GayDaytona.com

WORD UP –Feb. 6, 2013

Weekly Newsletter No. 202

New Church Family

A member of International Christian Community Churches

3520 W. International Speedway Blvd. (US 92)

Daytona Beach, FL 32124

www.newchurchfamily.org Tel. 386-527-5952

 NewChurchFamily@gmail.com

Our Vision Statement: “We are the love of Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit empowers us. We will serve the community.”

 
THIS SUNDAY – Feb. 10 – worship & Holy Communion, 10 a.m. Pastor Troy Ray, director of Halifax Urban Ministries, is our guest preacher.

If you’d like to make a special gift to help support Halifax’s interfaith outreach to the poor,  please give your check or cash directly to Pastor Troy or else put it in the HUM “coin can” near our sound system. We will empty the can right after service and give Pastor Troy the proceeds. Include your name and address if you require a receipt from HUM or NCF for tax purposes. Otherwise, your gift will be from “Anonymous.”

FYI our church did make a special year-end gift to HUM in December, but we realize their need is ongoing. If you can spare a dollar or two, it will be much appreciated.

SCRIPTURE FOR SUNDAY  —  (From the Revised Common Lectionary, Year C)

Exodus 34:29–35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2; Luke 9:28–36 (37–43)

PRAYERS –

n  Strength for Revs. Beau and Susan as they recuperate from another move.

n  Endurance and humor for New Creation ICCC, moving into a new building in the Asheville area.

n  Healing for Betty as she recovers from foot surgery.

n  Lois asks healing for her son’s girlfriend.

n  Keith gives thanks for the rescue of a boy that a survivalist kidnapped and put into a bunker in Alabama.

SUNDAY SERMON RECAP (Feb. 3) – STRETCHED TO THE LIMIT — How long must a prophet suffer? That was the theme of Tom C.’s message that started with Jesus’s rejection in his hometown and then went backward and forward in history. God seems to pull his chosen ones tighter and tighter, like an archer pulling back the bowstring, before He shoots them into ministry. In the case of Moses, the prophet had to endure the grumbling of the million people he led into the desert before God delivered manna and water. Jesus was nearly thrown off a cliff (Luke Chapter 4) because his neighbors didn’t care for his message that they might not be God’s top priority. And, in modern times, Tom pointed to Jackie Robinson, who started his quest for racial equality right here in Daytona Beach. For 10 years, Robinson had to endure insults and spitting for game after game, until whites finally conceded he was a spectacular baseball player. Could we stand up to such trials? Are we willing to be tested?

LET’S GAB ABOUT GAY SAINTS FEB 13!

New Church Family will launch its 2013 God Gab discussion series with a freewheeling chat about “Gay Saints & Martyrs.” The session starts 6:30 p.m. WED, Feb. 13 at church. Tom B. will kick off the discussion with a few factoids about Valentine, Augustine, Joan of Arc, Francis of Assisi, Sergius, and Bacchus, Brigid, Sebastian and others of special interest to GLBT believers. Everyone is encouraged to join in — research your favorite saint or Bible character and tell us about him or her. While we cannot prove the orientation of any spiritual leader of ancient times, QueeringtheChurch.com offers a lot of  persuasive clues. Bring along a snack if you like.

ASH WEDNESDAY – For those who wish to mark the beginning of Lenten season, we will have a brief prayer time at 6 p.m. Feb. 13 in our parking lot, just before God Gab starts. It will include a burning of the palms and distribution of the ashes in observance of Ash Wednesday. Our events are open to people of any faith, as well as to skeptics and questioners. Invite a friend. Be careful of road construction near our entrance.   More information: 386-527-5952.

CHURCH & COMMUNITY CALENDAR – This week and next

FEB. 6, Wed., 1:30 p.m. SCREENING of “Malcolm X” – The 1992 film by Spike Lee stars Denzel Washington as the charismatic civil rights leader who was born Malcolm Little. Southeast Museum of Photography, Daytona State campus. Free.

FEB. 7, 11 a.m. – CHOREOGRAPHER SEAN CURRAN AT UF – Curran meets with GLBT students in the Friends of Music room on the University of Florida campus, Gainesville. Curran will discuss his accomplishments, goals, and life as a choreographer.

FEB. 8-9, 7:30 p.m. – RICK MARTORANO SINGERS present “From Bacharach to Broadway” music revue, plus a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Free, but donations will be collected for the Music Ministry of Coronado Community United Methodist Church and the Little Theater. CCUMC, 201 S. Peninsula, New Smyrna Beach. Details: 386-679-5181.

FEB. 8-9, Fri-Sat. – BOOK SALE at DELAND LIBRARY, E. Howry Ave. About 5,000 books for sale, most 50 cents and up. $2 a bag on Saturday.

FEB. 9, Sat. 4 p.m.  – BASKETBALL EXHIBITION — Harlem Legends vs. Volusia Legends. Watch retired Harlem Globetrotters, ex-NBA players and other pros take on local police, firefighters, Marines, teachers  and coaches in a fundraiser for the Ormond Middle School.  The game takes place at the Vince Carter Athletic Center, Mainland High School, Daytona Beach. Tickets $15 in advance. Details: HarlemLegends.com

FEB. 10, SUN., 10 a.m. – New Church Family worship, Pastor Troy Ray guest preacher.

FEB. 10, 2 p.m. – SUNDAY MATINEE: “Where Do We Go Now?”  Rated PG-13. Lebanese women try to ease religious tensions between Christians and

Muslims in their village.  In Arabic with English subtitles. Port Orange Library, Free.

FEB. 11, MON., 6 p.m. –  NCF BOARD MEETING. Agenda includes our Highridge lots, paving bids, office work, guest preaching schedule, landscaping, event rentals and photocopier contract. The board meeting is open to anyone. We do our best to limit it to 90 minutes. If you  have an item to add to the agenda, contact our clerk, Bill P.

FEB. 12, Tues., 6 p.m. – BUSINESS GUILD MONTHLY SOCIAL – at Clubhouse Restaurant, Wilder Blvd., Daytona Beach. Open to anyone; you don’t have to be a Guild member to attend. Order from the menu.  Contact Bob Baxter so he can give the restaurant a headcount.

386-426-5640

FEB. 13, WED. 6 p.m. – ASH WEDNESDAY Outdoor prayer, burning of ashes, and distribution of ashes. New Church Family parking lot – 3520 W. ISB, Daytona. Visitors are welcome.

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FEB. 13, WED. 6:30 p.m. – GOD GAB on “Gay Saints & Martyrs,”  New Church Family (we’ll have a handout for you ) Join our discussion, which will be freewheeling and humorous.

FEB. 14-16 – Thurs-Sat, 8 p.m  —  STETSON STUDENT PRODUCTION of “Dracula” at Second Stage theatre, Museum of Florida Art, 600 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand.  Adopted from Bram Stoker’s novel. Directed by Caitlin Foster.  A Feb. 17 Sunday matinee is at 3 p.m. A Feb. 13 dress rehearsal is free; other shows start at $10.

FEB. 14-15 – SCREENING of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Athens Theater, downtown DeLand.  Thurs. at 9 p.m., Friday at the customary 11:30 p.m. If you’ve never seen this 1975 trans-oriented musical  comedy and participated in its costumed craziness, here is your chance. Advance tickets start at $10. For tips about what props to bring (rice, playing cards, newspapers, confetti, bells, etc. etc.) check out rockyhorror.com

FEB. 16-17 – FELLINI-THEMED COSTUME PARTY  sponsored by Little Fish Big Pond Productions in Sanford.   Dress up as your favorite Fellini character or as the film director himself. Includes art and art installations. Sat., party starts 9 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. 401 Sanford Ave. RSVP online.

FEB. 17, SUN. 10 a.m. – New Church Family worship. A return visit by one of our favorite guest clergymen. Check with Teresa for details.

FEB. 19 – BLACK HISTORY EVENTS at Stetson – Color ME Brown Project, 10 a.m., a documentary directed by Nicole Townend. It focuses on Black & Latino people and the complexities they face. Rinker Auditorium in the Lynn Business Center.

7 p.m. “Black Pride: Negotiating triple minority status,” a discussion of how LGBT people deal with social pressures in their quest to “succeed.” Carlton Union Building.

ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS  – Thank you to the 15 church members who gave up an hour of their time Sunday to take care of church business.  Our current board members were all re-elected by acclamation, and Ron P. graciously  agreed to serve as our new “temp” board member (until the arrival of a new pastor.) “Piano John” S. volunteered to be our lay delegate to the ICCC Convocation in November in Greenville, S.C.  The 2013 goals presented by the board were adopted as presented. We also adopted a $33,171 budget for 2013, and we agreed, reluctantly, to cancel the Feb. 24 worship service because of traffic jams likely with the Daytona 500 race that day.

CHURCH & COMMUNITY CALENDAR – PART 2 (Future Events)

FEB. 23, SAT, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. “Journey to Redemption” a Christian musical presented by Platinum Workz at Athens Theater, downtown DeLand.  Robert, a backsliding preacher, finds it hard to cope after losing his 7-year-old son to sickle cell anemia. Alcohol becomes his comforter, and he becomes abusive, but his wife Loretta refuses to give up on him. Loretta also carries the burden of her best friend, Kim, who is contemplating divorcing her husband, Leon, because he’s too churchy. But the very animated Deacon Rufus always has a good word to share, even when no one wants to hear it. A mixture of comedy, tearful moments  and powerful singing by an African-American cast. Tickets start at $15 in advance, $13 for seniors

FEB. 24, SUN.  – Daytona 500 Race – “Visit a Church” Sunday. The board of NCF has cancelled our service on this date  out of concern for dangerous traffic jams on U.S. 92, I-95 and I-4. We encourage you to visit a church near you, especially GLBT-affirming UCC churches in DeLand, Port Orange, Lake Helen and New Smyrna Beach, and the Unitarian church in Ormond.

FEB. 25, Mon., 2 p.m. – MONDAY MATINEE : “Argo” – Rated R. A dramatization of the 1980 joint CIA-Canadian operation to extract six American diplomats from their hiding place in the Canadian embassy in Teheran. This occurred after a mob broke into the U.S.Embassy, sacked it and took dozens of other Americans hostage for more than a year. Stars Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin and John Goodman. Tom & Jay saw this last week and recommend it.

FEB. 28 – Presentation of “Wicked: The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz,” a benefit for Come Out With Pride (Orlando Pride.) Balcony seats, which include an after-the-show chat with the cast. $85 each. Details: ComeOutWithPride.com

MARCH 6-11 – Winter Party festival, Miami Beach. Various dance parties, beach parties and pool parties in and around South Beach. Schedule: WinterParty.com

MARCH 29-31 — EASTER WEEKEND — Dana Worsham, an ICCC seminary student doing pastoral work in Augusta, Ga., will drive down from Emory University in Atlanta to be our guest preacher for Easter weekend. Dana served 7 years  in the Marines including duty in the Gulf War. She later worked 15 years in the construction industry before receiving a call for pastoral ministry.  If the congregation is interested in having a Good Friday service, Dana is willing to lead one in the late afternoon or evening. Please let the board know if you desire this service so Dana can plan her driving schedule.

VIVA OUR VOLUNTEERS

n  MUSIC NEED – Lloyd is seeking a piano player or an instrumental CD that he and John St. can use for an upcoming duet.

n  Thank to those who arrived early and stayed late to help with our Potluck and Annual Meeting seating.

n  Bridget R., Bridget N. and John G. have posted some great photos and a video of our farewell to the McDaniels. Special thanks to Lois, who devoted 4 hours-plus to the assembling of the McDaniels scrapbook.

n  Refreshments needed. Pencil in your name for a Sunday in March or April to make sure we have something to nibble after service. If you see cookies or cakes on sale, consider storing a package in our freezer.

n  Keith has designed some colorful artwork to benefit Halifax Urban Ministries. His mosaic pieces  are displayed on a table in the rear of your sanctuary. We ask that you offer $10 or more. After February, we will place the remainders on Craigs List

NEWS OF OUR EXTENDED FAMILY – Revs. Beau and Susan are settling into their new home in Asheville. Susan says BB, her cocker spaniel, loves the snow.  Right now, their cell phone reception is spotty. Until they change phone providers, it is best to contact them by e-mail. Betty can help with reaching them on anything urgent, or in forwarding postal mail to them.

New Creation ICCC in North Carolina has just moved from Fletcher to a Lutheran church in Fairview, near Asheville. Best wishes to them.

Ron & Clarence succeeded in selling their mobile home to a buyer from Ohio. They will be moving soon to a home near the Daytona Beach Golf Course. Congratulations.

LOST & FOUND DEPT – The Volusia Building Industry Association reports they have found a dozen decorative brass plates showing such scenes as a blue heron and the resurrection of Jesus. They believe the plates came from the church. Does anyone own these or remember them? They are available for pick-up any weekday at the VBIA office at 104 LaCosta Lane, off Williamson. Contact Charlotte at  226-1414.

A MESSAGE FROM THE GUILD:  The Daytona Beach Business Guild is urging gay-friendly businesses  to consider its GayDaytona.com web site as an advertising vehicle. It recently surveyed Internet traffic on Guild-type web sites and found that the Daytona site was tops in Florida in drawing readers – an average of 1078 “hits”  daily,  versus  1058 for the South Florida Business   Guild and 611 for the Metropolitan Business Guild  in Orlando. A business membership in the D.B. Guild includes a directory listing of up to 4 lines of contact information. Display ads run from $60 to $125 depending on size and shape.

A FEW NOTES ABOUT BLACK HISTORY MONTH and GAY HISTORY MONTH

In recent years, February has been designated as a time for studying both African-American History and LGBT History. Here are some suggestions to broaden your knowledge:

-          A UF professor has written an award-winning history of  Florida’s early civil rights movement, which started many decades before Martin Luther King began preaching.  “Emancipation Betrayed: Th e Hidden History of Black Organizing and White Violence in Florida from Reconstruction to the Bloody Election of 1920”  by Paul Ortiz looks at early efforts to resist segregation.

-          The Stonewall Museum in Fort Lauderdale is highlighting black American women believed to be lesbian or bisexual.   They include jazz singer Bessie Smith, and her mentor, Ma Rainey, who sang lesbian lyrics. Also, Deborah Batts,the first openly lesbian judge in the federal judiciary. She received her appointment to the bench in 1994 from President Clinton. The exhibit also  pays tribute to Rita Hester, a

Black transgender woman whose violent 1998 murder inspired the creation of the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, now observed annually on Nov. 20.

FROM REV. SUSAN – IMHO Column – Absent yet Present

My life has been somewhat unpredictable in the last week.  As I viewed the wonderful pictures that Bridget Knight put into her email and the fabulous video on YouTube that Bridget Rose contributed that included the verbal and visual experience  of our last Sunday…(check out New Church Family on Facebook to see this)….I feel the loss of all of you more than I can say.  It’s the hugging and the chatting and feeling of closeness that our 9 years of Sundays have given me.

It’s Sunday here in Asheville, and New Creation will have their first service in their new facility…they too are starting another chapter the way I am.  I have seen a dusting of snow this week and for me, the cold is delightful.  I know, I know….you all think I am off my rocker.  This last part of my life’s journey will be filled with the four seasons, the mountains and the trees that reach to heaven…..just my vision of heaven.

As I prepare for service this morning, I am feeling lost…I miss all of you more than you can imagine. You have given me so many blessings and so much joy and loyalty over the years.  I thank God for each and every one of you. You have been the earthly rock which has held me up when I have needed you.  I need your prayers, so I hope you will indulge me this turn from my usual style. This is strictly selfish on my part as I figure at least a few of you will stop and offer up a prayer for me!

Writing helps me process, organize my thoughts, express my heart, and gives me an outlet for ministering what God is doing in me.

One of the things I’ve been thinking about is how there is an importance in the present moment that is most easily missed. Being present with God and others in each moment is a challenge. When I say “being present”, what I mean is being tuned in, attentive, alert, and interactive. I have learned so much in the last four years about really being tuned in to my heart, other’s hearts, and the heart of God.

Here are a couple of examples of being present in the moment. As I packed my clothes for the move, I was present with God. Starting a new journey, I am present with God.

There are so many ways that we can apply this idea of being present in the moment. And there are so many enemies to our being present in the moment. Busyness.  Being self-absorbed. Thinking about the next day or the next week. Even things that are not inherently evil or bad can cause us to miss the important things that are before us in the present moment. It’s just life. And this IMHO is not intended to make you or me feel guilty. It is intended to challenge us all to live fully in the present moment so that we don’t miss the gifts that are there.

I get this “being present” right sometimes and sometimes I miss it altogether. I find, however, that when I miss it, I really do miss something. I miss what is intended to be enjoyed or noticed or engaged.

Jesus was truly in the present moment during his earthly ministry. You might say, “Of course, he was. He was God.” But remember that he laid aside his deity, lived as a human depending upon the Father just as we do, too. The Word says that “he only did what he saw the Father doing”. That means he was “present”, by choice, submitting to His Father for the flow of communication which would determine his steps, his words, and his actions. He was our example of how it can be done.

So my challenge to you, for today and the coming days, is to commit yourself to being present, really present — with God, with your church, your friends, your children, at your job. Place yourself on high alert and I know you will find, as I am, that there are many opportunities for you to share life with others on a deeper level than you have before.

And that’s my personal note for today.

With Love, Hugs, Blessings, Shalom, Peace , Amen and Amen……

URBAN LEGEND WATCH  – Beware of an HIV scare allegedly coming out of Jacksonville. Snopes.com warns an e-mail is circulating that quotes a Capt. Abraham Sands in Jax about HIV-loaded syringes being taped to gas-pump handles to cause needle sticks to motorists. FALSE. Snopes says this rumor has been circulating on and off since 2000. There is no Capt. Sands in Jax’s law enforcement, nor has this prank been documented in Florida. However, copycat pranksters did try this trick in Tucson, AZ, in 2007 but there was no HIV contamination.

FOOTNOTE FROM THE “Word UP” Editor – Thank you for scrolling down this far in Word Up. We owe you a gold star! Seriously, we try to place our most important news right at the top. Read the first screen and you’ll know right away what’s happening at our church this coming Sunday and in the coming week. Later on, you can browse through the calendar at your leisure. Word Up is offered free to anyone who wants it, regardless of whether you attend our church. Just send an e-mail to NewChurchFamily@gmail.com. You also can unsubscribe whenever you wish. We also welcome any news items, calendar events or prayer requests you wish to submit. Ads at the bottom are free, too, but must be kept brief. – Tom B.

OUR CLASSIFIEDS….

PASTOR VACANCY – Here is the Pastor Vacancy ad that has been posted to PastorFinder, GayDaytona, Indeed.com, GayClergy.com  and sent to ICCC and several universities and supportive groups.  Please help us relay it to your own clergy contacts:

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New Church Family, an inclusive Christian church of 45 active members, with 30 years of GLBT ministry in the Daytona Beach area, seeks experienced applicants for part-time pastor (25 hours weekly). The contract position is budgeted for yearly pay of $14,000-$17,000 depending upon credentials and experience. Church’s goal is to expand to full-time pastoral ministry within 1-3 years. Applicants should feel called to preach a gay-affirming interpretation of Scripture, be able to provide a feeling of community, and be able to grow the church. Applicants should have experience in relating to a diverse congregation of ALL orientations and gender identities. Additionally, the successful pastoral candidate will require approval by the Board of Ministry of International Christian Community Churches, based in Asheville N.C. Send resume to ncfpnc@gmail.com or NCF 3520 W. International Speedway Blvd.,  Daytona Beach, FL 32124. Phone 386-265-4583.

HELP WANTED – FILL-IN PREACHERS sought by New Church Family for one or more Sundays in mid-March, April and May. Provide a 15-30 minute sermon for our 10 a.m. worship service and lead, or co-lead Communion. Denomination doesn’t matter as long as you can relate to GLBT people in a positive manner. Select your own topic as the Spirit leads you. An honorarium is provided for people outside our  church. Contact Tom Brown for March bookings; Teresa Wright for April bookings and Mike Connolly for May bookings.

FOR HIRE: TAXI RIDES – Mike “Mickey” McDonald heads a group called the Daytona Beach Taxi Coalition. They promise reliable service and moderate rates. You can learn more about them at their website: http://www.dbtctaxiservicesdaytonabeach.com.

FOR SALE – CD “Seconds”  for $5 each – Music evangelist Shawn Thomas is doing a clearance sale on his contemporary gospel CDs that have cracks in their plastic cases or other minor flaws. They are guaranteed to play fine. Eight different titles are available but only in limited quantities. Check them out at ShawnThomasonline.com . Remember, Shawn will be visiting us MAY 12 for a special 10 a.m. music service.

FOR RENT – BEACHSIDE APARTMENT, Seabreeze area.  One- bedroom furnished unit, all utilities included except phone.  Best suited for one person,  discount for tenant able to help with property maintenance.  Call 386-290-9423 for more information.

HELP WANTED: Web site manager.  The Daytona Beach Business Guild needs someone to help manage the GAY DAYTONA.com web site and additions to the site. Possible compensation on some projects.  386-290-9423.

SOME USEFUL LINKS & FRIENDLY PLACES:

OUR CHURCH’s Web site: www.newchurchfamily.org

*OUR CHURCH FACEBOOK PAGES – New Church Family of Daytona Beach, and The Porch of Daytona (youth outreach) – Post a note occasionally

SCHOLARSHIPS for Volusia-Flagler GLBT students – Visit GayDaytona.com for information and to download the Application Form from the Events calendar.

*GLBT AA Group Meetings at the Lambda Center, 320 Harvey Ave., Daytona Beach, on Fridays at 6 pm

DAYTONA area general gay news and Events Calendar : www.gaydaytona.com   (Operated by the Daytona Beach Business Guild. — Back issues of Word Up can be found at this site.)

VOLUSIA PRIDE 2013 – James & Charron co-chairs — www.volusiapride.org

*International Christian Community Churches, our denomination: www.icccnow.com.  ICCC and its Emmaus Institute also have Facebook pages

Jim Geary’s AIDS/HIV  ministry — Jim’s confidential HIV support group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes-beachside. Call him at 386-235-6420 or 441-7562 for permission to attend.) – www.delicatecourage.com

Outreach Community Care Network: Provides HIV and AIDS testing, counseling, support, information and referrals. outreachinc.org or 386-255-5569. Contact person: Joaquin.

OneDaytona – Nonprofit coalition working for GLBT solidarity & Pride (youth support, scholarships, etc. ). Contact  Tom for details. www.onedaytona.com

LoveWelcomes All — www.lovewelcomesall.ning.  Interfaith group in the Carolinas.

Equality Florida for gay-rights updates: www.eqfl.org

TREVOR PROJECT – National Youth Counseling web site for GLBT coming-out issues, bullying and depression: www.thetrevorproject.org Their suicide prevention hotline is 866-4-U-TREVOR

SUICIDE Prevention Hotline – 1-800-539-4228 (Act Corp. psychiatric stabilization for Volusia County)

GENERAL GAY CHRISTIAN NEWS & VIEWS, including an international gay-affirming church directory, an international e-mail forum, dating service and non-pornographic chat, hosted by Mary Pearson in Oshawa, Ontario. www.christiangays.com. Most Sundays at 9 p.m., their chat room offers a clergy-led “Hot Topic” discussion that connects a GLBT issue with the Bible and other Christian teachings.

PFLAG New Smyrna Beach/Volusia meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month (no meetings during the summer), 7 PM at United Church of Christ, 203 Washington St, New Smyrna Beach. We can be found on Facebook, our email address is pflagnewsmyrnabeach@live.com, or contact Kathy at 386.299.0698.

”JUST US” for professional women 35+ meeting on a monthly basis at local restaurants. Contact dee1023@yahoo.com

THANK YOU FOR READING WORD UP – God bless you and see you in church.