Stewardship Talk by Zac Clark, September 27, 2009
I grew up in church. I experienced at an early age the benefits of community. I have also never been one to sit on the sidelines and let other people do the work. If I can help, I’m in! At my old church, I taught Sunday school, children’s worship, vacation Bible school, and an evening program centered around scripture memory.
As I matured, I began to experience physical attraction to other males rather than females. I believed, as all “good” southern Baptists do, that there must be something terribly wrong with me. At eighteen, I spilled my guts to my youth minister and sought advice about what I should do. Seeking what he believed would be in my best interest, he told the rest of the staff. Suddenly, I was no longer needed; I was either removed from the programs I was helping or they were discontinued.
I left that church feeling rejected and a huge sense of loss. I continued to struggle with my orientation alone, still thinking I had something to fight. When I finally stopped fighting, I realized there was nothing wrong with me, I just have a different desire than that of straight males. But having been burned by my home church, I began to wonder if any church would accept me. When John Mercer told me about this church, I was skeptical. It sounded far too good to be true. But since he was my professor, I decided I should at least give this church a try. Plus, I wanted an A in his class.
I walked in and was greeted by a lady named Madie Marrs, who insisted I sign the guestbook and that I take a nametag. I learned you don’t say no to Madie. After the service, I was greeted by people, but not like other churches. In other churches, the people kind of scope you out to see if you are worthy of their church. This church made me feel like I was worthy before they had even met me.
I was also surprised, after joining, how quickly the church wanted me on a committee and had asked me to serve as an usher; other churches, you had to “pay your dues” before you could be in a position to serve. This church is a place of love and they want whatever time or talent you have to offer. I am proud to be a member of a church that marches in the diversity parade. I am proud to be a member of a church where the Pastor takes time to visit someone in the hospital who has only attended one church service. I am proud to be a member of a church where all are invited to partake of communion. I am proud to be a member of a church where all people are loved and treasured regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. I am proud to be a member of a church that puts their money and their time where their mouth is, they shows the love of Jesus to others where other churches just talk about it. I am proud to give my time and money to this place where God’s love and acceptance are evident in everything the people of this church do.
Stewardship Talk by Loretta Clark & Sue Babb, October 4, 2009
When Paul called and asked us to give a short talk about stewardship, I told him I wasn’t a good speaker and not as good of stewards as we should be. He said you do what you can and that’s important.
In the many years Sue and I have been together we haven’t gone to many churches. When I was living at home with my parents I went to and was a member of a Baptist church. I always felt guilty and tried to get rid of my feelings about being attracted to females. I was engaged two times to very nice boys but always broke it off. Sue came into my life and I knew we were meant to be together.
When I left home I didn’t attend church as often. Sue and I searched for many years to find a church that would accept our lifestyle and would not judge us for being together. After searching for a long time, we were talking to a very good friend of ours who worked at that time in PFLAG here at the church, and she suggested we check out FCC. We had our doubts, but we did. It didn’t take us long to make up our minds, in fact that very first Sunday we attended here we knew we had a church family. That was a little over five years ago.
We know in these hard times it is difficult to tithe, but whatever you can give of your money, time, and talents is very much appreciated. That is what Sue and I do.
We want to thank Madie and Inalea who met us at the door the first Sunday and made us feel welcome right at first. I could mention many others who made us feel at home, but the list would be very long, so we thank all of you for being our wonderful church family. God bless all of you.
In thinking about stewardship, it led us to the value we place on the church. We have been members of several churches in our years together, but never felt at home or really believed in the doctrine being preached. We always knew if we “came out of the closet” we probably would be out of the church too. Our first Sunday at Fellowship changed everything. We truly found a church family and as in any family there are ups and downs, good and sometimes not so good, but you never forget we are all family who need and love each other. Love is the glue that bonds us to God and each other. For this we give thanks.
Stewardship talk by Belinda Bateman, Shelly and Maura McCarty, October 25, 2009
When I walked into this sanctuary for the first time, I had no idea what it meant to be a part of a family. Many of you know that I was close to my step-father. He did not come into my life until I was 13 years old. Up until then I had experienced the effects of alcoholism as well as drug, mental, physical, verbal, and sexual abuse. Then there was the foster homes, DHS, and shelters.
I was 27 when I had Maura and I felt true love for the first time. That was a powerful life changing day. When Maura was 2, Belinda came into our lives. The thought of me and Belinda being a couple isolated us from most of our families. Belinda has 1 sister that keeps in touch and I have 1 cousin.
Recently we found out Maura has some complicated medical issues. We had never been so afraid in our lives. The stress was immense and after many doctors appointments I called Paul one night. I started with small talk and eventually my sadness overcame me. We had gone through so much and not one of my biological parents or siblings had called. I had never felt so abandoned in my life. I had a sick baby and we were alone. Paul said to me, “No, you are not alone and you do have a family! We are here for you.” I knew he was right, but I had never experienced such love and acceptance and did not know how to deal with it. In fact, it still throws me off.
So this is what I love and look forward to:
I love Madie’s smile, Inalea’s presence, Jean’s strength, Glen’s gift of music, Paul and Georgann’s gift of faith, Bill and Betty’s constant love, Joe’s sweetness, JoAnn’s love of life, Chris and Xerlan’s loving relationship, Joyce’s shoulder, Ginny’s beauty, Woody and Truman hugs.
And I mourn for those we have lost, especially Dave, Sally, and Herb, who stole my heart and I am a better person because of them. I start each day grateful for my church family and the lessons I have learned. I look forward to the lessons that are still to come. Bottom line, I could not imagine walking through life without you.
So why do we need to give? Maura asked me the other day, “Mom, will I be able to come to this church when I am a grown up?” We give to ensure that our legacy continues on. We give to spread the message, “YOU ARE GOD’S BELOVED CHILD!”
Maura’s message:
What I like about my church is meeting new people and loving my church family. Thank you for giving my school food and clothes. Thank you Emily for being my friend. Thank you GIGI (Jean Faucett) for
making an acolyte dress because I was so small. Thank you Valerie and Herb for letting us stay in your home. Thank you Paul and Georgann for inviting me to this church. Thank you Inalea for being here. My church feels like home. My church makes me happy. I love my church. Love, Maura
