardin (now Editor), did a book review and did proof reading (all this time, we were still publishing the MCC News). Don Hughes was busy with Circulation,getting all the State Governors' addresses. plus many more important people in government, Doctors and Educators.

Tom Purcell. Don's other half, helped set up books for deliveries and billing. Pat Rocco took a lot of photos to promote our community and add interest to the magazine. He has worked closely with the Church since the beginninq. to help in any way possible.

We were greatly honored to have Don Bachardy (the famed artist) to do our cover. The oriqinal sketch of Rev. Perry was then placed on display at art shows in London. Paris and New York. We received excellent comments路 and a lot of subscriptions for the magazine. However. our costs mounted to produce the same quality; so in May 1970. the magazine was moved to San Diego. There,the printinq and production could be reduced to a minimum, in hopes of pulling it out of the red. This didn't work either, and the Editor was transferred to another location, since he was in the Navy. The result of which forced us to miss some issues. The magazine was then returned to Los Angeles, with the hope of continued publication. non Hughes was named Editor and with only the help of 80 Siewert,and Tom Purcell, pub1 ished the February and March 1971 iSSLJes. 15

I

Connie Vaughn and Pat Rardin returned to help produce the April 1971 issue. Connie used her own Polaroid to produce the picture of our Church stained glass window for the cover.

In June 1971 Don Hughes was given the responsibility for all of the Church Publications. Connie and Pat became the CoEditors and printed the magazine on our own press. The printing press was donated

by Dick Durant, (our o\'mMad-Hatter).With Connie doing the printing, paste-up, etc. and Pat gathering the materi al , the magazine could now begin to expand and still maintain a profit. New Staff members, writers, typists, etc., are all responsible for this beautiful growing publication. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of them for their many long hours and dedication in the work of God. Connie Vaughn The Bible Fountain of wisdom, eternally true, When I am troubled I turn to you, Drinking your words that refresh my tired soul, Seeking new light to make clearer my goal, Finding new courage and strength to proceed Ever the spiritual food that I need.

-DOROTHY

B.

ELFSTROM

Q1h ri!it (!1~apl'l ~:t{drnpnlihtn

ClInmmltnitl! aIqitrtq

COSTA

MESA

Mailing: 2232 Pacific Avenue Costa Mesa, California 92626

Services: 1259 Victoria Costa Mesa, California

Rev.

Rodger Sunday:

Harrison, 7:00 PM

Street 92627

Pastor

A LETTER FROM A HOMOSEXUAL TO THE CHURCH

I am not a creature from the outer darkness, as you seem to

But what of the homosexuals? Did you weep when one was

I am a homosexual and like most of the members of

beaten to death by the Police in Los Angeles? When another was

your Churches, a man of flesh and blood. I am a member of the

shot in the back and killed in a park in Berkeley? And another

Church ...and an intregal part of its people!

imprisoned for life in Florida? Does it upset you that there are

believe.

I have a few things to say. Because I am not a diplomat, I do

riots in New York ...and that homosexuals demonstrating for

not have to mince words, nor do I have to please you or even

their rights in California are arrested for demanding their civil

persuade you.

rights? If it does, you have not shown it. Jesus said, " I know thy

I owe you very little.

You did not create this

body; you do not live in it; you do not have to defend it when

works, that thou art neither cold

individuals try to destroy it, and I will not let you tell me what

cold or hot.

or hot; I would thou went

So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither

cold nor hot, I will sprew thee out of my mouth."

can do with it!

Because of my sexual orientation, you try to condemn me .

Oh! Church, if only you would keep the teachings that were

For two thousand years I have watched you try to destroy my

delivered to you ..."Love the Lord thy God with all your heart,

brothers

mind, strength, and your neighbor as yourself." ...but you haven't

and sisters.

Many homosexuals have had trials of

"cruel mocking and scorching, yea, moreover, of bonds and im-

You have rejected the homosexuaL.and

prisonment.

he has rejected you!

tempted,

They were stoned, they were sown asunder', were

were slain with the sword; they wandered about in

I am thankful that I still have a God. You cannot take Him

sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

away from me!

people of

His name is spelled LOVE!

wh'om the

world was not

worthy."

now ...for the most part

He is the Author and Finisher of my Faith.

L 0 V E !!!

You have watched as we were placed on the rack, thrown to

Church ...If you will not let me worship Him in your Temples;

the flames, banished from the midst of society, and you have

will worship Him in the Cathedral of my heart, and build for

never 'said a word! Your heart cried out when after almost four hundred years, you saw the plight of the black people in this country.

Him a Temple where others can worship with me -, Church ...it is you that left me, not me who has left you.

When the water hoses, cattle prongs, and dogs were

You would try to make me believe that He does not care for me,

used on black men, women and children, a muffled scream

but I know; "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of

escaped your throats. At once your blind eyes opened to some of

death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me!"

the social injustices around you. 'You marched with Dr. Martin

Oh! Bride of Christ! I pray that you will wake up and call

Luther King in Birmingham, Washington D. C., Selma and then

ALL of your CHlLDREN back to your bosom and soul. Back

that day in Memphis. That day in Memphis your eyes became a

home to family and friends and loved ones. Church, only you

fountain

can make that possible!

of tears.

The mighty had fallen and you wept!

Sometimes you still weep. For the American Indians, for the Mexican Americans, and for the lonely child-soldiers ...on both sides, that are dying in a dirty little war in Viet Nam.

16

17

DEDICATION DAY 1 CHRONICLES 26:27 Out of the spoils won in battles did they dedicate to maintain the house of the LORD.

Domiracles still happen? OnMarch 7, 1971, there were manywho came to see one.

To see the dedication of a church, a church that was founded by a dozen optimistic people on October 6, 1968.

Expecting a big turnout, the church had issued tickets to its 566 Membersand Friends and to some special visitors. All were advised to showup between 9: 30 and 10:30 A. M. and that at 10:30 A. M. the doors would be opened to the general public. .

By 10:15 A. M. every available seat was filled and people were already stanaing. By 11:00 A. M., at the time for services to start, the ushers had counted 1,012 people.

The permanent seats were not yet installed -- the congregation sat on folding chairs from AbbeyRents. In the main Sanctuary ,Christ gazed downfran one of a pair of two story high stained-glass windows on an altar gleaming with gold and brass communionartifacts with a red velvet-like background. There was a huge brass colonial chandelier overhead and plush green carpeting underfoot.

Amongthe guests were several ministers and manymembersof other churches and missions of the Fellowship, representatives of several gay organizations from the Los Angeles area and elsewhere and even some ministers from same unrelated churches, including Bishop MarkHarding of Colorado. Invitations had been sent to Gov. Ronald Reagan and Los Angeles City CouncilmanThomasBradley. Both sent telegrams stating they were unable to attend, but wanted to express their best wishes.

Mrs. Edith Perry, mother of our Founder and Pastor, Rev. Troy D. Perry, received a standing ovation as did Dr.Evelyn Hooker, head of the National Institute of Mental Health Task Force that recommended to the President of the United States liberalization of laws on homosexualactivity.

Service was opened by Music Director Willie Smith singing The Impossible D~am.

After which he said, "Rev. Perry had the faith and the vision.

He had the dream that this would cane true; and that dream is not fulfilled yet. This was barely the beginning."

Rev. Hose, Assistant Pastor, bid everyone welcome in the name of Jesus; that the seats maybewere temporary, but our faith in Jesus Christ and the love that God has for us is pennanent. Rev. Ploen, Minister of Christian Education, stated that this was a time for thanksgiving to Almighty God that we could meet together, that we could help others and that we had a hone we could call our own.

Pastor Rev. Perry, during his sermon, traced the wanderings of MCC-LA. The first services were held in his living roon in the suburban town of Huntington Park.lIlhen the group soon outgrew his living roam, it moved to the Huntington Park Women's Club.

Whenthe Women'sClub found out that it was a homosexual group, they moved, for a couple of weeks, to the "Smbassey Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles.

Fromthere to the First Methodist Church and f inall Y to the Encore Theater.

The Encore was supposed to also be only for a couple of weeks, but we remained there for a year and a half.

In- recalling the frustration of the Israelite King David, whose dream of raising a temple to God had to wait for Solamon, his son and successor, Rev. Perry stated that there had been times whenhe had wondered if he would really see MCC-LA in a building, a hane of its own.

But, he went on to say that a building does not make a church and that if we got too wrapped up in the building and unwrappedin God, we'd fail, like so many other churches have. However, if we continue to look to Him, we shall overcome, and 'VJe ehal.L run the race with prejudice and we shall see the end of this thing.

The verbal service was enhanced by the 49 voice combinedchancel and gospel choirs, backed by organ, brass and perCUSSlon.

Yes it was a miracle, a miracle of love and faith in God. Fran 12 people to 566 Membersand Friends in Los Angeles alone in less than three years. A miracle that has nowgrown to a nationwide denamination of twelve churches and eight missions, from Hawaii to Florida. And still, as Rev. Perry stated, this is barely the beginning.

by Pat Rardin 18

THE FAMILY THAT IS M.C.C. I have just finished a trip across the USA and. returned to Oakland after nearly a month.

The experiences related to MC C were many and I'd like to share them with you.

I had written to both Denver and. Chicago MC C churches before I left. telling them I would like to visit them when I was in their cities.

The answers were positive and. welcoming.

After driving through California, Nevada and Utah heat, the coolness of Denver and the wonderful reception by Pastor Ron Carnes and Tod was more than we'd expected. "We"are myself and a friend fran El Salvador, Central America, whcmI had met while studying at U.C. Berkeley earlier in the summer. Both of us realized that even though we were in Denver, we were hane! He were with our family! It was as if we'd known these people for years.

Wemet Pat and Marie from the L. A. Church, who ",'ere visiting Ron and Ted. What YK)nderful Christian sisters they are and we look forward to General Conference and seeing them again.

I was honored to speak to the Denver congregation on Sunday evening and there were over 50 people present.

God surely works in great wayst that after so short a period of being in Denver and after growing pains that many churches will be lucky not to have, the church is growing so quick~y and positively.

It was exciting for us both to get such a kind reception.

Marty, our host, was unbelievable!

Anyonewho gets up before 5 A. M. to prepare breakfast for tv.o "canplete strangers" really deserves a special place in our hearts.

FromDenver we crossed miles of corn fields and rolling hills to Kansas City and St. Louis , In the latter city we met people who knew of M C C and wondered if and when there YK)uldbe churches in these cities.

A Jesuit seminarian friend of mine asked why a city as large as St. Louis didn't already have a MC C church.

Whenstraight clergy ask when M C C is going to, arrive, we knowthat only God gets the thanks.

MC C is a contagious reality - thank God! In Pittsburgh, where we went for a wedding, the bride and groan both knew of my work with MC C and asked about many of Oakland's members they had met while 19

I

in the Bay area at NewYears.

The bride had her first real, honest meeting with gay people when she attended our Oakland Church just after Christmas. The frierrlships she had made and the genuine love she had found made a lasting impression on her. She and her husband.knowthe pe0ple in our church as people •••• not things or labels.

The bride is a worrlerful positive public relations person for M C C and our canmunity in general, because she puts the record straight to all those whan she meets who tell "all about the gay scene" even though they knownothing.

People we stayed with in Ohio, Pennsylvania, NewYork, NewJersey. had all heard of MC C and wanted to know more• Manyasked locations of churches in the areas to which they soon would be traveling. Can anyone doubt that God is touching these people? vJhether or not the people agreed with "the gay bit", all were very impressed with what MC C is-COing.

In Chicago we stayed with Ralph and Carl, two of the nicest, most loving people anyone could ever meet. They took us to M C C services and introduced us to the large crowd that attended services.

Both Pastors Green and Sydman, though busy with unexpected visitors and lots of Sunday work, were very kind and made us feel welcane.

The best part of all, of course, was meeting our brothers in Chicago. Again, we were horne.

On returning hone through Denver(have I already raved enough on how beautiful the congregation is there?), we attended a rap session.

Howcanfortable it was there.

Jesus Christ is alive and well in MC C and its members••• wherever there is genuine constructive concern and action.

All along the way I met people - both straight and gay - who were interested in our MC C which puts Christ-like love of all as its f irst priority.· For too many people their only contact with lovingpeopIe and true Christianity will be MC C. Continued page 2?

[VIEWPOINT

by C. Shawn Farrell Much has been said these past years about youth - about education, and in recent times about homosexuality. The three su~;~cts when combined present enough material for volumes of literature, however perhaps if we examine them at close range on a personal basis we find that today - they are very much interrelated.

Mankind's history records the processes of education placed before the youth of each generation, and now in another phase of life - a new kind of education is presented to the young.

What is it like to be young - a homosexual - and ignorant of the avenues open for one to live constructively, at peace with one's self? How many kids have faced this alone? How many of you as teenagers faced the terrible loneliness that came when you found out you were "different".

How many of you shook your fist to heaven and cried out "Why?" There was no answer.

There wasn't anyone you could ask about the way you felt - the fears you had.

That was yesterday, sad - isn't it, yet today - our yesterday's still exist for many people.

What are you doing about it - what are we all doing?

Seldom has a day passed that I have not heard the cOJmlent, "If we could only educate 'straight' people."

Each time I hear this I'm reminded of the passage of Scripture in the New Testament "Physician, heal thyself."

No man teaches - who has not first learned the lesson himself.

Can you, without self-knowledge -give knowledge to anyone else?

If you don't know how to swim, how do you teach someone else'the technique of swimming?

If we as homosexuals do not understand ourselves accept ourse!ves, and each other - how can we hope to educate those people who know absolutely nothing about us? Education, like charity - like freedom - like respect - begins at hone with the individual. I cannot respect you - I cannot love you - I cannot educate

you - until I have these things within myself.

- Perhaps this is why the youth of our congregation are fortunate. They have the opportunities of self-education - and self-respect now, an idea they can grow and mature witlleach day. This fellowship has opened doors which will be to future generations the way of accepting all men simPl because hhey ~ God's crea:tl::ires.

I we, as anosexuals, accept ourselves and our brothers and sisters - as people first - then perhaps the day will cane when words like "gay" and "straight" can be eliminated from our vocabulary â&#x20AC;˘ Individuals living and working side by side with other individuals - God's people doing God's work. This should be our legacy to the young in our midst. This is truly education - not just for the youngor old - but for all mankind.

r

EMMY LOU

, IY MARTY LINKS

"Oh, Taffy is interested all right! . hostofigureoutifhe'saboyorogirl!".

But first she 20

I

c H

u R

c H

CONGRATULATIONS MCCPHOENIX We know that God is with us and watches over us.

Once in a while we see this through an action. He not only 1S there, but takes an active part. I am referring to what has hapPened these last few weeks in Phoenix.

If anyone would have told any member of the congregation that within seven months they would be the proud owners of a church, their own hane, that person would have been considered a candidate for the psychiatrist's couch. Yet it did happen and much more.

Seven months ago M C C Phoenix was in 21

debt. The collections were small and it was a monthly task to get enough money together to pay the rent. As one can well imagine, all bills went unpaid.

Then God moved among the congregation and the action began. A buffet supper was set up for after the service. The food was prepared and donated by the congregation. The money collected was set aside for the retirement of old bills. There are now no bills.

One Sunday morning it was mentioned that there was a church building advertised in the paper at a moderate price.

A

A L T A

R committee was formed to look into the possibility of buying this building.

I might mention that at this time we had $100.00 in our pay the old bills fund and we were striving to collect enough money for the next months rent. Through the efforts of a very Christian realtor, we found out that we could buy the property if we had enough for the down payment.

At the annual congregational meeting the question was proposed. True t everyone wanted a hone of their own.

The thought of owning a church was beautiful, but would they financially support their de-

sire. Again the great Miracle that is God moved.

The same congregation that had been giving 30 or 40 or 50 dollars a week came forth with over a thousand dollars.

Yes we have our church.

Not a great Cathedral dedicated to man's ability to build, but a usable base from which to launch our Christian endeavors throughout our ccmnunity â&#x20AC;˘ We in Phoenix praise God and thank Pillm for His gift. We have pledged ouselves to utilized this gift to His Glory and to His Miracle that is MCC.

by Rev. Robert J. Cunningham

I~ I ITY

"0"

UN'ON '"

LOS ANGELES

CALIF

90007

PLEASE SEND ME TWELVE' M{)NTL Y ISSUES OF IN UNITY ENCLOSED PLEASE FIND MY O,ECK

MAGAZINE.

IMClney Orrier l IN THE AMOUNT

OF sa.5O.

NAME

_

ADDRE~

_

CITY

,. STATE

_

ZIP CODE

_

22

MCC SAN FRANC/SCO San Francisco gay switchboard established ••••A 24 hour, seven-day-a-week Gay Switchboard and Crisis Information Center has been established under the general auspices of Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco. The switchboard number is (415) 684-3063.

Working with Personal Services Committee of the church, the trained switchboard staff provides information on food, crashing, jobs and other social needs of the Gay Corrrnuni ty • The switchboard is housed in the MCC community Center at 1760 Market Street in San Francisco. There is always coffee and people are invited to drop in and rap.

Emergency food and information on crashing are available at the community center.

Other services include medical and legal referrals, dental care , draft counseling and vocational counseling.

"This is where the buck stops", said Fr , Bob Richards, Director of Personal Services. "We are more than just a referral agency. \Vhen a person canes to us, -they are going to get the help they need.

We are not going to shuffle them off to sane agency. It's time the Gay CaIrnunity dealt with the social needs of its own."

The switchboard is under the direction of Michael Music and Douglas Brown who have been active in other switchboards and social service projects for the Gay Carmunity in San Francisco. They have prQ~sed a full training program which all switchboard volunteers will be required to complete before they are allowed to handle the phones. "This is necessary", canmented Music, "because VIe get all kinds of calls.

Same people really need help and Vlhen you are respOnsible for people's lives, there is no roan for ignorance and error.

While under the general direction of Metropolitan Comnunity Church, the personal services programs, including the switchboard, is part of a greater social outreach program to the entire Gay Canmunity.Representatives for other gay groups have been participating in the planning and developnent meetings. Gays. regardless of religious affiliation, are welcome to participate in the program."We 24

I

are here to serve the entire ccnmuni,ty , young people, street people, old people, all kinds," said Rev. Howard Wells, M C C Pastor, "but we will direct the. bulk of our efforts toward the Gay Caranunity since no one else will." Open meetings of the Personal Services Committee areheld at the M C C Ccmnunity Center, 1760 Market Street, San Francisco, Monday evenings at 7:30 P. M. Everyone is invited to attend.

Donations of canned goods, crash pads and leads on jobs are urgently needed to accommodate the many persons dropping by the M C C Community Center and calling the sVIitchboarddaily in search of the basic essentials: food, shelter and employment.

by Douglas Brown

MCC DENVER Not all Denverites were in the path of Hurricane Perry when it hit Denver the night of July 30th, but those who were will not forget it. For the first time in Denver's history, a hamosexual addressed .fellow homosexuals in a public meeting and gave a hard hitting talk on gay pride.

And they loved it! Even the fundamentalist group meeting in the basement of the same building learned a few things.

Rev. Perry's one day in Denver was a busy one.

After a quick tour of local tourist attractions, he met with the board of the Denver mission to discuss plans to make Denver a full church by Conference time.

This was followed by a lawn party buffet with the members.

The weather was so perfect for Denver's instantly changeable climate that it reminded us of the halo over the Capitol Dane when Rev. Perry was in Sacramento.

After dirmer-,Rev. Perry was taken to meet the unusually enthusiastic crowd of about eighty that awaited him.

Rev. Ron Carnes, who has built a M C C in Denver, led the service and introduced Rev. Perry.

The mike wasn't necessary; the sermon was loud and clear.

God loves those who accept and love themselves. There is nothing more dangerous than proud gays and those who hide in their closets hurt only themselves.

Proud gays are rising in Denver and Rev. Perry's visit helped assure the fact that M C C is in Denver to stay. We were all moved by his spirit and enthusiasm and are glad to be part of his work.

MCCOAKLAND

MCC DALLAS

Metropolitan Caranunity Church of Oakland recently held two rap sessions with officers of the Oakland Vice Squad. Problems discussed ranged from entrapment in public places, gays and drugs, gay bars, to general civil rights questions.

Al.Lthose participating in the rap session agreed that effective caranunicat ion had taken place and sane of the barriers between gays and the Oakland Police might lessen in the future.

Rev. J.im Sandmire, Pastor of Oakland M C C, announced additional meetings of this type may be scheduled in the future. ~men Sgt. Goldberg of the vice squad made reference to "basket cases", members of the group attempted to enlarge his knowledge of hanosexual jargon.

One positive outcome of these encounters may be a complete re-vamping of the inservice training for police officers. This would include having a representative of the gay community giving talks on the hanosexual life style in place of the usual psychiatric orientation.

Members of ~~C C Oakland passed out leaflets on Saturday evening, July 24th, at the BillV Graham rallv in the Oakland Coliseum. -Apparently, -an unidentified party complained to the city officials and attempts were made to oust H C C from the headquarters at 440 Santa Clara St. The controversy revolved around building code specifications which state that no more than fifty persons may occupy the building at anyone t.ime. A letter was received from the city manager addressed to Rev. Jim Sandmire stating that public meetings could no longer be held in the building. A copy of an t,! C C leaflet entitled, "Has Christ a Ikmosexue.I?" was attached to the letter.

Rev. Sandmire, after extensive consultation with city officials, has announced that difficulties have been resolved and the church can now continue to function at the present address.

By Frank H. Howell

On Monday morning, July 26th, our Pastor, Rev. Richard Vincent, shared the spotlight with the launching of ADOllo 15 on Channel 8 TV NEWS. Sandwiched in between two segments of the ABC network program, he was interviewed -for- about 15 minutes. He was treated with respect and kindness.

Interviewers Gene Thomas and Susie Humphreys presented reasonable and sincere questions and canments. Mr.Thanas apologized for not having more time to discuss our church and Rev. Vincent readily agreed to retUrn at their invitation on a later date.

We are still waiting for the short documentary of the gay scene by Channel 13 NEWS, which includes a portion about our church.

It should be aired in the near future.

July 30th marked the first anniversary of the first meeting in Dallas to form an M C C mission.

Ten months later we received our charter.

We have started sane路 "missionary" activity in the Dallas County Jail where our Pastor trys to promote spiritual growth in sane of the inmates who have requested to talk to h.im.Officers of the jail have been very courteous.

We have had two marriages since the last report --- Terry and Skeeter --- and Warren and Delana.

To clarify a point of possible confusion, the OUR COMMUNITY paper published in Dallas is not a product of M C CDallas (although we wish we could claim it). It is a private publication reporting the gay news of this general area.

Although the staff of OUR ca1MUNI'lYisdoing a great job, we hope to publish a church news in an M C C Letter in the not too distant future.

If you happen to be caning to Dallas, remember that HE have two regular events each week: Sunday fellowship at 6:30 P.M. foll~~ed by Worship Services at 7:30 P.M. in Normandy Chapel of the First Unitarian Church, 4015 Normandy Avenue. Thursday we have study and prayer group at 7:30 P.M. at the Pastor's home, 926 Turner Avenue, Phone 946-4354. See you there.

SUBSCRIBE

NOW

INUNITY

From the Pulpit - Continued knowhow to act. I would look at her, you knew, Or Rusty, that's another one. If I ever ran into Blaine Oswaldand he didn't have on an earring, I'd think sanething was wrong with Blaine. And I really mean that.

If I ran into John Hose and he had on a dress.

I'd think he was strange right off the bat. Each of you are to be you.' God's given you a makeupand He's given you a personality and that is what makes you so wonderful. I don't like to see a femmeacting butch or a butch acting femme. I want you to be you. Amen.

Alright.

God, if you came to Himand you said, "Oh Lord please change the color of my eyes. I despise these dirty old green things I have." Or if you cried and said, "Oh Lord change my color, I'm not happy white, I'd like to be black or I'm black and I'd like to be white or I'm brcwn or I'm polka dotted or purple."

Godwon't answer your prayer.

Can an Ethiopian change his skin? Or a leopard his spots? The Old Testament question is asked. No there is no reason for it.

And so, what;about your drives?

Because someonewalks up to you one dav and says that you're sick and you're ill, because you are different, does that make it so? Does it mean it's so because somebody wa.lks up to a black and says you're inferior because I'm white? Does that make it true? No it doesn't. People pray for their eye changes and you can change the color of your eyes with contact lenses. But every time you take the contact lenses out you got your brown eyes again.

Amen.

You can scream and holler about change all you want to and you can swear off sex. And you can walk around frustrated, if you want to. Youcan say I'm changed, I'm changed, but sanewhere along the way you are going to look into a mirror and see the same old person you've always been. There is no way to change, you just might as well get ready for that.

I've yet to meet anyone_whohas changed their sex drive.

NowI've met sane who have walked up to me; I remember I met someoneon the streets in Hollywood, who came running up and said, "You're Troy D. Perry, aren't you?" I said, "Yes I am." and he said," I'm a converted homosexual."

I said "Goodfor you. I'm a converted heterosexual."

26

Changes! Sickness. Research. I believe in research.I'm interested in knowing whyone person is heterosexual and another is homosexual. I'm interested in that.

I really am. Like I'm interested in knowing why the pigment in some peoples skin is dark and sane is lighter.

I'm interested in knowingwhy sane people have blue eyes and somepeople have brown eyes and whatever color eyes. But I'm interested because I'd like to knowhow this body is made up. And I'd like to knowwhy genes are the way they are and chromosomes are the way they are.

But I don't 'care what you do, you're not going to change me, anymorethan I am going to change the color of your eyes. Now they might do it, but it might have sane side effects.

In other words saneday they might be able to give you a shot to change the color of your eyes, but I'd worry that sane of you might turn out with a big brown eye and a big blue eye.

Godcreated me the way I am. Nowsane of you are going to disagree with me but I think that the biggest fallacy in the world is when a homosexualwalks up to me and says, "0 my God, I had a butch mother and that is the reason I am the way I am."

Or as I heard one hanosexual on television, when asked why he was that way,say, "My daddy was a florist."

I can't buy that, I'm sorry. I just can't buy that. I believe you are the way you are because Godcreated you that way.This may be heresy of the Horst sort, but . it's my own personal feelings.

I believe Godhas a reason for you. And I believe Godwants you to change in a different sort of way.

I believe God Hants heterosexuals to change anc He wants hanosexuals to change-, But it's not changing your sex drive, it's changing your heart-And knowing that He has the conversion power to look into your heart, to take away the sin that lies there ,cover your heart Hith His blood and make you a new creature in Him. That's the kind of change Godwants you to have. Myfavorite scripture: For God so loved YOUthat He gave His only Son for YOUthat any of Youwho believe should not perish, but have everlasting life through Him. That is the kind of change I want to see in the gay canmunity .

Not a change of personality, not a change of your individual self, but a change for the better in God. If you are thinking about changing, change for Him. Youdon't have a cancer today, you don't have a Continued

next page

From the Pulpit -Con~inued

The Family that is M.C.C. cont'd

heart condition. You do have a life-style that is given to you through creation and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ.

You have a life-style that was given to you, why you I don't know, why God picked you and not somebody else. I have four younger brothers and I am the only gay one in my family and I don't know why God did that, but He did. But I am awfully happy that I'm me and they are them.

How tremendous that we who have been so long labeled "perverts" and "lost" should be the ones to show people that "impossible" things can be done through God's love. We of the M C C family are called ~ to ~how that God loves everyone, Jesus dled for everyone and the Holy Spirit binds everyone together in a love so great it's really difficult to understand. Ours is the opportunity - better the obligation. - to be in love with everyonet especfal.Iythose who hate. persecute and degrade us. They need our love rros t of allâ&#x20AC;˘ If we really believe that we "can do all things through Chr-i.st;" and that M C C 18 really empowered by God to do great thingst then we can also believe that by General Conference 1972 there will be MCC churches across the USA (Europe? Australia?). Then will our familiest friendst neighbors, "enemies" see and mow that the M C C Family has sanething great enough to live for, important enough to sacrifice for, but - most importantly exciting and enough to share with everyone.

Bob Grace Associate Pastor East Bay M C C

ReV. John H. Hose~ Continued

pastor at St. John's Church, Surrrnerfield, .. Illinois.

After graduation, Rev. Hose returned to Ohio to accept the pastorate of the Carrollton charge, serving 3 churches in a 35 mile radius. After two successful years there, he became pastor of St. Paul's Church, Woodsfield, Ohio~-and suoplied a 3-point charge at Lewisville, Ohio. This groupinq became the nucleus for the first IIGreater Parish Plan' in the new United Church of Christ with which the E & R Church became affiliated.

He then received a call to become the pastor of Pilgrim Church, Zanesville, Ohio, one of the larger Conoreoations of the Synod. . .

While serving at Zanesville, Rev. Hose confronted himself with his own sexualorientation,and resigned from the pastorate, and entered the business and commercial life, becoming a radio announcer and producer. He spent several years working for.

Storer Broadcasting. In 1952, he joined the staff of Brown & Bigelow, St. Paul, Minn. serving as Sales Representative, District Sales ~'qr., Harrisburg, Pa., and Detroit,Mich. and Director of Sales Training. He spent 10 years in their employ.

He worked 4 years with Frederick Chusid ~ Co. as Oirector of Corporate Pccounts,and 4 years as Marketing Mor. for A.E. Parker & Sons Co. in Howell, Mich. With Ray Street,his partner of now nearly 19 year~, Rev. Hose came to California in Feb. 1968.

One year later, John and Ray became involved with a young church group --Metropolitan Community Church. The rest ishistory, and in .lu ly of 1969, Troy Perry-recognizing Papa John's leadership qua1ities--asked him to become the Asst. Pastor of r"lCC. In the summer of 1970, Rev. Hose received a grant to attend use, and completed his work for the Master of Science in Education degree Aug. 19, 1971.

The Possible Dream Cont'd Rev. Perry delivered a sermon entitled liThe Resurrection of Truth.He said, "I hope that someday you have a resurrection,not just of the dead, but of the truth.

I hope to see the day when the stones of prejudice and i~norance will be rolled away from the tomb and truth will spring forth as the noon-day sun."

During the church's first year, it was moved of ten ,sometimes because it had outgrown the location, sometimes because it was asked to move for one reason or another.

The congregation was kept alert and curious as +c where they would meet next.

The church kept saying that "you will have to attend every Sunday for sure to know where we will be the following Sund~v.

If you don't come, we mav move and you will lose us, as you won'~ know where we are". During that first year, the church met in fi ve locations.

The Pink House in Huntington Park, which was Rev. Perry . d next page 27 Cont~nue

and Mr. Willie Smith's home.The Huntington Park Women's Club, which was next.

Embaasy Auditorium for one mon th and from there to' the first Methodist Church of Los Angeles, where the church met f'or two weeks, and then to the Encore Theater.

Mr. Willie Smith, a member of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Church was the person responi-l. ble for securing the location of the theater for Worship Services for Los Angeles. rt~ went to the owner of the theater and discussed with him the possibility of the church using the theater for Worship Services on Sundav morning since it was inactive.

The owner of the theater opened his' theater on Sunday mornings and MCC Los Angeles worshiped there for over one year.

In July 1969, after the church had moved to the theater, Rev. Perry was invited to speak in the Orange County area by Ken Raub, the young man who had become a Deacon in the Los Angeles Church and by Bill Becker, the owner of a business in that area. Rev. Perry accepted the invitation, and held a First Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting at a bar-dining room which was closed to regular business for that hour. Tne first meeting was attended by some 50 persons who were interesteo in hearing about Metropolitan Community Church.

The Prayer Meetings in Orange County continued until a Mission grew out of it.

There were individuals who were interested in starting and seeing a church started in Orange County. The Mission in Orange County worked toward reaching church status.

This work of the Los Angeles Church saw the development of a 24 hour telephone answering gervice for -Orange County, a church . counseling center, and Goff fall which was the worship spot locate d in An ahe im, Ca. Hhile the work of t'he mission was progressing', discord was felt among the membership from a lack of leadership. No one person could be found that the whole group could pledge their support to, that could act as pastor. After several months of discussing the problems with the members of the Orange County Mission, a 28

committee made up of Rev.Troy PerrY. Rev. John Hose, Rev. Richard Ploen, and Mr. Lou Loynes, made a recommendation to the Board of Directors of the Mother Church in Los Angeles, that the Mission be disbanded.

With heavy heart, the Board of Directors acted on their recommendation, and this was declared.

ThiS' failure of spawn i.ng another church weighed heavily upon the minds of the Board of Directors and it was agreed that henceforth, no other work would be started without first having leadership supplied for the Mission Groups.

It w~s inevitable that a denomination would gr-ow out of the formation of the Mother Church.

Indi viduals joined the church from as far away as San Diego to the South of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara,to the North.The Board of Directors of Metropoli tan Communi ty Church voted in February of 1970 to establish a Commission to formulate By-laws for a National Organization and to see churches started under the auspices of a Na'tLon aI Body. Their action happened because of three individuals.

(1) Eoward Wells, a member of the Los Angeles Church fe It a call to the ministry and expressed the desire to see a Metropolitan Community Church started in San Francisco. (2) Eoward Williams, a member ':ofthe Los Angeles church expressed the desire to see the work started in San Diego.

And (3) Rev. Arthur Green, a minister from Chicago~ Illinois visited the Mother Chur~h and expressed the desire to see t'ietropo1i tan Community Church started in Chicago.

The Commission held its first meeting in March of that year.

The first ~1etropolitan Community Church service of San Francisco was he J d Febru ary 22, 19 70 â&#x20AC;˘Itwas a se rvice organized bv Howard Wells after much prayer and thought.

Wells had recentlv been discharged from the U. S. Navv and secur~d employment in the ~an Francisco area.

He said at the time that he disliked San Francisco and wanted to be moved back to Los An~eles, but San Francisco was vrhe r-e he felt the Lord wan t ed him.

Ads had been put in a paper, posters drawn up, friends contacted, music continued next page

rehearsed and prayers said. The previous day, the room had been ready and cleaned.

A makeshift altar had been constructed and covered with red cloth. The first cross ~ candlesticks used at Metropolitan Community Church s~rvices in Los Angeles had been b or rowe d and a pot of white Mums adorned the piano.

It was almost 11:00 A. M., everything was ready for the first service of Metropolitan Community Church, San Francisco.

The only thing missing was the congre~ation.

Howard Wells ,organizer of the service asked that Metropolitan Community Church - Los Angeles assistants, Sharon Main, Carl and John Wesley, join him in front of the altar and offer a prayer.No one put into words what they we re all t.hLnk i.ng , "we are the only ones,maybe we are not meant to have a church here just now".

As this little group stood with heads bowed,hands joined together and hope in their heartss God began to bless their labors, with the final Amen a footstep was heard in the hall and within 10 minutes, 15 other worshippers had entered the room. Some were members from Los Angeles, others had read the ad,several had attended the Thursday night Prayer Meeting before this first h10rship Service, and one had seen a poster in a Gav Bar. All had heard the call of God. After the short service, the congregation joined hands with Carl \Ales ley who thanked God for providing this opportunity to start the work in San Francisco and asked that each one present dedicate himself to continuinr the effort in making Metropolitan Communitv Church-;,an Francisco as movinG a force aA it had been in Los AngÂŤ les â&#x20AC;˘ ',;/i th th is , a new church was born.

In the same month th at the San Francisco church held its service, a letter was received from Rev. Arthur Green,a minister in the old Catholic Church.Rev. Green had learned of the wor-k of Metropoli tan Communi tv Church through a newspaper article.

In his letter he asked that more information concerning the church be sent to him.

This information was sent to Green and another letter fo~

lowed.

In Green's second letter, he asked if he might meet with tte officers of the Los Angeles Church.

An affirmative an swe r- to his letter was sent and on March 8, 1970 this meeting took place.

Rev. Green attended Worship Services and then later met with the Commission that was later to become the Board of Elders of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches.

At that meeting Rev.Green was received into the me~bership of the Mother Church.

The Commission, w i t h Rev.Green tren discussed the prospects of seeing the work started in Chicago. Tne Commission very honestly told Green that no mission monies were available to help him get started, and the only thing that they could give him was the good name of the church.

The meeting was closed with prayer.

Rev. Green flew back to Chicago to check on the feasibility of starting a church. After much prayer and work, Rev. Green held the first Metropolitan Community Church Worship Service in Chicago in his home on May 10, 1970 with four persons present.

A few days after Rev. Green's visi t, the Ministry of the Los Ange Les Church and the Los Angeles Choir visited San Diego, Ca. to conduct a weekend revival.

This meeting was held March 13th, 14th and 15th of 1970 at the invitation of Howard Williams, a. Los Angeles member who lived in Ran Diego.Williams had traveled to Los Angeles from San Diego each week to attend worship services at the Mother Church, had approached Fev , Perry in January of 1970 about conduct i.ng a service for that part of California. Rev. Perry said later, "I told him that if he, could find a place to hold a meeting, get someone to pay the rent, I would come down and preach". Williams, not to be put off,arrived the next week in Los Angeles with a lease for an auditorium and the date set. The meeting was an unaualified success, 69 names were secured from vlsitors showing an interest in seeing a Metropolitan Community Church started in San Diego.

On April 3, 1970 a planning meeting was held in the Williams home.

Over 25 people attended.

Five weeks continued next page 29

later, May 19, 1970 the first regularly scheduled worship service of Metropoli tan Communi ty Church of San Diego began. . t.,lhile churches and missions we re starting, the Los Angeles Church Commission was busy meeting to iron out the By-laws to be presented to the Los Angeles Board of Directors.

After working for three months, the presentation was made and accepted.

Th~ interim Board of Elders, (Rev. Troy D. Perry, Rev. John Hose, Rev. Richard Ploen, and Rev. Lou Loynes, was appointed and accepted by the Board of Directors, the second Sunday in Mav 1970. The Board of Elders then incorporated the neTJJ National Body. The name for thishody was the Universal Fellowship of r:etropolitan Community Churches.Each of the local Metropolitan Community Churches was asked to join and ratify the By-laws.

A General Conference ~as called for September 25th through the 27th }970 to make any changes that the churches thought were necessary.

After the start of the San Diego Church, another member of the Los Angeles Church felt the cell of the T.ora +o enter His wo r-k, Y"'!1 Jones was an energetic former Pentecostal Minister who Has also the pianist for the Mother ~hurc~.

He f~lt that he wanted to re-entcr the ministry and wo rk in the n ew "e Ll ows h i p s Af t er' s~veral months of preparation, Jones with three friends drove to Phoenix, Arizona for the 4th of July weekend.· With 200 leaflets, they ~ade the round of the lOC11 g av :)usinesses and invited f,C'ople to a t t en d services t~~t woul~ ~erin Jc~v l~th and to be held in t~c o~:ices of O~E,Inc. a hornophi Le g r-oup t nat had done work. in Arizona for s o.ne "time. Th e Sunda'l 6f the first mee~ing arrived 2nd 11 persons were counted ~y Jone3. . God has always worked in the strangest wa'l, cr so rnanv membe 's of tlv~ Mother Church believe, even though as previouslv noted the mission work. in Oran~s COu!1ty,California had been disbanded, there were ~ay reople in that area that wanted to see a church started and opo r-at i.n g to serve the people of Oranf>:'County.

Unknow ing to most, Cod I)a~) ~repdrinG 30

a minister to work in Orange County, a minister who at that time was 4,000 miles away from the U.S.A. Rev. Ro dge r-Harrison first heard of the work of Hetropolitan Community Church through an article in the "Los Angeles Free Press".

A friend of Harrison's sent the young minister the article through a diplomatic pouch while he was Chapain for the Protestant Diplomatic Corps in Moscow, U.S.S.R. A year after leaving Moscow, while attending Stockholm Uni v e rs itv, during a year of Sabbatical, Harrison wrote Perry and discussed the possibility of pastoring a church in t~e Fellowship.

He was at that time preparing to leave Europe.A letter was sent asking Harrison to con tact the Ho t he r' Church as soon as he arrived in California.

Harrison and his other half,a native of Sweden,arrived in California during August.After consulting with the Soard of Directors of the Los Angeles Church, plans were made to again reopen a church in Orange County.

Prospective memue rs were contacted,a neetin~ nlace ~ecured, and Pastor Harrison reorganized the wor-k in Orange County. The first church service of the reorgani zed work took place Se?tenber 20~ 1970 in Costa Mesa, Cdl£~ornia.

On August 19, 1970 Rev. Perry,with his other half, Steve Jordan arrived in llonolulu, Ha~"aii for the start of a ~eek vacation.They were met at the plane tv two friends of the Mother ("1ur ch , Fen Hanson and Dick. Pe i ci ch , O:le of these v c-m g men had fe It a c aLl. to tLe rnin i strv in the mis s i.on f' e 10 s orne v ear-s:)efore. Ron Hanson t~lls is o~n story as follo~s and t he s tor'! of the church which was to eventually start in Honolulu, ~:.-'.'.JaJ a, "I \·7:3.'; 1~ai0ed in a rural mid-weste i n cc rrmn i t y whe r-e church played an irr.~ :.r--'::2.nt role in my upbringing.

I had alwavs been considered'different' a~ a child and as I grew into mv tp(,~r.s I began to realize my sexual in~erests were also different.

I was made to feel that something was wrong with me. I went through an ext rerneIv difficult period whe r-e I hlamed mvself, rnv family, the closed I

ff

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continued

next

page

mindedness of my rural community and even God for the way I vIas. It took many years, but I finally worked myself through to a place where I didnot have to lav the blame on anyone anymore. I was able to accept myself for myself.

Between the ages of 18 and 28 I tried through prayer and heterosexual activitv to change to what is considered a normal way of life.

I went to many different churches, pastors, bible schools and individuals in my search, but no one had an answer except to say that I should find a 'nice' Christian girl and get married, assuming that homosexuality was primarily a sexual thing,not appreciating all the other aspects of homosexuality such as one's emotions, values, etc which influence the entire human being.

When I think back on those 10 years I wonder why I didn't turn against God an'd Christianity altogether because of the pain and frustrations experiened.

At the age of 28 I did give up the established church.

I was attending a Bible Institute in the mid-west preparing to be a missionary. I tried desperately to convert to heterosexuality but it was no use.

I knew that I would not be accepted by any of the Protestant churches to serve as a missionary as long as I was homosexual, so I dropped out of school and church activities to venture into the world.

I still loved God and beLi.eve d in Christianity, it was Christians and Christian churches that became too much for me.

I moved to San Francisco and for the first time in my life became involved in the Gay Community.

As I look back on my first venture to a gay bar, I have to smile,I .was fresh out of Bible school and walked into a 'Den of Iniquitv'.

I didn't drink or smoke, so I ordered a 7-up and sat there staring ,that .is until someone came up and started talking to me.

As time we nt by, I found that I could relate to the people in the bar as well, so~etimes be~ter than to the people in churches or colle~es.~e could discuss religion,literature, life or small talk, in much the same manner of the church groups

I

or college situations. The bar scene was interesting to me, but it was so lacking in things that I considered import ant.

Later, I moved to Los Angeles and this is where I first heard of M:rtropoli tan Community. Church, a church that was organized to meet the needs of the Gay Community. First I was reluctant to attend the services, but decided to see for myself what it was all about.

The services were held in a small theater, and when I arrived, it was almost full, but I found a seat for myself,settled back to see what was going to happen.

Shortly after the service began, I became aware that this service was totally different from any service I had ever attended. As it progressed, there was a sense of unity and honestv carne through and for the first tim~ in my Christian experience, I felt that'I could be honest with the people around me as I could be ~'ith God. I no longer had to attend services with pretense.

Hhen the Rev. Troy Perry got up to speak, he confirmed the conclusions I had already come to in my own thinking. His sermon was titled,'I'm Not Afraid Anymore!'

He was not afraid and that w as quite evident. His action was an inspiration to me, I became involved with the church in Los Angeles and carne to know Troy as a personal friend.

Hhen a friend and I decided to move to Hawaii, the first thing I knew I wo u Ld mis s was the church, as it had become an important part of my life.

After the move, much time was taken up w i th housing andemployment but there was still a void.Several months later Troy made a visit to the Islands for a vacation but ended up founGing a mission and I Has ordained a Deacon and given the responsibility to organize a church 1n Hawa i i , The first three members were a girl by the narr.eof Nancy, Dick -md myselt, allot whom had been associated Hi th the t-1othe r Chur-cn , The first services were re Ld in our horne; we .put up notices in the local gay bars and let people know by word of mouth.

At OJr first meeting we continued next page 31 I

had 10 people in attendance and with that the church in Hawaii started.

The first church meeting was held on a Sunday, September 20, 1970 II • In February of 1970, while the Lord was 'working in San Francisco, and other areas where churches were being started, the church received a phone call from a minister in Miami, Florida.

Reverend Brad Wilson was a former Church of God pastor who had been born in \AlestVirginia and had gone to public schools in Ohio.

He attended Miami and Ohio Universities and Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana.

He had pastored or co-pastored churches in Ohio, Massachusetts, Kentucky and was working with an Inter-city Lutheran ministry when he read about the work of Hetropolitan Community Ch ur-ch , Hilson said that what he had read sounded too good to be true, so ••••• The director of the group where he had been working called a friend in San Francisco to ask about Metropoli tan Community Church.

The friend told him that what he had read was true and Brad r,Jilsoncalled the Los Ange les Church.

A month later Wilson started holding ,planning meetings in preparation for "t he day t·1etropolitan Community Chu~ch of Miami would start. In August, Reverend ~ilson attended the Hother Church and in September actual services were started in Florida.

The we eke n d of July 19,' 1971 two women visited Los Angeles from Dallas, Texas and attended the services of the Mother Church. Rob and Martha Rae Shivers were lovers who were raised in the Pentecostal tradition of Christianitv.

Rob had been a licensed minister in the Assemhlv of God ~aith.

After services the womenwomen inquired of the feasibilitv of talking to church officers the next day. Arrangements were made for them to stay in the ho~e of Mr. Russell ~uest until the next ~ornin6 when the V vie r-e to talk to Reverend Perry.

The neXT morning tne ShiVers and Rev. Perry met.

The couple expressed the ~esire to goback to Texas and car rv t he good news of i"letropo Li t an Ccrar.un i tv Church t c Callas, an~ this the women did.

32

During the week of September 25th, 26th and 27th,1970,the First Gene r-aL Conference of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches convened in Los Angeles at the Hother Church.

Delegates from four local church bodies (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Phoenix) and four Missions (Chicago, Costa Mesa, Honolulu and Dallas), the Miami representative could not attend, arrived to meet and fellowship with one another and to plan the work that God had called this group to do.

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