Deuteronomy 22:5 "A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this."

Colossians 2:13-14 "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision

of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross."

There are many ways to use the bible. Some Christians are literally "bible thumpers." They find verses, often taken out of context, and use them as weapons to browbeat and persecute and label others, even other Christians; anyone they perceive as being different from themselves.

In fact there is more than one way to interpret the bible. It is possible to read messages of hope and acceptance and God’s love for all of us. As I've tried to illustrate with the above example, contrasting Paul's message of salvation and acceptance with the rigid discipline imposed by the Old Testament.

Hi, my name is Karen. I am a transsexual woman and a Christian. I know many of my transgendered brothers and sisters have been victims of the bible thumpers of the world. They go to church in a closet if they go at all. If they try to openly attend many Christian churches as their true selves, they are ridiculed, threatened, or shunned. They are made to feel guilty and ashamed.

Here at MCC of the Fox Valley you are welcome! We provide support and freedom to be who you are. Most of all we offer you a chance to do God’s work and hear God’s true Christian message of salvation, love and acceptance. A message meant for all Christians. I invite you to join us for worship and Christian education.

As this church’s minister to the transgendered community, I also offer you my personal support. I am here to listen and share my experiences. You can email me in care of this web-site at:

transgendersupport@mccfoxvalley.org.

You are also invited to participate in our Journey Transgender Support group which meets twice a month. You are welcome to join this group even if you are not part of this church. To find out more, access our Yahoo Groups site:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Journey_Renz/

It is possible to be transgendered and Christian. Let me share with you one more bible quote:

John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

"Whoever believes in Him"

There are no other qualifications.