We welcomed Trey McKenzie and his service dog, Ms. Annie Oakley, into our Glendale Family as the celebration continued on Sunday! Welcome home, you two!
From Trey: “I knew from an early age that I felt differently, but the Catholic Church taught me to keep that secret to myself and suppress my true and authentic feelings for 50 years.
Four years ago, I first sat down with my wife and then my family and explained that I was gay. Those were the first times in my life that I spoke those words to anyone. I was relieved when everyone important in my life lifted this news up in wonderful praise. We divorced shortly thereafter, but have remained the best of friends and she is here in worship today, along with my parents, to celebrate this life changing decision.
I may be new to The United Methodist Church, but my mother and her family were raised Methodist, so I see this decision to become a member of Glendale, a life-affirming church and congregation that supports me wholly, as a return to that. I have had my new life partner and service dog, Ms. Annie Oakley, for 2 years as she supports and serves my life with grace and love. She is teaching me about unconditional love and devotion to my friends and family.”
