BMC NewsNet
Vol.10 No.6

BMC NewsNet

Vol. 10, No. 6

November/December

Every great dream begins with a dreamer.

– Harriet Tubman

1)     New Computers!

2)     Book Signing at Assembly Mennonite in Goshen

3)     Connecting Families Weekend – April 9-11, 2010

4)     Progressive Brethren Gathering: Ready at the Thresholds

5)     Kaleidoscope Report on Bluffton University Trip

6)     Marriage Equality Stats for 2009

7)     Donations Needed!

8)     Upcoming Travel

9)     An Important Reminder

1)   New Computers!

Thanks to the generosity of several individuals, BMC has been able to purchase new office computers that should service us well for the next several years. In addition, enough technology contributions have been given that we are able to purchase both an LSD projector and a video camera. We are currently exploring website programs that will enable us to improve our internet presence. Thank you to everyone who contributed, and special thanks to Jim Sauder, who offered his expertise and lots of valuable time in the purchase, set up and networking of the office computer system.

2)   Book Signing at Assembly Mennonite in Goshen

A tea celebrating the publishing of Crossing the Bridge: From Mennonite Boy to Gay Man, will be held at Assembly Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana on Friday, January 8 from 4:00 – 5:30 in the afternoon. All are welcome to come to the event. Author James Helmuth, a member of the BMC community, will be on hand to sign copies of his memoir which describes his journey from a chicken farm in Ohio, through marriage, fatherhood and finally coming out as a gay man. To view a description of the book, go to www.crossingthebridgebook.com. Congratulations, Jim!

3)   Connecting Families Weekend – April 9-11, 2010

Connecting Families is a group of engaging and sensitive Mennonite, Brethren and other individuals who are interested in exploring sexual minority issues as they affect families, friends, individuals and congregations. The group holds an annual retreat-style weekend that offers an opportunity to share, learn, find support, and explore ways to educate and engage our churches in dialogue. “Peter and Cornelius: A Paradigm for Inclusivity in the Church” is the focus of this year’s weekend, which will feature Vern Rempel, pastor at First Mennonite Church of Denver, Colorado. The weekend will be held at the Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center in Reisterstown, Maryland. For more information and to download a brochure with registration information, go to www.bmclgbt.org and look under “Coming Events.”

4)   Progressive Brethren Gathering: Ready at the Thresholds

Over 150 Brethren gathered at the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren in November for the second Progressive Brethren Summit. Sponsored by BMC, Womaen’s Caucus and Voices for an Open Spirit, the conference explored next steps in the emerging progressive movement. It was a spirited time of intense conversations, insightful personal reflections, cutting edge education, inspirational worship, great food and the enjoyment that comes from being with friends and family. BMC thanks members of the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren for their gracious hospitality and kindness as hosts. The work continues!   

5)  Kaleidoscope Report on Bluffton University Trip

In November Kirsten travelled to Bluffton University to conduct a Safe Zone training with a group of faculty and students, and also spoke to several classes. It was wonderful to meet a group of people dedicated to working at creating a safer campus.

Safe Zone trainings offer participants an opportunity to:

Gain a basic understanding of issues affecting lgbtq people

Learn how to become a better ally

Explore ways your setting could become more lgbtq friendly

Network with interested peers

Contact BMC if you would like to arrange for our staff to conduct the half-day Safe Zone training at your campus, church, or other group.

6)  Marriage Equality Stats for 2009

The year 2009 saw significant gains and some disappointments for marriage equality in the US:

• Iowa Supreme Court ruled 7-0 that the state constitution guarantees same-sex couples the right to marry.
• Vermont legislatures overrode a governor’s veto and legalized same-sex marriage.
• Maine governor signed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage, but voters repealed the law on Election Day.
• California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, a voter approved constitutional amendment that overturned the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling in favor of same-sex marriage. The court also ruled that the 18,000 marriages performed in CA prior to the passage of Prop 8 remained intact.
• New Hampshire governor signed legislation legalizing same sex marriage –begins Jan 1, 2010.
• Washington, DC Council approved a same-sex marriage bill on December 15. The bill must undergo a mandatory 30 day review period by the US Congress before it can become law.

7)  Donations Needed!

It is not too late to make a 2009 tax deductible contribution to BMC. We realize that this is a particularly challenging year for many individuals, and appreciate greatly the many individuals and congregations who sacrifice to keep BMC viable and strong. Thanks to years of dedication, courage and hard work, genuine gains are being made in our communities and congregations, making it easier for young lgbt people to come out and for all lgbt and allied people to live with dignity and hope. Your support is needed to continue this work and move it forward. To make an online donation to BMC, click here. Checks may be sent to BMC/PO Box 6300/Minneapolis, MN  55406. Thank you!!

Individuals who would like to contribute to BMC Canada may send their contribution to PO Box 2223

Abbotsford, BC, V2T 3X8. At the current time these donations are not tax deductible.

8)   Upcoming Travel

Jan 10-13 – Carol to Santa Fe for Institute of Welcoming Resources Meeting

Feb 2-5 – Carol to Dallas for Creating Change Conference

Feb 5-8 – Kirsten to Winnipeg, MB

Feb 11-12 – Carol in Minnesota for ecumenical Aging Task Force Meeting

Feb 28- Mar 2 – Carol in Elgin for COB Special Resource Committee

Mar 4-8 – Kirsten at Lutheran Volunteer Corp retreat

Mar 19-21 – Kirsten & Carol to Newton, KS for BMC board meeting

9)   An Important Reminder

Please always feel free to call upon the BMC staff for resources, support, workshops, information, or to simply share ideas. We are always eager to hear from individuals and congregations, and remain open to your suggestions and insights in our mutual and sacred struggle to “cultivate an inclusive church and society and care for the Mennonite and Brethren lgbt and allied community” (from BMC mission statement). You may call us at 612-343-2060, send us an email at bmc@bmclgbt.org or write to us at Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN  55406. We look forward to hearing from you.

BMC NewsNet is an electronic newsletter produced by Carol Wise and Kirsten Freed for the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests (BMC).  BMC provides programming, support and advocacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals and their families and friends.  For questions, comments or to unsubscribe from this list, contact the BMC office at PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406-0300, USA; bmc@bmclgbt.org; or 612.343.2060.

To donate to BMC, go to our website at www.bmclgbt.org and click on Donate Now. You can also send a check to the BMC office, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN  55406. We really need your contributions and thank you for your generous support!

BMC Staff

Carol Wise – Executive Director, SCN Coordinator

Kristen Freed - Kaleidoscope Coordinator, BMC Volunteer