Greensboro PFLAG newsletter, September 1998

              JM
O
T
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
po box 49126 GREENSBORO, NC
JIMlVlY CREECH IN W-S       ~~
I did not find out until the last minute that the
Reverend Jimmy Creech would be in our area,
but hearing him was an opportunity I didn't want
to miss.
So on Sunday, August 24,1 went to the Holy
Trinity Church in Winston-Salem, located in the
former U-U Fellowship buildings. Joyously I
shared this occasion with these "family" members who have combined the best rituals of each
denomination into a happy whole. The sanctuary
was crowded with people eager for Rev.
Creech's words.
He is a handsome, charismatic person, but
undramatic in presentation. His text was from I
John 4:7-8 which tells us "everyone who loves
is born of God, and knows God" but "he that
loves not knows not God, for God is love."
Then he told us his story. Most of us already
knew the basics: how he had gotten in trouble in
Raleigh because he helped form the Raleigh Religious Network for Gay and Lesbian Equality
and then marched under that banner in the Pride
Parade. So he'd been shipped off to Utah and
won a much publicized church trial over his officiating at a lesbian consecration ceremony, but
then was forced to leave his church. For the last
two months he and his wife have supported
themselves at the Outer Banks by cleaning vacation cabins, while they wait to see what the
bishop will do. There was no self pity or bitterness in his words, only love.
I felt, and I believe the rest of the congregation felt, that this man had shown us the face of
God.
I'm so happy to tell you that he has promised
a return to the Triad during the weekend of
October 11. More details later, but save the date!
MNNHk.
27419   PHONE (910) 852-8489 Vol. 5 No.9, Sept., 1998
MEETING 7:30 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
FRIENDSHIP FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE
1103 NEW GARDEN ROAD, GREENSBORO
Remember s   We cosponsor Out of the Past
10/1 SternbergerAuditorium—see attaached
flyer for more details..
Original writings read 10/21 Barnes Noble.
Please help recruit (sorry-no toasters)
Welcome to PFLAG. We offer a safe,
confidential space in which to explore
our feelings and understandings of the
gay experience, especially " coming outM
and what this means to families and
other loved ones. Listen and share as
much or as little as you feel comfortable
with, knowing that others can understand. Welcome especially to our return-
ing members whose iove is so healing.
Chapter Celebrates #5 with a Potluck!
Yes, we're five years old in September and
agreed last meeting that the best way to celebrate
was with a "famous" potluck. Please plan to
come at 6:00 or as soon after as possible, bringing your favorite dish. The chapter provides
utensils and drinks. Everybody loves these dinners, so try not to miss; however, if that's too
early for you, come to our regular meeting at
7:30.
You have taken some very positive strides
toward autonomy during this year. You have
divided Ed's and Stephen's responsibilities
among you and are helping me greatly in facilitating and newsletter.
Special thanks to Ray and Carol who have
been with us since our very first meeting and
who also represent our chief benefactor, Friendship Friends Meeting.
We're going to receive a "birthday present"
during the morning of the 15th, which I will
bring with me. I hope you are as excited as I
about this and that each person will determine
to take a part in being sure that we get PFLAG
information to all who need us.
Cwarterly   Coordinating Committee—
That's Everybody!!!
No, I won't misspell it that way again! But
we most urgently need to meet. I suggest 7:30
September 22 at our home, 2705 Northampton
Drive. If that's not convenient, we'll change it,
but we all really need to be at this particular
meetingo
One more date: PFLAG will be honored on
November 19 by the Triad Business & Professional Guild. More details later, but I
promise you will enjoy ths experience.