SDA Kinship - CONNECTION - October 1983

1 B @ NEUSLETTER of Seyenth-day Adventist Gay l,len and Women and Their Friends Vol. 6 No. 1q October, 198f SDA Kirstrio hternationat. kE- P.O. bt 1211, Lc Ancles, CA ,$75-1irL Ptrane (21r) 876-2076 the alternate theological views. INFORMATION PACKET Responses to these information BOARD POSITION FILLED Next Vave Needed Soon packets have been predictably Marge Doyle of Region t has accepted the responsibility of In mid 1982 SDA Kinship had varied. The negative comments as well as the positive ones in- serving on the Board of Directors voted to go ahead with an out- reach program that had been dicate the material has been of SDA Kinship as one of four.\--. discussed since the previous read. It is hoped that even year. This was instituted in July those who disagree with our members at large. of 1983. Seven hundred hand- position may at least understand Marge is a woman with many a little better. We feel encour- typed letters were sent to aged knowing there are among good ideas and much experience ministers in California briefly Adventist ministers a larger in lesbian-rights issues. She is explaining Kinship and our burden number of supporters than antici- already actively assisting Lin to have gays within the Church pated. So the cost of the first ministered to and treated with mailing at approximately $4,000, Shepherd, our womenrs director. more compassion. This was fol- or an average of about $5.50 per *** lowed by packets of information packet, was well worthwhile. including a bibliography, selected Bits and Pieces......................10 reprints, and booklets. These At it was voted Here's What's Cookin9.............8 packets were intended to Kparmopcmeeedetiwngit'h83 Kinship Calendar.. .........,.........1 2 to the second Kinship Creativity, Heelan.......9 alert clergy persons not only to aspect of this educational out- Last Pages, Balfour.......-.........7 the number of gays that are reach. Funds for this critically Looking Ahead........................10 bound to be in their congre- important educational process Our Dr. Says...........................4 gations, but also to try to in- are completely depleted. We are Open Letter to These Times....6 crease their awareness of Proiects Needing Sponsors.......1 some of the oppression suffered hoping to raise at least $3,000 Regional Updates....................'l 1 lfl oman Wise.............................5 by gays and show them some of See PACKET p. 3 * * ******************* **************** ** IT IS SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL TIME. THIS IS YOUR\-' LAST COPY OF THE NEWSLETTER IIJITHOUT RENEb'IAL. IF YOU HAVE RENEhIED, THANK YOU: IF YOU HAVEN'T, PLEASE FILL OUT THE RENET{AL INSERT N0ltl.

J.VickiShelton ..... EditorEmy Lou Johnson Associate Editor BOARD MEMBERS Recently a good friend of mine, not an Adveniist, came out to his parents. AsRobert F. Bouchard . .. .. PresidentRichardFlussell ....VicePresident his father is a minister in another conservative Christian denomination, my friend aske;DouglasP.Ota. .. SecretaryErrol L. Chamness me if I would talk with them and help them understand thai it is possible to be gaiJ. Vicki Shelton Treasurer and a Christian too. i said I would love to; it is not often that I have a chance lc share my thoughts on these questions and assist a friend at the same time. .'. . . . Editor The conversation went well. They were obviously searching to understand their.son.Van Johnson . . . Public Relations Director The two maior obstacles to acceptance that most conservative Christians need to overcome wete present at that dinner discussion--What does the Bible say? anCRonald L.Lawson, PhD . . . . . . SDAChurch the question of choice. The Biblical issues take a great deal of reading and prayerfui study and I never expect that minds will be chanqed after one talk. But ihe question Liaison of choice seems much more intuitive to me. In a world full of repression and homo- phobiar why would anyone choose to be gay, to incur the wrath of a largely hostileLinShepherd ...Women'sDirector society? Almost all the friends I know experienced a period of trying to be slraightJymStuart ... lnformationServices before coming to terms with their gayness. lf there was choice, it was to be straight. But ihere was no choice; they were gay. God has made them that way--either Director qenetically or in very early life. And over time they are learning to reloice inLarryHallock .... MemberatLarge God's gift.Lee Harding. To my friend's parents, all of this is new and will take time to digest. But they are trying. Unlike those of us who are gay and who must find answers to these questions : . . : : . : . : : : M:frB:l:l t3l3: if we are to live our lives, they donrt have to confront these issues. But they are. .. . . Memberat Large Their love f or theii son motivates them. They want to understand.REGIONAL DIRECTORS Happily our organization benef its f rom similarly open-minded people: the grotsT6g1 North Atlantic group of non-gay supporting members of SDA Kinship. They have learned not only2 South Atlantic Celeste Jarrett to understand but, in a number of cases, to reach out and support the cause in a verbal or financial way. They have been learning from us and we from them. Ther3 Southern Ruth Kean have chosen to care enough to open themselves and love. That is the real choice4 Great Lakes Jeff Havron that we all have.5 Great Plains BillMcCurry A story was recently told us of two women, one gay and one not who had been6 Rocky Mountain friends and collegues for years. On one occasion in a teacherrs lounge, the conversa-7 Pacific Northwest Lee Harding tion turned to homosexuality and homosexuals. The non-gay woman related that she didnrt trust any lesbian not to try to make a move on her. What a surprise it musi8 Central Pacific DustyCawthra have been when her lesbian friend, about whose sexuality she did not know said, \"Bua9 Pacif ic Southwest Virginia Reynolds I've known you for more than ten years, we've been very good friends, and not once Dennis Grau have I made a pass at you.\" A major change in opinion about homosexuals happenec LISTENING EAR COMMITTEE for the non-gay woman almost immediately upon knowing her friend's orientation.Alan Massachusetts (G1 7)j65-j636 One o{ the clergy in attendance at Kampmeeting suggested that in order for treatmentBen So. California (elgDqe->nt of gays to improve significantly, we must let more people know about us. lt is a frightening feeling to do that, but I agree il is very important. or (619)364-3101 We all choose to come out in various ways at various times, but never have Emy LouBill Louisiana (J18)365-4753 and I f elt long-term regret in making the decision to share our story with selectec friends. After any coming out we have done in the recent past we have experien,Bob washington, DC lJ1l)270-t271 the deepening of lriendships with the persons to whom we disclosed. Of course . chose very carefully and determined together to make the major move, but were notBob New York (212)662-8656 disappointed we did, Choose deliberately to whom you will disclose, but try it, Although frighteninq it's worthwhile.Chuck Alaska (907)278-1146 2Don oregon (503)281-9188EmyLou Colorado (7Oi)781-62J0Errol So. California (213)876-2076Jim Florida (813)749-1134Keith Texas (512)696-2207Larry lllinois (112)471-2825Lee* Colorado (7Ot)122-4568Lee Michigan (711)3)5-?521Louise No; Califorriia (916)222-5009Mike Michigan (517)337 -2209*Committee ChairSeventh-day Adventist Kinship lnternational, lnc. is a wolld'wide support group of/for Adventisl (former or current) gay menand women and lheir triends. SDA Kinship also provides gentleeducation of SDA pastors, teachels, and counselors to anunderstanding of homosexuality and related issues. This news'letter, the SDA Kinship Connection, is intended to be an inlorma-tional and inspirational iournal tor our members and friends andis published monthly by SDA Kinship lnternational, lnc. Copydeadline is the third Monday oI each month. All typewrittenessays and other submissions (photographs, etc.) will bethoughtfully considered. and, if publ ished or not wi I I be returnedonlv if submitted with a selt-addressed, stamped envelope.lnciude a first and !asl name, aclual or pseudonym, that may bepublished. Letlers and essays may be edited for purposes ofclarity or space. Send all potential copy to; J. Vicki Shelton. PO.Box 10032, Denver, CO 80210, Phone: (303) 781-6230.The appearance oI names or photographs of persons or orga-nizations should not be construed as any indication of the sex-ual orientation of the named or shown. Opinions expressedherein are not necessarily those ol SDA Kinship lnternational,tnc-, or of the SDA Kinship Connection sta{f. address or requests for newsletler copies should Changes of international headquarlers at PO. Box '1233. Losbe sent io ourAngeles. CA 90078.1233. USA. Our mailing list is confidentialamong otficers and staff. and is not sold, rented. or exchanqedfor any purpose.ai 1983 by SDA Kinship lnternational, lnc. All rights reserved.

To make any volunteer organi- packets you will sponsor and additional support is needed. zation work, much dedication send your support or pledge is required. Kinship seems to To subsidize subscriptions: benefit f rom greater commit- today. One subscription S 15.00 ment than many similar groups, Five packets $ ZI.SO Two subscriptions 10.00 Ten packets Ten subscriptions 150.00 but at the same time urgent 55.00 need for our ministry awaits Twenty-five I37.50 Included as an insert with this adequate funding. Several such Fif ty packets 27 5.00 newsletter is a pledge or opportunities to help are avail- donation commitment form. u The Advocate Advertisement May we encourage you to able this month. This ad has been very pro- complete that form regardless of your ability to make an If one of the following projects ductive in generating inquiry immediate donation. It is appeals to you; please arrange about SDA Kinship. If important that we get some idea to adopt it by sending your as to how ambitious we can be contribution to the SDA Kinship you see this as a project that wi th the pro jects waiting headquarters in Los Angeles. in the wings. Thank you in should be continued, please advance for becoming committed Be sure to designate the specific to Kinship's ministry. consider sponsorship. project you wish to support, if any. You may obtain further One iinnsseerrttiioonns$ t57.00 details about the project/s by Two I 14.00 calling (213) 876-2076. Kinship Connection'\-.tl Information Packets About half of this year's The cost per packet is $5.50. newsletter expense will be Please consider a number of covered by subscription fees. In order to continue with a high-quality production,From PACKET p. I \"11t1 L*1G 1.t1i--+{T s,N(,tFr(r ARaurli:, {+s PANoby mid-November in order to 3send out approximately fivehundred packets by the end ofDecember. We feel this outreachprogram is important notonly to educate the AdventistChurch., but also to reach outto gays within the Church likeso many of us who have eitherfelt confused and guilty, or haveentirely given up on the Church.Please, if you can, help us nowwith a donation or a pledge sowe can start getting materialsreprinted and ready. Whether ornot you are personally able tohelp with your ownmoney, pleasebe a fund raiser by contactingothers whose names Kinship maynot even know. See the enclosedpledge f orm or mail yourcontribution marked'rlnformationPacketil directly to SDA Kinship.

condition called tinea versa- your local pharmacist has seve\"al color. chemicals that suppress : multiplication of f ungus spo)F6s If you sinusfepcetcitotnh,aytoyuoucahnavfienda while your body makes skin that doesn't have fungus. Brand fungus several products to name medications such as Crux, FUNGUS control it. Here are a help you Desenex, Caldesene MedicatedRichard Hamilton, M.D. few piin_ Powder, Tinactin, and Vioform are available. Miconazole isFungus is found everywhere with ciples to remember in the control the active ingredient in Micatin and atrfefeactmteednat roeaf sfudntg.us.AKpepelpi, cream, which is my favorite.its spores floating through the Check the directions for appli-air by the billions to find new thesites for growth. The usual treatment cation on the container.places for the spores to land and for at least two weeks af ter all infection With the area dried and a veryproduce growth are warm, moist, signs of sparing application of one or cuthlooranenvuaekgsseecutesleaeptralh.mtrheeWedtrer.iaesfeRrkaineetgom-ttrfsdeeaeanrnxyttmdpaaoaelssnrnuedtrheeadnlnpaeods-ttand dark. People have many public showers, pools, gyms, and more of these available chemicalssuch sites on or in their bodies, bathhouses. twice a day, resolution of yourbut the individual who develops a fungal infection will be under- way. To prevent reinfectionfungal infection usually has to from your shoes, powder thembe susceptable for some reason. with a medicated foot powder like Desenex daily until they areSome reasons include having an (ksToeohnplueettidoparnafyfsce.kcoFetfeet edpDteocarmarneqeaubbsoearrssotohabpokoutewldddhbeoinert increased worn out.illness like diabetes,sweating because of summer Sometimes, all of this self-careheat, insulated shoes, or medi- is inadequate. If the lesications (some hormones and anti- water) or Epsom salt (one table-biotics). Antibiotics kill bacteria sopnocoenapedraqyuuanrttiol fimhporotvewmateenrt) worsens, doesn't resolve itsu.zthat live on or in our bodies anduse up sugars. Without this bac- occurs. After to some extent, involves the soaking, showers, nails or the inside of the body,terial competition, fungus and or swimming,ygast, a form of fungus, can the toes or other affected areas can be dried withflourish. Many of us have fungus rubbing alcohol squeezed between you should consult a physicianon our bodies and don't realize for guidance. Don't give up.it until some factor allows it the toes or applied with a cotton Fungal infections are notto grow at a rapid rate which irritated ball if the area isn't easy to cure. atmoltoeedrmniuaumctihvehbeyisaatlcaoahfhtoaeli.rrdAryteogrwoooednlcreates the typical fungal sores.Close contact with a person whohas a f ungus growth may.result in a similar overgrowth drying.on yoUr but usually not unlessyou are susceptable. s\Athlete's foot is a common form +of fungus infection. It causesthe skin between the toes to )Lbreak down and crack and, if. Iallowed to progress, it can invadethe entire foot. This results in ta red surface with scales of skin ,tfalling off or it can get into the .ttoenails which become discolored, othickened, and deformed. Fungus :3can be found on the scalp and -]anywhere else on the body (ring- |lJworm) including the groin, where r!,it is of ten called \"jock itch.\" :ISince skin infected by funguswonrt tan, sunbathers who find 4 cslightly red and fine scaly areas :that don't tan might have a =t.i A

and separating the clinging her life to protect her young? birds, nudging them, encouraging Or was it the only thing a mother them to try their wings? Per- could do? Would the little mission is granted to the chicks grow up knowing that one in every nest who has been love? GETTING TO KNOW HER hanging over the edge yearning Part 2 to get out for what is already Then: \"Can a woman forget Lin Shepherd a long time. In their uncer- her sucking child, that tainty and ineptitude, she is she should have no The most obvious feminine image certain and adept. compassion on the child of her womb? of God counterbalancing the They try. They fly. But what overwhelming masculine image if... And the inevitable happens. Even these may forget, Whether from timidity or yet I will not forget you.\" of Father God (overwhelming Isa. 49215 because the Fatherhood of God is to many no longer a symbol over eagerness, we aren't sure, Of course a woman cannot forget but an exclusive reality) is but one baby bird, so precious, her childl Even women that are so new, so innocent and unde- Mother God, called by some of serving, begins to fall to its bereft of their children do not us Mother Spint. death. In wise woman time, forget them. The most likely Have you tried talking with this the mother swoops under the mother to forget a child, it great Mother Spirit of the uni- little darling, letting it continue seems to me, would be the one verse? What does She say to to fall, until it falls onto the you? Without letting on to the tip of her outstretched wing. who voluntarily gives that child f eminist Christian who first That daringr that freeing, is away. But these do not forget. Did Jochebed forget Moses when she laid him in a basket in suggested this to ffier I imme- the love of God. It is an the Nile? She offered him up to diately shelved and then ,forgot image of God similar to conser- spare his life. Refusing to lose about this bit of vative traditional views. And what she had by clinging to it, .v- _ heresy. Again she dangerous she saved it by letting it go. suggested while there is no textual evidence praying to the Mother Spirit And though Moses called another to satisfy some of my God needs. as far as I know that this is rrMotherr\" Jochebed remembered I tried it, still thinking that definitely a mother bird, the the son she nursed. even if I could convince myself facts that neuter pronouns are to be comfortable with viewing used in a masculine pronoun But if a mother forgets, as Mary God as Mother, rather than or scaoyntrerxpta,renatnbdirdc\"omlemaedntmareietso tohnece-m, GotohderisoNf OJeTsluiki editdhaatt.leSahset in addition to as Father, God could not be comfortable with believe though the Hebrew word never forgets! She never forgets for eagle is masculine so the this second-rate religion. Hebrew pronouns have to us. She never forgets to. be masculine, (thltisisisknionwdenetdhea be compassionate because we But evidently God is comfortable mother bird. are human and need respect with Mother imagery. Let us writers and commentators gen- and make mistakes and need reconsider three bright Biblical erally use exclusive masculine examples oJ Mother imagery pronouns whenever they imagine understanding. and wonder how we otherwise they can get away with it.) So the Mother Eagle expresses interpreted them for so long. God's zeal for our freedom and You remember the cther out- individuation. The Mother Hen rrl-ike an eagle that stirs up her standing mother bird story in e x presses Her passion f or nest, that flutters over her the Bible. Jesus told it in our protection. The Mother youngr spreading out her wings, Matt. 23237. He said He would Woman expresses her devotion cathcing them, bearing them on like to be to Jerusalem what to our nurturance. And the a mother hen is to her chicks. Mother spirit expresses Her her feathers, the Lord You've no doubt heard about yMeea.rninLgeftorMueSb: e\"Ceovmereythuinntgo alone did lead (Israel)...\" the charred hen that was foundt Deut. 32:l I af ter the farm burned. When you need Me to be. Let Me hold Can you picture the eaglets her ashy remains were disturbed, you. Let Me love you. Let Me crowding together in the nest, send you out and draw you in. her brood scuttled out of the not knowing they can fly, afraid dust to the sunshine. Will you come?rt to try, when the experienced mother, wise in the way of birds, Did she long have to weigh giving flutters over the nest, stirring 5

iir El c q itU;-u99daf1iL^;1:lll.1 *ua3E-.-i-ror:;Erb'-Eqdt;:fx:.-,Y*F9,o:,EH.ttEEr i i;?t h e-,; Eie?nl=;3:o d@9Lu o oo s ^ Mo -Ft o o a L : P o- d- P i - -- ,:: ;idElO:r -;;,-ucQ< * . P! \"i@6EI_fE.l&I63.il.l<P'€:\"E*gEtEE-3EU0 S=\": -:6Fo. rh.P==) -l*-6Eotu;e-l*bi1;i;Yii1ehtr3:gn0i!;u3--4E= ie_2i )-C3- Yo *o:-9r*8- 9:-->-?:E,fl Uc !=3-o.:*Ip EE >,= i*;Ya- *=^PO ! 6lts- td:e, . Y (l :.=^Y-X^==@ 3 B E-i b ,\"c?yF,-,.[E @d E-'oel*-t-s.EE-ol =ua\"-i6;E: !;*r€EE=E!ge- Ecc!!c;:. co gESE[;l:;ii,-;T \:!=J rriil.e-=.,-t1 96 t- g Eini;i9:;:t:*;s \e?,;i .E;i? u=s:;;Ef *^$+P.v7< i:iecP6'\";8890:3EF6t;E-Pngi$fr, :E + Fb =3E? >9 3g; i!HHirTe? ;tHi Ji -sE =ngiilXLlE ;qj)j#3 TzX; =:€E ; s SEA ! fttrtt---Jur:\"'-F-lEa;*E* -tlHoaEi!*!oildola >c u Edccoo - .o!do./oLcoc !c(o L !!ooB o aox ro-iooo L 4d.o E qooq! auCoEaoodo,DdopsioloeoLod oiEoo !!ocd>[email protected]!ooLoo!,!oqo@o(!!!@u!.@o/o@oq!!oo ! !.pD!ocooi-!>iL.ol;dqooda!-oc&!coipo!OEoD!qoodco-!r o @ls!ijqc>.!djAoEI!ofoGooldo!-dNo!bco Z@ a ,E - q !dd>cdu!s.nii!>4o> o0dd$. j m ti4o r\--4 ! oo4a,uq6.6i ci34!So f>lo :ol'33,8i!.ocnlpoocc.do,oBooo.idoHp. doc>qo/i E !ooin:o66oodoiooia,< c >a :EE:g q\ 9!-9 i o o oo L--_..J ;= -ruo.6Er1 go.oi >ogo o o @ o!oc!o;..iaDa>r ocooc 6 --qo Mac Eq9,l!p V@ : .qo o-5!6! o io4oq2 qod!.cdgo!!@ !<!,!s!<oOS56oio!.ippoalr!s..olaoocoidd3oooc!O.!.cOoDid.odqH.dcoooooFdd!Ooo4odG!Lo5LOuoorori!!.OEcoo>dooard>dcioD!.dda>do@@aCoL<Bo.@,d r.d!ioito>og3oox06o!!o o ir.!!oo3oa3oo>Eidd!!LE>diood!DoEio!aicoo@<^opo!o!oi.(doao6i.o0i nd30Ei:>o<OoJEoo Idttso.! o p!pCldoqaoiqE.odLdp!aPE5daqoHldca0on,J@@0qaodi.@llar!-sn'i.o6rndcig.ordrr.BEoiioo5c,..dd@0c>odd>o@ 6No,!.c>AA0oood.toodE<ioqod!!acc! Dg!ooo,6adia ! !!!-9o@@L44^qqoq.q.?i!!qE n!! ! B q N!!ooO-o-@6o! ^!EO-5rio e>L5;eO DoB ob+ir +,-!*!1q9E? o ^ .. i1\" uo !3€'\"7Il .3'b o*fuo3.3.i-E 3^-o,H. 5339\"q YiEEE! o *p_7!9?9,.l9! !iuu9@!9!ioo!utgro@3l!l!l4.<t .a/L a ioO.6o<(,<3J!o!Loodo6Oodoo.apE c qqaGiaq.oodiooaEaoo.ac/EOio .4 fa3._0o,O4o.; L !o, Er=:gl y!Y-9y*l!: €o .A !o4!3 !r :.Eo OFl.dL-tr'Vsl rI-l ; \.,Lq 3.*'ooH.b :':3\"3E\"o .oi,E\" ;!;e,d {= ,-<cdE;tH<.od>.l;A!@! - .rFl q !o.d! sd d ooaoL o<.d !o o roqo:o o < .E; d-oo s.; o d i!ofou,-;;cLi.Ud oj oj g-:-d!l- _ g d>e o as aaa6i L o !6 o : c. DooLc o d o Fd:;fcaoX,Eii9tl iEo !o!>ao 9 d I o.iI rio'.U=,+ot oi.i - sqoo ! !! o oo>f p .ci > dL.i @ 3 0,a oo* o @_i o q ga ooLq ^odc - ig:\"! -g\"u€e3- bBE3e33E Shin-8\" ib;.3t,EdEI F E EE h!o! S !9*1u9 u9.^4v6lo0<>q4 - tcao@ H a 3qo@moDro g ! oc.ioio!d dc c<i- c oc0AL6_..g0-oiiqLo oo6b>oc\" fr!s ,,3:E 3E 3: b;8.?.3 i ., ctooooc.Loc36 0 3!q= B! FE!q!!qo!Eqq'-ai.- U > o o(cG.idEilaa.!oJic-oro;1i d o- €.c-o:!Jo6.inaiaOi!AEoEa41 0 I @d H<@9 3n-f ! q L q q -5 0 0 'i E;:i: E j,-;i.::r E 6

years, I found myself at 7200 Having made these mind-blowing discoveries at Kampmeeting, I a.m. worship every day but one, wthaentfletodglBinegt more involved in Kinship Australia and still managed to go to bed when I return there. In the at my usual time of around 2:00 meantine, I have a couPle of a.m. There was so much sharing months to spend here in this CYNIC TURNS TO SINGING to participate in, and I compul- wonderful country. ManY of Another Look At sively couldnrt miss out! Kampmeeting r83 Despite arriving at Kampmeeting those brothers and sisters whom after some sixty hours of trav- I discovered at Kampmeeting are Gordon Balfour elling, despite the long hours, on my visiting list, and I hoPe the little sleep, the high level also to meet with other KinshiP When I first heard of Kinship, I of energy exchange, I have come members and chapters. Don't be thought, Another one of those away not at all fatigued, but surprised if you receive a call refreshed and exhilirated. Life from a guy with a funny accent corny names like Dignity, Integ- sometime between now and seems worth living again! rity, etc. Well, you can be wrongr or you can be WRONG: I November. I mentioned earlier that I was was both. stuck for words-' well, there is Meanwhile, Bet your acts one word that approaches ade- together for Kampmeeting i'8t.4 -- Sure, I'd been told that Kamp- quacy to describe what Kamp- you can't alford to miss It meeting was great, so I arrived meeting was all about to me. cost me all I owned, plus con- at Kampmeeting '83 with rea- And that word is KINSHIP. The siderable indebtedness, to make name which I thought so corny it this year, but it would have sonably high hopes and moderate has taken on previously incon- been a bargain at twice the costll expectations, along with many yearrs worth of carefully nur- tured skepticism and cynicism. ceivable meaning and dimensions. I love you dearly, SDA KinshiP! My cynicism had reached such It is the greatest word in my proportions that for the last last six years. -***u year or so I have been quite concerned about it becoming personally destructive; like acid, it was eating away at what little romantic there was in me. It was getting in the way of my ability to love myself and others. So despite my reservations about the worth of travelling over twelve thou- sand miles (one way) for the event, there was sufficient hope o (or desperation) for me to take the plunge. E A week later, and I'm stuck for v] words strong enough to describe my experience. Never in my 5L _. life have I known such fellowship, 3'6 such unconditional, universal, no- 62 : bars love. My cynical armour was soundly cracked--the expe- IF- rienc6 reached to the roots of UJ my heart and soul. For the first ol time in over six years I found\-- myself singing gospel songs and Llj hymns. (Previously, the very oJ words stuck in my throat and vt almost choked me.) Although I've rarely been out of 5 bed before l0:00 or I l:00 a.m. for many

\,/ SUGGESTIONS REQUESTED In planning for future issues of the Kinship Connection we wish to receive your input about topics you would like to have discussed. As we have brainstormed, the following are topics that have come to mind for possible future use: lFAdventist Gays Growing Older :ltOur Family and Friends Comment :ltNon -Church-Connected Gays Involved With Kinship l$Relationships, If ? When? Why? How? ::l*fAGdavyeGntriosutpGs aInysOInth\"eTrhCehWurocrhkerls LrIo Peul Vlstf ExWE;eN W.i<iirii.,F.J\" Can you add to this list? Or make suggestions about it? Can BROCCOLI CASSEROLE you write on any of these or\.-/1 bag (2 boxes) frozen chopped broccoli ototheorutor priecasdoefrsghenipe?ralCinatneryeosut2 cups minute rice (uncooked) suggest anyone who can and will stick butter or margerine write on these or other topics? can condensed cream of mushroom soup can condensed cream of celery soup We are enclosing a brief ques- small onion, chopped eight-ounce jar of Cheez Whiz tionnnarie and request that youl. Combine butter, soups, onion, and Cheez Whiz in a large fill it out with your ideas and saucepan. Heat and stir until creamy smooth. suggestions and return it to2. Cook broccoli separately according to directions on package. Kinship in the envelope provided When done, drain and add to other cooked ingredients. or directly to: J. Vicki Shelton, P.O. Box 10032, Denver, CO3. Add uncooked instant rice; mix in. 80210. You may certainly call4. Bake at 350\" in deep casserole dish tor Il2 hour, uncovered. Vicki with your ideas at (303) -serves slx- 781-6230. Thanks for your inputl *-r* '\"^i:t f\" 1.* \<-<-<-<-- ',t, i'.',.,4'--.r' j- i*1.:{ -i; Ir::':r il'. \-/B

to you and Youi need to be alone please don't touch me do i want to be alone why do i have to be can't someone tell mewhen we need people the most we want them the least but do we know ourselvesevery man is an island the bridges are all gone did they rot away or did i remove them did i burn them ...were they ever thereyou are the world millions of peopleYou are in the world one Person but mean so much more i thought only God deserved a capital letter are You more to me than God are You real or a fantasyi need You or do i want You why do i push when i mean to pull will you leave me alsoi have nothing but question marks can't someone else punctuate this life john heelan 8lttl83

receive your next newsletter, MEMBER'S FATHER ILL the November issue. If you have not ordered your Gary Velez of Region 9 vl reports tapes Yet, may we encourage that his father is currently NEVSLETTER you to do so right away. Initially suffering from a serious illness SUBSCRIPTION FEES we will duplicate as many as we which requires hospitalization have orders for. May I partic-sAultbhsocurgiphtiothnefreeewfaosrntohe\"oKffiincsiahilp\" tuhlaerlryrSeanmcpoluerra\" gtaepyeouAStoit and major surgery.Connection in the past, some order Gary has requested our prayersmembers and friends have sentdonations indicating that they will in behalf of his father at this give you a sense of the Kamp-were for that purpose. If you difficult time. meeting experience.are among those who have con- *** Why not sit down now and com-tributed funds in support of the plete your order? You'll notConnection in recent months and be sorry if you do!wish to have that contribution ***credited toward the 1983/84 sub-scription fee, please indicate the INFORMATION PACKETS BRING NEV MEMBERamount and approximate date at CANADIAN MEMBERS ATTEND As a direct result of Kinship'sthe bottom of the subscription KAMPMEETING '83 efforts in mailing out the infor-form so that we can give In a recent note from one of mation packets, we have a newyou proper credit. our members we were reminded member.The subscription fees forthe Connection are expected that no mention was made in An Adventist minister who hadto cover only about one-half the our Kampmeeting issue about the attendance of Canadian Kin- read the packet and was therecost of producing the Connection fore aware of Kinshiprs existencU..zduring the upcoming year. There- ship members. informed one of his gay parish-fore, your continuing support Two members from Canada were ioners about our organization. with us for the entire week. We This person had not previouslyis needed and appreciated. been aware oJ Kinship's exis- apologize for our oversight in Lee Stanford, Chair not mentioning this important tence.SDA Kinship Finance Committee news item last month. We are pleased to know that one **,r Both Canadian members in benef it of the inf ormationCASSETTES SOON TO BE SENT attandance at Kampmeeting are packet is that they may enable enthusiastic about this family us to reachWe are pleased to know your and are actiVely endeavoring to who would not Bay Adventistsinterest in the recordings that encourage Kinship's growthwere made at our recent Kamp- otherwise knowmeeting '83. At press time in Canada.Larry Hallock was working to about SDA Kinship.compile a master tape of seg- Both Canadian attendees at this year's event plan to be at Election Resultsments from the various meetings Kampmeeting '84 in Colorado next August 19-26. We hope A complete list of the newfor the Kampmeeting Sampler they will be able to bring a regional directors wiil betape. When that time-consuming large Canadian delegationtask is finished, Larry will send with theml included.the master tapes to Gary Stebbeds Information Packet Response Bob Bouchard received awho will do the duplicating and letter from a former acquaintance to whom hemailing. inadvertantly came out as a result of the coverIf you have ordered tapes we letter. He will share thatbelieve you will enjoy them verymuch. Your order should be with us.filled and to you before you 10

Here are the dates for the upcoming mento. Our hosts will be Cisco and Ken. We wiil discuss our participation in the meetings: REGION 2--South Atlantic October 15, 198, at 4 PM in Seattle, AIDS Interf aith Group and the invitation Washington at George and Don's home lrom River City Dernoeratic Club to Our October meeting will be held on meet with United . States Representative, the Bth of the month. We will have a there will be a light supper and meeting. Vic Fazio in November. Steve and potluck. At this meeting we will Bowling is planned for later that Skissington f rom RCDC will answet discuss plans for our November meeting evening. There will be a \"dutch treat'! quesiions and detail the plans, and December party. Call Steve at brunch on Sunday, October 15th at IFrederich and Nelson's't in downtown The October meeting is an of f iciai (3O1) ?49-2183 or Myke at (101 ) 926- Seattle. ln the afternoon yourre on your regional business meeting. Nominations own in Seatile. Please call (206) 695- for regional director wilt be made and oo?9. REGION A--Great Lakes ?281 or write to Dusty if you can make the election procedures will be discussed. it. Address: Mr. Dusty S. Cawthra, Communication is the continuing theme The Region 4 Weekend Toqether is 6610 NW Whitney Road, Space 148, planned for our October and November planned lor October 15. This event Vancouver, WA 98655. meetings. For information call Ren at will be held at a wooded summer On November 12th the meeting will (916) 485-1694 or lra (916) 455-B9ttO. camp on Lake Michigan near Berrien be in Portland around 4 PM. We'll Springs. We will have a talk by Les have our meeting and potluck back at Region 8's members wish to extend Everett, a potluck meal, worship by an congratulations to all the newly elected Dennis and Corkyrs house. of ficers. We look forward to working SDA pastor, and eveninq video enter- with you all. Thank you for your letter tainment. Overnight accomodationsare On December l0th we plan to go to Lin Shepherd. You will hear from us. available at the camp. For those who Florence, Oregon on the Oregon Coast. are able to stay, we will have brunch Frank has offered his spacious home Thank you lra, Gary, and Don for your (dutch treat) at a restaurant on Sunday there and we hope to rent a motor valuable and special assistance given to home and go together. Anyone in the people in crisis. Countless hours have morninq. Elections for regional director will USA wanting to ioin us, hurry and let been given in Kinship love and care be discussed along with the regular over the past several weeks. We meeting. For more information contact us knowl continue with Kinshiprs mission. Thanks again to all who attended Lee Stanford at (J1J) 335-2523. the meeting September 17th. AIso, REGION 9--Southem California REGION 7--Pacific I'lorthwest thanks to all my gang f or all their Our f irst meeting alter Kampmeeting kindness and support to me. Special was held in Errol Chamnessr apartment We had an outstanding meeting in thanks to J. Lemar, my love, who on September 9. The meeting began Portland Saturday evening at Dennis and with the renewinq of friendships and a puts up with me and my concerns. Corkyis house with eleven people present. Love, Dusty potluck luncheon of delicious vegetarian cuisine. With our physical energy I hear the meeting in August at Myron's with thirteen present was wonderful; the REGION B--Central Paeifie replenished, Richard Russell presided food he prepared was delicious. All Our September meeting was well over a business meeting which included attended and we enioyed all who came the nomination of regional officers attendees filled out new applieations for from near and far. The meeting was and a pitch to send correspondence to Kinship. Several have already sent an communication and goal oriented, a Sacramento in favor of the gay rights segment, one of a three-month theme. bill which is now bef ore the state application and their $15.00 in for the legislature. The remainder of the newsletter. We had a potluck dinner We reached a consensus on goals: 1 ) meeting was the recounting of the before our meeting. Elections were held for the Region 7 Director; we await\7 an official count from the vice president. accept and affirm eaeh individual as an marvelous experiences of Kampmeeting 'B) by those who had attended to those Dates were set f or our meetings in individual, 2) guarantee everyone the who had not, The spiritual and emotion- latitude to be him or herself, )) share al renewal that Kampmeeting engenders October, November, and December. This bhe Adventist heritage without condem- was made abundantly evident. way anyone who comes some distance will have time to plan ahead. Also, nation, 4) love and care for each Our next meeting will be held on thanks to everyone who came to person, 5) accept each other as adults October 1 and 2 at Ben Pickell's start- our September meeting: Tom K. ioined capable of making intelligent decisions ing in the high-desert and caravaning to with us f rom Florence, Oregon. His and choices, 6) listen to and assist his low-deseri abode in Palm Desert, travel was 180 miles each way and those who seek help, and 7) quarantee CA. The theme of the meeting will be Rene' P. came in f rom Walla Walla, equal Kinship to everyone. We thank \"The Establishing and Maintaining of Washington. We thank her for her long you Theresa McRae for being the Relationships.'r Those who did not trip too. Geotqe and Dan came from inspiration for these goals. lt was nice receive directions may call Ben at (519) Seattle, Washington. We always enioy ialking with youl 364-3701 or (619) 146-5307. seeing them, Thanks Dennis and Our next meeting will be a potluck Our regards to our brothers and sisters Corky f or hosting the meeting and beginning at 2 PM on Saturday, Oetober of all the other regions. providing the guests with a place to 8, at 1725 \"Ht' Street, Cottage /11, Sacra- stay. ,11

RUIru? Monday OGTOBER 1983 Fridav NOVEMBEF Tuesday Wednesday Thursday SEPTEMBER SMTWTFS 1 12345SMTWTFS l-Iappy Birthday 129 6 7 I 9 1011 12 Phil Thmm4 5 6 7I910 13 14 15 16 l8 19 4 5 6 7811 12 t3 14 15 16 17 ?o21 2,zJ2'74 fr Region 8 to Region 2 Meeting Parents & Friends Region 8 Meeting18 19m?l 2./324 27 2€?g3o Meeting252s27 ?€?93/J 3 2 11 L2 13 L4 Region 5 Meeting Region 7 Meeting 9 18 19 2A Fhppy Birthday Regron 4's Veekend and Love to 16 Region E to Ren Reyrcldsl Ray C@yrs Parents & Friends Birthday This is 2L b Today! Ben PickelPs Meeting Speial Day 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Have a l-lappy KC to Press f* sn'Pt*'at Denver Crew: Soccial DaY: - s is assembly r u\".ollljnffL.-\" 31 lYour help is Lo rnuc! 30 lappreciated. Come ldearly as you can I alter 5:00 PM.

I(AilIPIIIEETI}lO CASSETTES FOR SALEBARBARA GITTINGS A fascinating presentation of the history of the qay movement, by a woman who's been actively involvedfor almost thirty years. One cassette--$2.r0ea.DR. RICHARD HAMILTON san Francisco speaks on gay health issues, including comprehensive An Adventist gay physician from Two cassette set--$5.00/set.coverage of AIDS.DAN PINELLO lncludes: housingr employment, A g\"y New York attorney discusses legal issues important to gays. One cassette--$2.50ea.discrimination, wills, aliens, and health (e.g. the law and AIDS),ONE OF THE VISITING CLERGYever riHomosexuality and the church.tt Gay community/church community: their mutual responsibilities. \"What- one thinks about the morality of homosexual behavior, there can be no doubl about the immorality ofmuch of the Church's behavior toward homosexual persons.', flrre r:assette--$2.50ea.LARRY HALLOCK Biblical Perspectives. All those old texts are reexarnined frorn a differerrt pe rspec ti v e. One cassette--$2.)Oea.RON LAWSON We have a duty to cry for and work for One cassette--$2.50ea. Messages to Kinstrip. We can be sure of our salvation.justice. Our gaynEss is a gift, to be used responsibly.A KAMPMEETING 'Bf SAMPLER *short excerpts from all the above and from other session recordinqs; *Personal stories of struggle and triumph; *Brief comments by 22 people who attended Kinship Kampmeeting ,81, telling how they felt about it and what it did for them. *once you've heard this tape, you won't be able to miss another Kinship Kampmeetingl An inspiration. One cassette--$1.00ea.I would like the f ollowing tapes and have enclosed a check or money order payable to SDA Kinship tocover the cost. Please mail your order to the editor, not to Los Angeles to insure sooner delivery.lf GITTINGS @ $2.50 ea. Please mail to: HAMILTON @ $5.00 per set Name PINELLO @ $2.50 ea. A ddress CLERGY @ $1.50 ea. City State ZIP HALLOCK @ $2.50 ea. LAWSON @ $2.50 ea. TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED# SAMPLER @ $1.00 ea. Please mail order to:# FULL SET @ $20.00 l VICKI SHELTON, Editor P.O. Box 100f2 Denver, CO 80210

:1 GETTING Y0UR INPUT--A Reader-Interest SurveyThank you for taking a moment or two to help us know how to better meet the needs ofour Kinship Connection readers. Please look at the following ideas and rate them accord-ing to their interest to you. Feel free to comment or make suggestions about each oneas you wish. We invision the possibility of using some of these ideas or ones you suggestfor assigning articles to be written for special issues of the KC or to be used as individualarticles. I =highest interest level, 5=lowest interest level 12345 tl tl tl tl tl Adventist Gays Growing Older tl tl tl U tl Parents, Family, and Friends Comment U U U tI U Adventist Gays In \"The Vork\" U tl tl U tl Gay Groups In Other Churches U U U tI tl Non-Church-Connected Gays Involved With Kinship U tl tl U tI Relationships: tt\"? When? Why? How?I believe you could improve the Kinship Connection by:Other ideas for possible articles/features are:I could contribute an article on:The following person (someone you know well and are sure of her or his writing interest)could and probably would be willing to write on:. Name of person: How to contact this person:Please feel free to make additional comments on the back of this sheet or call or writeus any time. We want the newsletter to be of benefit to youlSubmitted by: Phone: Mail to: J. Vicki Shelton P.O. Box 10032 Denver, CO 80210 or to: Kinship's LA Address

'IfisisVotlr lesl 9o?v) wfthoul renewn SDA Kinship hopes you have enioyed receiving the Kinship Connection We have made every effort to provide a quality newsletter containing many interesting articles and news items. This, of course, costs money. Many worthwhile projects await only the necessary funding to be brought to reality, so we are asking each newsletter recipient to help us by sendinE a check for fifteen dollars ($15) in the US, $20 foreign to help cover the expense of her or his newsletter. This subscription, covering the issues from October 19Bi to September 1984 will allow SDA Kinship to turn its fundraising efforts to proiects other than the newsletter. To continue receiving the SDA Kinship Connection, if you have not already done so, please foilow these directions: --lf you are already an SDA Kinship active or supporting member, please fill out the coupon at the bottom of the page and return it to the indicated address with a check for $15 ($20 foreign). --lf you are not a member of SDA Kinship, we have included a membership form with this notice. Please fill out both the membership form and the coupon below and return both of them to the address below with a check for $15 ($20 foreign). As 5DA Kinship does not wish to exclude anyone who is experiencing f inancial hardship, provision has been made to retain anyone on our subscription list who does not have the money. Please write on the form below that you are not able to afford the subscription fee if that is the case, and return the form to us. You will continue receiving the Kinslrip Connection. However, we must receive your response soon to keep you on the mailing list. So act now and we thank you for your support. Please make your $15 (or $20 f oreign) check payable to 'rSDA Kinship Newsletterrr and send it to SDA Kinship International in the enclosed envelope.Name Address zipCity State Seventhday Adventist Kinship International, lnc. P.O. Box 1233 Los Angeles. CA 90078-1233 Phone (213) 876-2076

PLEDGE FORM-_Information Packets_-PLEDGE FORMI wish to be involved with Kinship's educational outreach to the Adventist Church and tohelp with the reaching of gay women and men in the Church.I Enclosed is my donation of $U I pledse $. to be sent by (date)I I will attempt to raise $ by contacting others. Signed