Salsa Classes at Hope!

Lutherans Allow Gay and Lesbian Priests

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, of which I am a member, voted today to allow congregations to choose priests who are gay.

Way to go, Lutherans!

I'm a member of my Church Council, and attended a Synod Assembly in June, so I know how intense the debate over this is in the church. Conservatives are very upset about it, but liberals are thrilled. The church will undoubtedly lose some members over this, which is very unfortunate. There will be something of a schism.

But the far more important fact is that a very old wound has been healed, and much pain can now be put behind us. We aren't completely there yet: the ELCA still does not recognize gay marriages. But we can now say: Welcome one step closer to the center of the church, gay brothers and lesbian sisters.

Rummage Sale Treasures

I set up my church's rummage sale a couple of weeks ago, which meant a couple of things. One, it meant that I spent a Thursday with some very cool people sorting through an interesting collection of stuff to sell, wondering just exactly how much to charge for a pair of cowboy boots with a funky flower pattern, and two, it meant that I got first dibs on some good stuff. For example, I got my hands on a DVD that I think, it could be argued, is one of the coolest DVDs currently for sale on the planet earth, if not the coolest.

Yes, I am going to make you click to see it.

Pellegrino Traveler

The pastor of my church, Pastor Mark Rasbach, is working on a TV series about the historical Jesus. My church is Hope Lutheran in Hollywood. If you're looking for a great progressive church in Hollywood, this would be it. Check out the trailer:

Easter

Since it's Good Friday, and Sunday is Easter, I am going to post a video from my church, Hope Lutheran, in Hollywood (yes, that Hollywood).



Happy Easter!