Greetings Montclair Presbyterian Church! For 10 years I have admired you from afar and I can’t tell you how privileged and excited I am to be serving with you during this time. One of my earliest introductions to you as a congregation was through Rev. Chuck McLain, beloved saint and beautiful man who worked for justice until his dying breath (and I would imagine is still trying to work it…!). When my wife JE and I first met Chuck he told us proudly that Montclair was “his” church and that Montclair had a large rainbow flag flying in front of the church. We were so surprised to hear of a Presbyterian congregation that was unabashedly invitational to all who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning. In that moment, I was filled with hope for what the possibilities might be in the Presbyterian Church for one such as me and for so many others who are searching for a church home. Thank you for your courage and your commitment to inviting and including all of God’s children.
At a popular breakfast spot in Napa, JE and I recently sat at the “community” table, which we have never done before at that restaurant. Our table mates ended up being a musician and a young female couple who own a dance performance company in Berkeley. For the first time in several years, I ended up inviting total strangers to church! As I described Montclair to them, I said, “They are a community of people who are progressive, creative, intelligent, talented, fun, inclusive and committed to making a difference in the world.” They said they live fewer than 3 miles from the church and they would definitely attend. One of the women said, “I really miss church but you know there aren’t many places where I think I would fit in.”
What a GIFT you are to Oakland in all of its complexity. As we begin our journey together I am filled with tremendous hope, enthusiasm and a deep appreciation for who you have been, are and will be in the future!