At Creative Center, being gay is divine

Rev. Barabara Bue is a lot of things to a lot of people in Northern Colorado. Rev. Bue – she much prefers to just be called Barb – is a well-known face, name and voice in Northern Colorado. Barb keeps busy volunteering in the community with numerous activities both in and out of the LGBT community. Barb is the co-president of the Greeley Interfaith Association, on the board of the Lambda Community Center, a frequent speaker at schools and universities and is an outreach resource to the Weld County community.

As if that isn’t enough, Barb is the senior minister at the Creative Center for Spiritual Living.

Located in Greeley, the Creative Center is part of the United Centers for Spiritual Living. Made up of more than 200 organizations world wide, these communities provide spiritual tools to transform personal lives and help make the world a better place.

Many readers may be familiar with the Mile Hi Church in Denver that is a member of the United Centers for Spiritual Living.

The CCSL was founded in 1938 by Dr. Earnest Holms, the founder of the spiritual movement. Earnest Holms authored a book, The Science of Mind, which outlines the fundamental viewpoints of the modern new thought movement.

I asked Barb what is special about the Creative Center for Spiritual living and if being a woman and a lesbian was a challenge in the church. Barb said that the church acts as a sanctuary and safe space. “The whole gay question is such a non-issue for us,” she said.
Barb said that people from other denominations and other places often ask when there was a vote to allow gay people to become ministers. The answer Barb gives is always the same. “We never had to vote,” she said. “It’s never been an issue here.”

The reverend discussed how there have always been gay people as well as women in the ministry. And the community ranges even more diverse as the church community continues to include people from every demographic and age group. Barb did admit that she would love to have more transgender people and gay men from the community attend services.

The mission continues to be about each individual’s spiritual journey and the organization prides themselves on their inclusivity. “It’s not about any of those other boxes,” Barb said. “It seems that the youth of today are heading in the direction of openness and acceptance. But we are not there yet.”

Barb also said that more and more people are moving toward a more progressive theology. Being gay has become just another “expression of the divine,” Bue said. “Everyone is welcome here.”

I asked Barb to share a little bit about the programs and services at the CCSL. She said that among the programs they offer, she is especially proud of the youth programs, which offer kids in the community a safe space to learn and grow. “Our kids are amazing,” she said.

The CCSL offers programs oriented around health and assistance. From crochet groups who make baby blankets for new mothers in the community to outdoor programs including walking, GeoCaching and yoga, there seems to be no shortage of programs to get involved in.
With the holiday season approaching I asked Barb what the CCSL offers those who might struggle with the traditional celebration of the Christian holiday. She said the CCSL’s doors are always open to anyone and everyone, regardless of religion. They have a Christmas Eve service as well as a multi-faith recognition service. There will be Christmas carol singing, readings from various spiritual traditions on the winter solstice and even Hanukkah celebrations.

The reverend said that in the end, her goal is to create a place for everyone. It is so important that “everyone who walks in the door feels welcome, honored, respected and loved,” she said. “There is a presence of love that happens in this community every week when we meet.”

For more information visit http://creativeCSL.org or call  970-351-8122