Rev. Anne M. Rousseau

Rev. Anne M. Rousseau

United Church of Christ

Needham, MA

Beautiful child of God,
Wonderfully and fearfully made,
Her childhood religion not understanding,
Leaves to find her spiritual home.

Loving God all the while, hearing her call –
Another fearful, misunderstanding denomination says
You are not what God means;
You are not what God needs!

Seeking truth, finding self and voice and face,
When it was easier to be discouraged,
Hearing her call to ministry,
Working to find homes for those with none,
Speaking the language of justice and love,
Shining on those forgotten,
Saving young women’s lives,
Serving God and humankind.

One day, the United Church of Christ
Welcomes and affirms
Her soul and her gifts and her ways.
Once made invisible by others,
You are what God means;
You are what God needs.

Beautiful child of God:
Minister, example,
Igniter of hearts to justice and love,
Church beacon,
God’s good and faithful servant
In whom God is surely well-pleased.

May God’s grace fill your life,
And God’s voice continue to fill your ministry.

With love and gratitude,
The Outreach Committee
and the Open and Affirming (ONA) Committee
Congregational Church of Needham, MA
United Church of Christ
January 2009

Given to the collection by Kathie Carpenter from the Congregational Church of Needham