| Signs and wonders of a love takeover I dream a world where man no other will scorn,
Where love will bless the earth, and peace its paths adorn.
From I Dream a World, by Langston Hughes Funny thing about signs: they can serve many purposes, and sometimes cross-purposes. Signs offer directions, instructions, warnings, reminders the list is probably endless. Even dreams and visions constitute spiritual signs for those who receive them. But unless trickery is involved, the most appealing sign one can encounter anywhere, at anytime, is a welcome sign. Thats what a small contingent from Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., led by the Rev. Fred Phelps, found when they arrived at First UMC, Hyattsville, on Sunday morning, Nov. 10. They pulled their garish signs, with foul, hateful words printed on bright-colored paper, from their cars and quietly took positions on the sidewalk along the church grounds. The placards informed oncoming traffic and passers-by that God Hates Fags, God Hates America, Thank God for Sept. 11, and ... well, you get the picture. They came to protest against the acceptance of homosexual people by churches and institutions in our society acceptance that some would consider dubious at best. On Friday and Saturday they had picketed homecoming festivities at the nearby University of Maryland where students performed The Laramie Project, a play about the notorious, 1998 homophobic gang-murder of gay college student Matthew Shephard in Laramie, Wyo., and the searing trial and public self-examination that followed. Phelps has trekked cross-country with members of his small congregation to warn America of its alleged transgressions. But weve given too much coverage to Phelps and his misgbwc_superusered flock already. Im more interested in the welcome signs I witnessed at First UMC, both the ones planted on the church lawn and the outstretched hand of the Rev. Vance P. Ross, pastor. He came out with a group of church members to warmly welcome their surprised guests. Phelps rejected his greeting and refused to shake his hand. But Ross had made his point. I was there to greet and assist any media. I was ready with press packets, containing brochures about First UMC and its multicultural ministries. I also had background information about the United Methodist Churchs official positions on homosexuality. My packets of papers said homosexuals were persons of sacred worth, but their sexual lifestyle was incompatible with Christian teaching, and they were welcome in our churches, but not in our pulpits as pastors. It seems I, too, was carrying my own signs on behalf of my denomination, though at the time I didnt know it. The media did not come, but the city and county police were present. As she emerged from her cruiser, Hyattsville Officer J. A. Aubert said, jokingly, that shed like to carry one of the offensive signs at the next Gay Pride parade. She also said she was a former United Methodist who hadnt been to church in a long while, but considering where the Westboro group chose to picket and the response she witnessed from Ross and others, maybe this church would be worth a visit sometime. I decided to stay for the early worship service, a spirited celebration of faith and visions. Ross preached a sermon that riveted my attention. Reciting Langston Hughes poem, I Dream a World, he challenged the congregation to envision and engage in a love takeover in its stewardship, evangelism and outreach. With passing reference to the visitors outside, he urged members to welcome whosoever would come to its doors seeking answers for a deeper faith and fellowship in Christ. When we dream for the world, we dream for our Lord and Saviorfor betterment, for love, for hope, said Ross. I dream a world where people protest for heavens sake, not declaring who is going to hell. Later, I watched a vivid procession of Caucasian, African, African-American, Asian and Hispanic members approach the altar for Holy Communion and prayer. As I heard Ross and his congregation speaking out words of love to each other during the benediction, I was awed and moved to tears by the vision before me, the all-too-rare moment when the preached word becomes flesh. I admit, with some ironic delight, that I have Fred Phelps and his Westboro protesters to thank for drawing me to that Sunday worship experience. As a new arrival to these parts who is still looking for a church home, Im sure Ill be back. Maybe Ill see Officer Aubert there, which would be further evidence that God moves in mysterious ways, Gods wonders to perform. Funny, the places to which signs welcome signs and unwelcome signs can lead you. For an expanded version of this column, visit the conferences Web site, www.bwconf.org. | 
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