“I never expected I’d be 100 years old. It didn’t even come to my mind.”
Ruth Ellis, who lived to be 101, was credited with being the oldest known lesbian and GLBT civil rights activist.
Ellis was born in Springfield, Illinois, at the end of the 19th century—the youngest of four children and the only girl. Her parents were born in Tennessee during the last years of slavery. Ellis’s father was the first African-American mail carrier in Springfield.
Ellis attended Springfield High School at a time when very few African-Americans enrolled in secondary education. She was aware of her sexual orientation by the time she was 16. Ellis remembered her high school gym teacher as her first female attraction.
In the early 1920’s, Ellis met Ceciline “Babe” Franklin. They became friends and lovers for more than 35 years...
United Methodist Events at the National Equality March, October 10-11
WORKSHOP ON FAITH COMMUNITIES & LGBT JUSTICE CAMPAIGNS Saturday, October 10 at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Foundry UMC; 1500 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
This interactive workshop will feature a diverse panel of faith leaders including Rev. Nancy Wilson, MCC Moderator; Rev. Dean Snyder, Sr. Pastor of Foundry UMC; Adam Gerhardstein of the Unitarian Universalist "Standing on the Side of Love" Campaign and Pastor Darren Phelps of the Bethel Christian Church, connected with The Fellowship. Come and learn how local faith groups can create and sustain social justice initiatives in their communities, including developing social justice partnerships with allies in their local communities.
LET JUSTICE ROLL DOWN: PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING FOR EQUAL RIGHTS Saturday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Capitol Hill UMC; 421 Seward Square SE; Washington, DC (2 blocks west of Eastern Market Metro)
BWARM (Baltimore Washington Area Reconciling United Methodists) is sponsoring this worship service for the faith community - United Methodist and others. The Rev. Dr. Karen Oliveto, co-pastor of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco, will be sharing her reflections. Jayson Dobney, a member of St. Paul and St. Andrew United Methodist Church in New York City, will lead music, giving inspiration for the next day's march on the National Mall. There will be time for fellowship following the worship service.
WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS
Rev. Dean Snyder preaching Sunday, October 11 at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Location: Foundry UMC; 1500 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Dean Snyder's sermon this Sunday will be based upon the following scripture: Genesis 2:18-25.
THE MARCH AND RALLY Sunday, October 11
All are invited to join in a Foundry group in the march. We will meet in the chapel after the 11:00 a.m. service and will proceed to 15th and M Streets the north end of the staging area for the March. The March will culminate in the Rally at the west lawn of the Capitol around 2:00 p.m.
The United Methodist Church's Book of Discipline declares that “certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons” and that the Church is “committed to supporting those rights and liberties for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation.”
STACEYANN CHIN
Staceyann Chin is a spoken word poet performing artist and political activist. She wrote a poem about equality and the need to march for our rights in D.C. The video was produced and directed by Jeremy Kotin. Staceyann will speak at the rally on the West Lawn of the Capitol. The rally is October 11 and starts approximately at 2:00 p.m following the March. To learn more about Staceyann go to http://www.staceyannchin.com/.
SAM SUSSMAN
Sam Sussman is the National Equality Idol Winner for the National Equality March and will speak at the Rally. Here is his video entry to the competition:
Rev. David Weekley won the Voice in the Wilderness award at the 2009 Justice & Joy Convocation. Since receiving the award, his story about coming out as transgender continues to spread in the media. Rev. Weekley's story appeared on ABC News on September 30, CBS News on October 1 and in the Pacific Citizen on October 2.
A Minidoka pilgrimage inspired Rev. David Weekley,
to share a secret he kept for 27 years.
"My Book Report," Rev. David Weekley. Epworth UMC (August 30, 2009).
Opening Prayer: May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of all of our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Amen.
First of all, I want to thank you for being here this morning in worship, and for giving me an opportunity to share a little about my manuscript.
I chose to do this is worship because my manuscript, my story, at its core is a spiritual story and journey; it is a faith journey.
Formally I have been working on my book for about five years, in reality it has been in process for many more years than this - for more than half a century!
A few months ago someone asked me what my book is about. This has been a difficult question to answer until this morning.
I searched for some concise way to reply and said something about it being about my life, my theology and my relationship with the United Methodist Church, to which he responded, “Well, that will sell about one hundred copies!”
He may be right about that; in fact my book may never be published.
That is alright, and it is not what is most important.
What is important is that story of my life, my faith journey is shared authentically with you in this house of worship.
A New Resource for Reconciling Worship Leaders by Marcia McFee
Worship forms and shapes us into those who "go and do likewise" in the world. The question is "TO WHAT are we being formed?" Marcia McFee is a worship professor, designer and leader who has led RMN in many deeply formative worship experiences over the years. Marcia is dedicated to resourcing churches for "worship with deep soul" that transforms lives through the liberating message of the Gospel. You can have Marcia and her expert guests (such as Mark Miller and Grace Imathiu) and as part of your worship team by subscribing to her on-line year-long worship planning community, "The Worship Design Studio" where you will have access to audio, video and downloadable ideas. Move into intentional design processes that enhance your message of liberating love with Marcia as your guide all year long. Go to www.marciamcfee.com/studio.htm to learn more and to subscribe.
Reconciling Movement News Roundup brings together news about the Reconciling Movement and societal events that positively impact the progress of the Reconciling Movement. If you would like to submit news, please send it to rmnetworknews@gmail.com.
Please let us be part of your support and let us know how we might help. One way is to let us pray for you. We invite you to send your prayer requests to us and be counted in the weekly offering of joys and concerns. You may email these requests to prayer@rmnetwork.org.
Reconciling Ministries Network mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love. Founded in 1984, RMN consists of 295 congregations, 36 campus ministries, 84 reconciling communities. Extension ministries include the Parents' Reconciling Network, Reconciling Ministries Clergy, United Methodists of Color for a Fully Inclusive Church, and RMN's student movement, MOSAIC.
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It is LGBTQ History Month. Who was Ruth Ellis?
October is LGBTQ History Month and Ruth Ellis was celebrated on October 5. She was the oldest known lesbian and LGBTQ civil rights activist.
WORKSHOP ON FAITH COMMUNITIES & LGBT JUSTICE CAMPAIGNS 
