Rev. Bonnie L. Lipton

Rev. Bonnie L. Lipton<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

<?xml:namespace prefix = ns0 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />PilgrimChurch, United Church of Christ

St. Augustine, FL

God called me to the ordained ministry as a teenager. 
The church where I worshipped at that time did not
permit women to be in any leadership roles, let alone
answer the call to the ministry. I left that church,
and all churches for a period of my life.

But God never stopped calling me…

As a middle-aged woman, I began the journey to ministry
in my church of many adult years, only to be told that
I was not called – due solely to my sexual orientation.

Both God and I wept, but…
Knowing who I was…
Knowing whose I was…
Knowing that my God does not make mistakes…
I sought out a spiritual home, and was led to
The United Church of Christ!

I was loved, cared for, mentored, and ordained in this
Christ-centered, unifying denomination. I continue to
serve the UCC in parish ministry, reaching out in service
 and mission to our communities and our world.

Happy 50^th Anniversary, my beloved UnitedChurch of Christ!
God IS Still Speaking AND Smiling!
June 24, 2007

This stole was given in celebration of the United Church of Christ's 50th Anniversary, and for the refuge that the UCC has offered for so many GLBT clergy.

David Lohman
IWR and Faith Work Coordinator
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources
Home of the Shower of Stoles Project
2007