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On June 25, 1972, William (Bill) R. Johnson became the first openly gay person to be ordained to the Christian ministry in the UCC. This video tells the story of that landmark event and the process that made it possible. Great for Open and Affirming programs and groups exploring vocation and ordained ministry in the UCC. Includes brief study guide.

Open and Affirming Settings, Study Resources, Videos
 
 
Bisexuality Pocket $7.00

A collection of personal stories, articles, resources etc. about bisexual identity, experience, and Christian faith, developed with the help of BAMN!, the bisexual network within the United Church of Christ.

Bisexuality, Open and Affirming Settings, Study Resources
 
 
Blessing Ceremonies: Resources for Same-Gender Services of Commitment $16.00

A packet of materials including theological background, five sample services, liturgical resources, and “Personal Witnesses” by those who have been part of such services.

Liturgical Resource, Marriage Equality, Open and Affirming Settings, Pastoral Care
 
 

An embossed certificate to be presented to a couple at their covenant service. Comes with envelope. (6½" high by 5" wide)

Liturgical Resource, Marriage Equality, Open and Affirming Settings, Pastoral Care
 
 
Called to Equality: Considering Marriage Equality (free PDF)

Called to Equality: Considering Marriage Equality is a resource in the Just and Loving Relationships Series. It includes two 1-hour sessions created to encourage ONA settings and lgbt-supportive communities to live into God's call for justice in the public sphere. It is free to download or $15.95 for a bound copy from The Coalition office. To download a PDF of this resource, please click here.

Marriage Equality, Open and Affirming Settings
 
 

This set of nine Bible study lesson plans and devotional resources enable congregations to rediscover the biblical basis for inclusion.

Open and Affirming Settings, Study Resources
 
 
Open and Affirming Settings, Study Resources
 
 
Open and Affirming Settings, Study Resources
 
 
Covenant Conversations $11.00

A resource designed for Christian clergy meeting with same-gender couples prior to a blessing or marriage ceremony. This collection includes reflections of the meaning of covenantal relationship, unique issues which arise when working with same-gender couples, questions to explore with couples, and more. Contributors include the Rev. Yvette Flunder, Dr. Scott Haldeman, and the Rev. Leanne Tigert.

Marriage Equality, Open and Affirming Settings
 
 
Exile or Embrace? $28.00

Congregations Discerning Their Response to Lesbian and Gay Christians

Mahan Siler

A small-group resource for congregational outreach to LGBT members as well as those outside the church.

Open and Affirming Settings, Study Resources
 
 
Keeping Our Word of Welcome $17.95

In response to the question, "Now that we're ONA, what do we do?" This seventy-five page publication offers ideas about outreach, education, and celebration from ONA settings around the country. Includes an extensive resource section.

Open and Affirming Settings
 
 

Has the logo for all ONA settings.

Open and Affirming Settings, UCC Coalition identity stuff
 
 
Open and Affirming (ONA) Study Packet $59.00

A seven session study packet for use in local congregations. Prepared by the Open and Affirming Task Team of the Massachusetts Conference, UCC, and the UCC Coalition. Materials on sexual orientation, youth issues (video included), family and relationships, heterosexism/homophobia, scriptural interpretation, the ONA process in the local church, and more. This packet includes both the Bisexuality Pocket and the Transgender Pocket listed below.

Open and Affirming Settings, Study Resources, Videos
 
 
Open and Affirming: What does it mean to us? $4.50

A response to frequent questions about the meaning of being “affirming,” the resource provides opportunity for seventeen lesbian, bisexual, and gay United Church of Christ members to speak for themselves about what it means to be affirmed by local churches.

Open and Affirming Settings
 
 
Open and Affirming: Yes, it Matters! $15.95

If you (or others you know) have ever wondered if the Open and Affirming movement matters, if it makes any difference when it comes to sharing the good news of Christ or shaping the lives of individuals and faith communities, this is a must-read! More than fifty UCC folks share how ONA has blessed and challenged them and their settings in the UCC.

Open and Affirming Settings
 
 
Open and Affirming Settings
 
 

A Family Struggles with Coming Out

Marcy Clements Henrikson

One Christian family's story of “coming out” to their church, friends, and community as the family of a lesbian daughter.

Open and Affirming Settings
 
 

This resource includes Open and Affirming sermons preached by UCC local church pastors on a variety of justice and inclusion concerns. Volumes 1 and 2 each contain nine sermons.

Open and Affirming Settings
 
 
Qu(e)erying Evangelism $25.00

Growing a Community from the Outside In

Cheri Divono

This book chronicles a minister’s attempts to expand the membership of a rapidly shrinking congregation in a poor, inner city Toronto neighborhood. When members decided to evangelize among the marginalized and "queer" at their gate, church members are radically changed. It answers the question of how do we understand evangelism biblically and in a completely new way.

Open and Affirming Settings
 
 
Shaping Sanctuary: Proclaiming God’s Grace in an Inclusive Church $14.00

A Spirited, ecumenical collection of prayers, liturgies, blessings, music, essays, sermons, and more, produced by the Welcoming Church Movement (programs like “Open and Affirming” in various denominations). Includes a study guide and resource lists.

Open and Affirming Settings, Study Resources
 
 
Talking about Homosexuality (Holy Conversations series) $13.00

Karen P. Oliveto, Kelly D. Turney, and Traci C. West

First book in a new series– Holy Conversations – that addresses the often difficult to discuss topics in church as well as society.

Open and Affirming Settings
 
 

A compendium of 30 years of UCC social justice policy on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) concerns (1969-1999).

Open and Affirming Settings
 
 
The Greatest of These is Love $15.95

Eight same-gender couples’ joyful, historic, legal marriages in faith communities in Massachusetts. At least one person in each couple is a member of the UCC. The resource includes photos of the couples and their reflections on marriage, with additional comments by officiants, family and friends.

Marriage Equality, Open and Affirming Settings
 
 
Their Own Receive Them Not: African American Lesbians & Gays in Black Churches $24.00

Horace Griffin

This book provides a historical overview and critical analysis of the black church and its current engagement with lesbian and gay Christians, and shares ways in which black churches can learn to reach out and confront all types of oppression - not just race - in order to do the work of the black community.

Open and Affirming Settings
 
 
Transgender Pocket $8.00

Personal stories, articles, resources, etc. about transgender identities, experiences, and Christian life. Order both the Transgender Pocket and Bisexuality Pocket for $11.00

Open and Affirming Settings, Transgender
 
 
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Copyright 2008