News from Metropolitan Community Church of Austin

One of the things that became clear to me for the 497th time is how often we "miss" in matters of communication. Sometimes we don't even attempt to communicate, leaving others to guess at our expectations and intentions. Sometimes we'd like to communicate our thoughts, but we can't say what we mean because somewhere between our hearts, heads, and mouths are lots of living, lots of good and bad experiences, and lots of protective coating and insulation. Sometimes we can't hear what another says or means for the same reasons.

Far from wishing I had never brought up the discussion of "fit vs. fault," I'm very glad that I did. I hope I've started something, something that will continue and that will help us in our growth, maturity, and transformation as a Christian community.
If you're willing to come along on this journey, I'd like to invite you to do two things:

1. Begin conversations.
2. End rumors and misinformation.

As you begin conversations with individuals and within groups, you might agree to follow these guidelines set out by our MCC Theologies Team in Holy Conversations:

"Try On"
Be willing to try on ideas, ways of thinking or being that you may never have considered before,
even or perhaps especially if you have a gut instinct to reject it out of hand.

"It's OK to disagree. It's Not OK to shame, blame, and attack self or others"
Engaging our differences is something we want to do and that we benefit from, but shaming,
blaming or attacking ourselves or others is not a helpful way of engaging difference. Agree not
to shame, blame, or attack others or ourselves.

"Self Focus -- I language"
Focus on your own thoughts and feelings without universalizing them or assuming others/all
people agree. Use "I" language to share your experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Be aware
of how you are feeling and ask yourself what your feelings might be telling you. Share your
feelings when appropriate.

"Practice Both/And Thinking"
Not every question has an either/or right answer. The opposite of a profound truth may be
another profound truth, not an opposing truth. "BUT" is a warning that Both/And thinking is
not being practiced.

Be Aware of "Intent/Impact"
Someone may intend one thing with a comment, but the impact may be very different. Take
responsibility for both parts of the equation. If something impacts you negatively, be willing to
ask if that is what the person intended.

Also be willing to end rumors and misinformation. In our sermon series on intimacy, I shared with you that During World War II, concern about the spread of misinformation led the government to create a Rumor Project in the Office of War Information. As soon as misinformation was encountered in the media or in casual conversations, the Office of War Information distributed official releases with the accurate information to correct any misunderstandings. The impact was immediate and positive. Fear and anxiety among the citizens at home and the troops abroad decreased noticeably once correct information was shared. Our congregation could certainly benefit from having even a handful of people committed to being "Rumor Deadenders."

Here's my final word on the subject for today, and I owe it to one of you who responded to last week's article with honesty and a willingness to help make MCC Austin an ever more loving, thriving, witnessing community: "Remember, we're all in this alone together!

Love and Blessings,