I'd say my journey of learning about Community of Christ started when I was 14 years old and was on a road trip that took me through Historic Nauvoo, Illinois. I learned about the Saints that homesteaded in the US Midwest and it struck my curiosity to learn more about the faithful that did not follow Brigham Young west to Utah amidst horrible persecutions by mobs against what the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr had organized.
Through my teenage years and 20's I struggled with the reality that I was not romantically attracted to women. I tried hard to live a life of no personal companionship since I was taught that only being with a woman would be acceptable by God. Trying to keep this life of not being true to my own feelings came crashing down when I met my now husband and fell in love. I realized my feelings could not be so wrong if God made me capable to have them. Hence my journey to find a community that would not shame me for falling in love became paramount. In March 2019 I decided I should attend a Sunday service at Community of Christ in Victoria. I was welcomed warmly by Pastor John who was setting up a computer for music. I knew I would feel guilty sitting there in service and not providing a service I love to do. So I told John I can play most songs on piano. He was delighted to hear this and welcomed me to play! I was surprised how welcoming the whole congregation was to me and they didn't even know the first thing about me. After the service, I told pastor John I had married another man last year and hope this was not an issue as I would like to come again and play piano. It was no issue that I was gay, and thus I knew right away that Community of Christ would be my new place to worship God that I know celebrates all feelings of Love in his Children. So to answer your question if there was something I wish I knew before I came to Community of Christ. I wish I knew sooner that it did not matter I was gay. It really only matters that I love God. Sincerely, Daniel Brown
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New adventures in Victoria! This weekend some of our congregation members got together for a website building workshop. With expert guidance, great food and lots of laughs, we've had a lot of fun exploring our creative sides and building something we are proud of. |
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