Ray Of Hope Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Inc.

The LGBTQISA2ss+ Pride Activities, and Social Events Center of Elmira, NY.

The only Church in Central New York founded and fostered by the GLBTQSIA2ss+ community for 39 years. October 31, 2022 - 39th Anniversary now in our 40th year in Ministry.

Page updated

3/8/19

For easy instructions on how to use Skype to participate in our activities click here.

The Memorial Service and Celebration of the Life of Robert C. Bacon was held on Friday night, January 11, 2019 at 7:00 PM at the May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society 3800 East Genesee Street. Syracuse, NY 13214. To see a video of the Service Part ONE CLICK HERE. Part TWO CLICK HERE.

To READ the program and follow along while watching the service, CLICK HERE.

One of our Founders, a Member of Ray Of Hope Church for 35 years, Robert C. Bacon "Robb" passed away last Sunday, December 23, 2018, very early in the morning at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY. There will be a celebration of Robb's life in the form of a worship service (see details above). Robb had a very clear desire to be buried at the Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve in Newfield, NY. This beautiful hilltop "... offers a sustainable, natural alternative to conventional burials, without embalming fluids, high-cost coffins, concrete vaults and fancy gravestones. At Greensprings, burial is simple. People make their return to the Earth in a way that celebrates how they lived their lives." (from Greensprings web site). Robb's wishes were followed today, December 29, at 11:00 AM and he was buried wrapped in a simple shroud. I realize many of you would have liked to have attended Robb's graveside ceremony. Simply put, there was no time to make annoucements and organize a public service in time for the requirements of a natural burial. Therefore, I broadcast the event to the best of my ability with my little cellphone in three short live videos posted on my page on my personal Facebook page. You may see these videos and add your prayers as you experience the service and burial. I am confident that Robb would have wanted me to show this to people so others would have the opportunity to consider a natural burial. Robb is still teaching us. We are already missing Robb's help with the ministry here on earth but some of you will remember what Fr. John J. McNeill said at Ordination in 1996. He told us we will be able to do much more for the church on Earth once we are in Paradise because there we will be completely occupied with prayer for those we know on Earth and with praise and worship of God. We are very confident that Robb is praying for all of us and the continued success of our attempts to get the message of Jesus out to those who need it the most. Robb certainly did this even up to the final moments in his burial. Take the time to see these videos and give God thanks and praise.

Blessings,

Br. Shawn Benedict, Pastor.

The videos appear on the Facebook page in reverse order so the one at the bottom is the first, the middle one is the second and the top one is the third video.

TO SEE THE THREE VIDEOS CLICK HERE

For more information on Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve CLICK HERE

Robert C. Bacon, "Robb" - Founder, Friend, a man of great integrity and passion for the Gospel to all people. b. April 7, 1933 to December 23, 2018.

Post Standard Obituary Click Here.

"I pray daily for those who do not believe they are made in the image of God and that they are aware of their role in the Body of Christ.. that the Spirit is within them"... Robb Bacon October 28, 2018. Robb said this during our worship service on the occasion of our 35th Anniversary celebration.

Robb was always very aware of the current events, in his neighborhood, in Central NY, and around the world. Robb frequently sent us cards and cut out articles of interest especially when the content lined up with our Statement Of Purpose. This card was sent to Veronica Floyd during the celebration of Black History Month.

Welcome The Stranger

Welcome the Stranger, a Michael Adams original Painting, transferred to a wooden pallet sign. A thought-provoking painting of Jesus walking with young and old refugees of many nations. Given to Ray Of Hope Church in celebration of the life of Robb Bacon by Stan Bennett, January 11, 2019

Ray Of Hope

Church Of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Inc.

is the original Church in Central New York for

ALL People, including but not limited to

persons who are or might be:

Straight, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,

Transgender,

Questioning,

Intersex, Queer,

Asexual, Pansexual, Hetero-flexible.

Anyone who is human!

Married, divorced, remarried, single,

and persons of all gender expressions.

Persons of any faith / religion or

no faith, no religion, or have no idea where to start with religion.

A spiritual home for those who are "spiritual but not religious."

WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO TELL Y OU IS WE ARE

the Church by us, for us, 4 U!

The Church made by you because

we ARE you!

Ray Of Hope Church was founded in 1983

and is serving Syracuse, Ithaca and Elmira New York.

We are in fact serving the world with live interactive worship services,

Bible enrichment sessions, and meetings

through SKYPE on the Internet.

WE ARE YOU!

We never held a vote to decide if we would be an INCLUSIVE church for you.

WE ARE YOU!

We are not an OPEN AND AFFIRMING church for you.

WE ARE YOU!

We are not a RECONCILING CHURCH or

RECONCILING CONGREGATION for you.

WE ARE YOU!

We are not an OPEN MINDED or ACCEPTING or WELCOMING

church where you can attend as long as you blend in quietly and discretely.

WE ARE YOU!

THIS is the church where YOU belong.

Ray Of Hope Church is the church

by us, for us, and made by You.

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