BMC NewsNet
Vol. 7, No. 1
January 2007
The world welcomes Jemila Dion Fast, daughter of Anita and Kelly Fast from Vancouver, BC. Jemila, an Arabic word meaning “beautiful,” was born on January 8, 2007. Anita is on the BMC board and is president of BMC Canada. Congratulations Anita and Kelly!
1) Job Opening – Faith-Based National Field Organizer
2) BMC/SCN Conference - For Just Such a Time: Living Out the Call
3) Connecting Families Weekend – April 20-22, 2007
4) BMC Ontario Winter Retreat – February 9-11, 2007
5) Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Decisions
6) BMC Canada Board Welcomes New Members
7) California Faith for Equality Seeks Faith Based Community Organizer
8) Video Resources Available from BMC
9) Staff Travel Schedules
1) Job Opening – Faith-Based National Field Organizer
BMC and its collaborating partners are seeking a faith-based community organizer with funds from an Arcus Foundation grant. This will be a contracted, full time position that will be based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Individuals with experience in community organizing, an interest in the ecumenical welcoming movement, knowledge of lgbt issues, and a willingness to travel are invited to apply. Submit cover letter and resume by February 10, 2007 to NFO@WelcomingResources.org. Contact the BMC office for additional information. A start date of March or April 2007 is anticipated.
2) BMC/SCN Conference - For Just Such a Time: Living Out the Call
San Francisco, June 30 – July 1, 2007
Those who yearn for a church that is genuinely welcoming of lgbt people and who seek company for this justice journey, are invited to gather in San Francisco for a conference that promises to be rich in worship, insight, laughter and hope. For Just Such a Time: Living Out the Call, will begin on Saturday morning, June 30 and will conclude on Sunday, July 1. The book of Esther will guide conference reflections on models of resistance and hope. Transportation options for the Mennonite Church USA Assembly in San Jose will be made available. The co-sponsorship of BMC, SCN, First Mennonite Church of San Francisco and MennoNeighbors offers a depth of talent and resources that will be well utilized. Please put the date on your calendar and make this event part of your summer plans.
3) Connecting Families Weekend – April 20-22, 2007
For many years, individuals committed to providing mutual support for Brethren and Mennonite families and friends with lgbt members have been gathering for a weekend of listening, sharing stories, worship, singing and fun. The Antiochian Village, a Greek Orthodox Retreat Center in Bolivar, Pennsylvania, offers a beautiful and safe setting for this time together. Author and spiritual director Ann Showalter from Newton, Kansas, will offer sessions on the topic Journey Toward Wholeness: Changes, Challenges, and Possibilities for Growth. Families, friends and supporters of lgbt people, as well as lgbt individuals themselves, are all welcomed. Additional information and registration materials can be accessed on the BMC website at www.bmclgbt.org or by contacting the BMC office at 612.343.2060.
4) BMC Ontario Winter Retreat – February 9-11, 2007
Mark your calendars for the BMC Ontario Winter Retreat 2007 at Silver Lake Mennonite Camp the weekend of February 9-11. This tradition of BMC Ontario is a popular social event and a great time to relax by the fire, ski, catch up with old friends, make new friends, and enjoy great food. For registration information or any questions, contact bmcontario@yahoo.com or see www.geocities.com/bmcontario.
5) BMC Canada Board Welcomes New Members
The BMC Canada Board welcomes Caitlin Neufeld of Sydenham, Ontario and Ron Brown from Didsbury, Alberta, as new board members. Caitlin will serve as Vice President of the board and Ron will be a Member-at-Large. Other board members include Anita Fast (President), Anneli Epp (Secretary) and Shannon Neufeldt (treasurer). Three board members from BMCC serve on the BMC board as well.
6) Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Decisions
The Program and Arrangements Committee of Annual Conference ignored a joint application request for exhibit space by BMC, Womaen’s Caucus and Voices for an Open Spirit (VOS), choosing instead to reject BMC and approve space for Caucus and VOS. Citing moral conscience in the face of discrimination, Caucus and VOS have elected not to exhibit at Conference this year. Instead, all three organizations will sponsor a large Hospitality Room that will be used for BMC, Caucus and VOS displays, insight sessions, meetings and other conference activities. BMC is grateful for the solidarity and support of Caucus and VOS and anticipates a rich and rewarding conference experience. Details of Annual Conference events will be posted as they become available.
7) California Faith for Equality Seeks Faith Based Community Organizer
California Faith for Equality announces an immediate opening for a full-time faith-based community organizer to build relationships and mobilize progressive clergy and people of faith who support civil marriage equality for same gender couples. Interested applicants should have experience in grassroots organizing, ability to work with diverse and multi-racial interfaith communities, and a commitment to lgbt equality. To apply, send a resume, cover letter and three references by February 12 to RevNeil@mccla.org.
8) Video Resources Available from BMC
BMC has several excellent video resources available for individuals or congregations to borrow or purchase. Ecumenical resources include Welcoming the Stranger: A Dialogue About Welcoming LGBT in our Faith Communities; the Unlearning Homophobia Series featuring Straight From the Heart(parents’ journey to understanding), All God’s Children (African-American community) and De Colores (lesbian and gay Latinos); and Coming Out ~ Coming In: Faith, Identity and Belonging. BMC specific resources include the video Body of Dissent and our newest DVD, Coming Out Strong. If you are interested in any of these resources, please contact the BMC office at 612.343.2060 or bmc@bmclgbt.org.
9) Staff Travel Schedules
The BMC staff will be participating in various events in the coming months and are very interested in meeting with local individuals and/or groups. If you would like to meet with Katie or Carol, please contact the BMC office at bmc@bmclgbt.org or call 612-343-2060. Here are tentative travel dates:
February 16-18, Katie at LGBTQ College Student Conference in Minneapolis
March 2-4, Katie and Carol at BMC Board meeting in Goshen, IN
April 20-22, Carol at Connecting Families in Bolivar, PA
BMC NewsNet is an electronic newsletter produced by Carol Wise and Katie Hochstedler for the Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Interests (BMC). BMC seeks to provide 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 or contact Paul Hawkins, Development Coordinator, at phawkins@bmclgbt.org or 260.341.6387. Contributions can also be sent to the BMC, PO Box 6300, Minneapolis, MN 55406. Thank you for your generous support!
BMC Staff
Carol Wise – Executive Director, SCN Coordinator
Katie Hochstedler – Kaleidoscope Coordinator, BMC Volunteer
Paul Hawkins – Development Coordinator
|
