We had a worship service this morning in the field behind the rubble of our church building. There was a large crowd in folding chairs and on blankets. Folks brought umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun.
We sang a lot, remembered the Lords Supper and prayed together. We are overwhelmed by the support and encouragement we have received. There are pictures on the church website and at the church facebook page
Thanks to all.
SATURDAY UPDATE We are overwhelmed by the flood of e-mails and supportive comments. It is good to know that we are not alone and that our brothers and sisters are standing with us in this difficult time. We are meeting tommorrow morning at the church grounds for worship. Bring your own maracas, shakers or washboards to play along because ours burned up in the fire. We have added a donation page to the church site. Even if you cannot be with us in person please lift your voices with us tomorrow morning http://servant-savior.org/...
FRIDAY I am a member of A Community of the Servant Savior Presbyterian Churchin Houston Texas. We are the only More Light Presbyterian Church in this presbytery. More Light Presbyterians are a group working for the full inclusion and membership of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people. We march in the Houston Pride Parade every year.
We also have a huge organic garden that donates produce to a local food pantry.
For the last twenty years or so, we have provided families living with AIDS a "Christmas Basket" which contains two weeks of food for a family of four. This last December we fed seventy two families.
We are a small church that feels like a big family.
Our worship services often have banjos, guitars, trombones, tamborines and accordions. I have been running the church music for the last few years and joke that our motto, taken from the Muppet Movie should be, "They don't look like Presbyterians to me."
I love that my daughter, age 10, had this to say to the news today:
"Some churches say sit down and we'll tell you a story," Rosy said. "But in our church we say, 'Do you have any questions? Would you like to learn about this?'"
We are active as a SOCIAL JUSTICE Church.
Last night about 11 pm an arsonist burned my church building down. We lost everything: two buildings, all our furniture, books, hymnals, a new piano, a wall of crosses from around the world and so many other things. Our building is gone but our church is strong.
I don't know why someone decided to burn my church building. I'm angry and I want answers. I know that there are people actively campaigning against churches who are fighting for social justice. I know that violence against progressive churches has become more common.
I also know that we will meet in the parking lot Sunday morning and worship. We will find a way forward and we will continue with the work we are called to do. Sunday morning I'll tune my guitar, call the hymns and we will sing. If you are in Houston Sunday morning drop by and lend a voice.
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