Some have asked me about Fred Phelps impending visit to Granville:
1. On April 27, the hate promoting GodHatesFags website owner Fred
Phelps is coming to picket in Granville at several churches. The
incident which triggered him to visit Granville is a Granville High
School Junior who started a Gay Alliance at his school. When Fred finds
out about God's Promise MCC, which meets in the First Baptist Church, he
will undoubtedly picket here also. We are asking people not to counter
picket and not to engage him in any way--he loves to start law suits
with people who challenge him. Instead we're asking everyone to join us
in a celebratory service at our usual service time of 3 pm. We will be
affirming God's love for all people--even our enemies. First Baptist is
on the corner of Main and W. Broadway in downtown Granville (30 miles
east of Columbus).
We are taking pledges to support the Licking County AIDS Task Force for
each minute that Fred pickets outside our church. Please send your
commitment per minute--for example 50 cents per minute--to this email
address. I'll send you the Task Force's address after we tally his
minutes. This Task Force serves Licking County, several nearby counties,
and even eastern Franklin County.
2. On June 14 & 15, right after the Shepherd Initiative's Amazing Grace
Conference on Sat . June 14, we are co-sponsoring another
conference--called the BIG BIG TABLE, on reconciling Christians of ALL
sexual orientations. It will meet in two downtown Columbus churches. It
starts with supper on Saturday night and continues all day Sunday,
ending with a communion service. A featured speaker is Dr. Rembert
Truluck, former Southern Baptist minister, teacher, and Sunday School
lesson writer, and author. His very popular website and book are called,
"Recovery from Bible Abuse." There are other authors , experts, and
educators on scripture and Christian views on homosexuality.
Building community and talking with people who disagree with us are two
more topics that will be discussed. We will have social events and
support groups for singles, couples, and those needing healing from
spiritual abuse. A panel of African Americans will share their stories
of coming to accept glbt people into their church groups. The cost is
only $20, if postmarked by May 15, and includes three meals. Volunteers
are encouraged to apply.
Check our Website for more info:
home.earthlink.net/~writeondb/BigBigTable.htm
or email Marj Creech at
RisenRegan@core.com
phone 740-924-5083
