Image by beatbull via FlickrDo you ever wonder if it's really urgent for Nexus to be a strong voice of progressive Christianity in Butler County?
Our speakers at the recent Installation Service gave us their insights. And recent events in Butler County have given us yet another practical reason.
It's now come to light that when it comes to finding adoptive homes for children, Butler County Children Services is now giving preferential treatment to what it terms "traditional" couples. In other words, single parents and unmarried couples are now at the bottom of the list. And since gay and lesbian couples are not able to be married in Ohio, that means that gay and lesbian folk join single parents at the bottom of the list.
What an immoral and hateful policy! Children Services reports that there are more than 80 children currently awaiting adoption in Butler County. Why would a sane agency adopt policies that discourage and raise barriers to any qualified parents willing to step forward and adopt a child?
When this policy was brought to my attention this afternoon, I immediately contacted Andrew and Michael, the Liberty Township couple whose recent adoption of a young girl is said to have "triggered" the policy change. On your behalf, I expressed our outrage at the Butler County policy and our solidarity with them.
But what about all the other single persons and unmarried couples in Butler County who might be willing to adopt children? How urgent is it that they hear a different message, a message of encouragement and support?
What about those 80 children waiting for adoption? How urgent is it that they be given every opportunity possible for adoption?
Finally, what about those leaders and officials who sanctimoniously use the language of God to deny the basic human rights of children and of unmarried persons? How urgent is it that they hear from a new people of God, a people who proclaim a message of justice, generosity, and joy?
Friends, God planted Nexus Church in Butler County for a reason, and it's an urgent reason. I encourage you to make your voice heard as we go forth in our journey together to respond to this issue and to the many other urgent issues, too.
Blessings in all our urgent work,
Mike
p.s.- You can listen again to Rev. Barb Bolsen and Mr. Jon Peterson speak on :"Why does Butler County need a strong voice of progressive Christianity such as Nexus Church? Click on Installation Service (Guest Remarks Only) at http://www.nexusucc.org/sermons.php?pageType=main&pageID=35&pageName=%2FListen%20In%2F
Details about the Butler County's policy are in a Cincinnati Enquirer article http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090306/NEWS01/903060348/1168/NEWS0101?GID=qL/7bcfCHuGoiwt3Jvo4Bo00IFr580Pc1DXM21f0f/Y%3D
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, Mar 1 - 10:00 a.m. - Do you ever wonder "What's Expected?" Well, that was our topic this Sunday. Mark 8:31-38 was our jumping off point.
Thanks to Sandi Lerman, we'll continue to learn a very small bit of American Sign Language. We'll be inspired by the music of Chip Bramlage and the Band. Krista Bramlage will lead the children in New Explorers. We'll have a communion this Sunday and every Sunday until Easter on April 12.
Governing Council - Monday, Mar 9 - 7:00 p.m. This month the Council will meet at the Panera restaurant just off I-75 at Union Center Road. Please contact Karl Ulrich if you have a concern or issue for the Council to consider.
Sharing Soup -Wednesday, Mar 11 - 5:30 to 7:00 (or until the soup runs out). Leslie Baum has sign-up sheets for this service project which will continue every Wednesday at the Y until April 8. Last Wednesday, Leslie Baum, Beth McClary, Katie Kool, Frank Wray, and Maya and AJ Kool brought and served soup.
Monthly Song Circle - Sunday, Mar 15 - 1:30 - 2:30. Vince Benabese is hosting an informal monthly song circle. It' will be a time to share and sing a wide variety of inspirational songs related to peace, earth, spirit, and justice. It's open to all, regardless of your background in singing. In between the songs, there'll be time for desserts. Location is in the basement of Vince's and Mike's home in West Chester
Children's Clothing Sale - Saturday, March 28 - East Butler Y is holding a consignment sale of children's clothing (newborn to size 16) and maternity clothing. Sellers keep 80% of the selling price for their items,
GOOD STUFF
We Care a Ton -- It's a special food drive sponsored by Nexus from now to April 12. We'll collect non-perishable food items and see that they get to a local food bank. The collection box is in the hallway near the Y front desk.
Welcome, Janet and Beth! Last Sunday Janet Crawford and Beth McClary took vows as covenant members of Nexus.
Where are the 20-Somethings? -Jeff Davis and Pastor Mike participated March 2 in a Webinar on the special challenges of reaching younger adults. Unfortunately, the session was more theoretical than practical. But there were a few ideas which might help us at Nexus.
FAITH AND LIFE
Growing Bold in Grand Rapids, MI - June 22-29 -- The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns is planning its 2009 National Gathering. The theme for this year's gathering is "Growing Bold." It will be a celebration of what Open and Affirming can be in its fullest expression -- worship, fellowship, celebration and engagement.
According to Google, Grand Rapids is an easy 5.5 hour drive from the Y. Dana Johnson will coordinate the trip for anyone interested in going from Nexus.
Daily devotional for Lent? The UCC offers a free devotional sent to your e-mail every day in Lent. These devotionals are written by UCC folk from across the country. To sign up, just go to
http://i.ucc.org/FeedYourSpirit/Subscribe/tabid/101/Default.aspx
GIVING
Offering basket - No, we don't pass the plate or make a "big deal:" of it. But we do know that regular giving is part of spiritual growth. Members and friends of Nexus are reminded that the offering basket is on the table as you enter the gym. Please use an envelope, if you would like a year-end statement of your giving to Nexus.
Electronic giving You can use your debit/credit card or a bank transfer to make on-line charitable contributions to Nexus Church. Contributions can be made via the Web Site or by sending funds directly to the Nexus Church PayPal account: paypal@nexusucc.org.
INCLEMENT WEATHER?
Yes, very occasionally (even in March) the snow and ice are so bad that we have to cancel Sunday worship or a planned church activity. If it is necessary to cancel Sunday worship, a decision will be made at least by 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning.
Notice of any cancelled worship or cancelled activity will be given in three ways:
- An e-mail will be sent to all persons on the general Nexus distribution list
- A notice will be placed on the Nexus web-site: www.nexusucc.org
- A changed message will be put on the voice mail of the Nexus phone: 513-708-7803.
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I read the article about the adoption right of gay, single and co-habitating parents with great concern. I have to say though I don't find the policy either immoral or hateful.
ReplyDeleteI think in the case of adoption the well-being of the child should trump all other concerns and I was glad to see Fox make that clear in his statement. I would be outraged by a policy that prevented single or gay or co-habitating couples from adopting a child all together. But, from what I have read in this article, this policy states all things being equal (which they never are) that "traditional couples" will be given preference- IOW, this status would be a tie-breaker. It doesn't mean that an unfit married couple would be given preference over a well-qualified single mother or a gay couple. At least not the way I read it. If we have cases where qualified gay couples or single parents are denied adoptions, then I think it's time for us to take action.
Of course, gay couples, single mothers and fathers and co-habitating people can be wonderful parents. But, in the case where all other factors are equal and you have two options as to where to place a child, I think it makes sense to place the child in the place that would be the least stressful and most beneficial for the child.