The silver 25th anniversary of anything is a milestone event—and rightly so! Spending a quarter of a century committed to something—or someone—is worthy of celebration. The passing of another year together can mark a deepening of the commitment, an accumulation of time irreplaceable.

To help in celebrating these occasions are special gifts, one assigned to each anniversary and each with its own material and symbolic value. For example, there are specific gifts that mark wedding or commitment-ceremony anniversaries. In the United States, the wedding or commitment-ceremony anniversary symbols begin simply, with paper and flowers, and gradually increase in substance and value. The order of gifts reflects the investment that the couple gives of themselves to each other. I read recently that in Germany, by comparison, couples use a list of symbols that represent the progressive strengthening of the relationship.

As the Coalition and the UCC celebrate our 25th-year anniversary of Oopen and Affirming(ONA) in the UCC, I believe we can laud the investment of time, talent, and treasure from advocates, supporters, and movers and shakers. We can also celebrate strengthening of relationships, platforms, and purpose in the Coalition, throughout the denomination and beyond.

Much like a longstanding marriage or committed relationship, we’ve seen growth as well as setbacks. There have been triumphs and challenges. Many times we have been thriving, other times just thankful to be surviving. And, like other long-term relationships, the “romantic love” ebbs and flows. But, in the end, it is the commitment that keeps us together.

Let’s make this pivotal year a time for reflection, rejuvenation, and re-commitment. We have the opportunity to continue with the traditions that have made us successful and to discard any way of thinking or behaving that may cause roadblocks on our journey or hinder our growth. I am excited to be a part of this milestone year and all that it means and will mean historically.

Throughout this publication, on the Coalition website, and in other places you will see our new ONA 25th-year logo. I’d like to thank Yolanda Williams of Atlanta, GA, for her creative genius. You will see more of this logo as we announce events and activities that mark our celebration and forward progress  during the silver year that will move us on toward the next century of spreading the liberating love of Jesus the Christ and extending God’s extravagant welcome!

Peace and blessings,

Gwen Thomas
Executive Director

Our condolences go out to the personal and church family of the Rev. Chris Paules who passed away on March 31, 2010 due to complications related to breast cancer. Rev. Paules served St Luke's UCC (an ONA church) in Philadelphia, PA, through the Sunday before her passing.  She is survived by her life partner, Dr. Carol A. Radich, Professor Emeritus of West Chester University, as well as other family members. A full obituary is available at http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2010/04/04/obituaries/srv0000007960935.txt.

We are also sorry to report the loss of Gary Brown, our Montana ONA consultant, who succumbed to lung cancer recently.