Sep 15 2008
Rakestraw: Ava Beth Rakestraw
Ava Beth Rakestraw
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Written (Survey) History
This history was collected via online survey.
What do you like to be called by your friends and family?
Beth
Where were you born?
Dallas, Texas
Do you have a life partner or spouse?
Yes
If you have a partner or spouse and feel comfortable doing so, please provide their name below.
Beverly Fernsemer
If you have a partner or spouse, we would be honored to make note of any anniversary you celebrate. You may enter your anniversary date below.
19 February 1999
Did you grow up in a church? If yes, which one?
Not really. Very Marginally Roman Catholic.
When did you first discover Metropolitan Community Churches?
1991-1992
How did you hear about MCC? Friend, family, advertising, Troy’s book, other? Please describe.
I first heard about MCC through an article by Kit Cherry and someone else in Christian Century. I again heard about MCC through a Mentor in United Methodist Church who saw MCC in my Daytimer and thought I was attending the local “gay church” instead of Mesquite Civic Chorus –he told me almost everything I needed to know!
Describe your first visit to MCC. Please include the church’s name.
Sunday evening service at Cathedral of Hope, before they moved into their present facility.
How many years have you belonged to a MCC?
14
Who influenced you the most in MCC?
Rev. Colleen Darraugh
Describe how this person influenced you.
While she was Pastor of Harvest MCC, Colleen was my mentor through my candidacy process for the reaffirmation of my previous ordination in the United Methodist Church.
If you attend a MCC now, please give its name.
Gospel of Jesus Christ MCC, Redeemer MCC
What do you like best about the movement, ministry and community of MCC?
Besides being the only Christian denomination currently which totally affirms the existence of GLBT people as fully a part of God’s intention for creation and the Church, I like the theological and liturgical openness and the emphasis upon the doing of justice.
What was the moment when you felt most proud to be a member of MCC?
Most recently, when there were so many MCC clergy present at the HRC’s Clergy Call for Justice, a DC lobbying effort that took place in April 2007.
Have you attended a General Conference? If so please tell how many you have attended.
Yes. Atlanta 95 was my first, I skipped Sydney 97 and I’ve been at every one since
What do you like best about General Conferences?
1. The “queering” of the hotel and the opportunity to learn new skills.
What do you remember about the Inclusive (Including) Language Project? Or your first encounter with Inclusive (Including) language at MCC.
I remember being pleasantly surprised that, while other Christian denominations strive for inclusive language, MCC is probably the best in practicing it, in my particular experience, especially as it extends inclusive language beyond gender to race and differently-abled.
What do you remember about the ordination of women and people of color?
By the time I came to MCC, IMO it was more or less taken for granted that women, people of color, differently abled and trans folk would be ordained. I forget that the ordination of women is still such an issue for much of Christianity.
What do you remember about the growth of a community of children or a children’s / youth ministry at your MCC?
At my home MCC, Harvest in Denton, Texas, as well as at Cathedral of Hope during my tenure there, children and youth ministries were always very important.
What do you remember about our restructuring from Districts/Global Outreach to Regions?
I was amazed that the legislative process went so well. I think the Elders at that time were amazed too, judging by their reaction of delight every time a bylaw change passed. I also cherish the moment when Holly Near asked us what we were fighting about, and reminded us to “breathe in, breathe out.”
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