The MCC newsletter reporting from Congregations all over the world.

In this Issue

• A Message From The Editor
• Spotlight On MCC People and Churches
• Focus On Children, Youth and Young Adults  
• Creative Ministry Ideas You Can Use!  
• Learn More About... Our Church Plant In Nigeria
• MCC Transitions   
• Supporting One Another

A Message from the Editor 

I am so grateful for all of your prayers and well-wishes during my surgery and recuperation. I will remain on oxygen for quite a while, but I get better and more active every day, as I adjust to having only one lung. The prayer now is to be cancer-free for five years and declared "cured"! I am delighted to be back at work, providing the exciting news about our churches and people around the world. Thank you for being understanding about the missed issues of our "Around the Fellowship" newsletter. If you've sent news and don't see it in this issue, please know that another issue will be out next week, and two more issues in March. I hope to see many of you at our General Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona in July!

Judy Dale, ATF Editor

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Spotlight on MCC People and Churches

Stan Kimer of St. John's MCC (Raleigh, North Carolina) wrote the scripture commentary and pastoral reflection for a ."..Except the Syrian, Embracing Those Excluded on the Basis of Sexual Orientation" a resource produced by the North Carolina Council of Churches.  http://www.nccouncilofchurches.org/resources/downloads/lectionary/Year%20C%20Separate%20Sections/02GLBT&ExcludedPeoples-Final.pdf .

Working together! Harvest MCC (Denton, Texas) loaned 50 chairs to MCC of Greater Dallas until their order for new chairs can be filled.

Nick Stephenson and Susan Taylor were honored for eight years service on the Pastoral Care Team of Living Springs MCC (Bath, England, UK).

Rev. Wesley Mullins was featured in a debate on gay marriage at Oregon State University.

Churches in the Los Angeles area gathered together at MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California) for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship with MCC's Moderator. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Rev. Nancy Wilson Scholarship at Claremont School of Theology.

Rev. Elders Jim Mitulski and Glenna Shepherd recently brought greetings, preached, and celebrated Communion at Cathedral of Hope UCC in Dallas, Texas. Rev. Mitulski shared with them about our joint MCC/UCC project at the Mother of Peace Orphanage in Zimbabwe.

Listen up! Ruth Perkinson, author of Vera's Still Point, was interviewed on the radio about her new novel, but the 30 minute discussion included the Bible, education, politics, gay youth, and MCC Richmond (Virginia). To listen to the interview, go to www.WRIR.org.

Fifty clergy, pastoral leaders, church planters, and lay leaders from our 14 churches and new plants in South America gathered at a Roman Catholic retreat center in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the MCC Leadership Institute in December. The participants included representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The nuns who had hosted the gathering, fed them, and been so attentive to their needs throughout the weekend, joined the group for their concluding service. They participated in singing and prayers and listened attentively to the sermon. Then, at the moment of Communion, the unexpected happened. The Roman Catholic nuns came forward and actually received The Bread, The Cup, and a Blessing from the hands of God's Queer Children in MCC!

To get a glimpse of what is happening, you can view these videos prepared by MCCers in Brazil.

• ICM Niteroi (watch at youtube.com)
• ICM Sao Paulo (watch at youtube.com)
• La Jornada/Leadership Institute (watch at youtube.com)
• ICM Sao Paulo and Pride Day (watch at youtube.com)

Planning ahead! MCC San Diego is already accepting reservations for their cruise to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada, Mexico, December 1-6. The entire cost of the five day cruise can be as low as US$379 per person! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

River of Life MCC (Kennewick, Washington) purchased their own building and changed their worship to 10:30 am on Sundays.

Noted theologian, comedian, and A Course in Miracles scholar John Mundy will be speaking at MCC San Jose (California) on February 27. Advance tickets are available. http://www.mccsj.org/.

Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston represented the gay and lesbian community during the United Kingdom's Holocaust Memorial Day commemorative event held in Newcastle, England. The theme "Same. But Different." encouraged people to celebrate diversity and learn from the past to eliminate prejudice and exclusion.

Henry Hail brought a message to 'Ohana MCC (Honolulu, Hawaii) concerning the situation in Darfur.

MCC of the Palm Beaches (West Palm Beach, Florida) has added a second service on Sunday evenings. The Next Level features contemporary music, drama, and talks.

At their 35th Anniversary last month, MCC Portland (Oregon) presented Silver Anniversary Awards to Nicole Highhouse for her leadership with the Elevation Band and Paul Bartlett for his leadership in their extensive remodeling.

Get involved! Rev. Axel Schwaigert and Salz der Erde MCC (Stuttgart, Germany) organized a collection of LGBT books, rainbow flags, T-shirts, and other items for IPL Florin Buhuceanu to take back to Romania after the Regions 4 and 5 Conference in Hannover, Germany. Books are very expensive in Eastern Europe; few about LGBT or HIV/AIDS are available in their various languages. They are establishing an LGBT library in Bucharest, and they also welcome texts in English. For Pride, there are no rainbow flags or gay T-shirts. If you or your church would like to assemble a gift of books and rainbow items, contact Rev. Elder Diane Fisher at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Florin Buhuceanu at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for shipping information.

Additionally, Salz der Erde MCC raised over €2000 for ACCEPT, the LGBT human rights organization in Romania, and MCC South London (England, UK) collected £114 in pennies to donate to MCC's work there.

Congratulations to Amanda Ackerman, daughter of Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman and Jacquie Bogle, who won the Lancaster (Pennsylvania) Headliners Contest, wowing the audience with her vocal renditions and grace!

Rev. Lorraine Brock, Associate Pastor at King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida) is a member of the Board of the local GLSEN chapter. (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network)

Rev. Hector Gutierrez, the Coordinator of the Latin American Leadership Development program, is pleased to announce that Region 6 is finalizing a covenant between MCC and the Universidad Biblica Latinoamericana located in San Jose, Costa Rica. UBL is one of the most prestigious universities on the American continents, so it is an honor that they are eager to train MCC students for excellence in ministry within Latin America. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

MCC of the Blue Ridge (Roanoke, Virginia) and Rev. Emma Chattin are gathering a launch team for a new church plant in Harrisonburg, a university town with more than 16,000 college students in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Gold medalist! Michael Dively, former President of the Board of Trustees of Samaritan Institute for Religious Studies, won seven medals at Gay Games VII. He was among 1100 athletes competing in swimming and established Gay Game records for his age group (65-69) in two events. A member of MCC Key West (Florida), this was his fourth Gay Games. Way to go, Mike!

Rev. Jane Newall, Pastor of Rainbow Cathedral MCC (Yakima, Washington) helped draft the religious amicus brief in the Washington State court case on same-sex marriage. She is a Team Leader with Equal Rights Washington.

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Focus on Children, Youth and Young Adults 

Family Ministry Team sponsored a Jesus MCC Night at an Indiana Fever game. (The Fever is the women's basketball team in Indianapolis.) As a sponsor, Jesus MCC's name was on the score board and 20 children from the church comprised the Tunnel Club, greeting the team as they entered the court!

The youth of Agape MCC (Ft. Worth, Texas) were treated to a roller skating party.

MCC of Greater Dallas (Texas) has just initiated a new program for their younger teens, ages 12-14.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence joined the MCC Los Angeles (California)'s young adult group, The Tribe, for a delightful fundraiser.

Children at MCC Knoxville (Tennessee) Live B.I.G. (Belief In God). Each month they have a different B.I.G. theme, idea, Bible verse, and sound as the focus of their curriculum.

A weekly Children's Church has been instituted at Wichita Falls MCC (Texas).

Rock Their World is the outreach program at Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Pennsylvania) to area college students.

Parent Rap at MCC NOVA (Fairfax, Virginia) uses members who aren't parents to take the kids for a time of fun, crafts, and snacks, while the parents engage in meaningful, uninterrupted conversation and share ideas with each other.

During National Preparedness Month, MCC Quad Cities (Davenport, Iowa) encouraged families to have the children help write a plan for their family in the event of an emergency and assemble an emergency preparedness kit for their home.

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Creative Ministry Ideas you can use!

Loose change is collected at Trinity MCC (Gainesville, Florida) and donated to ICM del Centro in Argentina to assist them in paying for rent and utilities.

No calories! The folks at MCC of Corpus Christi (Texas) are doing a monthly Dessert Auction to raise money for their Conference Fund. The last one netted over US$300.

MCC Newcastle (England) arranged and curated Dignity of Difference, a month-long art exhibit for the Holocaust Memorial events in the United Kingdom. http://www.mccnewcastle.org.uk/exhibition.htm

FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) has initiated a sign language choir comprised of those who are hearing or deaf.

MCC of the Coachella Valley (Cathedral City, California) has a Partners in Mission Fund, which is supported by offerings and the sale of various items. For the first quarter of the year, their fund will support the work of MCC Sao Paulo (Brazil). Their goal is to replace the sound equipment and instruments which were stolen from the church.

Rev. Peter Trabaris led an entire service in song, including his sermon! He used public domain tunes and wrote new words to preach the message at Fox Valley MCC (Elgin, Illinois).

ICM Casa de Luz (Monterrey, Mexico) airs a radio talk show twice a week hosted by Guillermo Acosta. The program features discussion of theological and cultural issues while also promoting the church's ongoing activities. The Spanish-language program can be heard at http://www.xhweb.com.mx/ every Tuesday at 9 pm and every Friday at 10 pm (CST).

It's a Scratch-Off Party! Folks at Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) were asked to purchase four scratch-off tickets during January. Then at the end of the month they had a party to discover how much they had won!

A Ministry Appreciation Dinner was hosted by MCC Lubbock (Texas) to honor all of those who make their various ministries possible.

At New Creation MCC (Columbus, Ohio) they have experienced a very successful Covenant Discipleship Group and now are expanding to initiate other small accountability groups to encourage, challenge, and care for one another as each member strives to grow personally in worship, spiritual development, acts of compassion, and works of justice.

MCC of Greater New Orleans (Louisiana) annually presents an MCC Scholarship as part of the local PFLAG Scholarship Program.

An International Food Festival was enjoyed by all at Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida). It featured dishes from Cuba, Chile, Mexico, and other Latin America countries, as well as Italy and West Africa. There were also items from the Jewish tradition and some good ol' southern-style cooking, too!

Exhale Bar and Grill sponsored a Variety Show and donated the proceeds to MCC Albuquerque (New Mexico).

A what??? To raise money for their Building Fund, MCC Windsor (Ontario, Canada) has a PB&J dinner. Peanut Butter & Jelly ... right? Wrong! It's Pasta, Bingo, and Jeeze Cake!!!

Folks at MCC NOVA (Fairfax, Virginia) have instituted a monthly ministry to a local nursing home for one-on-one visits with the residents.

Kirk Prine is offering a certification program for women in Reiki I and II at MCC San Francisco (California). Graduates will join the men already participating in the Reiki Clinics offered following the monthly Taize service.

A yummy way to raise money! The folks at Central Texas MCC from the Heart (Waco) just had a Chili Cook-off with plenty of delicious varieties and prizes for the best in several categories.

The folks at Open Door MCC (Boyds, Maryland) shared Valentine joy, love, and music with the residents of a local nursing home.

Thanks to so many folks who wrote letters and sent e-mails to CNN Reporter Anderson Cooper as part of MCC's Valentine's Day marriage events. It's not too late to take part in this Action Alert. You'll find details at http://www.mccchurch.org/.

St. Jude's MCC (Wilmington, North Carolina) now offers electronic services for tithes, offerings, and pledges, including monthly automatic withdrawal.

Members of Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) are being encouraged to set the signature feature on their emails to say "Proud member of Sunshine Cathedral MCC" and to include vital information about the church, including address, website and worship times.

Don't wait for them to come to you! Takin' It to the Streets is a special outreach of MCC of Corpus Christi (Texas). Each month they host a cookout at a different local bar, wear their MCC shirts, and take the good news of God's love to the people of their community.

FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) has divided their Membership Class into two sections. The first is named "Alpha" and the second "Omega"!

Harry Matthewson and the other Deacons at Promise MCC (Oak Cliff, Texas) regularly visit patients at Pride Rehab in Arlington, Texas.

Great outreach! MCC San Diego (California) has an annual Best of the Best Concert featuring the "Top Ten Plus One" of their Celebration Choir's favorite songs of the past year. It's a wonderful time to invite non-MCCers to participate.

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Learn more about ... Our Church Plant in Nigeria

Rev. Rowland Jide Macaulay, Associate Pastor for African Ministries at MCC of North London (England, UK), moved to Nigeria a few months ago to begin his work there. He left his son, Oluwatosin, and his mother in London, but has gained a new family of hope in Nigeria.
 
Here is his story in his own words...
 
"I am Nigerian/British, 40 year-old, gay man, Christian theologian, poet, dancer, self-published author, educator in business and Christian education, and confirmed and ordained Pastor, who holds a law degree and a Masters degree in Theology.
 
"I spent most of my teens in Nigeria, before returning to London. Growing up gay was difficult. I fell and rose with many issues and problems, as a result of culture and faith.
 
"My religious practice was under the shadow of a faith interpretation that marginalized, judged, and infuriated me. My knowledge of Christian theology was both academic and personal, which allowed me to conclude, after a wild and long journey to find God as a gay man, that God loves all of God's children, heterosexuals, homosexuals and non-sexuals. I share the pain, struggles, joy and hope of my LGBT sisters and brothers.
 
"I had over the last five years given serious thoughts to returning to Lagos, Nigeria, a city and country I love so much, not just for its buzzing towns, villages, cities, or beautiful beaches, but for the restitution of many LGBT people.
 
"My goal is to expand on the vision of Metropolitan Community Churches and create a safe space for fellowship, education, enlightenment and worship in Nigeria. This simple and radical message of love and liberation must reach all people, families, and politicians, even in a complicated culture and society like Nigeria. In a society that kills gay people, I went to Nigeria with much trepidation.
 
"We had an introductory service at the Ikeja Capital City Hotel. Thirty-two people attended the event. We flagged it as an inclusive gospel ministry for all of God's Children. This was important because of the political and cultural bias on the issues of same-sex. We had a full service followed by a discussion on Sexuality and Spirituality. The group is currently called the House of Rainbow.
 
"I continue in hope of your support for the church plant in Lagos, Nigeria. This plant will be different in the sense that it would go to the heart of the community where injustice, isolation, rejection and ostracism by society and family know no bounds. This church will be an example of MCC's global social justice and inclusive gospel of Jesus' love with a reassurance that injustice anywhere in the world is an injustice to all.
 
"Your prayers and financial contributions would make a difference to educate and unlearn homophobia. We want our ministries to reach people who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation, health status or social class. We want them to know that God's love is beyond the boundaries of the definition of societal norms.
 
"In all our prayers, I invite you to say to God, 'Let our voice be the voice of the voiceless, our eyes be the eyes for the blind, and our faces be the face for the faceless'."
 
The House of Rainbow is growing. On New Year's Eve they had 130 in worship followed by a party, complete with a race to see who could tie the most elaborate woman's African headdress and a drag show!
 
Rev. Macauley's father founded and continues to teach at a Bible university in Nigeria and is the President of Nigeria's Association of Christian Theologians. However, he is supporting a proposed law that would, among other things, make even the gathering of LBGT folks at House of Rainbow illegal and send his son to five years in jail. There is already a law in the country that condemns people to 14 years in prison and possible stoning for having gay sex.
 
If God is calling you to support this vital work, you may send donations directly to MCC North London via your bank to The Royal Bank of Scotland, 28 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0DB, sort code 16-00-30, account number 13979838, reference "Nigeria." MCC North London is a United Kingdom registered charity, number 293629. Please email Richard Gore, church treasurer, and copy Rev. Macaulay with the amount and date sent for their records. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Or just send a note of love and support to Rev. Jide at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

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Transitions

Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia) called Rev. Tessie Mandeville as their new Pastor. She relocated from MCC San Francisco (California). Her Installation Service will be February 25 with Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski and Rev. Dr. Penny Nixon officiating, along with Rev. David Gant from MCC Tampa (Florida).
 
Rev. Tyrone Sweeting just arrived to serve as the Interim Pastor of Divine Peace MCC (Pontiac, Michigan).
 
Rev. Onetta Brooks was ordained at MCC Los Angeles on January 27. Rev. Elder Darlene Garner officiated and Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson preached the ordination sermon.
 
Rev. Ron LaRocque was installed as the Interim Pastor of MCC Portland (Oregon) the end of January. He had recently served in that same capacity at Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois).
 
Rev. Tony Freeman is serving as the Interim Pastor at MCC Sacramento (California).
 
Rev. Fernando Frontan is serving for six months as the Interim Pastor at Casa de Luz ICM (Monterrey, Mexico).
 
MCC Milwaukee (Wisconsin) called Rev. Wendy Woodruff to become their Pastor. She was recently ordained through MCC Illiana (Lake Station, Indiana).
 
Congratulations to Rev. Jack Hoggatt! Rev. Elder Nori Rost participated in his Ordination Service at New Spirit Community Church (Berkley, California), a combined MCC, UCC, and Disciples of Christ church, where he is the Interim Minister of Music. He and Rev. David Pelletier co-authored The Church Alive, one of MCC's best-known hymns.
 
MCC Baton Rouge (Louisiana) recently welcomed their new Pastor, Rev. Keith Mozingo, who had previously served as the Minister of Congregational Care at MCC Los Angeles (California).
 
Rev. Kevin Downer concluded his service as Interim Pastor of MCC San Antonio (Texas) and has moved to Chicago, Illinois, to plant a new congregation. Rev. Mick Hinson was called to become the new Pastor at MCC San Antonio.
 
Over 140 people attended the Ordination Service for Rev. Karl Hand at Good Shepherd MCC (Sydney, NSW, Australia).
 
On March 18, Rev. Joe Cobb will become the Pastor at MCC Winston Salem (North Carolina). He was ordained at MCC of the Blue Ridge (Roanoke, Virginia).
 
Congratulations to Rev. Suzie Chamness who was ordained recently at King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida).
 
Rev. Chris Glaser is the Interim Pastor for MCC San Francisco (California).

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Supporting One Another

Rev. Ivor Holmans (Brisbane, Australia) recently spent extensive time in the hospital and is again on chemotherapy for leukemia. Pray for his partner Adrian, as well.
 
Hannah Sung-Bae Yolande was born to Wendy Rosenquist and Stedney Phillips, Executive Assistant for Regions 1 and 7 and the IPL of Resurrection Beach MCC (Costa Mesa, California). Congratulations, Moms! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Rev. Rikki Chunn and Bonnie Earle will be united on March 17 at MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California).
 
MCC Staff member Carlos Chavez lost his aunt in late January. She was the sister of his father who died last year. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Congratulations to Rev. Franc Perry, Church Evangelist at First MCC (Atlanta, Georgia) and his life partner Jeff Bornheimer who were joined in the Rite of Holy Union in the Hamptons (New York). Rev. Paul Graetz officiated. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Love and prayers to Jim Birkitt, MCC's Director of Communications, and his family. Jim's 28-year old nephew died of a heart attack in February. Jim participated in the funeral service in Richmond, Virginia. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Editor: Judy Dale, MCC Communications Department 

Metropolitan Community Churches
P.O. Box 1374
Abilene, Texas 79604
USA

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