January 2003Q~gnl!yt!Q~~§!QJ~!

Newsle-t-ter( We are many parts; we are all one body.

Dignity/Houston. Inc.is a not for profit organization dedicated to

the spiritual welfare of gay and lesbianCatholics and friends. All are invited to our

religious services and social gatherings.

Dignity Center: 1307 Yale,Houston HeightsPO Box 66821,Houston TX 77266(713) 880 ••2872

www.dignityhouston,orgdignityhouston@aol.com

Mail:

Phone:Web:Email:

Memberships: Individuals I $45 yearCouples / $84 Year

The Board of Trustees meets monthly.All are welcome to attend.

President:Vice President:Treasurer:secretary:Trustee:Trustee:Trustee:

Kevin KellyJim LeBlancBill MoonRichard ColeJoe QuinnScott GarrettMike Noll

Dignity/Houston Newspublishes a monthly newsletter, email

updates, and a web site for our community.We welcome reader's input.

Editor: Bill MoonDHNews@evl.netPO Box 667235,Houston TX 77266(713) 526-3619

Dignity/USA

Write:

Or Call:

Web-site:E-mail:Mail:

www.dignityusa.orgdignity@aol.com1500 MassachusettsAve NW Suite 11Washington DC 20005(800) 877-8797Phone:

Opinions expressed are not necessarily thoseof the editor, Dignity/Houston, Dignity/USA,or the Roman Catholic Church. Publication

of names should not be construed as anindication of sexual orientation.

THIS MONTH AT DIGNITY ...Bill MoonDHN Editor

Dignity/Houston just completed one of the busiest seasonson its calendar, and we thank all those whose participationmade the holidays special:

...Thanks to Carolyn, Margaret, Jim, for organizing the WinterRetreat, and to Fr. Bill Tarter for presiding ...

...to Scott and the board for organizing, decorating, andserving Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners ...

...to Robert, Charles, Juan, Jim, Kevin, Bill, and Kolbe'sThomas Nitschke for joining us at our annual ChristmasCaroling at Kroger benefiting Stone Soup...

...to our President Kevin for organizing and hosting the NewYear's Day brunch ...

...to our priests and musicians for their service each week...

...and most of all, to you, our loyal membership, for yourcontinued support of Dignity/Houston.

This month, we're back to the regular schedule of massevery Saturday night, and on the first and third Sundayafternoons.

Thanks for spending the Holidays with Dignity! +)

Taking ResponsibilityWinter Retreat

George WetzelDHN Columnist

On the Dignity/Houston Winter Retreat, Fr. Bill Tarterencouraged us to look back to our own personalgenealogies to get some perspective on just where we

Taking Responsibility continued on page 2

This newsletter is the voice of ALLourmembers, and first-time submissions arehighly encouraged. Please submit articlesand news items by the third Saturday ofthe month. Send to Bill Moon, atDHNews@ev1.net or through the web siteby logging on to www.dignityhouston.org

CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP

Membership is $45 for individuals and $84for couples. We will ~ help anyonewho needs assistance paying. Yourmembership demonstrates a commitmentto furthering our goals and supporting localactivities. To update your directory info, orfor any questions, contact Mike Noll at(713) 880-2872 ordignityhouston@aol.com

SATURDAY MASS

We celebrate mass EVERYSaturday nightat 7:30 p.m. Our schedule at press time:

PresiderDate Host Music

01/04 Fr. Don Mike N Greg G

01/11 Fr. Paul Bill M Greg G

01/18 Fr. Maurice Jim L BJ

01/25 Fr. Eddie Scott Mike C

SUNDAY SERVICES

Join us select Sundays at 5:00 p.m.

01/05 Fr. Bill

01/19 Fr. Bill

Phil H

Phil H

OFFERTORY

11/30 214.00

12/14 220.00

12/25 155.00

12/07 289.00

12/21 285.00

12/29 217.00

We thank members for their generosity!

LET Us HEAR FROM YOU!

Taking Responsibility continued from page 1

each come from. -He was asking us to draw from theparallel of the gospel story outlining the genealogy ofChrist from the time of Abraham to Joseph (the begatsof the Christmas liturgy).

As we shared some of our own genealogical insights -including the observation that our own lines seem to be"dead ends."

With that, Bill suggested that we look at our genealogyas the "roots" of our life. Those roots, through us,become the trees of our lives.

Instead of concentrating on the fact that we do nothave progeny to add to the genealogy, we have ourvery lives to show and display our own generative acts,actions, and contributions to our world.

There are those in our society and in our church whoclaim that we have nothing beneficial to add to the mixof our times - and to prove their point, they areadamantly opposed to many attempts to do just that.One tactic used here in Texas is to claim that what wedo in the privacy of our bedrooms should remain acrime (yes, Virginia, if heterosexuals do the samething, it is not a crime).

Another tactic is to claim that we have an "agenda" -as if seeking normal relations, rights, and privileges issome how suspect in our state or our religion.

Look carefully in the coming year to how you cancontribute to our world and our people.

Happy New Year! .:.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Jan 19

Jan 23

Bill G

Kevin K

ARE YOU ON THE DIGNITY NEWS ~IST?

We offer a monthly newsletter and periodic emailupdates. To sign up, contact us at (713) 880-2872 or

dignityhouston@aol.com or www.dignityhouston.org

DHN • January 2003 • Page 2

DIGNITY/HOUSTON WINTER RETREATDecember 13-16, 2002

Thousand Trails Park, Columbus TX

Joel, perched above the Thousand Trails sign, waves as Carolyn,Dave, Joe, Jim, Margaret, and George pose for a group photo.

Above:Margaret and Fr. Bill

Middle Right:Carolyn, Joel, Joe, and Dave

Bottom Right:Jim, George, and Fr. Bill

DHN • January 2003 • Page 3

HOLIDAYS WITH DIGNITY

Randy, Joe, Jean-Louis, and Bob share a laugh.Gene starts the serving line atThanksaivina Dinner.

Jose, Kevin, and Randy

Joe, Brent, and Bernard

Dignity Group enjoys food and fellowship. Jim, Bill, and Scott

DHN • January 2003 • Page 4

Schedule ofEvents A Voice in the Desert:

Dignity/USA National ConventionAugust 7-10, 2003

WEEKLY MASS AND DINNER

EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT

7:30 P.M.

Wegather for masseachSaturdaynight and then go todinner at a variety of

\restaurants. Joinus!

SuNDAY MASSES

SELECT SUNDAY AmRNOONS

JANUARY 5 AND 195 PM

Fr. BillTarter will celebratemasstwo Sundaysthis month.

Where's the one place in the world you can experienceNew York, Paris and Venice? Or, return to the days ofCaesar, Egyptian Pharaohs, Knights in King Arthur's Courtand Arabian Nights?

Dignity/USA will hold its 1.6th Biennial -

Convention in Las Vegas!

The host hotel is the Alexis Park Resort, an all suite hoteland resort. The convention theme is "A Voice in theDesert." We will have guest speakers, seminars, liturgies,presentations and, of course, a lot of fun with family andfriends. Join us and plan today to attend.

Keynote Speaker Richard Sipe- Mr. Sipe is apsychotherapist and former Benedictine monk and priestmarried to a former Maryknoll nun, Marianne Benkert,MD., a psychiatrist at UCSD's Owen Clinic. For more than30 years, he has been engaged in research on theinstitution and practice of priestly celibacy.

2003 Dignity/USA Convention Central-The Alexis ParkResort is the premier non-gaming, all suite hotel in LasVegas. The hotel is located two blocks from the Las VegasStrip and four blocks from the Gay Quarters. Room ratesfor the all suite hotel begin at $89/night (single or doubleoccupancy) plus 9% room tax. Additional guests are $20each per night and children 12-years of age and understay free. Plan ahead by calling 800-582-2228 (in theContinental US) or 702-796-3322 (outside the continentalUS) to make your reservation today.

Important note: In order to receive the advantage ofthe Convention Rate, all hotel reservations must bemade via phone (not the hotel website).For more information, log onto www.dignityusa.org

BoARD MEETING

THURSDAY - JANUARY 97:30 P.M.

All are invited to attend ourmonthly meeting.

SPRING SALE FUNDRAISER

SPRING 2003TBA

As part of our ongOingfundraisingefforts, DHwillconducta yard/garage sale.Membersare askedto beginsetting asideany items theywishto donate.Date/TIme/Locationwill beannouncedsoon.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDDignity/Houston is seeking volunteers to launder and iron altar linens. Those interested in

assisting our liturgy team are asked to contact a board member. We thank you for your service!

DHN • January 2003 • Page 5

HAPPY NEW YEARI

DHNPO Box 667235Houston, Texas 77266

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

)20Robert Heer20481/2 Colquitt StHouston, TX 770983406

DHN • January 2003 • Page 6

Q~grtltYJtQ.!!~Newslet-t-er June 2003

Weare many parts; we are all one body.

DignitylHouston. Inc.is a not for profit organization dedicated to

the spiritual welfare of gay and lesbianCatholics and friends. All are invited to our

religious services and social gatherings.

Dignity Center: 1307 Yale,Houston HeightsPO Box 66821,Houston TX 77266(713) 880-2872

ww"'! .dignityhouston.orgdignityhouston@aol.com

Mail:

Phone:Web:Email:

Memberships: Individuals / $45 yearCouples / $84 Year

The Board of Trustees meets monthly.All are welcome to attend.

President:Vice President:Treasurer:Secretary:Trustee:Trustee:Trustee:

Kevin KellyJim LeBlancBill MoonRichard ColeJoe QuinnScott GarrettMike Noll

Dignity/Houston Newspublishes a monthly newsletter, email

updates, and a web site for our community.We welcome reader's input.

Editor:

Write:

Or Call:

Web-site:E-mail:Mail:

Phone:

Bill MoonDHNews@ev1.netPO Box 667235,Houston TX 77266(713) 526-3619

DignitylUSAwww.dignityusa.orgdignity@aol.com1500 MassachusettsAve NW Suite 11Washington DC 20005(800) 877-8797

Opinions expressed are not necessarily thoseof the editor, Dignity/Houston, Dignity/USA,or the Roman Catholic Church. Publication

of names should not be construed as anindication of sexual orientation.Schedules subject to change.

THIS MONTH AT DIGNITY ...Bill MoonDHN Editor

June is Pride Month in Houston, and the HoustonPride Committee celebrates its Silver Anniversaryon Saturday, June 28, with the annual PrideParade along lower Westheimer.

We at Dignity are proud to celebrate ourorganization's 29th Anniversary the next day,Sunday, June 29, with a special Pride Massfollowed by an ice-cream social.

We also have a Special Membership Meetingscheduled for June 14 to vote on the BuildingProject. It promises to be an interesting month!

Help us Build for the Future with Dignity! .:.

Taking ResponsibilityA New Home?

George WetzelDHN Columnist

As we approach the defining step of purchasing abuilding for our own worship space, and theadjacent building, this is the time to outline abudget for the coming years which will utilize ourresources and plans for the future.

A realistic budget that the board and membershipare invested in and committed to thedevelopment of this asset and to the growth anddevelopment of the entire Dignity/Houston family.

A realistic budget with a committed and involvedTaking Responsibility continued on page 2

CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP

This newsletter is the voice of ALL ourmembers, and first-time submissions arehighly encouraged. Please submitarticles and news items by the thirdSaturday of the month. Send to BillMoon, at DHNews@evl.net or throughthe web site by logging on towww .dignityhouston. org

Membership is $45 for individuals and$84 for couples. We will ~ helpanyone who needs assistance paying.Your membership demonstrates acommitment to furthering our goals andsupporting local activities. To updateyour directory info, or for any questions,contact Mike Noll at (713) 880-2872 ordignityhouston@aol.com

SATURDAY MASS

We celebrate mass EVERY Saturday nightat 7:30 p.m. Our schedule at presstime:

Date Presider Host Music

06/07 Fr. Don Bill Greg

06/14 Fr. Paul Jim Greg

06/21 Fr. Maurice Kevin Greg

06/28 No Mass - Pride Parade

06/29 Fr. Maurice - Pride Mass 3 pm

SUNDAY SERVICES

Join us select Sundays at 5:00 p.m.

06/01 Fr. Bill 06/15 Fr. Bill

OFFERTORY

05/03 212.00

05/17 152.00

05/31 189.00

05/10 177.00

OS/24 176.00

We thank members for their generosity!

LET Us HEAR FROM YOU!

Taking Responsibility continued from page 1

input from the membership will be a new challenge forthe board. Public discussion of priorities of action andfundraising have not characterized our past.

A realistic budget may make it possible to moreeffectively deal with realistic fund raising and how andwhy we want to develop our own piece of real estate.

As I see it, there is a potential for trouble here if we donot do the "heavy lifting" of a realistic budget. With arough Catholic population in the Houston area of nearlyone million, it is growing increasingly clear that ourquest to represent and endorse gay/lesbian CatholiCSisremarkably feeble.

Granted, most gay and lesbian Catholics would ratherleave the decisions about budget/liturgy/outreach to"others" (the smells and bells).

If we continue such thinking and acting, it is myopinion that we should merely accept "intrinsicallydisordered" as reasonable and give up the fight forfairness, honesty, and integrity surrounding the needfor the Church to reevaluate its sexual morality basedon modern science.

The decision is ours to choose or reject. .:.

ARE YOU ON THE DIGNITY NEWS LIST?

We offer a monthly newsletter and periodic emaiJupdates. To sign up, contact us at (713) 880-2872 or

dignityhouston@ao/.com or www.dignityhouston.org

HAPPY BIRTHOA Y

June 1

June 2

June 7

June 13

June 17

June 29

Maria A

Bobby M

Jerry A

Mike C

Jim L

Fr. Lawrence

DHN • June 2003 • Page 2

PRIDE MONTH ACTIVITIESPRIDE DAY AT SIX FLAGS ASTROWORLDSaturday, June 21 from 11 am - 10 pmBenefiting the Pride Committee of Houston and Q Patrol, featuring Latin Divas recording artists: Miss Lupitaand Adassa. Special appearance by Ms. Thea Austin debuting her new remix of her #1 Pop Hit "Rythym Is aDancer 2003". .Location: Six Flags Astroworld, 610 South Loop between Kirby and Fannin across from Reliant ParkCost: Ticket Price: $35.00 in advance, $39.95 at the door(includes all you can eat catered lunch and concerts)Details/Contact: 713-521-0107 www.southBeachthenightclub.com

SIXTH ANNUAL HOUSTON PRIDE SK FUN RUN AND WALKSaturday, June 21 at 7:30 amThe sixth annual running of this race will benefit AssistHers, a volunteer organization that provides in-homesupport and care to lesbian women with chronic or disabling illnesses. The race is sponsored by HoustonMontrose Athletic Association, a 501(c)(3) corporation.Location: A 3.1 mile race starting at Sam Houston Park, with an out-and-back course along the inbound sideof Allen Parkway.Cost: Registration fee of $20.Details/Contact: To download a registration form from the Fun Run Web page, go towww.geocities.com/houstonpride5k/index.html. To receive a form by mail, or to volunteer to help on race day,call Mac Crone at (713) 661-8919. Forms are also available at Copy.Com, Lobo, Houston Gay & LesbianCommunity Center, and Landmark Greenway and River Oaks theaters. Online registration is available atVNffl. SignMeUpSports. com.

XALT - XTREME ADORATION OF THE LORD TOGETHER (PRAISE DAY)Sunday, June 22 from 7 pm - 9:30 pmAn interactive night of praise and worship to God with specific focus on our wonderful savior, Jesus, featuringlocal talents in song, sign and poem. A dessert reception and fellowship follows.Location: Community Gospel Church, 4305 Lillian, Houston, TX 77007Cost: FreeDetails/Contact: 713-880-9235 www.comll1unitygospel.org

PRIDE PARADE 2STH ANNIVERSARYSaturday, June 28 at 8:45 pmExperience the fun and excitement you have come to expect from the Southwest's largest GLBT event. Thisyear, the Houston Pride Committee celebrates its 25th anniversary and Dignity/Houston will once again enter afloat in the annual parade.Location: Along lower Westheimer.Cost: FreeDetails/Contact: Show your pride in both Dignity and the GLBT community by volunteering to design, build,or ride on the float. Board members Richard Cole and Mike Noll are coordinating this year's parade efforts.Please contact them at dignityhouston@aol.com or (713) 880-2872 to participate.

DIGNITY 29TH ANNIVERSARY PRIDE MASSSunday, June 29 at 3 pmAs in past years, Dignity/Houston will not celebrate mass on the evening of the Pride Parade, but will insteadhost <: special Pride Service Sundav efternoon, followed by en iCE cream socla!LCi~CQ~tcr~~Dignit r Center I ::'307 \ aiel Ho· 'st- l f1€ighltDetails/Contact: Fr. Maurice will celebrate mass. To volunteer to serve, contact us at (713) 880-2872[ ordignityhouston@aol.com or www.dignityhouston.org.Join us!

DHN • June 2003 • Page 3

Boston Chapter OpposesBishops CampaignSame-Sex Unions at Issue

Dignity/BostonJune 1, 2003

The leaders of Dignity/Boston today voicedopposition to the campaign of the four Catholicbishops of Massachusetts to rally parishionersagainst civil recognition of same sex unions.Catholic pastors across the Commonwealth havebeen instructed to read and distribute a lengthyletter from the bishops detailing their oppositionto same sex unions and calling on faithfulCatholics to contact legislators in favor of a newlaw banning recognition of the partnerships ofgay and lesbian people.

"It's appallinq that the Church that should standfor respect for all people is seeking to use itspower and reach to advocate for discrimination,"said Chuck Provancher, president ofDignity/Boston. "We stand in witness againstthe church that would deny the loving,committed partnerships of same sex couples.

"At Dignity/Boston, we have celebrated andblessed many such partnerships joined byhundreds of supportive family and friends.These relationships are already a reality; thesecouples should not be denied the legalprotection that the institution of marriageprovides. Contrary to the claim of the bishops,these loving partnerships do not threaten ordiminish heterosexual marriage."

The leaders of Dignity/Boston call on allmembers and everyone who values humanrights to ask their legislators to opposeMassachusetts' H. 3190 .• :.

Dignity/Boston recently celebrated their 30th

year of service to the Boston GLBT Catholiccommunity. Visit them online atWWw,dLqflitxbosJofLprc

Special AnnouncementFrom our National President

Pat McAaronDUSA President

Following discussions with family, friendsand colleagues I have made the decision tostep down as president of DignityUSA whenmy term is completed. This was not an easydecision nor was it made lightly.

Recognizing my own strengths andweaknesses and after careful consideration Ihave come to the conclusion that Dignity willbe better served by me serving in othercapacities of the organization.

I am confident in the future of this noble andjust organization and look forward toworking with the new president. With thecapable assistance of our board of directorsand our Executive Director I will continue todo my very best as president of DignityUSAuntil my term is completed on September30, 2003. .:.

National Ballots MailedDignityUSAWashington, DC

You are reminded that ballots forDignityUSA's national election are in themail. Exercise your privilege of membership

. by casting your votes and returning yourballots by July 1. To be counted, all ballotsmust in the national office by July 1, 2003.

We have a total of seven nominees for threedirector positions and one slate for president& vice-president. Write-in candidates arealso permitted.

If you have not received a ballot by June 1please call the national office at 800-977-8797 or by email atdignity@aol.com

our vote wili only count if you cast it! .~,

DHN • June 2003 • Page 4

Schedule of EventsWEEKLY MASS AND DINNER

EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT

7:30 P.M.

We gather for mass each Saturdaynight, celebrated by our roster ofpriests. After mass, join us for dinnerat a variety of nearby restaurants.

SUNDAY MASSES

JUNE 1 & 155 P.M.

Fr. Bill Tarter will celebrate mass.

SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

SATURDAY - JUNE 147:30 P.M.

To vote on a proposal to empower theboard to acquire the building at 10th &Oxford, and any other businessbrought before the meeting.

BOARD MEETING

THURSDAY - JUNE 197:30 P.M.

All are welcome to join our meetings.

HOUSTON PRIDE PARADE

SATURDAY - JUNE 288:45 P.M.

Dignity/Houston will once again entera float in the annual parade. No masstonight.

PRIDE MASS/SOCIAL

SUNDAY - JUNE 293 P.M.

Join us as Fr. Maurice celebrates aspecial pride mass, followed by an icecream social.

DIGNITY/USA NATIONAL CONVENTION

AUGUST 7 - 10LAs VEGAS, NEVADA

For details, log ontowww.dignityusa.org

Special Membership MeetingSaturday, June 14 @ 7:30 pm

1307 Yale, Houston, TXThe Board of Trustees of Dignity/Houston has called a

special membership meeting to vote on a resolution

empowering the board to use funds in the Building

Fund (less $25,000 which shall be set aside for future

maintenance needs) to acquire and renovate thechurch property at Tenth Street and Oxford, Houston

TX. The board scheduled two additional viewing

sessions, on Saturday, May 31, and Saturday, June 7,

to grant accessfor members. Photosof this property

are available by logging onto www.dignityhouston.org

and clicking on the May Newsletter link. For

information about any aspect of this building project,

please contact the board at dignityhouston@aol.com

or (713) 880-2782, or President Kevin Kelly at

KJKellyTX@aol.comor (713) 861-2697. To vote, a

person must be a member in good standing of

Dignity/Houston for one month prior to the meeting.

Eligible members unable to attend the meeting may

request an absentee ballot by writing Dignity/Houston,

PO Box 66821, Houston TX 77266, or emaHingdignityhouston@aol.com. Absentee ballots must be

received by noon on meeting day.

DHN • June 2003 • Page5

DHNPO Box 667235Houston, Texas 77266

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

\

Planning our Futurewith

DIGNITYIDHN • June 2003 • Page 6

DignityHOUSTON

DignifY/HoustonPO Box 66821

Houston, Texas 77266lVW1V.dignitJhouston.o~

,y

June 19,2004

Dear Dignity Sisters and Brothers,

One of the top priorities of the current Board of Trustees of Dignity/Houston has been toaddress the declining state of both our spiritual health and physical surroundings. Our boardhas inherited several problems - in the past five years, our membership is down by one-third, and our offertory is down nearly half. At the same time, our worship facility on YaleStreet, where Dignity has been conducting services since the early 1990's, is deteriorating.

Sadly, there are numerous problems at Yale. The roof leaks in several places. We haveexperienced wastewater backups in the sewage system, which is linked to the adjacent foodservice establishments. Sheetrock is bubbling and cracking. The back wall is crumbling dueto water leaks. During our Easter mass, water from the heavy rains poured in under theback door and had to be mopped up during mass,

Complaints to the landlord have generated no action. In addition, our front 'air conditioningsystem is no longer working, and the cost to Dignity to replace it would be $2,500. We havealso had our back air-conditioner serviced twice in 2004 just to keep it running. The cost ofsheetrock repair and painting will be several thousand dollars. Because of these and otherproblems, our board was faced with the decision of spending more money on a decayingfacility or looking elsewhere for accommodations.

Earlier this year, we began discussions with representatives of Grace Evangelical LutheranChurch regarding sharing worship space. Grace is located in the Montrose area at the comerof Waugh and Missouri Streets. It is a large, beautiful church with several offices, afellowship hall, and a large, well-lit parking area. It is also a congregation that welcomes theGLBT community, and their board is enthusiastic about the prospect of sharing space withDignity.

Under a Grace proposal, Dignity would have its own exclusive office space, use of thesanctuary for Saturday night masses, use of a smaller chapel for Sunday and other services,and use of the large,fellowship hall andcommercial size kitchen for monthly breakfasts andpotluck dinners. .

Dignity would also reap the benefits of the synergy generated by a relationship with Grace -their council has expressed an interest in co-sponsoring community events with Dignity, andseveral other community organizations hold their meetings at Grace.

The financial benefit to Dignity would be substantial. At Grace, Dignity can save over $300per month on rent, utilities, security, and maintenance. This would have a positive impacton our balance sheet.

Moving to Grace would also allow board members to concentrate on the spiritual aspect ofDignity, rather than time-consuming maintenance tasks.

Most important, it would also provide a cleaner, safer, more spiritual environment for ourmembers and guests. Often, we have visitors show up for a week or two and never comeback. It is likely that many would return if the surroundings looked more like a place ofspirituality rather than a run down meeting hall.

The board is mindful of the ultimate goal of building or acquiring our own worship spaceoutright, and the concerns that some would have about sharing space with anotherestablished church. We still can work toward owning our own building. But in theimmediate future, we must take action to both cut costs and provide a safe and sereneworship space. We feel that a move to Grace will accomplish those goals.

At our June 16,2004 meeting, our entire board voted in favor of a move to Grace. We willhold a special membership meeting on Saturday, July 10, 2004 to allow the membership tovoice their opinions.

Naturally, we hope that you will join us in moving forward with Dignity and Grace.

In God's Peace,

Richard ColePresident, Dignity/Houston

And the Board cf T,rustees:Mike NollMargaret ThibodeauxBill MoonScott GarrettJim LeBlanc

Photos and layout by Bill Moon, Dignity/HoustonInformation provided by Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

July 2004

"T"EV'LL KNO~I. JlCHRISTIAN BY OU.. OVE,"-

NOT BY OUR NAME,SUNDAY W lP

10:3Q AM

GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH2515 Waugh, Houston, Texas 77006

www,gracelutheran-houston,org

DIVERSITY - Grace embraces everyone, regardless of gender, race, disability, or sexual orientation, andfollows God's call to love one another without judgment, without fear, and without discrimination.

HISTORY - Grace was formally organized on April 16, 1922. Grace was the first mission congregation inHouston of the United Lutheran Church in America, which provided financial support until Grace became self-supporting.

ORGANIZATION - As a corporation, the congregation's life and activities have been overseen by electedmembers of the Church Council, with the Pastor ex-officio as president.

FACILITIES - Members of Grace first worshipped in a one-room chapel at 2715 Waugh Dr. In 1921, theULCA Board of Home Missions purchased the one-story, one-room Hyde Park Chapel from SecondPresbyterian Church. The present church site at Waugh Drive and Missouri was purchased in 1944.Expansions and additions in 1960, 1970 and 1985 resulted in the facility in use today.

OUTREACH - With the designation as a Mission Redevelopment Congregation in September 2001, ministry tothe community has become the prevailing focus of Grace's congregation. Some of the groups that currentlymeet at Grace are Lutherans Concerned, Women at the Well, HATCH, Hyde Park Civic Association, the LunchBunch, Film Crew, Cleaning House AA, and Saintly Seniors.

•••Dignity

HOUSTON

Notice of a

SPECIAL MEETING.Of the Membership of DIGNITY/HOUSTON, INC.

Saturday, June 14, 2003 @ 7:30 pm1307 Yale, Houston, Texas

for the purposes of:

• Voting on the following resolution:That the Board of Trustees of Dignity/Houston, Inc., be empowered to

spend any principal amounts currently in the Building Fund (less$25,000 retained for future maintenance) to purchase and renovate

the church building at 945 Oxford, Houston, Texas.Any excess funds in the Building Fund will be retained for future

maintenance and renovation expenses.

• Any other business brought before the board.