| The MCC newsletter reporting from congregations all over the world... In this Issue: Learn more about MCC in Zimbabwe, AfricaThe article below appeared in the newsletter of Good Hope MCC (Cape Town, South Africa). We never know when a conversation with a stranger can impact an entire nation. We are so excited by the developments over several months with Reverend Maxwell Master, an excommunicated minister from Zimbabwe. This divine meeting happened one morning about nine months ago. One seldom considers the importance of some meetings; such was the case with the initial meeting with Rev. Max, Yet his follow-up mail said, "To say the truth, if it was not for Christ our Lord through Sharon Cox and Good Hope MCC, I would have committed suicide..." -- and it made me realise that every meeting is an important meeting. One never knows the predicament of the person until you sit down and listen to their story... and their story is our story, too. Several months later, the wheels were in motion and our Elder, Reverend Glenna Shepherd, was in Cape Town. Rev. Max came down from Zimbabwe to meet with her and us. During this time, we got to know more of Rev. Max and his journey. He knew he was gay when he was young. In theology school he wrote a paper about the story of Sodom; his liberal theological standpoint scored him a 0! He was ordained and pastored a church during which time he brought LGBT people into his church and spoke on justice issues at synod meetings. Clergy peers were shocked and became enemies. The final nail was a hand-delivered letter, which read: "Your position on homosexuality and gay people is sin. As a minister you are leading people astray. You are ex-communicated from the Presbyterian Church and must leave the manse; you will receive no more salary and lose use of the car." Rev. Max was given a safe place to stay in a friend's house. He started a Bible study, using MCC literature about homosexuality and the Bible. He told Rev. Elder Glenna, "My vision is church growth and planting across Zimbabwe. I heard God and I said, ‘Here I am, send me.' The time is now, the place is Zimbabwe. How? God will answer." In October, Rev. Max went to Birmingham, England, for the next stage of his journey towards becoming MCC clergy. He sent the following message, "As for me, attending the REVM-UK class is more like groundbreaking and, of course, it is also like a prodigal son following his roots to where he belongs. I am thrilled for this occasion where I am accorded an opportunity to interact with my fellow colleagues. Elder Glenna, Sharon Cox and Good Hope MCC are still acting as my pillars of strength, guidance, and support. Words are not enough but I would like to thank them all." Rev. Elder Shepherd added, "We're grateful to those whose generosity made this possible – we're Tearing Down Walls and Building Up Hope in AFRICA." (back to top) Justice and Social Action
At a special gathering at MCC New York (New York) Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson presented MCC's triennial Human Rights Award to the Human Rights Watch, an organization dedicated to defending the rights of LGBT people globally. Scott Long, Director of the LGBT program, and Rebecca Schleifer, Advocate for HIV/AIDS, accepted and expressed their gratitude for the recognition and for the joint work we are doing in Jamaica, Eastern Europe, and other locations around the world.
ICM Niterói (Brazil) and the Brazilian Association of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transvestites and Transexuals (in Portuguese, ABGLT - www.abglt.org.br ) sued Rozangela Alves Justino, a psychologist who is seeking to overturn recent advances made nationally by ABGLT and ICM Niterói regarding equality for all people.
For their Fifth Sunday FYI Forum, the congregation of Central Texas MCC from the Heart (Waco) hosted representatives from the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children to learn more about their work and to give them items they had collected including clothing, toiletry items, coloring books and activity kits, jewelry and make-up for teens, toys, CDs and DVDs, and furry animal slippers.
MCC Manchester (England) has instituted a new Social Action Group to formalize their passion for doing justice work, especially their letter writing campaigns. Their new magazine Call for Justice (C4J) just debuted. To receive it each month, contact coordinator Steve Gray at
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.
Congratulations to the Homeless Ministry of Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana) who received the Community Partner Award from Horizon House. Their Ministry Team gives over 40 hours per month to Horizon House and JMCC continuously raises the most funds in the annual Homeward Bound Walk for the Homeless.
Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois) sponsored a team for the Crop Walk to end hunger. The name of their team? The Covenant Holy Crop Walkers!
Congregants of MCC of Greater Dallas (Texas) joined with the Gleaning Network to gather sweet potatoes that were left in the field because they weren't the "right" shape or size. All gleaned potatoes were then donated to various organizations which help feed the hungry.
The congregation of Living Springs MCC (Bath, England) took a large donation of produce to Julian House, a shelter for homeless men. Now they are gathering socks, hats, blankets, and jackets for the men.
Teamwork Makes a Difference! Following the devastation of Tropical Storm Noel, the members of ICM Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) knew they needed to supply clothes, food, and medicine to others in their city. They also knew that they couldn't gather much, so they partnered with Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida). Rev. Tania took suitcases of clothing, a box of medicine, and cash for food. Together the churches fed and clothed 50 families and clothed many more. MCC Washington DC is now sending needed supplies to be distributed by ICM Santo Domingo.
Heartland Community MCC (Springfield, Illinois) participated in the QSA Wig Out Jammin' for Justice on the campus of Indiana University, where they passed out fliers about the church.
MCC Good Shepherd (Parramatta North, NSW, Australia) collects funds to support the Salvation Centre, Cambodia Trust Fund, which assists orphans and vulnerable children with food, school fees, medicines, and income generating projects for their families. Rev. Greg Smith is active with this ministry.
Folks from Pikes Peak MCC (Colorado Springs, Colorado) participated in building a Habitat for Humanity house. They also donated clothes to people who had just been released from prison.
MCC of Paducah (Kentucky) sent boxes of books and altarware for use by our MCC group in Moldova.
All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota) hosted a Disaster Response Training in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Health Emergency Preparedness.
MCC of Greater Dallas (Texas) joined a coalition of local and national organizations, mental health professionals, and clergy for a press conference and demonstration against the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), a controversial fringe group that claims to "cure" gay people.
Wesley House Family Services honored MCC Key West (Florida) for their continued support, including donating $5000 (USD) in grocery gift cards,
Holy Cross MCC (Pensacola, Florida) congregants filled baskets with all the items needed to make a complete Thanksgiving dinner.
Congregants at Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia) donated dresses and women's business suits to Dress for Success, an organization that assists displaced and homeless women with job training and interviewing skills.
The First MCC (Atlanta, Georgia) Team raised $550 (USD) for their city's Juvenile Diabetes Walk.
Tom Allard is collecting clothing, blankets, pillows, and other items from congregants at MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California) to give to homeless persons.
The HOT Team (Human Outreach Team) at King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida) serves meals to the homeless and needy at St. Vincent de Paul's. HERO (Hands Empowered to Reach Others) is another ministry of that team. Under the direction of Gene Davis, they do repair work on homes for people who can't afford the work required due to code violations and could lose their homes.
Members of Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois) are collecting funds and volunteering for shifts at BEDS Plus, churches which provide shelter and food for homeless persons in the western Cook county area.
At Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York) the congregation divided into teams in order to provide Thanksgiving Baskets for 25 families. There were the Veggies, the Fruits, the Sweet Things, the Stuffers, the Spuds, and the Turkeys!
(back to top) Accessibility Resource AvailableIs your congregation looking for ways to make your church more accessible? Do you have an explicit problem, such as the need for a ramp or providing for persons with visual or hearing impairments? Maybe you want to increase awareness about a particular disability and how to minister to people experiencing it.
The Disability Forum is here to help you! We can assist by locating potential resources for you, perhaps even available in your local community. We can provide information about ADA requirements in the US, national laws in other countries, or suggestions from the United Nations. Did you know that in the US funding may be available to assist you in making your building more accessible if it is used by other community groups?
If you have a question or desire support, contact one of the Disability Forum Co-Chairs, Mike Gauss This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or Terra Muncy This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, who will assign a member of the group to work directly with your church and find the answers you need! (back to top) HIV and AIDS MinistriesThe folks at MCC Omaha (Nebraska) took the biblical story of the five loaves and two fish seriously. Members brought in five non-perishable items or two cans of meat or gave $5 (USD) to feed the "multitudes" through the Nebraska AIDS Project. he former congregation of City of Angels MCC (Los Angeles, California) donated $3000 (USD) to the Mother of Peace Orphanage in Zimbabwe.
Congratulations! MCC of Greater St. Louis (Missouri) received a $50,000 (USD) grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health to establish a comprehensive program called "The Hope & Help Center" to promote the physical, mental, and social health of lesbians, gay men, and individuals who are HIV-positive. The overall goal is to provide needed information to enable these individuals to make more informed choice about healthcare, provide information about health care issues, increase access to health care by providing information about affordable options and assistance available through other nonprofits, and to provide additional pastoral counseling to address social and spiritual health.
Valley Ministries MCC (Stockton, California) has pledged $40 (USD) each month for the Mother of Peace Orphanage in Zimbabwe. It is part of their Mission: Possible outreach program. They hope to send a group to visit and work at the orphanage in the future.
achurch4me? MCC (Chicago, Illinois) joined several other community organizations, including Test Positive Aware Network to offer ManAlive, Chicago's Gay Men's Health Summit. Rev. Kevin Downer was one of the presenters. (back to top) Ecumenical and Interfaith Activities Earlier this year, 20 members of MCC Sydney (Australia) toured the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque. They wanted to learn more about the Muslim faith, culture and practices and to extend a hand of friendship in a society that has demonized Muslim people. Even though they knew the group was LGBT, they have now invited the MCCers to participate in a special Ramadhan Iftar, a meal in a Muslim family home. This year MCC Sydney will host a group from the mosque to hear more about their faith, especially the experience of the Haj, and for them to learn more about LGBT Christians. This first seminar in a series on comparative religions at King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida) covered the foundations and history of Islam, including a survey of major tenets and rituals of Islamic religious expression. It was facilitated by Tony Watson, international lawyer and former Islamic history professor at the University of South Florida. As Chair of the California Faith for Equality, Rev. Neil Thomas was quoted about a friend-of-the-court brief filed by 144 religious groups, including MCC, that urges the California Supreme Court to rule in favor of same-sex marriage. Among the media outlets carrying his quotes were CBS 5 TV in San Francisco, the Bay City News Wire, 365Gay.com, Fog City Journal, Gay News Blog, an ACLU press release, and the ACLU's national (US) website. Rev. Charles Tigard serves on the Retreat committee of the Interfaith Ministers' Alliance of Key West (Florida). There are more churches per capita on Key West Island than in any other location in the US. Rev. Debbie Gaston was interviewed by Hardeep, a Sikh, concerning the lack of faith in Brighton, England.
A Celebration of Faith and Diversity was co-sponsored by King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida), Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida), the Human Rights Campaign, and the United Church of Christ's Suncoast Rainbow Coalition. The ecumenical gathering featured LBGT faith-themed workshops and special speakers. New Spirit MCC (Cincinnati, Ohio) is active with Churches Active In Northside to provide emergency assistance, outreach to youth and children, and community-building events and activities. NSMCC volunteers with the Choice Pantry and campaigns for special donations such as HUGS (hats, underwear, gloves, socks) for the children of Northside.
MCCs in Australia joined other faith communities in a National Day of Prayer for the people of Burma and participated in local interfaith services.
MCC of the Hudson Valley (Albany, New York) joined Emmanuel Baptist Church for a viewing of The Ghost of Abu Ghraib and a discussion about torture. (back to top) Conferences, Classes and Retreats ICM Niterói (Brazil) invited some of their country's leading theologians to speak at a two-day seminar, The Bible and the Excluded. The sessions included the Bible and Women, the Bible and Homosexuality, the Bible and the HIV+, and the Bible and People of African Descent. The seminar was advertised in Mix Brazil, the leading LGBT e-zine.
Every MCC in Australia and New Zealand was represented at the Region 1 Sub-regional Gathering hosted by Rev. Heather Creighton and MCC Melbourne. Over 70 registrants participated in six worship services, 14 workshops, and other activities. The Region's special guest for the Gathering was Joshua Love, MCC's Program Director for HIV/AIDS Ministry and Drug Literacy Program. The next gathering, for the central and northern California churches, will be at Valley Ministries MCC (Stockton) March 7-9.
The Great Gulf Coast Camp Meeting was again hosted by Cornerstone MCC (Mobile, Alabama). This year's theme was Breathe on Me, Holy Spirit. Rev. Jo Crisco, pastor of New Hope MCC (Montgomery, Alabama) was one of the guest preachers. Justin Ryan and Fred Francis were the featured musicians, along with the Cornerstone Choir under the direction of Alton Cottingham.
The ACTS Institute at MCC Baltimore (Maryland) focused on Systematic Theology during a recent month, and offered a New Testament survey another.
'Ohana MCC (Honolulu, Hawai'i) joined with local chapters of Dignity and Integrity to sponsor Stepping Out in Faith, a weekend retreat for LGBT Christians and their friends at Camp Mokule'ia on the north shore of O'hau.
Dancing with the Divine: Celebrating Our Relationship with the Sacred is the theme for the Women's Retreat for MCC Toronto (Ontario, Canada) during January 25-27.
Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois) has resumed their study of Living the Questions 2 this month. (back to top) Church and Pastoral AnniversariesMCC Montpellier (France) celebrated the 10th anniversary of MCC's presence in southern France with a special retreat December 15-16. The guest preacher was Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd. There were workshops, worship services, social times, and fun parties. And they provided for non-French speaking people.
Gentle Shepherd MCC (Tallahassee, Florida) celebrated their 14th year of service with drums, bass guitar, great music and worship, as well as a potluck dinner.
Spirit of Christ MCC (Joplin, Missouri) celebrated 10 years of ministry with special guests, including Marsha Stevens, Sam Sampson, Rev. Carolyn Mobley (First United MCC, Tulsa, Oklahoma), Rev. Kurt Krieger (Spirit of Hope MCC, Kansas City, Missouri), and congregants from MCC of the Living Spring (Eureka Springs, Arkansas).
The Rock MCC (Chattanooga, Tennessee) celebrated their 19th anniversary with two days of dinner, music, dance, poetry, an appearance by the MCC Knoxville (Tennessee) choir, and over 125 people in worship. Their special guest was former pastor Rev. Keith Mozingo.
MCC Philippines recently celebrated their 16th anniversary.
House of Rainbow MCC (Lagos, Nigeria) is averaging almost 100 in worship, has over 300 people in their database, and has ministered to over 1000 people in their first year!
MCC London (Ontario,Canada) celebrated their 27th anniversary with a potluck barbeque following worship.
MCC of Greater Dallas (Texas) celebrated their Anniversary 2 x 2. They prayed for two people twice a day and then brought them to their Anniversary Service and luncheon, led by Rev. Dr. Cindi Love, their first pastor.
Imani MCC (Durham, North Carolina) honored their 10th anniversary with a healing service, a dinner dance, and Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson preaching.
Harvest MCC (Denton, Texas) used their 22nd anniversary festivities to dedicate their new sanctuary and celebrate Homecoming.
Sweet Spirit MCC (Salem, Oregon) celebrated their 30th anniversary on two Sundays. On the first, Rev. Dr. Adero C E Allison, a former member, shared with music and preaching. Following the service the congregation went back to the 70s, complete with vinyl records and a record player, as they reminisced and viewed pictures of the beginnings of the church. The next Sunday, Rev. Elder Ken Martin joined them to look at the next 30 years of their ministry.
MCC of the Chesapeake (Annapolis, Maryland) celebrated their 9th anniversary by dedicating their new Covenant Candle Panels, bringing in new members, and sharing an anniversary dinner. (back to top) Sermon and Study SeriesFollowing their ReCharge Service on Wednesday evenings, Ray Page led the folks at MCC Omaha (Nebraska) in a study of the history of the Rosary, the Mysteries, the prayers, and the mother of Jesus. At Heartland Community MCC (Springfield, Illinois) Dr. Allan Cook taught a series based on Rev. Jeff Miner's book The Children are Free.
Celebration MCC (Naples, Florida) has two book discussion groups on Thursday evenings. Rev. Rick Sosbe facilitates one on Velvet Elvis in Fort Myers and Doug Ball leads one on The Secret in Naples.
Dr. Jonelle Neighbor taught the Bible and Homosexuality series at Pikes Peak MCC (Colorado Springs, Colorado).
Over 27% of the members of Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas) participated in their Discipleship 101 class. They will offer Discipleship 102 in January and then begin Creating a Life that Matters in February.
achurch4me? MCC (Chicago, Illinois) just completed as sermon series on Spirit: Learning to Love as God Loves.
Tree of Life MCC (Ann Arbor, Michigan) is currently using the Living the Questions series in place of the sermon during worship.
Rev. Renee McCoy is teaching the Wednesday Night Bible Study at MCC Detroit (Michigan). (back to top) MCC ResourcesThe 2007-2008 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary for the Church Year, which began with the first Sunday in Advent is available from Chi Rho Press. It is based on Year A from the Revised Common Lectionary and features many extras, such as readings for Pridetide written by Rev. Gordon McCoy. Copies are $11.95 (USD) each or $9.50 for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling. Following a sabbatical and a move, Rev. Robin White's Inclusified Lectionary (based on the Revised Common Lectionary) is once again available. His translations from the original languages for all four readings are available each week and provided three weeks in advance for sermon preparation or personal study. "Tying this week's texts together" provides a quick summary of the readings and how they can be formed into a unified narrative. Interpretive notes have been expanded and made more relevant. Challenging questions are addressed, concepts (as well as language) are inclusified, and a middle ground is presented between liberal and conservative interpretation. The cost? Only your prayers and constructive feedback! www.mcclouisville.org
A video Homosexuality and the Bible featuring Rev. Elder Ken Martin is available from MCC Good Shepherd, PO Box 2312, Parramatta North, NSW 1750, Australia, for $12 (AD), which includes postage. (back to top) Editor:Judy Dale, Editor
MCC Communications Department
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