LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Letters to LETTERS |
To CAMP Rehoboth,
I am pleased to announce, that after much discussion with my family and with community encouragement, I will seek reelection as a Rehoboth Beach Commissioner. As city commissioner it has been an honor and a privilege to serve the community. Parking Permits, the Long Range Plan, and the Listening Post are a few of the many accomplishments that have occurred during my term. Currently, some of the issues are: Downtown revitalization, preservation of the beach, replacing the water storage tanks, and the future use of the McQuay property. As city commissioner I will work diligently on these issues and many more. If anyone is interested in assisting with my campaign, please call me at (302) 226-2535. Sincerely, Kenny Vincent, Member Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners Steve, I was lucky enough to visit Rehoboth Beach last weekend (March 27-29) when the weather was so gorgeous and the upcoming season seemed to be approaching fast. Over the weekend, I walked the boardwalk, visited with many friends (some of whom live in Rehoboth full-time, others like me who are frequent visitors), ate some of the most fantastic meals of my young life, and had a wonderful time. I was disheartened, however, to see a letter to LETTERS from the Elliot family, stating that the family would not be willing to return to Rehoboth if public displays of affection between gay persons were to take place. Im writing today simply to congratulate you on your replyvery well said, and perhaps a bit more magnanimous than the Elliots deserved. Personally, my response would have been, "May we suggest Dewey? Spring Break would be a lovely time for your family to visit." On Saturday, I was walking the boardwalk with three or four friends of mine. By chance, we happened upon three or four more friends as we approached Rehoboth Avenue. As is usual amongst our little family, we exchanged little kisses as a form of greeting to friends that we had not seen in some time. One member of our group noticed a mother, father, and two kids standing off to the side, mouths agape at the sight of eight grown men (and two terrific ladies) smiling, hugging, and yes, kissing in broad daylight. What was amazing about this encounter is that only ONE member of our group took this in. The rest of us were too busy greeting our friends and catching up on the latest goings-on in our lives. It wasnt until later that night that the rest of our party even knew that this family existed. Whats more, we werent bothered one bit. Thats what I love about coming to Rehoboth, whenever I can afford a weekend away. The freedom to simply "be" without constantly looking over ones shoulder is a luxury that many take for granted; I myself am not among them...unless I happen to feel the comfort of a community that is open and accepting, like the one in Rehoboth. Congratulations again on a wonderful response to the Elliot family. I cant say that Ill stay up nights wondering if theyll ever return to Rehoboth, but it was a worthwhile and heroic thing you did by attempting to open the minds of those in need of it. I myself am looking forward to my next visit very much. Regards, Eric C. Peterson Open Letter from MCC The Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of Rehoboth Beach received and accepted the resignation of Lay Pastor David Patterson effective April 1, 1998. David Patterson is a founding member of the Rehoboth MCC. He began the church with two other members on May 25, 1991, as a Parish extension of the MCC of Washington, DC. They first met on the patio of the Kingston Inn on Rehoboth Avenue. After several months, weather forced the growing congregation to look elsewhere for a meeting location. The upstairs lobby of the Strand was offered and used until it closed. The church then met in one of the members homes on Baltimore Avenue for several months, until a larger space was made available at a lounge in the Renegade Motel. After a year, the church rented its own space in the Odd Fellows Hall on Glade Road. The church has met at this location for over 2 years, and has gone through the process of Mission status with the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. Through all these moves and changes, David Patterson remained the Lay Pastor of this growing congregation. As the church approaches Charter status in UFMCC, David and the Board felt new leadership could best help the Churchs continuing growth. "The Lord has been faithful through all the changes and growing pains," says David. The congregation, which began with three people and a vision, has grown to over 50 members who are visible and active in the community. In recognition of Davids efforts and faithfulness in making MCC of Rehoboth a reality, the congregation held a reception for him on March 29. The church is located on County Road 271 (Glade Road) in Rehoboth, and is open to all. Sunday worship begins at 10:00 a.m. Steve: We telephoned CAMP Rehoboth this evening and spoke with you. As first-time visitors to Rehoboth this coming summer, we are daunted by the task of finding a clean, affordable B&B at which to stay. Your assistance on the telephone was very appreciated, certainly worth the long-distance rates. You showed genuine interest in Rehoboth and relayed that love for your town to us in the way you spoke about the placeit certainly reaffirms our desire to visit. We should be making our selection/reservations soon! Thanks for the help!!! Kevin and Scott |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 3, April 10, 1998. |