United Church

Ignoring Bible isn't mainstream for Christians The United Church of Christ is not "a pretty mainstream American institution," as The Sun suggested ("A chill wind," editorial, Dec. 3). It occupies a far-left position on the spectrum of Christian belief and practice -- not because it admits all comers, but because of what the members say and do once inside the church. The Bible flat-out declares that homosexual behavior is sinful. Agree with it or not, but that's what it says. Nevertheless, the United Church of Christ is known for promoting self-avowed (read: unrepentant)

WASHINGTON - Let me put my bias right up front so nobody can miss it: I am a member of the United Church of Christ. I joined the UCC - a little-known denomination out of Cleveland - about five years ago. It was the first church I'd ever seen that seemed to take seriously the idea that inclusion is a Christian value. It was also the first that actively sought to resolve divisions of culture, class, race and sexual orientation. So you can imagine how I feel about Wednesday's news that CBS and NBC have rejected a new UCC commercial celebrating just that characteristic: I am appalled.

THE UNITED Church of Christ is a pretty mainstream American institution. The notion that the 1.3 million-member church would accept worshippers regardless of race, ethnicity, age, economic status or sexual orientation seems no worse than idealistic. (Or dare we say, downright Christian?) Yet, the church's new 30-second television ad promoting that idea has been rejected by two broadcast networks, CBS and NBC, as too controversial. That's right: The idea of tolerance suddenly can't be tolerated.

The United Church of Christ, a denomination with 1.3 million members and a history of embracing diversity, said CBS, UPN and NBC have rejected a television ad as "too controversial" because it suggests that gays and other minorities are excluded by some churches. The 30-second spot, produced by the Cleveland-based church group, is part of a $1.7 million national ad campaign launched yesterday. Aimed at attracting new members, it spotlights the group's attitude of welcome with the message: "Jesus didn't turn people away.

Lisbon United Methodist Church will hold a ham and oyster supper from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. tomorrow in the church hall, 15875 Frederick Road near Woodbine. The family-style meal will include fried oysters, ham, green beans, corn, rolls, relishes, beverages, homemade cole slaw, potato salad and gelatin salads. Tickets are $11, and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Carry-out orders are available. Information: 410-489-7245. Mount Airy vineyard plans jazz, wine festival Berrywine Plantations, Linganore Winecellars, will hold a Vintage Jazz Wine Festival from noon to 6 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday.

Carroll County government officials will hold a community information meeting on the Finksburg Corridor Conservation Plan from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow in the Sandymount Elementary School gymnasium, 2222 Old Westminster Pike. The meeting will begin with a presentation by county planning staff, who will answer questions and hear comments from residents about the preliminary draft of the plan. The draft of the plan and an accompanying map were prepared taking community input into consideration.

On August 22, 2004, DOROTHY G. Friends may call at the FAMILY OWNED MARCH FUNERAL HOME EAST, 1101 East North Avenue on Thursday after 8:30 A.M. The family will receive friends at the Zion Baptist Church, 1700 N. Caroline Street on Friday at 10:30 A.M. Funeral Services will follow at 11 A.M. See www.marchfh.com2004, ELLEN MELVIN (nee Barland), mother of Carol A. Melvin and Eric N. Melvin. She is also survived by one brother, Thomas S. Barland, Jr. and a host of other relatives and friends.

Calvary United Methodist Church will hold its third annual craft fair, yard sale and barbecue chicken dinner from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on the church grounds, 3939 Gamber Road. Local vendors will offer a variety of crafts. The grilled chicken platter will include homemade potato salad, green beans and applesauce. Baked goods will be available. Music will be provided from 11 a.m. to noon. Proceeds will benefit the church's mission projects. Information: 410-751-3841. Kids luau, teen mystery among library's offerings Eldersburg branch library, 6400 W. Hemlock Drive, is offering: Family Story Time for all ages (3 and younger with an adult)

The Rev. Charles Leger has made community outreach one of his priorities since coming last year to Jennings Chapel United Methodist Church in Woodbine. But this summer, Leger and his wife will take that goal to a higher level. The Legers, Methodist ministers who live in Howard County, will be in Bosnia from July 15 to 31 to work in the Volunteer in Mission Program of the United Methodist Church. They will head to the town of Mostar. The couple will spend much of their time with the Muslim community, whose infrastructure was destroyed after the country's civil war, which ended in 1995.

On March 28, 2004 DWIGHT C. ROBINSONFriends may call at the FAMILY OWNED MARCH FUNERAL HOME EAST, 1101 East North Avenue, on Wednesday after 8 A.M. The family will receive friends at United Church of Jesus Christ, 934 Gorsuch Ave. on Thursday at 6 P.M. Services will follow at 6:30 P.M. See www.marchfh.com