My personal story is that I wanted to be a part of a coffeehouse to be held at New Vision United Church of Christ in Canton, Ohio. I have come to know and love our church with my whole heart and mind in a way I did not believe was possible.I came out as a recovering Catholic who had never had the opportunity to become fully involved in the life of the church.
In the winter of 2004, during the airing of the promotion, "The Bouncer", I got the message that there were things that I could do at the UCC, it was a place, where I could grow, and that no idea was too insignificant or too grand to be considered.
Coming back from National Gathering and General Synod '05,
I quickly realized my focus must be on all the people. Our new and long-time members...our visitors who come to both the Open Door Coffeehouse and Sunday morning services...all have given to me gifts greater than I could have imagined.
Welcoming, witnessing and being 'totally present' for myself and for others have shown me a joy which I now know is God's extravagant welcome.
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