We've made it safely to Atlanta, though driving through downtown was pretty stressful in the UT vans! We were given a great tour of FMCC
After arriving in Atlanta, we unpacked our things at the First Metropolitan Community Church (FMCC), where we will be staying this weekend. We found out lots of cool information about the FMCC such as it was a congregation desgined to enable anyone (Athiest, Christian, Buddhist, gay, straight, transgender... anyone!) to worship and not feel like a "second class citizen" as well as how it provides programming to local at need communities. Before we left for our first service site, we got to meet the spiritual leader of the FMCC, Dr. Paul and a transgender FMCC employee named Sarah. Our group really appreciated that FMCC was a truly inclusive place, because we felt that in many work places that people identifying as transgender would either 1) not be hired or 2) not be one of the first faces you meet on site. It was a strong representation of FMCC's commitment to equality and set a great tone for our weekend in Atlanta, GA.
We got to go to The Rush center today, it was rather insane to be quite honest. And we even get to go back tomorrow to continue to help, smiley face. When the group split up,some going to clean and organize while others stayed and attached pieces of wood with screws.... Never trust us with power tools again.... But yes we did indeed get to play with two electric drills and a few people fiddled with an electric hand saw. Now Chef Ryan and his sous chefs currently cook us a highly carbohydrated meal of spaghetti..... Woot woot!!
Here is a sneak peek:)
ABLove:)
I am in awe of FMCC! How awesome is it that a church — a place historically synonymous with ideas of both oppression and safety — can operate and function in this capacity. Providing marginalized groups of people opportunities to live, grow, work, and belong is truly what makes a place like this so special. Not only does FMCC welcome all walks of people inside their facility, they reach out to the community at large. I'm so jealous of this trip right now, for reasons that are known to many and unknown to few, but my thoughts are with all of you as you make an impact on the lives of many people, both seen or unseen. I love this blog because I can feel like I’m there serving alongside each of you. Have a great rest of your trip, keep working hard, and GO VOLS! Can’t wait to hear all of the stories. ABLove, Tucker Devore (ASB 2011, AFB 2011/2012)
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