Straight, Not Narrow

Encouraging Music 10/24/09 "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem" by Clay Aiken

2009-11-24T12:00:00.001-05:00

Matthew 25 Resource 11/24/09-Food Bank of the Rockies

2009-11-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

Food Bank of the Rockies (FBR) was founded in 1978 and was known as the Colorado Food Clearing House. Operating from a 900-square-foot schoolroom in northwest Denver, the fledgling organization collected food from nearby Safeway stores and distributed it to one agency.

Today, FBR has extended its reach across Northern Colorado and Wyoming , providing food supplies to more than 1000 hunger-relief programs. In its first 30 years, FBR has provided nearly 325 million pounds of food to our member agencies, which translates to more than 250 million meals for people in need. Last year, we distributed over 26 million pounds of food, enough to provide more than 56,000 meals each day to children, seniors and families in need. FBR is a member of Feeding America.

FBR has a staff of 57 employees in Denver, 4 in Wyoming, and 3 on the Western Slope. Additionally FBR has a pool of more than 1000 volunteers who last year donated 73,500 hours of time - the equivalent of 35 full-time employees.

Click here to find out more.

Is a New Marriage Strategy Needed?

2009-11-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

LGBT leaders are still disecting the most recent loss for marriage equality at the ballot box in Maine. Long-time activist Leland Traiman shares his belief for a new strategy in Bay Area Reporter. Here's an excerpt:

Same-sex marriage has never won an election. Maine was our 33rd loss. On the other hand, domestic partnership has never, on its own, lost an election. Washington state continued that winning streak, barely. The attempt to repeal comprehensive domestic partnerships was too close for liberal Washington State, 47 percent. This means trouble for us. Our enemies, undoubtedly, are already planning domestic partnership repeals in more conservative areas. Even in California, instead of fighting for the rites of marriage, we may be forced to defend the rights of marriage we have already won through domestic partnerships. (California law says that all laws, regulations, and court decisions that apply to spouses in a marriage equally applies to registered domestic partners.) Even if California's domestic partnership law is not in jeopardy, certainly other states with domestic partnerships or other forms of recognition are at risk.

Our original long term strategy for achieving marital rights was to create a parallel and legally equal category, domestic partnerships. Eventually people would say, "It is stupid having two categories doing the same thing. Let's combine them." No tears, just a housekeeping measure. Much less flashy than the current marriage-only strategy but it was working. More important, comparing the trajectory domestic partnerships was on when the strategy was halted with the continuous defeats and heartache the marriage-only strategy has given us, it is clear that the domestic partnership strategy would have brought us to one, unified category of marital rights for both heterosexuals and LGBT folk much, much sooner. Unfortunately, like the previous presidential administration, which left the country in a mess, our current marriage-only strategy has left our community in an electoral mess. Our community's unquestioning devotion to the marriage-only strategy, which is only a strategy, not a cause or an ideal, has given our enemies the opportunity to undo our progress. Our enemies attacked Washington's domestic partnership law as if it was marriage, which it is not, but it almost worked. We must have a new strategy.

All civil rights struggles have had a series of steps and compromises along the way. Our struggle is no different. But, what if I am wrong and separate is not equal? What if comprehensive domestic partnerships are only "almost" equal? At this point in time, I would still love to be "almost" equal because, as of today, we are nowhere near equal! Let us get to equality (or almost equality) first. Once we have achieved that, we can start to worry about possible inequalities. We may not find any. Until then, it is just academic ruminations. (Commissions in New Jersey and Vermont "proving" that civil unions were not equal to marriage were cleverly stacked with marriage-only advocates whose conclusions had been decided upon before each commission met.)

Click here to read the rest of Traiman's essay and let us know what you think.

Daily Devotional 11/24/09 Responding With a Kind Heart

2009-11-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

From: From His Heart

To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit, not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9

How do you react when someone is rude to you? Do you return evil for evil… insult for insult… rudeness for rudeness? Do you have a tendency to tear people up with your tongue?
One known for his sharp tongue was Sir Winston Churchill. One day his nemesis, Lady Aster, said in disgust, “Sir Winston, if you were my husband, I would put arsenic in your tea.” To which Churchill quickly replied, “And Lady Aster, if I were your husband, I would gladly drink it.” What a classic example of evil for evil, insult for insult.

The Lord tells us that we are to give a blessing EVEN when someone insults us. He says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). Truly, “a gentle answer turns away wrath” (Prov. 15:1).

RESPONDING WITH A KIND HEART
When you are kindhearted, you respond to people by cutting them some slack and giving them the benefit of the doubt. Remember, rude, mean people are that way for a reason. Like the lion with a thorn in his paw, mean, angry folks have a deep hurt in their lives… that is why they are mean, cruel and argumentative. Kindness always tries to see things from the other’s perspective. Kindness always responds with patience, gentleness and understanding.

IN YOUR HOME
Let’s be honest, many homes are filled with insults. Brothers and sisters insult each other… spouses so often are mean and cutting with each other. What happened to “home, home on the range… where seldom is heard a discouraging word?” The good news is this: you can change the atmosphere in your home by keeping your tongue from insults… and giving a blessing instead.

Remember, when Jesus was dying on the cross, being laughed at and reviled, He did not revile in return. He prayed for those who crucified Him. His response of blessing for curses surprised the crowd. That hardened Roman Centurion who oversaw His death was so moved by His response that he declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!” WOW!

YOU CAN DO IT!
With all those you come in contact with today, make a special point of giving them a blessing. Compliment them on something they do well. Encourage them in their daily life. Take criticism… learn from it… and bless the person who was mean to you. You will be amazed at how God will work when you do things His way.

In Our Own Words-Top 25 Gay Rights & Activism Blogs

2009-11-23T18:00:00.001-05:00

The blog "Online Paralegal Degree" has compiled a list of what they consider to be the Top 25 Gay Rights & Activism Blogs. We are happy to be notified that Straight, Not Narrow made this list at #23. We appreciate Laura Wright notifying us of this distinction.

We are always pleased to receive positive recognition, not to glorify what we do but because it tells us that we are properly representing what we believe is a critical part of the message of Jesus, which is His love for ALL mankind. Christianity, properly carried out, is a "whosoever" faith, one that takes extra care to reach out to those who have been pushed aside and cast off. That's a revelation we carry with us in our hearts, and we're glad the Online Paralegal Degree blog thinks our blog is sharing it clearly with others.

Encouraging Words 11/23/09-BCF Praise Report

2009-11-23T15:00:00.000-05:00

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!"
Ephesians 6:10

Greetings BCF Friends and Family!

No matter what the enemy may try to throw your way, RIGHT NOW-remember and BE STRONG IN THE LORD and in the power of His might! The Lord our God is with us and He is mighty to deliver us and keep us! Worship service was wonderful as always at BCF yesterday. Once again, Lauren led worship on her guitar and incorporated Linda on hers, as well as the beautiful voices of our praise team. It was sweet and ebbed and flowed with the moving of the Holy Spirit in sweet accord.

Brother Josh Weiberg then proceeded to share a powerful word of exhortation to the Body of Christ from Ephesians 6- exhorting all of us to remember that if the heat is on and various trials and temptations are going on in our lives- it's NOT our brothers and sisters in Christ causing us trouble, hurting us, or doing something against us- to remember that we are fighting a spiritual war against satan and the kingdom of darkness!

Folks, the devil is REAL. He is a fallen angel named Lucifer, who has an army of fallen angels called demons who are intent on establishing a kingdom of darkness and enslaving and destroying God's humanity! He is jealous of us! He is jealous that God loves us so much and has anointed US with His Glory! He wants it, but he can't have it! So if he can't have it, the next best thing he can do is get us into strife and offense, to turn against the Word of God/Jesus, and trick us into missing out on what God has in store for us! And how does he often do that? By getting us to be offended and in strife with one another! If he can divide us, stop our unconditional love for one another, get us to sin- then he can affect every area of our lives and ministries!

Josh gave us the KEY to standing against the attacks of the enemy- WARFARE! To fight BACK! But....not to fight people, one another, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith- NO! Our warfare is not carnal with weapons, or with our mouths (the tongue can be used as a weapon!) but rather- we WAR ON THE FLOOR! We are to run to our Heavenly Father- we are to fall on our face and WORSHIP HIM! We are to run to Him and pray for all of the situations or circumstances we find ourselves in! Run to the Throne, not the phone!! If we PRAY and SEEK HIS FACE- He will hear from Heaven and HEAL....and in this case- the Lord Sabbaoth will rise up and deliver His People!

I encourage us all to ask the Holy Spirit to put a guard over our mouths so that we don't sin against the Lord- (Words are powerful, they give life or death!) and most of all PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT! Oh, it's so important to be born again and to be FILLED with the Holy Spirit- and receive the evidence of the infilling with speaking in tongues! Tongues is a GIFT from God that empowers us in the Holy Spirit- He will pray Father's Perfect Will and Perfect HEART for whatever the situation may be!

Remember this scripture:

"Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory!

But you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with it's practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge in the image of it's Creator.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over ALL these virtues put on LOVE, which binds them all together in perfect UNITY!
Colossians 3:1-4, 8-10, 12-14

Let's all just give the enemy of our lives a swift spiritual KICK out the doorway of our lives by purposing to pray for one another and to LOVE one another no matter what! Nothing will do damage to his plans faster than all of us hanging on and determining to love and cover each other no matter what!!

It's thanksgiving week here in the USA, and Garrey and I are so blessed to host over 15 people in our home this Thursday. It's going to be a REAL FAMILY THANKSGIVING- and we have so much to be thankful for. I'm also so excited that Minister Zoila Aguilar is coming to fellowship with us and will be leading a prophetic training workshop NEXT SATURDAY, November 28th, at BCF. REMEMBER that we will be uStreaming the workshop from 10 AM (est) until 2 PM, with a lunch break mid way through.
I hope you will join us live and/or go back and watch what we archive.

Meanwhile, KNOW THAT WE LOVE YOU and WE DEEPLY CARE ABOUT YOU! We are praying for you and are so thankful that you are praying for us! Through our God- and TOGETHER- we shall do valiantly!!

Have a wonderful week and Happy Thanksgiving!

Shalom and in Christ's faithful love and friendship,
Apostle Dale

Encouraging Music 11/23/09 "Hail, Holy Queen" from Sister Act

2009-11-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

LGBT Helping Hands 11/23/09-Outright Vermont

2009-11-23T09:00:00.001-05:00

Outright Vermont (Outright) was founded in 1989 following the release of a 1988 national youth risk survey showing that gay and lesbian youth in particular had very high rates of depression and suicide. A group of community activists gathered to form Outright, which began as a “once a week” support group. Our Friday Night support group has continued ever since, every Friday over the past 20 years. Today, Outright is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) ‘queer’ youth center and statewide advocacy organization.

The Mission of Outright is to build safe, healthy, and supportive environments for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth (ages 13-22). Our goal is to make Vermont the safest, most supportive and empowering state for queer youth in America.

Outright’s organizing strategy is based on a youth empowerment, social change model that tells us that youth power is an essential element in the fight for equal rights. We describe youth empowerment in two parts – providing the safe space and resources so that youth can do the heavy lifting themselves and adjusting the fundamental power dynamics so that their hard work can achieves results.

Click here to find out more.

LGBT News Digest 11/23/09

2009-11-23T06:00:00.002-05:00

John Corvino writes at 365gay.com about the "slippery slope of religious exemptions" in regards to enforcement of gay rights laws.

In the UK, the European Commission is putting pressure on the government to drop those types of exemptions from their laws according to PinkNews.

Pam's House Blend reports that Gordon Brown, the Prime Ministry of the UK, stood up strong in support of Transgender People on their Day of Rememberance.

Gay Agenda posts an essay from Rev. Jerry Maneker titled "The Irony and Irrationality of Minority Homophibla."

Google News has information about the continuation of the Washington Blade newspaper, retitled "DC Agenda" and run by much of the former Blade's staff.

Google News also looks around the world at events commemorating the Transgender Day of Rememberance.

Daily Devotional 11/23/09 Persevering Tribulations

2009-11-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

From: Daily in Christ

James 1:2, 3 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

There certainly are a lot of distractions, diversions, disappointments, trials, temptations and traumas which come along to disrupt the process of becoming the person God wants you to be. Every day you struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil, each of which are opposed to your success at being God's person.
But Paul reminds us that the tribulations we face are actually a means of achieving our supreme goal of maturity: "We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:3-5). James offers similar encouragement: "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4).
Maybe you thought your goal as a Christian was to escape tribulations. But God's goal for you is maturity in Christ, becoming the person He designed you to be. And tribulation just happens to be one of the primary stepping-stones on the pathway. That's why Paul says we exult--meaning to express heightened joy--in our tribulations. Why? Because persevering tribulations is the doorway to proven character, which is God's goal for us.
Our hope lies in proven character, not in favorable circumstances nor in the manipulation of others. Neither circumstances nor people can keep you from being what God wants you to be. Trials and tribulations are the most common means for bringing about His goal for your life.
Prayer:
Lord, help me see my trials as stepping-stones, not obstacles. Give me grace to persevere and develop proven character.

Live Affirming Worship at Rainbow Community Church 9:00 PM est

2009-11-22T19:00:00.000-05:00

Click here to join Rainbow Community Church in Vancouver, BC Canada for worship via a live video stream at 9:00 PM est.
You can also view video of previous services at the same link.

We are a Christian, evangelical, non-denominational, community-based church seeking to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ; which are simple, loving, and inclusive.

We consist of a group of people from mixed church backgrounds. We are concerned about people, not labels. Rainbow Community Church is a place where ALL people are welcome. Our desire is to create a place where we can worship and serve God as the people He created us to be. A place to be at home: spiritually, emotionally, socially and relationally.

We have a motto, "The Church that Jesus is building". As love is such a force in our lives - we all look for love, need to be loved and need to give love - our goal as a community of believers is to be filled with God's love; to share God's unconditional love; to demonstrate God's love to others - whoever they are, whatever their background; to declare and show by our actions that God loves all and has no pre-existing conditions for loving all of His creations - especially you and me.

Rainbow Community Church desires to help reconcile all people to God through sharing the Word of God by way of preaching, teaching, seminars, music and community involvement.
We desire to encourage each other in living a Christ-centred life. We desire to network with other churches that have a special outreach to our community. We understand you, like many of us, may have been hurt by the voice of church people.

Regardless of what you were told or how you were treated, God loves you unconditionally. You are His child through faith in Jesus Christ.

Visitors are always welcome. If you don't have a church home, we invite you to consider making Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver yours. We look forward to proudly serving our community for many years to come.

Click here to find out more.

Live Affirming Worship at Living Water Fellowship 1:30 PM est

2009-11-22T11:30:00.000-05:00

Click here to join Living Water Fellowship in Kenmore, WA for worship via a live video stream at 1:30 PM est.
You can also view video of previous services at the same link.

We invite you to come and be a part of our church family. We exist to bring the unconditional love of Jesus Christ to all people regardless of age, ethnicity, or orientation. Our heart is to see each person that crosses our path know that they are loved and accepted by God.

Our goal is to minister to the whole person; body, soul and spirit.

We provide a place to not only heal but to grow in your relationship with God and each other.

Have you gone to other churches and felt unwelcome or unaccepted because you didn't quite fit in? Have you been looking for a place where you can be yourself and pursue a deeper relationship with God?

You are welcome and accepted at Living Water Fellowship.

We are a family of people who desire to touch and better the lives of others in our community through various events including a homeless outreach, Isaiah 58 monthly food bank, weekly ministry center and various other outreach and ministry events.

You can find us at 7204 NE 175 ST, Kenmore, WA 98028

Click here to find out more.

Click here to be blessed by Worship leader and Psalmist Debbie George's CD "Shining Through."

Live Affirming Worship from Glory Tabernacle Christian Center 1:00 PM est

2009-11-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

Click here to join Glory Tabernacle Christian Center in Long Beach, CA for worship via a live video stream at 1:00 PM est.
You can also view video of previous services at the same link.

We are a unique Christian church with a special message of God's inclusive love through Jesus Christ. GTCC is welcoming of everyone. We are also defined by our special ministry of sharing God's incredible love and acceptance.

Over the past 28 years, GTCC has provided a place where individuals have come to know and accept Jesus Christ in a real way. Wherever you are at in your spiritual journey with God, I know that you will find something to hold on to here at GTCC that will change your life. My prayer is that you will feel called to join with us in this unique ministry of sharing God's love through Jesus Christ to everyone! I believe that GTCC is a unique church for three important reasons besides the fact that we are inclusive of everyone. What makes us so unique is that we are: Christ-Centered, Charismatic and Commissioned.

Christ - Centered
We are a Christ-centered church which means that our message has to do with the person of Jesus Christ. We acknowledge Jesus Christ as central to the message of the Bible believing the Old Testament points to the coming of Christ Jesus while the New Testament reveals the work of Christ Jesus as Savior, Baptizer, Healer and Soon Coming Ruler! Everyone is invited to begin their relationship with God by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. God's word tells us that everyone can be saved by grace, (a free gift) and through faith. Many people have been turned away from religious organizations or from other churches for various reasons. Nevertheless, at GTCC, we believe that the person of Jesus Christ calls each of us to COME enter into a relationship with God regardless of who you are.

Charismatic
At GTCC we acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit in our world today and in our lives as believers. When we believe in Jesus Christ and are saved, then not only are we made spiritually alive, but God's Spirit actually lives in our spirit. (Ephesians 1:13,14) As if this was not exciting already, then we are invited to ask Jesus Christ to baptize us or fill us completely with the Holy Spirit. This begins a whole new way of living and we call this being "Spirit-filled" or "Charismatic". The term "charismatic" comes from the Greek word "charisma" referring to God's gifts of grace and the workings of the Holy Spirit. As believers, the Holy Spirit works in our lives through the baptism, gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit. I would like to invite you to join us at GTCC as we welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit so that we are refreshed, continually filled, hear God's voice, receive power, become bold witnesses, and are transformed. Our church seeks to be on the forefront of the move of the Holy Spirit in the world during this new millennium.

Commissioned
The exciting thing about following Christ and living out your faith in the world is that you can't contain God's wonderful love. When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and then are filled with the Holy Spirit in power, we all desire to share our experience with our friends, families and others. This is no less true for the Church! Therefore, as a church we take seriously Christ's commission to us: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the heavenly Parent, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19, 20) At GTCC we strive to share this wonderful love of God with our local community as well as to the nations. As we begin this new millennium together, there is so much to do for Christ in that there are many individuals who have yet to hear the truth of God's love through Christ Jesus. Every believer can be a part of this exciting endeavor of sharing God's love with others and seeing their lives changed.

Click here to find out more.

Live Affirming Worship From Oasis Fellowship Ministries at 12:00 PM

2009-11-22T10:00:00.003-05:00

Click here to join Oasis Fellowship Ministries in Casselberry, FL for worship via a live video stream at 12:00 PM est.

Click here to see video of previous services.

Oasis Fellowship Ministries... is a ministry of reconciliation. We are dedicated to teaching, exemplifying, and representing the radically inclusive love of Jesus Christ. We welcome all persons regardless of gender, age, physical ability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, or socio-economic status. We firmly commit ourselves to be a church for all people. In Christ, we celebrate, affirm, and embrace you, the rich diversity of God's good creation.

Our intention is to worship God in community where we allow the Creator to liberate all people to explore, fulfill and achieve their divine purpose. We are a people of prayer, who stand to be faithful in worship, given to the attentive study of the Word and invite all to fellowship at the Table.

We are an open and affirming congregation to all those who have lost, left, or never had a church home. We welcome and encourage you, your children, your spouses, your partners, your parents, and friends to become an active member of this church family. Oasis will make your life brand new!

Click here to find out more.

Live Affirming Worship at Covenant Community Church 12:00 PM & 8:00 PM est

2009-11-22T10:00:00.002-05:00

Click here to join Covenant Community Church in Birmingham, AL for worship via a live video stream at 12:00 PM est. They also have a praise and worship service at 8:00 PM est on the same link, along with video of previous services.

Our vision is to be an inclusive community of faith: Offering Hope + Showing Faithfulness + Sharing Joy!

We invite you on a journey of discovering God's unconditional love for all people without the guilt of religion.

We believe in the Good News! Jesus the Master Teacher, who lived that we might know how to live, died to overcome our fear of death, and came back to share this life with us; abundant life here and eternal life hereafter! "God didn't send Jesus into the world to condemn us, but to rescue us!" (John 3:17)

We believe that God has empowered us to proclaim this Good News so that others can be 'set free to be.' You too can experience this!

Every service includes the celebration of the Holy Communion, because Jesus said, 'Do this...remember me.' We celebrate an open communion, you do not have to be a member of Covenant Community Church, or any church, to receive communion, only have a desire to have a closer walk with Jesus. In doing so, we continue this tradition which was a central part of gathering and celebration of the early church in the Acts of Apostle

Click here to find out more.

Live Affirming Worship at Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship 12:00 PM

2009-11-22T10:00:00.001-05:00

Click here to join Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship in Winston Salem, NC for worship via a live video stream at 12:00 PM est.

They also have video of previous services at the same link.

Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship is a church that lives with a consciousness of the gift of the Holy Spirit and his continual indwelling in our lives 1 Corinthians 6:19.

We live in accordance with Psalms 34: 1-3 & with 1Corinthians 13 Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship is a church with a unique and wonderful ministry rooted in 2Corinthians 5:18-20. Through continual inward discovery, personal recovery, and affectionate outreach we minister the ministry of reconciliation to all persons regardless of background, race, color, ancestry, age, gender, affectional orientation, and those who are specially abled. This is done in an attempt to lead all persons to a true personal and intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and to embrace the message of radical inclusion of all persons regardless of their margin status.We strive to display the characteristics of the Holy Spirit by producing the fruits thereof: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.We uphold our fundamental believe in:

1. The Birth-representing the completion of the promise.
2. The Death-representing the remission of sins and the renewed right fellowship with God.
3. The Resurrection-representing the hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus and the peace of a victorious tomorrow.

It is our call and design to be a church that is:
Answering God's call to a Ministry of Reconciliation to an age of dissimilation

Click here to find out more.

Live Affirming Worship at Diversity Christian Fellowship International at 12:00 PM est

2009-11-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

Click here to join Diversity Christian Fellowship International in Tulsa, OK for worship via a live video stream at 12:00 PM est.

Click here to watch video of previous services.

DCFI is a Bible-based church preaching the uncompromised Word of God.

It is not just a place for those who don't fit in at other churches. It is a place for those who are spiritually hungry for God. DCFI is for those who seek to develop an intimate relationship with the Father, to further their understanding not only of the Gospel but who desire to find the way to apply it to their every day life.

We invite you to experience an anointed praise and worship service with Biblical, evangelistic style preaching.

We are a non-denominational, non-political, affirming, Word of faith church committed to God's purpose for every person to hear the GREAT NEWS of His unfailing love, the message of the cross.

The past few years, God has shown us that He has great plans for us to minister the life changing TRUTH and POWER of God's love for ALL people.

Click here to find out more.

Live Affirming Worship At Believers Covenant Fellowship 11:00 AM est

2009-11-22T09:00:00.001-05:00

Click here to join Believers Covenant Fellowship in Vienna, VA for worship via a live video stream at 11:00 AM est.
You can also view video of previous services at the same link.

Believers Covenant Fellowship is a Christian Ministry and an Apostolic, Full Gospel, Charismatic Church. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for EVERYONE's sins on the Cross of Calvary, that God raised Him from the dead, and He is alive even now. He will soon be coming back to set up His Kingdom and reign on the Earth!

Ultimately, it is our mission to show the world that Jesus Christ really IS the Answer to all of our problems! His ways are best and He has provided a way back to a personal love relationship with our Creator, our heavenly Father, by cleansing us of our sins. In this relationship, the Holy Spirit begins to help us see and understand that the bible is like an instruction manual. It is full of wisdom meant for us to embrace. It is also a history book testifying to God's reality, God's supreme power and dominion, God's faithfulness, God's love, and even more! It is not just a history book of the past, it is also a prophetic book detailing and outlining the wonderful future that God has in store for those who will love Him and seek His ways. It is ALL good! ALL positive!

We desire to be bridge builders in the Christian community. We are a congregation that seeks to bridge the non-gay community with the gay and lesbian communities through our relationship with Christ. Our primary purpose is to minister to the spiritual needs of the gay and lesbian community in the metro Washington, DC, area by providing a safe, nurturing environment for praise and worship, Christian fellowship, and study of the practical application of Bible-based principles of how to live a spiritually fruitful and prosperous life through our covenant relationship with our Heavenly Father!

Freely you have received, freely give.
~Jesus Christ, Matthew 10:8

We worship every Sabbath Sunday morning at 11:00 AM. Our dress code is casual and comfortable. Apostle Dale Jarrett is available to answer your questions or provide you more information about our ministry. Our telephone number is (703) 813-6250.

BCF Worship & Ministry Center
8466 Tyco Road
Vienna, Virginia 22182

Click here to find out more.

Live Affirming Worship at Potter's House International Fellowship 11:00 AM est

2009-11-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Click here to join Potter's House International Fellowship in Tampa, FL for worship via a live video stream at 11:00 AM est.
You can also view video of previous services at the same link.

Potter's House International Fellowship seeks to be the open arms of Christ to all people without distinction. We are an Intentionally Radically Inclusive spirit-filled church welcoming all God's children home. We stand together for the purpose of worship, fellowship, ministry, and evangelism.

Our Vision is to grow a lively, vibrant, cross-cultural, multi-racial, inclusive and affirming expression of the Christian community.

At Potter's House International Fellowship all are welcome at the table of the Lord regardless of gender, age, physical ability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, or socio-economic status.

Potter's House International Fellowship is dedicated to exemplifying the Radically Inclusive love of Jesus Christ.

We worship with prayer, preaching, and song. This combination produces an uplifting experience that will fill your soul to overflowing with the Love of God. If you are in need of the love of Jesus Christ; come to the Potter's House where the pieces of your life can be mended. Lives are being changed and the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is being lifted up!

Click here to find out more.

Welcome to Sunday Worship 11/22/09

2009-11-22T06:00:00.002-05:00

If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.

Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.

If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.

Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
VIDEO
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 12:00 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
FL-Oasis Fellowship Ministries, Casselberry, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
Canada-Rainbow Community Church, Vancouver 9:00 PM

AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM

Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Oasis Fellowship Ministries, Casselberry
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensacola
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Canada-Rainbow Community Church, Vancouver

Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-Body of Christ Church of God, Largo
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
KY-Covenant Community Church, Louisville
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross, Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church, Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church, Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church, Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship, Houston
UT-Glory to God Christian Church, Ogden
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church

Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com

In Our Own Words 11/21/09-Back to Normal

2009-11-21T18:24:00.002-05:00

We're back to our normal posting schedule, which means plenty of affirming Sunday Worship tomorrow. We've got our traditional aggregate posting coming up at 6:00 AM with music and links to over 20 affirming churches posting video or audio of their services, some live, some from previous weeks.

Then, beginning at 11:00 AM eastern time, we've got the first of nine live services that are posted individually throughout the day. We encourage you to pick one that fits the style you are most comfortable with and enter in! We will be participating in the Believers Covenant Fellowship service at 11:00--we hope you can join us in person if you're in the northern Virginia area, or online via our live video stream and chat room.

God bless!

Encouraging Music 11/21/09 "Joyful, Joyful" from Sister Act

2009-11-21T12:00:00.001-05:00

Daily Devotional 11/21/09 Acknowledging Your Emotions

2009-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

From: Daily in Christ

Psalm 109:26, 30 Help me, O LORD my God. . . . With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the LORD.

Nancy was a college student with an inability to express the anger and resentment she felt. "My roommate gets to the point sometimes where she just explodes emotionally to let off steam. I have deep feelings too, but I'm not sure that a Christian is supposed to let off steam."
I opened my Bible to Psalm 109:1-13 and read David's angry words against an enemy. "What's that doing in the Bible?" Nancy gasped. "How could David pray all those evil things about his enemy? That's pure hatred."
"David's words didn't surprise God," I answered. "God already knew what he was thinking and feeling. David was simply expressing his pain and anger honestly to his God."
I encouraged Nancy that when she is able to dump her hurt and hatred before God she probably won't dump it on her roommate in a destructive way. I also reminded her that David was as honest about his need for God as he was about expressing his feelings. He closed the psalm by praying: "Help me, O LORD my God. . . . With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the LORD" (verses 26, 30).
I think the way David acknowledged his feelings is healthy. If you come to your prayer time feeling angry, depressed or frustrated, and then mouth a bunch of pious platitudes as if God doesn't know how you feel, do you think He is pleased? Not unless He's changed His opinion about hypocrisy. In God's eyes, if you're not real, you're not right.
Acknowledging your emotions also involves being real in front of a few trusted friends. During his travels, Paul had Barnabas, Silas or Timothy to lean on. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus expressed His grief to His inner circle of Peter, James and John. If you have two or three people like this in your life, you are truly blessed.
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, that I can be real and honest with You. Help me develop a few trusted friends who will also welcome my emotional honesty.

Encouraging Music 11/20/09 "I Will Follow Him" From Sister Act

2009-11-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

Today--Transgender Day of Rememberance

2009-11-20T06:00:00.002-05:00

From the International Transgender Day of Rememberance web site. Click on the link for more information.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-transgender murder cases — has yet to be solved.

Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender — that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant — each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people.

We live in times more sensitive than ever to hatred based violence, especially since the events of September 11th. Yet even now, the deaths of those based on anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives. This trend shows no sign of abating.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn’t perform. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.