Miguel, you are speaking for the Still Speaking God!
Your letter and you actions show you for a strong man using direct action to support our brothers and sisters. The fact that you and your church have been targeted is proof that you are doing the right thing.
God bless you and your whole congregation,
I will stand with you in spirit,
Penny
On Sat, Sep 22, 2012 at 12:10 AM, Michael Rodriguez <fireryphoenix@hotmail.com> wrote:
--Some members of PBJFlorida are already coming to support my church in solidarity. I ask for the rest of you to please pray for us. Thank You!
Miguel
My Church is being picketed because we support Planned Parenthood and Gay Rights. I know that some members from PBJFlorida may not agree with my church's position. That is alright. We believe in freedom of thought, speech, and expression. However, the haters that are coming to protest our church do not want to engage in conversion and respectful disagreement with us, they want to yell and intimidate us.
Letter to my church members:
We want to make you aware of a potential demonstration this Sunday morning near the premises of our church building. It has come to our attention that a group plans to gather to protest two particular issues. First, they want to protest the work of one of our members, Jenna Tosh, who is the CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando. We know Jenna and support her in her work and as a member of our congregation. Second, this group may protest the fact that we ordain gay and lesbian clergy. This is something we support as an Open and Affirming congregation and as individuals.
Our church has always stood on the side of justice and freedom. We have always strived to create a community that supports thoughtful dialogue. However, we do not want any members to be surprised on Sunday should you see protestors on the sidewalks with signs, posters and pictures, some of which may be quite graphic. We are making appropriate plans to create a welcoming environment. Members who have been trained to escort you into the building will be on hand at every entrance should you wish any assistance. They will be wearing bright neon yellow vests. Parents wishing to drop children off to their teachers may do so between 9:30 and 10:00 at the circle drive where we are hopeful that children will not be exposed to the graphic images that have been used at similar protests by these demonstrators.
We encourage you not to engage with these protesters. Attached you will find a brochure with further background material and tips. We hope you will take a few moments and read it carefully. If you have any questions or concerns after doing so, please contact any one of us.
We hope you will attend worship this Sunday, September 23rd, as we stand united in what we believe and as we demonstrate our support for Jenna Tosh and her family. This will be an opportunity to be the church together as we bear witness to our faith and the Still Speaking God.
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--
Penny
--
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