It is the oldest place of worship of the Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of New York, organized in 1628 under the Dutch West India Company when Peter Minuit was Governor of New Amsterdam. The first minister was Jonas Michaelius, who appointed Peter Minuit as Elder and Bastiaen Jonaz Krol as Deacon. It is the oldest Protestant organization in North America with continuous service for 374 years.
Now that's a lot to swallow. But the reasons that I found myself on the steps and in the pews of Marble wasn't because of Peter Minuit or Jonas Michaelius (no matter how cool or cute they might have been). My story of working toward becoming a member of Marble starts on the subway.
I have been looking to explore my spiritual side for quite some time and have never felt comfortable in the confines of organized religion. My parents use to force me to go to church with them on Easter but I only went because we all went to breakfast afterwards and the only way that I could be apart of Bob Evans afterwards is if I listened to the Reverend Bob Johnson beforehand. So, in essence, I was called to church not because of Jesus or Mary but because of Mrs. Butterworth and Aunt Jemima. I have never been comfortable because I felt that inside of church and religion, I have always had to hide myself inside the closet. Not anymore. I was on the subway heading home from my grad classes when I happened upon a sign (not from God but on the wall) that advertised a church downtown that had a specific Gay and Lesbian Ministry. Not an Ex-Gay Ministry that tried to convert the confused to make them think that they weren't gay but a true inclusive ministry that accepted us for us and not the "love the sinner hate the sin" worshippers. And I was pulled, at my core, to attend service. And here I am, two services later, in love with both Marble and the message that is preached.
Doubt was the topic of today's sermon. Doubt of one's self and doubt of Holy Love. Both forgiven before they occur. We are Loved and We are Wanted. My friend TP has read the book The Secret. It is a book that has been talked a lot about over the past year. I wanted to know The Secret without actually buying or reading the book. And the secret is the same thing I've been saying for years....What is meant to be yours can never be taken away by any man because it has already been given to you (regardless if it's in your possession or not). Be patient grasshopper, is what I'm being told. Be patient and have Faith. All will come in time. That's the message I received and that's the message I'm sharing.
Who Am I,
