Announcement from the Board of Directors of the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns

July 1, 2009

With sadness, we announce that after an extensive and thorough discernment process, the Coalition Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, took action to end their relationship with the Executive Director, the Rev. Ruth Garwood. We would affirm that everyone involved in the process brings love and passion to the work of the Coalition. We know we will need a time of healing and we will to continue to work on our vision and mission.

The Board will assume the duties of the Executive Director as we work through the next phases of our transition. We would hope that each member of the Coalition would keep Ruth, Adrienne and all the members of the Board in your prayers at this difficult time. The board did not arrive at this decision easily, but with much struggle and prayer. We take no pleasure in this action, but feel it is the best decision for the future growth and success of the Coalition. We hold Ruth Garwood in high regard and honor all her hard work in moving the Coalition to this point.

Kathy Church
Moderator

A Note from Ruth Garwood

My experience with the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns has been the most gratifying chapter of my career. Working among the hundreds of volunteers responsible for the strength of this ministry has been deeply rewarding and joyful.

During my tenure, I have witnessed the growth of extravagant welcome: the Open and Affirming Program lists new churches at an accelerating rate; the Youth and Young Adult Program develops leaders among young people through pastoral care and education; suicide intervention training saves lives.

The Coalition's relationships have stretched across boundaries to a widening circle of UCC caucuses, ecumenical and secular partners, and funders.

The vitality of The Coalition comes through your commitment. Keep it coming!

Blessings to you,

Ruth

Special thanks to The Arcus Foundation, The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, and The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation for providing funds to expand our work.

Welcome to the website of the United Church of Christ (UCC) Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Concerns. We're glad for your interest in our ministries. We hope you find what you need here and contact us for further information.

A variety of useful resources (from buttons to videos to books!) are available to empower your education and advocacy. Please check out our resource page for details on available resources from The Coalition.

As we seek to enhance our internet communications efforts, we need your help! Please contact the National Office if you have experience in any of the following areas that you are willing to contribute:

Writer/reporters
Photography
Videography
Graphic Design
Audio editing (e.g. MP3 production)
Video editing (e.g. YouTube presentations)
Social Networking websites

Subscribe to the electronic newsletter, Ripples, via the button at left.

Contact the web manager

The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns
800-653-0799 or 216-861-0779
office@ucccoalition.org

What do you want to find?	Welcome
UCC Coalition News Announcement from the Board of Directors of the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns (7/1/2009) A Note from Ruth Garwood (6/30/2009) Ripples - June 2009 Coming to Grand Rapids? Connect with the Coalition! Other Breaking News: U.S. Conference of Mayors Passes Resolution Supporting the Freedom to Marry NEW RESOURCE: Out in the Silence Same-Sex Marriage Becomes Law in Maine NH Senate rejects transgender rights protections Same-Sex Weddings Begin in Iowa NEW RESOURCE: PFAW Report on Harry Jackson, "Point Man for the Wedge Strategy" Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Legislation passes the U.S. House of Representatives Maine moves closer to Marriage Equality Archive of all Newsbits...	Announcement from the Board of Directors of the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns July 1, 2009 With sadness, we announce that after an extensive and thorough discernment process, the Coalition Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, took action to end their relationship with the Executive Director, the Rev. Ruth Garwood. We would affirm that everyone involved in the process brings love and passion to the work of the Coalition. We know we will need a time of healing and we will to continue to work on our vision and mission. The Board will assume the duties of the Executive Director as we work through the next phases of our transition. We would hope that each member of the Coalition would keep Ruth, Adrienne and all the members of the Board in your prayers at this difficult time. The board did not arrive at this decision easily, but with much struggle and prayer. We take no pleasure in this action, but feel it is the best decision for the future growth and success of the Coalition. We hold Ruth Garwood in high regard and honor all her hard work in moving the Coalition to this point. Kathy Church Moderator A Note from Ruth Garwood My experience with the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns has been the most gratifying chapter of my career. Working among the hundreds of volunteers responsible for the strength of this ministry has been deeply rewarding and joyful. During my tenure, I have witnessed the growth of extravagant welcome: the Open and Affirming Program lists new churches at an accelerating rate; the Youth and Young Adult Program develops leaders among young people through pastoral care and education; suicide intervention training saves lives. The Coalition's relationships have stretched across boundaries to a widening circle of UCC caucuses, ecumenical and secular partners, and funders. The vitality of The Coalition comes through your commitment. Keep it coming! Blessings to you, Ruth Special thanks to The Arcus Foundation, The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, and The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation for providing funds to expand our work.	Welcome to the website of the United Church of Christ (UCC) Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Concerns. We're glad for your interest in our ministries. We hope you find what you need here and contact us for further information. A variety of useful resources (from buttons to videos to books!) are available to empower your education and advocacy. Please check out our resource page for details on available resources from The Coalition. As we seek to enhance our internet communications efforts, we need your help! Please contact the National Office if you have experience in any of the following areas that you are willing to contribute: Writer/reporters Photography Videography Graphic Design Audio editing (e.g. MP3 production) Video editing (e.g. YouTube presentations) Social Networking websites
Subscribe to the electronic newsletter, Ripples, via the button at left.
Contact the web manager	The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns 800-653-0799 or 216-861-0779 office@ucccoalition.org	Copyright 2008