[Dialogue] A powerful commentary from Howard Zinn

[DReese8542@aol.com]

Dick, I am a member of two local congregations.  One here in  Chickasha is my 
home town church where we were married, Joyce's completed  life celebration 
was held and where I baptized one of our children.
 
When we retired and began attending it quickly got clear that our  experience 
had broadened our theology so much that we simply were circling  in a totally 
different orbit that local church people.  After Joyce  died I got more and 
more restless.  
 
So, I began driving 50 minutes north to attend a FREE THINKERS' adult  class 
and participate in a powerful worship service, preaching, etc., with  Robin 
Meyers as the Preacher.
You may have read some  of his declarations on the  internet.  After a while 
I got to lead the class and have made many  close friends there.  
 
I also attend an early morning mens'  group studying that  PURPOSE DRIVEN 
LIFE BOOK.   This is mostly, for me, a way to  stay in touch with a group of 
local men.  For a while, until all this  last illness caught up with me, I led a 
Wednesday evening Bible  study.  Since I have had to drop out of leadership, 
that group has  degenerated into mostly blathering ignorance with overrides 
similar to  talk radio.  I am about to give up going at all.
 
Mayflower, on the other hand, has a most active lay led series of  groups 
which feeds homeless people in one of the local parks, twice a  month plus gives 
clothing, etc. to needy ones.  
 
They also do mobile meals, a variety of other local outreach programs  and 
are an open and affirming congregation, Unanimous vote,  Gay  people take 
leadership roles. The Orgnist, choir director and a number of  choir members, 
deacons, etc. all are gay.  It has been a wonderful  learning experience for me. 
 
There is much, much more.  This church truly is a light on a  hill.  DReese