A Trip to Church

I went back to church this morning -- my new church -- MCC.

It meets in a townhouse in a commercial development near the center of Fairfax, VA. As you get to the front door, it's great to see the massive rainbow flags that flap in the breeze as you open the door.

When I'm there I can't explain the feelings that wash over me. I feel safe. I feel secure. I feel genuinely loved.

Isn't this what one is supposed to feel at church?

I've been very active in church for over 30 years. In all the churches I was involved in, I was guilty of not being authentic. There was always a part of me that was guarded....closely guarded. That's the gay part.

So, in those situations, when people told me that they loved me, I accepted it, but in the back of my mind I always wondered what they would think if they only knew the real Frank.

Today, Palm Sunday, was a very special day. There was a membership class and we spent four hours learning about the history of MCC. We also learned about MCC NoVA and what membership means. So, now, I'm thinking about joining.

Why the hesitation?

I think it is probably because I detest change. My grandparents were members of their church for over 50 years. They never waivered. But here I am, I joined the Church of God, Cleveland, TN in 1976. I remained a member in good standing for almost 25 years. Then I followed Lovey to the United Methodist Church and have been a member of that organization for 7 years.

But this church is like nothing I have ever experienced. There is unconditional love and acceptance. For the first time in my life I can be authentic and be the real Frank. I can say openly "I am Gay" and no one is going to send me to hell. There's nurturing....there's faith.....and it looks like there is a nitch for me.