from one of our CLC'ers
Here is an email i got from one of our CLC'ers i'd like to pass on.........
"I don't have to attend CLC but I choose to do so. I shared the unspoken pressure I felt from others to remain in a "Black church". It's a historical thing I believe. (one we have got to put to rest if we are truly going to be obedient to God because it creates unnecessary division) But believe God is with me wherever I am. I have come to understand that I am called to love my brother and sister as God loves me. I cannot do that if I isolate myself from my brothers and sisters. One of the weapons the devil uses is our own ignorance-- lack of knowledge and misinformation. When I came to that understanding I was ready to draw even closer to God. I want to know more about people-- accepting the differences yet acknowledging that we are all the same. There is such a welcoming spirit, acceptance, and overwhelming peace and love at CLC that can only be God. I am so thankful to be here and part of the family. You have taught me so much and I have grown tremendously--yet I have so much more growth ahead of me. Thank you for all you do in helping me to become the person God intends me to be. Love, Peace and Much Gratitude,Maureen "
"I don't have to attend CLC but I choose to do so. I shared the unspoken pressure I felt from others to remain in a "Black church". It's a historical thing I believe. (one we have got to put to rest if we are truly going to be obedient to God because it creates unnecessary division) But believe God is with me wherever I am. I have come to understand that I am called to love my brother and sister as God loves me. I cannot do that if I isolate myself from my brothers and sisters. One of the weapons the devil uses is our own ignorance-- lack of knowledge and misinformation. When I came to that understanding I was ready to draw even closer to God. I want to know more about people-- accepting the differences yet acknowledging that we are all the same. There is such a welcoming spirit, acceptance, and overwhelming peace and love at CLC that can only be God. I am so thankful to be here and part of the family. You have taught me so much and I have grown tremendously--yet I have so much more growth ahead of me. Thank you for all you do in helping me to become the person God intends me to be. Love, Peace and Much Gratitude,Maureen "
posted by Pastor Jerry McQuay at 1:17 PM
2 Comments:
Bro. McQuay: Before finding out who this "CLCer" was, I thought of JOYCE SMITH. She's a precious soul, isn't she?! Didn't she "give up" a church she'd been going to for 25 years (or something like that) to come to CLC?!! - Tom C
Indeed she is precious, Tom, and for a fact she left her home church of many years (over 30 I think) despite catching a lot of flak over coming to CLC.
Unfortunately, the same thing can be said of many CLCers - in fact, I was shocked to learn during a focus group discussion we had here several months ago that virtually every African-American in the room had faced real pressure from family and friends about attending here.
I guess it only shows that traditions die hard, and that there's a real ongoing need for reconciliation among races in this country - and I'm excited to be a part of a church that's pushing the envelope in regards to racial issues.
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