BMC NewsNet
September 2010
Community Pictures
 
Left: Calgary Inter-Mennonite Church and their "Mennonites for Human Rights" banner at the Calgary Pride Parade. In the centre is Brenda Dyck, CIM's pastor and BMC's newest board member.
Right: Congratulations to Christian Yoder and Jonathan Miller - married at last!
1. Editorial: Enough!
2. BMC Board Meeting
3. Virginia Colleges Trip Report
4. Board Members
5. COB District Hearings
6. Welcoming Church Trainings
7. Progressive Brethren Gathering
8. GLBT History Month
9. Out in October
10. Travel
1. Editorial: Enough!
Billy Lucas, age 15. Seth Walsh, age 13. Asher Brown, age 13. Tyler Clementi, age 18. The names of these four youth who killed themselves in September are haunting reminders of the perils of life as either a young gay teen, or one who is perceived to be a young gay teen. All of these young men experienced harassment and humiliation from their fellow students that finally became unbearable. (Read the full editorial at www.bmclgbt.org/enough.shtml.)
2. BMC Board Meeting
The BMC Board enjoyed the generous hospitality of the Hyattsville Mennonite Church at its recent board meeting, September 24-26. The board welcomed Brenda Dyck as its newest board member. Brenda is the pastor at Calgary Inter-Mennonite Church, a congregation that has the distinction of being kicked out of three conferences for its welcoming posture. The board’s agenda included the usual reports, the adoption of a balanced budget, planning for the elder lgbt oral history project, discussion about the composition of the board, and a lengthy conversation about fundraising. A community potluck one evening offered some lively conversation. Carol stayed after the board meeting to lead a workshop on “Undoing Heterosexual and Cisgender Privilege” that was well attended. BMC would especially like to thank Steve Wilcox, Larry Miller, Cindy Lapp and all of the host families for their kind hospitality and work.
3. Virginia Colleges Trip Report
BMC Kaleidoscope Coordinator Kirsten Freed visited both Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) and Bridgewater College following board meetings in the Washington DC area. While on campus she met with Safe Spaces, EMU’s lgbtq and allies student group that is exploring how students across Brethren and Mennonite campuses could share resources, ideas and energy. At Bridgewater, a number of energetic students had their inaugural meeting to organize an lgbtq and allies group. Several faculty and staff at both schools took the opportunity to come together to talk about next steps for making their campus lgbtq-friendlier. Kirsten also led Module 1 of BMC’s Safe Zone training with 15 faculty members at Bridgewater, and spoke to an “Exploring Conflict and Peace” class at EMU. If you are interested in having Kirsten come to your college, please contact the BMC office at bmc@bmclgbt.org.
4. Board Members
The BMC board is taking a serious look at its board composition and needs for the next several years. It is interested in collecting the names of individuals who are personally interested in serving on the board, or who have suggestions for strong potential board members. Good candidates would have some non-profit board experience, be interested in denominational change, be committed to lgbt equality and community building, be willing to assist with fundraising, and be available to meet twice a year and participate in conference calls. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and individuals of color are particularly encouraged to consider serving. If you are interested or know someone whom you think would be good in this kind of position, please send an email to board president Ralph McFadden at hikermac@sbcglobal.net.
5. COB District Hearings
Hearings related to the Special Response Process are rapidly being scheduled across the denomination. This is an opportunity, especially for allies, to make your voice heard. BMC encourages those who are able to participate in the hearings. In addition to the resources prepared by the Special Response Resource Committee, BMC offers some specific recommendations regarding process and some practical tools and things to consider as you participate in the hearings. To access these resources, go to www.bmclgbt.org and click on Doing Process Well: Recommendations for Brethren Congregations and Recommendations for Safe, Sacred and Meaningful Conversations. One of the great gifts of the BMC community has been our ability to be church for one another, especially when our denomination has failed us. Because these hearings have the potential to inflict great harm, please continue this BMC tradition by taking great care and reaching out to anyone who seems to be struggling or harmed by this experience.
6. Welcoming Church Trainings
BMC is the sponsoring group for two Welcoming Church Trainings that will be held in the next couple of months. These day and a half long workshops help build skills and gain knowledge that is helpful for congregational leaders, pastors and interested individuals lead their congregations to be places of lgbt welcome and justice. They are both fun and informative – give it a try! Training dates and sites are as follows:
November 19-20, 2010
Peace Mennonite Church in Lawrence, Kansas
December 10-11, 2010
Broad Street Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia
For more information and to register, go to the BMC website (www.bmclgbt.org) and click on Welcoming Church Trainings under Coming Events.
7. Progressive Brethren Gathering
It’s really time to register for the upcoming Progressive Brethren Gathering! This third annual event, sponsored by BMC, Womaen’s Caucus and Voices for an Open Spirit, will be held at the Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Indiana. The event will feature Bethany Theological Seminary President Ruthann K Johansen as the keynote, as well as offer numerous opportunities for conversation, worship, growth, and even exercise. We are pleased to announce that Mutual Kumquat will perform on Friday evening, and John and Jan Long will lead us in a good old fashioned square dance on Saturday evening. Dates for the gathering are November 12-14. To register and learn more go to www.progressivebrethren.org. See you there!
8. GLBT History Month
October is GLBT History Month. Each day in October, an individual is featured on www.glbthisotrymonth.com, with a video, bio, and other educational resources. Week one highlights Eric Alva, George Washington Carver, George Eastman, Sharon Farmer, Leslie Fienberg, Tom Ford and E. Lynn Harris.
9. Out in October
Many people celebrate Coming Out Day on October 11, observed since the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. October, whether for Coming Out Day, or LGBT History Month, can be used to consider what it means to be out (as an lgbtq person or an ally) and what each individual can do to make it easier for everyone to be who they are.
- Take two minutes to read or watch a biography on www.glbthisotrymonth.com every week in October - you may be surprised at what you learn!
- Celebrate - have your friends and family over for an LGBTQ History Month potluck, or throw a Coming Out Day party. Invite someone who’s never heard of either celebration before.
10. Travel
Nov 12-14 - Carol and Kirsten in North Manchester IN for the Progressive Brethren Summit
Nov 19-20 – Carol at Welcoming Church Training in Lawrence, Kansas
Dec 10-11 – Carol at Welcoming Church Training in Harrisonburg, Virginia
If we're going to be in your area, let us know! We'd love to meet with you.
BMC Staff
Carol Wise - Executive Director, SCN Coordinator
Kirsten Freed - Kaleidoscope Coordinator, BMC Volunteer
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Donations to BMC can be made online http://www.bmclgbt.org/donations.shtml, or by sending a check to PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406. Your contributions make a difference. Thank you for your generous support!
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