Going to Iowa in September to officiate at my second legally recognized same sex wedding!

[Critters2]

Very excited!

[LiberalAndProud]

1. Which part of Iowa?

This truly is exciting! May I ask which denomination?

[Critters2]

2. Davenport. This one will be in Van de Veer Park. The first one was at Faith UCC Church.

I'm a pastor in the United Church of Christ. I serve in Illinois, but grew up in Davenport. Faith Church, where I did that first wedding, is my home church.

[LiberalAndProud]

3. My brother would like to pastor with the UCC.

The UMC drummed him out after he performed an unsanctioned union ceremony -- Not defrocked, but not appointed. It seems the UCC is scrutinzing candidates carefully before installing them, so my brother is a prophet without a church, as it were.

You are blessed.

[Critters2]

4. I'm a little surprised he couldn't get a call with the UCC,

though I know a Church and Ministry chair who recently said they're being swamped with UMs and Presbys who want UCC calls. The committee is being really careful to determine whether they really hold to a progressive Reformed theological position, rather than just that they can't get a call or appt because they're glbt or glbt-friendly.

I must admit, I consider myself fortunate to have been born and raised UCC, and to have a call to serve in this denomination.

Where is your brother? There are a few conservative associations--Illinois South, North Carolina, parts of Pennsylvania. He may want to try another conference or association.

I wish him well. These are challenging times to be in ministry. But I feel hopeful.

[LiberalAndProud]

5. He's in Omaha.

http://ucmpage.org/news/gc2000_gay_wed3.html

You might find the above article of some interest.

We appeal to our sisters and brothers in the church to show respect for one another in our struggles to seek full embodiment of the gospel. It is important that we honor the variety of gifts and calls to ministry that God has given us. We call the church to honest conversation, study and prayer in our efforts to get along amid deep differences about how to include our Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered sisters and brothers.

To our GLBT sisters and brothers, we say that you are loved by God. We commit ourselves to continue to work for your full inclusion in our church.

Rev. Mark Kemling Rev. Jay Vetter, Counsel for Rev. Kemling Mr. Mike McClellan, Co-Counsel for Rev. Kemling

[SeattleGirl]

6. That's great!

Someday, I want to see those ceremonies be a regular part of life.

Someday soon.

[handmade34]

7. I am so very proud of you and others that provide this

wonderful service... I was working at a UCC church in Vermont back in 2000 and much controversy evolved over the passing of civil unions.
The pastor ended up leaving partially because she gladly performed services for people and I loved her for that: I left soon after because as far as I was concerned the church lost a precious part of its soul...