It was exciting. We wrote it, directed it and performed it ourselves (of course, with help and guidance from our trusty youth leaders). Looking back, it wasn't all that great (#shocking)----but it was something that we created together and there are a lot of memories from the entire process.
One of the biggest memories, and one that often overshadows anything else from that trip, is that we ended up missing our stop in California. Not because our drivers were bad navigators, or we somehow ended up in Mexico...but because there were politics within our church surrounding Gay Rights and who was/wasn't welcome in a UMC congregation.
You see, the one stop we were supposed to make in San Francisco was to visit Glide Memorial Methodist Church. A congregation that had a long history of promoting and supporting people from all walks of life.
Glide originally began in the late 1920's but found a "rebirth" during the 60's (who didn't in SF's 1960's?) On their website, Glide writes about its history: "As the conservative members of the original congregation left, they were replaced by San Francisco's diverse communities of hippies, addicts, gays, the poor, and the marginalized. By 1968, the energetic, jazz-filled Celebrations were packed with people from all classes, hues, and lifestyles." http://www.glide.org/story
It is now a massive staple in the SF community, not only offering Sunday celebrations, but housing, meals, counseling services, support groups and many other weekly activities.
However, back then, we were in the midst of a major change within our own church (and the world, really) regarding Gays and Lesbians in church leadership and many of the members had very strong feelings one way or the other. A lot of members began leaving the church (not because of this, but for many reasons) and I believe our leadership felt that if we were to go to this church, we would be sending some sort of message.
Now 2015 Michelle is very different from 1998(ish) Michelle, but even then, I felt deep in my heart that this whole situation was wrong. Myself and a few of the other youth approached our head pastor with our concerns and cried to him because we felt like we were being asked to turn our backs on a community that only seemed to spread love and acceptance.
I didn't make sense to us. Weren't we supposed to love and spread joy just like Jesus did? To all, regardless of who they were?
Sometimes the minds or thoughts of a child (or, in our case teens) can see so far beyond the politics, and rationalizations that adults can't seem to get past. It's that child like innocence we seem to lose somewhere along the way.
I will disclaimer, this may not be a fully accurate understanding of the situation, but it is how it was described to us and how I remember it. I don't bring all this up to shun or criticize the leadership of our church. I get it. We all evolve and change and make new realizations every day.
I bring this up to say, this Sunday, I finally made it to Glide.
When I first moved to San Francisco, I always had it in my head that I was going to visit Glide. Almost 8 years later (I really don't know what took me so long), I walked into the church doors and was overwhelmed with emotion.
This service was so much bigger than myself. I've never experienced anything like it. It was like the most Christian, un-church like service I have ever been to. I literally felt like I had just walked into the set of Rent...or Sister Act (1) for that matter. There were people of all colors, of all genders, of all backgrounds. Many were recovering addicts, some homeless, some clearly suffering from mental illness. On the other hand, there were clearly some well off people, tourists, and many Sunday regulars. A beautiful TransWoman, gave the opening prayer. A gay man "walked the runway" as he modeled Glide clothing (which you could buy from the gift shop). There was a jazz band who rocked the music the entire time.
It's one of the first times I have felt the presence of the Lord in a long, long time. This church wasn't going through the motions, it wasn't sitting still, it wasn't boring.It was alive.
I absolutely loved the message that the Pastor gave about Muslims and the hate that many Christians are spreading. She spoke about a tweet she sent out earlier in the week---one with her picture, proclaiming #weareallmuslim. She spoke about the hate she received back, how many in the interwebs were angry and disgusted by her support. She spoke of the realization that this is what Muslims are facing on a daily basis---and they can't ever shed that.It's funny to me, this whole hatred of Muslims in America right now. It's funny because it is so ridiculous. For a Christian to say they hate Muslim person or Refugee from the Middle East is basically saying they hate Jesus.
For wasn't it Jesus and Mary and Joseph who were refugees? Who were running away from a dictator who wanted to kill them?
So quickly we are to forget.
See, even the memes get it.
One of the main reasons I made my way to Glide this particular Sunday was because I had signed up to Volunteer at the daily lunch center. As I said above, the church offers meals every day----this Sunday we served nearly 800 meals.
I think I had the best job. Each person arrives with a ticket that they exchange for a meal----people line up in the morning for tickets and are given a meal first come, first serve (though I believe just about everyone receives at least one meal...but many came back for seconds. And thirds. And fourths.)
I was the line greeter. I made sure everyone had a ticket and it gave me the opportunity meet every single person that came through that line. I felt so blessed being able to welcome them. To wish them a happy holidays. To hopefully, be a bit cheery.
Everyone was so kind. As it got busy and the line slowed down, we joked around. Danced. I wore a nametage, so they all knew who I was. I was told I was beautiful over and over again. I was given well wishes and thank yous and fist bumps and hugs. I could tell that the people were coming from all different walks of life. I loved every moment of it and wish I could go back everyday.
It's funny how life reminds us of how little we need to see and experience joy.
I'll have to make sure I keep that in mind as I start the new year.
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