Open and Affirming (ONA): Our Process

Where we’ve been:
January 2007 – The Mission Committee made a motion to the Church Council to begin the ONA process and form an ONA Committee to provide leadership.

November 11, 2007 – A Town Hall Meeting was held to communicate the purpose and intent of our ONA process and hear questions and concerns.

January 13, 2008 – Sue Field spoke during worship about what it means to welcome. A copy of her message can be viewed here. Phyllis Long, a member of Tom’s River UCC, gave us an overview of their ONA process.

February 10, 2008 – Doug Brown, Debbie Shields, and Bette Randall spoke to us about their personal experiences.

March 15, 2008 – Movie Night: For the Bible Tells Me So, a documentary that follows five families as they live with the reality of having a gay or lesbian son, daughter, brother, or sister, was shown with discussion following. More information is available at http://www.forthebibletellsmeso.org/index2.htm. Copies of the movie are available to watch from the church office.

April 5, 2008 – William Field presented an overview of our ONA process in worship. The text of the presentation may be downloaded here.

April 19-20, 2008 – Mary Lou and Bob Wallner, founders of TEACH (To Educate About the Consequences of Homophobia) Ministries came and presented the story of their journey after their daughter Anna, a lesbian, tragically ended her life. A copy of her presentation can be viewed here. They are one of the five families featured in For the Bible Tells Me So. More information can be found on their website: http://www.teach-ministries.org/.

June 22, 2008 - ONA Moment during worship. Elizabeth Field gave a short message about here own experiences of open and affirming. A copy of her presentation can be viewed here.

July 20, 2008 - ONA Moment during worship. Sylvia Allen will give a short address about her own experiences with these issues.

August 10, 2008 - Rev. Sherry Taylor, the NJ Association Associate Conference Minister, preached on "Homosexuality and the Bible." She also shared a paper her husband Rev. Dr. Harry Taylor wrote on the topic. It can be viewed here.

August 18, 2008 - ONA Committee Meeting at 7:00 PM.

August 31, 2008 - ONA Moment during worship. Case Wagenvoord gave a short address about his own experiences with these issues. The text of his address can be read here.

Where we’re going:
September 28, 2008 - ONA Moment from Andrew Gilbert.

October 26, 2008 - ONA Moment from Linda Noble. We will also have a guest speaker coming to talk about "the Science and Psychology of Homosexuality."

November 16, 2008 - Rev. Adam will lead an Adult Education Class on the Bible and homosexuality.

November 30, 2008 - ONA Moment from Don Pope

Communicate:
There are several ways to ask questions, raise concerns, or have your input heard in the process. We appreciate any and all feedback!

• Come to our events! We always leave time for questions and dialogue and would love to see you there.
• Comments may be placed in the ONA Box in the Narthex of the Church. They are received and reviewed by the ONA Committee on a regular basis.
• William Field, the ONA Committee Chairperson, and Pastors Adam and Rusty are all more than happy to be approached in person or by email. You can reach William at whfield@optonline.net, Adam at Adam.Tietje@gmail.com, and Rusty at rustyeh@optonline.net. Pastors Adam and Rusty may be also be reached by telephone at (609) 240-8965 and (732) 946-8821, respectively.