My pastor just called ...

[marble falls]

Last edited Wed Jun 28, 2023, 01:23 PM - Edit history (1)

... to be sure we we safe from a gun standoff situation a block away from house. The city will call us to let us know if there's a water main situation across town.

It's a sad, sad commentary, Pastor Ellen has to call parishioners (and Joy and I are not active over our church's attitude of anti LGBT+).

We had a polite conversation over it. She's pretty moderate, but I bet they'd vote her out if they knew.

EDIT City called the situation is over though police will be around for a while investigating. No shots were fired and I'm thinking it was an eviction dispute.

[wnylib]

1. Hope you stay safe and the problem is resolved for everyone.

There are churches that openly embrace LGBT+ people. Have you considered changing churches?

[marble falls]

4. I'm in Marble Falls, Texas. There are no churches actively embracing LGBT+ unless they're closeted..

... I live in Bible thumper central Texas.

[Elessar Zappa]

5. Even the Episcopals?

[marble falls]

12. Just sent an e-mail to Trinity Episcopal Church here in Marble Falls ...

... I've attended Episcopal churches in Austin, and was a little shocked by it. You have to realize, I'm a third or fourth gen iron briches Missouri Synod Lutheran. I found the Methodist service a little casual.

Christ had a lot to say about those he condemned, but he never had a word to say about LGBT+. If Christ can accept someone, then I can too.

[marble falls]

17. This is my e-mail and it's very quick responce ...

Last edited Wed Jun 28, 2023, 07:22 PM - Edit history (1)

Dear Pastor

My wife and I are looking for a new home church. We are leaving FUMC over their move to limit LGBT+ in church leadership.

What is the Episcopal Church's position on LGBT+ membership and leadership.

We aren't LGBT+ ourselves but want to be in a church that is open and inclusive.

Thank-you in advance for you reply,

Sincerely,
MFalls




To:MFalls
Wed, Jun 28 at 12:45 PM
Herb, I am very sorry that you and your wife are finding yourselves in this position, I know that it is very painful for all involved.

I think it is fair to say that the Episcopal Church is highly committed to inclusion in this regard. Here at Trinity we have a very wide range of social and political views, but I believe that everyone is committed to the idea that we are all God's children, and that this must be a safe place for everyone. We have a number of openly LGBTQ members, and many LGBTQ clergy throughout the country. The local LGBTQ group, The Equality Center, holds their monthly social gatherings in our parish hall, and we have been proud to provide them with a safe meeting space over the years.

On a personal level, I can say that I am absolutely committed to radical inclusion of this community in all regards. Because this is a loving community, I have never needed to intervene on anyone's behalf; but I can and I will, if anyone is ever made to feel "less-than" for any reason, whether sexual orientation, gender identity, or anything else. I have told told LGBTQ people who have joined this church that I don't expect them to ever have any issues here, but that I will go to the mat for them, if it ever comes to that. I regard this as a sacred trust.

I hope this helps to answer your question, and I am available to visit if you have any further questions. Again, I am very sorry for the circumstances of your leaving FUMC, but y'all would be very much welcomed here at Trinity. Blessings, Dave.
From: xxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2023 12:11 PM

[wnylib]

8. Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA), and

Presbyterian (PC-USA) churches all accept and welcome LGBT+ members, regardless of where they are. In some places like Texas, they might be low key in public (partly for safety reasons), but within the churches and among their members, they are inclusive.

[Hope22]

10. Here are two wonderful examples of inclusive churches...

https://www.unitedchurchgranville.org/

https://www.indianolapres.org/

[greatauntoftriplets]

2. Stay safe.

That's a bit close for comfort.

[LoisB]

3. Gracious! Stay safe.

[marble falls]

6. Locked the front door. Nothing on the news yet.

[Effete Snob]

7. Well, as soon as it hits the news, the entire world will know your location within one block

Since you just stated that you live within one block of an armed standoff that is in progress as of the time you posted it.

[LoisB]

14. Scary times in which we live. Please keep us updated.

[Effete Snob]

9. .

https://www.highlandernews.com/news/active-situation-police-close-road-apartments-report-man-gun



The incident unfolded just after 10 a.m. this morning, June 28, at the Rivercrest Apartment in the 1100 block of Avenue K.


The complex is located in a small stretch of street between FM 1431 and Mission Hill Drive.

[marble falls]

13. And our condo is behind Margarita's and only a chain link fence beteen us and Rivercrest ...

... picked up coffee with a friend at Daisy's on K across 1431 at about a quarter to ten, went on a short drive and pulled into the Condo and saw lights and an ambulance in front of the convenience rip off store and figured it was someone having a heart attack over a three dollar Payday bar.

[Effete Snob]

15. Well, now you've done it

You've practically invited burglars to come over and take your Rolls Royce, diamonds, furs, classified documents, and cash that you may have stashed at your place.

At least hide the classified documents in your bathroom.

[marble falls]

18. I've piled the documents against the door, and armed the cat with a space lazer I got from e-bay.

[Effete Snob]

20. Well, I hope you got a good Jewish one

The space laser, not the cat.

[marble falls]

21. I dunno, it says 'Halal'. Muggles is Cat'lic.

[Hope22]

11. My heart goes out to you and yours.

I’m glad that you safe. I’m sorry that your church members have hard hearts and hope that your pastor can work on their calloused ways. Love to you and yours. 💗💗🙏

[Buns_of_Fire]

16. Glad everything has blown over and all are okay.

Pastor Ellen seems like a decent sort. Doing what she can for her flock, and all.

[marble falls]

19. She's a good soul. The church resisted a woman pastor in a way I'd never believed in 2010 ...

... a previous woman pastor in the eighties was driven out in less than a year.