Napa Pride day 2: Queer-friendly faith, Family Picnic, Ben & Jerry's, Guerilla Gays at Pancha's

From first hand, I can tell you that last night's youth Pride dance was a hit. With around 100 youth in attendance, a live, local band (In The Know), free food and drinks and DJ Rotten Robbie...a good time was had by all--including the volunteers! I've heard equally enthusiastic reports from the golf event and supper in Yountville. And that was only day 1!

What's in store for today? Hope you're well rested. Get on the phone and get your friends and family rounded up, it's time for:

• 9:30a-10:30a: Reconciling Sunday Service, "Creating Sanctuary for All" at First United Methodist Church, Napa
  Sanctuary should not be limited to a resting place, but a deepening place and a growing place. It is our vision that as GLBT people find safe places, they will share their stories and offer their gifts in ministry. It is our hope that these stories and gifts will cause congregations to open their eyes to a wider vision… a vision that will call for action in creating ever widening sanctuary. Our Reconciling Service features the Oakland/East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus!
  
  
• 12p-4p: Pride Family Picnic at Fuller Park, Napa
  Come have a relaxing afternoon...BBQs will be prepped and ready should you decide to cook your contribution. Also, plenty of fun & games for the whole family to enjoy, like: hula hoop, water balloon toss, bocce ball. There will also be a huge raffle with fabulous prizes to be won! (City regs prohibit alcoholic beverages and smoking. "Four-legged kids" are welcome on a leash)
  
• 4p-5:30p: "Fish Out of Water" film Screening, God and Gays, Some Perspectives at First United Methodist Church
  You might think you know where the Bible stands on the subject of homosexuality, but when was the last time you actually checked? The spirited documentary Fish out of Water explores the seven Bible passages notoriously used to condemn homosexuality and justify marriage discrimination. With the help of a cartoon narrator, animated recollections of Bible passages and witty illustrations, Fish out of Water makes this polarizing subject accessible and non‐threatening.
  
• 4p-9p: Ben and Jerry's Fundraiser, Napa
  To help celebrate Napa Valley LGBT Pride 2010, Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Scoop Shop in the Napa Town Center will donate 20% of your bill to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life on behalf of Team Napa Valley Unity League! Just visit them on Sunday, June 13, 2010 between 4 and 9 p.m. When you pay for your ice cream be sure to give them a copy of this flyer: click to download.
  
  
• 6p-9p: Panchas of Yountville invaded by Guerilla Gay Bar, Yountville
  Join in for cocktails and camaraderie when Napa's Guerilla Gay Bar crew heads up to Pancha's in Yountville. 

For a list of the rest of the 20+ events for Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride 2010--you know, to plan out the rest of your amazing week to come--click here.

Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride coming June 12-20, 2010; 20+ events planned

[Update, May 28: corrected the location of the youth Pride dance to Kenney (not Fuller) Park.]

The folks behind this year's Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride have outdone themselves and scheduled 20+ events for this year's celebrations. There's bound to be something (if not many things) to get everyone involved, so get these all on your own calendars, now!

There's a "fan page" on Facebook if you'd like to follow the news, or as usual, I'll cover developments, here on The Valley's Other Fruit.

Additionally, Saturday, June 5 (10a-2p) there's a carwash fundraiser at Compadres to bring in money to fund all these amazing rainbow events.

Saturday, June 12

• 4p-9p: Tee Up Your Pride at Vintner's Golf Club
  
• 7p-11:30p: Youth Pride Dance at Pelusi Building/Kennedy Park
  

Sunday, June 13

• 9:30a-10:30a: Reconciling Sunday Service, "Creating Sanctuary for All" at First United Methodist Church
  
• 12p-4p: Pride Family Picnic at Fuller Park
  
• 4p-5:30p: "Fish Out of Water" film Screening, God & Gays, Some Perspectives at First United Methodist Church
  
• 4p-9p: Ben & Jerry's Fundraiser
• 6p-9p: Panchas of Yountville invaded by Guerilla Gay Bar
  

Monday, June 14

• 11a - 10p: Mary's Pizza Shack PFLAG Pfundraiser

Tuesday, June 15

• no events yet planned, visit napavalleypride.com for late breaking updates

Wednesday, June 16

• 2p-9p: Gott's Roadside Tray Gourmet Relay for Life Fundraiser

Thursday, June 17

• The Napa Valley Toy Company 10 & 10 Day, fundraiser for PFLAG
• 5p-9p: Chef's Market Pride Night
• 7:30p-9:30p: Downtown Joe's invaded by Napa Guerilla Gay Bar

Friday, June 18

• 6p-midnight: "You Can Leave Your Hat On!" Pride celebration, dance, food at Made In Napa Culinary Centre
  

Saturday, June 19

• 10:30a-2:30p: Pride Hike at Skyline Park
• 7p-10p: Family & "Family" bowling night at Napa Bowl
• 11p-1a: Mamma Mia sing-a-long at Cameo Cinemas

Sunday, June 20

• 10a-1p: Recovery Brunch at Characters, Napa Valley Marriott
  
• 4p-9:30p: Art Show and Poetry Reading, "Showing Our True Colors" at Bloom
  
• 4p-sunset: Ibiza Chill-Out in the Napa Valley at Bardessono
  

Freedom to Marry interfaith service in Vallejo this Mon, Nov 2

Our friends Rick/Paul wanted me to share this special opportunity with you. I also got info about this event from the Courage Campaign, with the intriguing tidbit, "The best predictor of whether someone voted for or against Prop 8 was how frequently a voter attended a place of worship."

Paul also shared his personal invitation:

As we move forward in the effort to gain full equality for the LGBT community, it is time to recommit ourselves to the struggle. It is highly probable that there will be a “Repeal Prop 8” initiative on the 2010 ballot and we must continue to build relationships to change the hearts and minds of those who are not yet with us.

Toward that effort, the interfaith communities of Napa and Solano counties are coming together for a service in Vallejo .

Although Napa voters narrowly supported the freedom to marry, the two-county tally nearly matches the statewide results of 52% opposing us – and a big part of that opposition was from people of faith. We hope that our Napa/Solano collaboration and the visibility of a service in Vallejo can help turn that opposition around.

We hope you can support our efforts by joining us or by forwarding the attached announcement to your networks.

Thank you so much!

Paul Boisvert, Interfaith Organizer
California Faith for Equality
707.738.5077 (mobile)

And here's the details on the interfaith event:

An Interfaith Day of Remembrance and Recommitment
November 2, 2009 @ 7PM
1st Christian Church
1035 Indiana Street
Vallejo, CA

CA Faith for Equality, Marriage Equality USA, the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of CA, Equality California, the Bay Area Coalition of Welcoming Congregations, Courage Campaign, Progressive Jewish Alliance, and a number of other organizations are coming together to “Keep the Faith” for equality.

At the one year anniversary of the passage of Proposition 8, we will stand together, not looking back, but moving forward. We will celebrate the progress that has been made in the past year, both in the secular and religious communities. We will renew our support for our friends who are once again denied recognition of their committed relationships.

Through interfaith prayer, song, and reflection, we are “Keeping the Faith” for equality for all people.

Big Gay Napa Weekend starts now? Sin @ JK's, Out in the Park Six Flags, Reconciliation Sunday and Oakland/East Bay Gay Men's Chorus, whew!

Yes, it's going to be a full, big, gay weekend here in the Napa Valley:

• Thursday: the launch of Sin (a new gay nightclub, Thursdays) @ J.K.'s Ultralounge in Rohnert Park
• Friday: (Gay day) Out in the Park at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom with LMFAO, Paradiso Girls and DJs Perry Twins, 5pm
  
• Sunday morning: Reconciliation Sunday at United Methodist Church w/ special service and preview of the evening concert, 9:30am
• Sunday afternoon: Poolside Soiree at Bardessono, 2-4pm
  
• Sunday evening: Oakland/East Bay Gay Men's Chorus Napa Concert, "Reach Out and Bring Happiness", 5pm
  

Catholic LGBT-BBQ @ Newman in Berkeley, Thurs, Sept 3

Thursday, September 3 marks the kick-off of the season for the LGBT Catholics meetings at Newman/Holy Spirit Catholic Parish in Berkeley. The year always starts off with a big gay bbq (LGBTBBQ?) slash potluck slash get-to-gether, and this year is no exception:

Please join the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Catholics for our annual Fall BBQ-Potluck Get-Together this Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7:00 PM in lounge and patio. Prepare a dish. Bring a friend. Meet new folks. Catch up with old friends. We'll provide the hot grill, burgers, hot-dogs, buns, condiments and beverages. All are welcome. Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 PM to 9 PM, Newman Hall, 2700 Dwight Way at College Avenue, Berkeley

additional upcoming events include:

LGBT Catholics: Praying the Rosary in solidarity with LGBT Catholics
Thursday, Sept. 17, 7:30 PM to 9 PM, Newman Hall, 2700 Dwight Way at College Avenue, Berkeley

Join us in the lounge as we explore the Relational Mysteries: Fidelity--Ruth's pledge to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-18); Grief--The parting of David and Jonathan (I Sam 20:35-42); Intercession--Esther intercedes for her people (Est 4:9-5:2); Restoration--the raising of Lazarus (John 11:38-44); and Discipleship--the two encounter Christ on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). The group will be co-facilitated by Mike Campos and Eugene McMullan, Ph.D. students at the Graduate Theological Union. All are welcome.

To join the group's announcement list contact Antonio Salas at LGBT_Newman@yahoo.com or (510) 663-6302. Visit www.CalNewman.org.

Evangelical Lutheran Church vows support of same-gender couples

One of the organizations I follow, Soulforce, emailed out a special blast with some important national news:

Today the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) passed a resolution stating that it will commit itself to find a way to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support and hold publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships. Additionally, the voting members passed another resolution stating that the ELCA is committed to find a way for people in such publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders of the church.

In line with its decision to support same-sex couples, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America also lifted the ban on gay, partnered clergy, (Thanks for the tip, Karen) allowing them to serve openly in the church.

Locally, you can find this flavor of Lutheran at the Napa Valley Lutheran Church, 1796 Elm Street (at the corner of Jefferson, with the neon blue cross) in Napa. However, be careful not to confuse it with St. John's Lutheran on Linda Vista, which is part of the Missouri Synod that seemingly is not connected with today's same-sex supportive ruling. But I'm no Lutheran expert, so please fill in any details if you know.

[Update, 10am: Additionally and before the vote, 95 (remember Martin Luther's 95 theses?) gay, Lutheran clergy members came out in a booklet titled, "One Table, Many Blessings," to speak about how the ban on openly gay clergy has affected their lives.]

Soulforce began in 1998 and it works for "freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance." You can find them online at soulforce.org.

Fortunate Families, Casey Lopata in Berkeley tonight: LGBT Catholics special meeting, Mon, June 29

When I was first coming out to myself and then to close friends and family four years ago, I devoured books and information to help me start learning new ways to be true to my whole self. One of those books that was really important to me--and to me being able to come out to my mom/family--was called Fortunate Famlies, by Mary Ellen and Casey Lopata. Both devout Catholics when the oldest of their six sons came out to them, they wrote the book as a response of how to be true to being Catholic and true to their love for their gay son, and they share the experience of hundreds of Catholic families in similar situations:

Fortunate Families addresses the experience of Catholic parents who love their gay sons and lesbian daughters. The book had its genesis in a descriptive survey of over 200 such parents. It integrates results from the survey, church documents and stories so readers can access what they need most. Some readers will search for accurate information about Catholic teaching; others may connect with the lived experience of other Catholic parents. Still others will find examples of ministerial advocacy and support within the Catholic Church...Grounded in Catholic tradition, Fortunate Families welcomes families of all faiths.

Tonight the two parents who wrote the book will be in Berkeley to present at a special meeting of LGBT Catholics at Newman Hall/Holy Spirit Parish. I'll be going.

LGBT Catholics: A Special Evening of Reflection for LGBT Catholics, their Families and Friends
Monday, Jun 29, 7pm to 9pm
Newman Hall, 2700 Dwight Way & College Avenue, Berkeley

Please join us for an evening of reflection for LGBT Catholics, their families and friends on Monday night June 29th, 7-9 p.m., in the lounge . The evening will be presented by Mary Ellen and Casey Lopata, who are the founders of Fortunate Families (www.fortunatefamilies.com).

Also, to note:

LGBT Catholics: Summer Break.
We will be on summer break and will resume in the Fall.

For more information on the group or to subscribe to the group's announcement list, contact Antonio Salas at LGBT_Newman @yahoo.com or (510) 663-6302. All are welcome.

LGBT community Catholic Mass June 5, Holy Spirit in Berkeley

Once again, the Catholic Parish of Holy Spirit/Newman Hall in Berkley are celebrating the LGBT Community, and invite any/all who wish to join in prayer and celebration:

Please join the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender (LGBT) Catholics
for our
12th Annual LGBT Community Mass
June 5, Friday at 7:30 PM.
Reception to follow.
Invite your family and friends.
All are welcome.

Click invitation image to embiggen.

Napa religious leaders speak out against Proposition 8, call for relationships to be based upon love and justice

This "open letter" was published in Sunday, February 22's Napa Register, and is a great thing to reflect on this time of year, just before Lent and Passover and just before California's Supreme Court is about to hear oral arguments about the invalidity of Proposition 8's passing.

I acknowledge these courageous leaders for speaking up and speaking out when many--even those "on our side" fall silent in the face of fear. Thank you for showing us that love is an action and that you see same-sex couples as your neighbor.

If you're looking for an LGBT friendly religious community to become a part of, I'm sure these ministers, pastors and our new-to-be-installed Rabbi would love to talk to you:

As religious leaders, we opposed Proposition 8 and remain committed to promoting the well-being and spiritual integrity of all people in our community. We are moved to offer this open letter to the people and communities of Napa County.

There are strong civil liberties arguments for ending the exclusion of gay and lesbian couples from the legal institution of marriage. But marriage equality is about more than equal access to the legal protections of marriage. It's about our affirming intimate relationships between people. It's about respect for the new and richly diverse definitions of what it means to be a family. Our religious perspectives celebrate that humans are created in and for relationship and that sexuality is God's gift. And so we affirm the dignity and worth of all people and recognize sexual difference as a blessed part of what it means to be human. There can be no justification for discrimination solely on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. All people have the right to lead lives that express love and justice, mutuality and commitment, consent and pleasure; this includes both civil and religious marriage.

Marriage is about entering into a covenant with another person to share life's joys and sorrows. Marriage is to be valued because it creates stable, committed relationships; it provides a means to share economic resources; it is a source of nurture not only for the couple, but for their children. Good marriages benefit the community. We believe that where there is love, God is there also. What's more, marriage has always been evolving. In the past, it was primarily about property and procreation whereas today the emphasis is on egalitarian partnership, companionship, and love. At one point, neither the state nor most religions recognized divorce and remarriage, interracial marriage, or the equality of the partners. These understandings changed in greater recognition of our shared humanity and the importance of moral and civil rights.

We can't rely exclusively on scripture for understanding marriage today. There are religious texts that encourage celibacy, forbid divorce, and require women to be subservient to their husbands, but we don't give them the authority that they once had. But there are also scriptural models for blessed relationships that go beyond one man and one woman. These scriptures neither commend a single marriage model nor command that we all should be married; but do call that all relationships be based upon love and justice. Our faith calls us to justice and compassion (to love our neighbor as ourselves) and that provides the only mandate that we need for marriage equality.

No single religious voice should speak for all traditions on issues of sexuality and marriage.

The faith traditions that we hold sacred, challenge us to speak and act for justice for all people who want to express their love in the commitment of marriage. Some people of faith differ with us; others may be undecided. To all of them, we reach out and seek to promote what's best for the individuals and couples involved, for their families, for their children and for the sake of our community.

Our commitment, finally, isn't just for the legal rights of some people, but relational justice for all people.

Respectfully in faith,

The Reverend Bonnie Dlott
Unitarian Universalist Minister, (925) 256-4334

The Reverend Jonathan Eastman
Presbyterian Pastor, (707) 963-1255

The Reverend David Hamilton
Lutheran Pastor, (707) 226-8166

The Reverend Roger Kimble III
United Methodist Pastor, (707) 253-1411

The Reverend Douglas J. Monroe
United Methodist Pastor, (707) 253-1411

The Reverend Ken Micah Murdock
Unity Church Senior Minister, (707) 447-0521

Rabbi Oren J Postrel
Reformed Jewish Rabbi, (707) 253-7305

The Reverend Linda S. Powers
Presbyterian Minister, (707) 251-1577

The Reverend Dr. Deana Reed
Presbyterian Pastor, (707) 255-9426

The Reverend Jim Warnock
Lutheran Pastor, (707) 332-7516

The Reverend Julie Webb
Lutheran Pastor, (707) 226-8166

Sadly, but not unexpectedly, missing are any clergy or officials from the Catholic or Latter-Day-Saint (Mormon) Churches.

Filled with the Spirit at Castro's Most Holy Redeemer

Have you had a tremendously positive gay spiritual/religious experience?

I did the other day when going to the 10am Mass at the Castro's Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in San Francisco, CA. I won't give a full recap, but let's just say I got goosebumps (in a very good way) when the choir led the church--one with a history of welcoming all, one with a history of burying many of their own as victims of AIDS, one where, when I was visiting, the congregation was gay and gray and everything en between. In this context, the traditional song that I've heard MANY times in my home church here in Napa took on a new, blessed, deeper significance, and the meaning came alive for me before my eyes.

I teared up as we all sang:

1. Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

2. Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

3. Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?

4. Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?

5. Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

I'd guess the assembled parishioners were about 70% gay men in their 20s/30s/40s (many with babies, many as couples), 10% were little, old, ladies and their husbands, 20% were lesbians and others. This was all just what I observed from my pew and from the doughnut and coffee hour. But when we all sang it was a tremendous chorus (gay men's chorus?) that roared forth the Spirit into my heart.

My journey of figuring out how to be myself as a gay man and as a gay catholic and everything else I am has not been easy, and the Vatican and hierarchy's pronouncements against (usually) same-sex couples and homosexuality have not been kind. It is moments like these, where the Church (the assembled people of God) shines forth its true goodness and reminds me of why I stay Catholic.

Click here for a list of gay-friendly, Catholic parishes around the United States. The Fruit has also have covered some other LGBT welcoming churches here in Napa and nearby.

Please use the comments to share your spiritual experiences, positive or otherwise, or favorite gay-friendly spiritual centers.

No on 8 phone banking at United Methodist Church next 3 Sundays

Photo by Mike Treleven/Register

See, some churches still do support love, commitment and equality! This came in today via the tipline:

We are organizing a phone bank for No on Prop 8 right here in Napa, and need volunteers to help make calls. It will be held at the United Methodist Church, 625 Randolph Street in downtown Napa on Sunday afternoons, 2-5 pm the next three weekends. [Oct 19, 26 & Nov 2] We are asking people to bring their own cell phones and "donate" some of their minutes; that helps the cause and would be greatly appreciated. We are also working on getting some phones from the central campaign for use in addition. Each volunteer is provided training and a script, and folks who have done more of this work will always be on hand to support the effort. Please call Paul or Rick at 226-1314 if you can volunteer.

LGBT catholics fall BBQ & potluck: Sept 4 in Berkeley

I mentioned recently my struggle with working to integrate my gayness with my catholicity, and I keep up the struggle mainly because of finding hope-inspiring organizations in some parishes (like Holy Spirit/Newman Hall parish in Berkeley). The LGBTQ ministry at the parish has been inviting, welcoming, loving and including queer parishioners and seekers into the full life of the faith community for 20+ years. Sure, it is a 45 minute drive, but I find it very worth my time.

They launch their fall "season" with a potluck and barbecue next Thursday:

Sept 4 Fall BBQ-Potluck Get-together

Please join the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Catholics for our annual Fall BBQ-Potluck Get-together. Prepare a dish. Bring a friend. Meet new folks. Catch up with old friends. We'll provide the hot grill, burgers, hot-dogs, buns, condiments and beverages. The get-together is Thursday, Sept. 4, at 7:00 PM in lounge and patio. The group will resume meeting every first and third Thursday. Visit http://www.calnewman.org for information on the group. To join the group's announcement list contact Antonio Salas at LGBT_Newman@yahoo.com or (510) 663-6302. All are welcome.

I plan on going and would be willing to carpool.

Gay friendly: Unitarian Universalist and United Methodist Churches welcome you

From our tipline:

My partner and I are new to the area...and the church we have belonged to for many years, the Unitarian Universalists, is tremendously "gay friendly" throughout the denomination. In fact, the UU prides itself in being a leader in promoting equal civil rights for all people. [Including support against CA's current Proposition 8.] As part of our [recent] move [to Napa], we are just getting started becoming acquainted with the UU congregation in Napa, but have greatly enjoyed our initial visits there and are looking forward to becoming more involved. They meet at the Boys & Girls Club at 1515 Pueblo Street (10 am now during Summer, 11 am the rest of the year).

and separately:

The First United Methodist Church unconditionally welcomes all people in greater Napa wherever they are on their faith journey. As a congregation rooted in scripture, tradition, experience and reason, we promise opportunities to grow in the Spirit and to become active followers of Jesus Christ.

(As a congregation affiliated with The Center for Progressive Christianity (www.tcpc.org), we also affirm the following Eight-Point Welcoming Statement of Progressive Christianity [which includes the part that I have included below...])

...we are Christians who...invite all people to participate in our community and worship life without insisting that they become like us in order to be acceptable (including but not limited to): a. believers and agnostics, b. conventional Christians and questioning skeptics, c. women and men, d. those of all sexual orientations and gender identities e. those of all races and cultures, f. those of all classes and abilities, g. those who hope for a better world and those who have lost hope

1st United Methodist Church of Napa, 625 Randolph Street, Napa, www.napaumc.org

We'd love to hear of any other gay or gay-friendly parishes, churches, congregations or places of spiritual practice in Napa and nearby and your experiences. Please share via the tipline or comments.

Gaybecue @ Berkeley Catholic Church this Thursday, May 15

At the Berkeley Catholic Church I mentioned before, Newman Hall/Holy Spirit Parish is having its annual Spring Barbecue (which I have affectionately referred to as the LGBTBBQ or the Gaybecue--trademarks pending) this Thursday. I promise, no "wieners on the grill" jokes (that would be immature). Here's the details:

LGBT Catholics: Annual Spring BBQ-Potluck Social
Thursday, May 15 ,6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Newman Hall.
Please join the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Catholics for our annual Spring BBQ-Potluck Social. The get-together is Thursday, May 15, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m in the lounge and patio. Bring a dish or dessert and we'll provide the hot grill, burgers, hot-dogs, buns, condiments and beverages. Bring a friend as well! All are welcome.

This is the same Church having the big gay (LGBT, actually) community Mass in June. How awesome to have another faith community embracing and welcoming the entire community.

As always, if you know of any local churches that are welcoming and inclusive to the queer community, let us know. We'll share the great news. Here are links to other Churches we've heard of.

LGBT Mass @ Berkeley Catholic Church

(Not in Napa, but of interest...)

In a previous post an anonymous commenter mentioned St. John's Catholic (in Napa) as a parish that might have some open gays in attendance.

Maybe this isn't surprising, but Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Catholic Parish in Berkeley is actually having an LGBT Catholics Community Mass on Friday, June 6, 2008 at 7:30 pm. According to an email we received, the LGBT Catholics group at Newman has been "an integral part of community life at Newman for over 25 years." Also,

"We encourage and affirm our sexuality, and our spirituality in the Christian Faith through the Catholic tradition." [via Email]

Click the attached image for the flyer with more info about the mass and the group (which meets twice a month). If anyone attends please bring back (and share) some of that openness and welcoming to our Napa churches (and, of course, let us know what you thought). Kudos again to Napa's Covenant Presbyterian.

Covenant Presbyterian welcomes and invites you

In response to yesterday's post asking about our reader's experiences with gay-friendly churches in the Napa Valley, we got a very inviting note via our tipline:

Covenant Presbyterian Church is a fully welcoming church which invites all to life and leadership regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other worldly condition. We pray, as those who follow Christ, for the capacity to envision life as it could be and, with the help of our loving God, to unite ourselves across our differences and to treat all with respect, dignity, love, compassion, understanding and justice.

Covenant Presbyterian Church is located at 1226 Salvador Avenue in Napa. They list their Sunday schedule as:

Choir Practice: 9:30
Worship: 10:30
Sunday School: 10:45
Coffee Fellowship: 11:30

The Valley's Other Fruit would love to hear more about anyone's personal experience with this or other inclusive churches, and we welcome any guest writers that would like to tell us about it. Use our comments section or, as always, our tipline.

Gay friendly churches

After posting about the Christian youth-TV-show host who came out publicly yesterday, it got me thinking about a great film I had seen which explored 5 families with gay/lesbian sons or daughters.



Has anyone else seen the film? What did you think of it?

Are there any gay-friendly churches in the Valley?