The Faith of Christians

Based on the Work of Dr. George Harkness

Aug. 4

Holy Communion

Sermon: "Atonement - Being in Communion with God"

Scripture: I John 2:1-2

Theme: Crucifixion-Suffering to Glory

Aug. 11

Sermon: "Sin Lives at the Juncture of Nature & Spirit"

Scripture: Romans 8:1-2; 35-37

Theme: The Nature of Evil, Humanity & Freedom

Aug. 18

Sermon: "Salvation Is to Be Found"

Scripture: Luke 15; Romans 5:1; 8:38-39 

Theme: Steps of Redemption 

Aug. 25

Sermon: "There's Always a Way Provided" (from The Dark Night of the Soul)

Scripture: Psalm 16; Romans 8:18-21; 26-28

Theme: Prayer and Providence

ONA - The Final Frontier

by Anne Bouchard

Since September of 2012, the congregation has been learning about the Open and Affirming (ONA) process, which involves a time of study and discernment, creation of an ONA statement, and a congregational vote to accept the statement. As stated in the past, the ONA process generally takes 1-2 years, but there is no set time period.

Guided by the exploratory committee, the congregation and the committee members have talked about the history and background of the ONA resolution, watched a video featuring Bishop Gene Robinson, listened to speakers from 5 other UCC churches (2 of which were declared ONA, 3 of which were not), had two Bible study sessions with Rev. Ron, and held informal group discussions without specific agendas, and watched the movie "For the Bible Tells me So." Reading material, DVDs, notes, FAQs, and By the Way articles have been available throughout the process.

The final step in the process is to draft and vote on an ONA statement. ONA statements are unique to each congregation, but each statement must incorporate two elements, as identified by Kathie Carpenter, ONA Listing Administrator and staff member at the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns. The elements are:

1. the naming of "sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression" as categories, or "lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender," and,

2. the use of phrasing that means a full welcome, such as "into the full life and ministry of the church."

Before we decide whether to actually vote upon becoming ONA, the committee determined that it would be helpful to work on our own ONA statement, and present it to the congregation for consideration and input. We presented the first draft at the Junual meeting. We have received and incorporated feedback about that draft, and we are presenting the revised draft for review here:

DRAFT ONA Statement

The Little Home Church by the Wayside, UCC, is an Open and Affirming congregation. We accept, embrace and affirm the dignity and worth of every person, as we are all created in God's image. Persons of every race, ethnic background, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, size and weight, socio-economic background, marital status and faith background are welcome to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities, and blessings of participation in our congregation.

The Vision for the Little Home Church is, "Celebrating and Sharing God's Love in Christ." In our individual faith journeys and in our congregational efforts to live out our Vision, we strive for justice and equality for all of God's children. Wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.

We hope you will read and think about this statement, and share your thoughts with a committee member. Examples of ONA statements from other churches are also available for review in the Parish Hall.

ONA continues to be an exciting and challenging issue for our congregation. As always, if you have questions or comments about ONA, please contact one of the committee members, or use our suggestion box in the Parish Hall. We plan to make a final decision about ONA this fall.

Anne Bouchard, chairperson

Carol Berger, Jen Gatsch, Kathy Haben, Judy Hopkins, Lori Haseltine, Ann McLaughlin, Marilyn Poole, Nancy Schatzeder, Wally Setlock, Jane Shelton

You can always find more information about ONA on the UCC website: http://www.ucc.org/lgbt/ona.html