The MCC newsletter reporting from Congregations all over the world.

In this Issue

• Free MCC Newsletter Subscriptions! 
• Spotlight On MCC People and Churches
• Creative Ministry Ideas You Can Use!
• Celebrating Christmas... In July!
• MCC Transitions
• Supporting One Another 
• MCC in the Dominican Republic

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Spotlight on MCC People and Churches

Rev. Robyn Murphy, Associate Pastor at All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota) was a guest chaplain at the Minnesota State House of Representatives, opening the legislative session with prayer. The invitation came after she spoke at the Capitol as part of a People of Faith Rally, representing local clergy against a state version of the marriage amendment, which was later defeated in committee.

Rev. Edgard Danielsen-Morales, Rev. Hector Gutierrez and Rev. Dr. Ana Vargas met at Casa de Luz ICM (Monterrey, Mexico) recently to discuss Latin American clergy process issues for the MCC Clergy Manual, as it begins to address credentialing in various locations in the world.

In September Alyson Books of New York will be publishing a collection of writings about New Orleans entitled Love, Bourbon Street, Reflections of New Orleans. Included in the book will be an article by Rev. Dexter S. Brecht about the Upstairs Fire, part of MCC’s history.

Congratulations to Brylee Grubb-Erwin, a youth at Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas), who played in the American Softball Association's State All Star Games this month. The church was listed on a support banner which will be displayed in the outfield during the games.

Dr. Paula Schoenwether and her spouse Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson were featured recently on a program on NPR (US National Public Radio). The show featured excerpts from interviews they gave to StoryCorps, an oral history project conducted with the U.S. Library of Congress.

MCC Anchorage (Alaska) won the "Best Marching Contingent" in the city's Gay Pride Parade. During Pride. Rev. Johnathan Jones was on two radio talk shows and MCCA ran an ad on KFAT FM, Alaska's Hip Hop and R&B Station.

MCCer Lois Gallenberger is the President of the Wichita Falls (Texas) chapter of PFLAG.

Have you visited Rev. Troy Perry's new ministry website? Stop by today at www.RevTroyPerry.org.

Rev. Neil Thomas, pastor of MCC Los Angeles, delivered the invocation at the Los Angeles gathering of the Log Cabin Republicans on June 29. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was the key note speaker. Human Rights Campaign and Equality California also participated in the event.

We're in the movies! Actor Chad Allen and his producer Chris attended worship recently at MCC Albuquerque (New Mexico). Chad starred in The End of the Spear, a movie based on a true story of  missionaries who were killed when they went to a remote village to witness. The movie stirred up conservative Christians who were not happy that a gay man portrayed the main character of the story! Chad was in Albuquerque filming Save Me! A few weeks later the entire crew was at MCCA to film the church scene for the movie!

The Chicago area MCCs worked together to host an MCC Worship Service at Gay Games VII on July 16, at Roosevelt University's Ganz Hall, just across from Millennium Park. Rev. Grant Lynn Ford preached to 71 folks. Rob Hadley also organized a worship service at the Out Games in Montreal.

Pentecost was celebrated with balloons, ribbons, flowers, candles, liturgy, and singing at Living Springs MCC (Bath, England). But the highlight of the service was the presence of the BBC and Julie Trollopes, who had stated that she had never met any "happy or fulfilled homosexuals." Well, that certainly changed! A section of "Inside Out" on BBC West in September will feature her encounter with Rev. Kieren Bourne and MCC.

Way to grrrrrrrrrow! Milwaukee MCC (Wisconsin) brought in ten new members on Pentecost Sunday and now has a choir!

The July/August issue of CURVE magazine features an interview with Marsha Stevens-Pino and her ministry with BALM (Born Again Lesbian Music). It was written by Susan Calhoun, a member of MCC Paducah (Kentucky). The complete interview is also available on CURVE'S website at http://www.curvemag.com/Detailed/733.html.

Valarie Parson of Joy MCC (Orlando, Florida) is the new volunteer Technology and Information Coordinator for MCC Region 7.

Mykal Slack has been named one of 30 Point Scholars by the Point Foundation, which provides scholarships for outstanding LGBT students. Each year, scholars are expected to develop a project to directly impact the LGBT and straight allied community. Project locations include Cape Town, South Africa; South Bend, Indiana; Madrid, Spain; Los Angeles, California; and Durham, North Carolina. Mykal, who has a law degree, is currently working on an M.Div. at Union Theological Seminary, focusing on pastoral ministry, theology, liturgical studies, and vocal/gospel music. He is a Clergy Candidate at MCC New York (New York).

Members of the MCC Disability Forum are volunteering for each Regional Conference to ensure that the needs of all people are being met. The coordinators are:

Scottsdale - Joseph Shore This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hannover - Robin Brooks This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Bridget Wilson Hall This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ft. Lauderdale - Linda Watson (aka "Scooter") This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pittsburg - Heather McNally This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Terra Muncy This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Forum Co-Chairs can also be contacted for assistance. Mike Gauss This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Josie Byzek This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

While she was in London to speak at the MCC Euro-Pride service and the Amnesty International hosted "Pride not Prejudice Conference," Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson had dinner with Rev. Elder Hong Tan, who is the Director of Sexual Health for the City of London, and who will be going to Beijing later this year to meet with the Director of HIV/AIDS services there for a partnership program. She also had a chance to visit with the Rev. Elders Gill Storey and Jeri Ann Harvey, who are visiting Rev. Storey’s mother and hope to be on their way to Spain soon. They each send their love to MCC friends.

Amazing! The folks at Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas) were personally invited by a faith-based specialist from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to participate in the recruitment and licensing of foster parents from their congregation. Several couples have entered the training process.

MCCer Terry Davis was named the Volunteer of the Year by the YMCA in Louisville, Kentucky.

Christy Ebner is the new administrative assistant for Region 5. She is a member of MCC of Greater Dallas (Texas), which is not in Region 5, but in today’s world our staff can work from any location! Her e-mail address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Recently, the scoreboard screen at the San Diego Padres game read "Happy 84th Birthday, Rev. June Norris!" An usher came and wished her a happy birthday before the game began. Then during the 7th inning stretch, a trio appeared singing "Happy Birthday" and presented her with a bag filled with Padres "goodies" ...a beach towel, shoelaces, a beanie, baseball cards, posters, a lanyard -- all with the Padres logo. To top it all off, she got to see her team win in the final inning!  Happy Belated Birthday to our first heterosexual clergyperson in MCC!

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Creative MCC Minstry Ideas

MCC Portsmouth (England) will have a church picnic on Membership Sunday, July 30, at St. James Hospital. They are working with the local NHS Trust and Hospital Chaplain as part of their outreach to the community of patients with mental health issues. An art exhibit will feature works by MCC artists from across the denomination including Dr. Paula Schoenwether, Angie McLachlan, Catherine Brew, Marina Laws, and Rev. Janice Bowker. Many of them have designated a percentage of the profits be given to the church and the denomination.

Have you ever heard of a Compromise Choir? Well, there’s one at MCC of Corpus Christi (Texas). They "compromise" by having only one rehearsal right before worship and sing on only one Sunday each month!

Light University, the education arm of Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida), recently presented Reiki Master Marcus Edminston and his workshop Hypnosis for Weight Control.

Wichita Falls MCC (Texas) had a Vacation Bible School for children ages 10 and under. This year’s theme was "God's Amazing Animals and Xtreme Creation".

Here’s an idea! Congregants and their friends at FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) are raising money for the church just by surfing the web! GoodSearch.com is a search engine powered by Yahoo!, which shares their advertising revenues with various charities and schools.

Every month on a Tuesday evening, the folks at MCC Manchester (England) meet in the side chapel for their Quiet and Calm service, which offers a chance to relax in God’s presence, feel the stress and strain ease away, meet Christ in a simple celebration of Holy Communion, and to receive prayer for and anointing with Holy Oil.

Lawyers Ellen Corcella and Virgene Cline facilitated a seminar at Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana) about wills, medical and legal powers-of-attorney, and other essential documents to protect relationships or ensure that one’s wishes are known and carried out.

Congregants from Angels of Hope MCC (Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin) and Milwaukee MCC (Wisconsin) are gathering for a picnic next month to make plans for their 20th anniversary celebrations in November.

The Brisbane Lesbian and Gay Pride Choir performed at the Stonewall Service at MCC Brisbane (Australia). The church also held a special Pride function with Justice Michael Kirby as the featured speaker and at which they honored Shelley Argent, the PFLAG Coordinator, and Dr. David Bradford, a sexual health doctor in Cairns.

"Match Your Daily Treats" is a fundraising idea being used at Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida). Congregants are matching what they spend in a day, week, or month on their daily coffee, soda, or whatever special beverage. The money is being placed in pink envelopes and contributors are then eligible for drawings for movie passes, restaurant gift certificates, or tanning sessions.

MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California) hosts a Last Sunday of the Month Noon Forum. The July program featured their Pastor Rev. Dr. Bob Goss's "Sexual and Gender Variance in the World’s Religions" presentation. The Forum this month will focus on The Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing Project.

City of Angels MCC (Glendale, California) sponsors a spiritual journey group, which reads about eight books per year and explores the spiritual journey from all angles. Currently they are discussing Bailey's Cafe by Gloria Naylor. The group is led by Bob Crocker.

Folks at MCC of Corpus Christi (Texas) held a Dessert Auction and sold T-shirts to raise over $700 (UDS) for their Delegates’ Fund.

Working together! The MCCs in the Greater Atlanta (Georgia) area joined their advertising efforts and purchased a full page ad in the Pride issue of Southern Voice. Our Hope MCC (Athens), Truth Center MCC and First MCC (Atlanta), and Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur) together promoted a message of God’s inclusive love and invited people to worship at an MCC near them.

FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) is having a Tupperware Catalog Sale this month with a percentage of all sales to benefit JAM, their children's ministry. JAM is raising funds to furnish their very own room when the church builds its new building.

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Christmas in July

Each July Central Texas MCC from the Heart (Waco, Texas) selects a local charity which can benefit from its special Christmas in July offering. This year, the Red Door Pantry is the recipient. For each $10 (USD) donation, a mosaic sun-catcher in the shape of a cross is hung on the Christmas tree in the sanctuary. At the end of the month, donors get to take the sun-catchers home.

Christmas in July has taken on all new meaning for the members of Joyful Noise, the choir at Open Door MCC (Boyds, Maryland). Since people are so busy in October and November, their Music Director has the choir practicing their Christmas music this month! Wearing Santa hats is optional!

All Saints’ MCC (Christchurch, New Zealand) celebrated a Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner with all the traditional fare of a holiday meal.

Valley Ministries MCC (Stockton, California) is engaged in their 7th annual Christmas in July program, collecting school supplies for the TLC (Transitional Learning Center) which provides homeless children an opportunity to receive an education. 

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Transitions

Congratulations to Fernando Frontan of ICM Diaconia en la Diversidad (Montevideo, Uruguay) and Alberto Najera of ICM Paz y Alegria (Managua, Nicaragua) who were recently approved for ordination.

Our love and prayers to Rev. Elder Debbie Martin, who has announced her resignation as Elder for MCC Region 1, effective September 30. Please hold her and her family in your prayers as she prepares to close one chapter of ministry and open new chapters ahead.

Rev. Durrell Watkins has joined the staff of Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) as Canon Precentor (liturgist). His partner, Rev. Robert Griffin, is the new Dean of Light University, the Religious Education program of the church. This is a part time position so that he can continue to work for MCC part time.

Karl Hand, who is completing his Candidacy at MCC Good Shepherd (Sydney, Australia), will complete his Masters Degree in Philosophy at the prestigious Sydney University. Last year he received a Masters from  Catholic University. Upon completion of this degree, he will continue study for his Doctorate.

MCC of the Hudson Valley (Albany, New York) will honor their pastors, Rev Jill Farnham and Rev. Karha Us, at a party on August 26. They have announced their retirement after 14 years. Their last Sunday will be September 10. They plan to build a spiritual retreat center that will be  affordable to all, and to focus on ministry to clergy who are experiencing burnout. To send a message for their retirement party, write This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Angels of Hope MCC (Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin) has moved their Appleton location, as the building they had been renting was sold. They  now meet at the Unitarian Universalist facility until they can secure a place of their own. They have received a $15,000 (USD) pledge toward a down payment and have retired the mortgage on their church in Green Bay.

MCC Rockhampton (Australia) has been closed.

Rev. Ken Pilot was installed as Pastor of MCC Family in Christ (Ft. Collins, Colorado) on Pentecost Sunday. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

After being displaced by hurricane Ivan in September 2004, Holy Cross MCC (Pensacola, Florida) is finally moving to their new home! The Dedication Celebration will be Sunday, August 13 at 2 pm. Rev. Elder Lillie Brock will be the guest speaker and clergy from the surrounding area will participate in this exciting event. Rev. Sandy O'Steen is the Pastor.

MCC of the Upstate (Duncan, North Carolina) worships in a tiny white clapboard church in a hollow that was built 110 years ago exclusively for African-Americans because they were not welcome in any of the other churches in the area. In a newspaper article featuring the church, Rev. Donna Stroud said, "Our church is extremely diverse, into social justice and as open as it could possibly get."

MCC San Francisco (California) has had to move their services to the LGBT Center due to a structural problem with a wall in the back of their building, making it unsafe until repairs can be completed.

The ICMs in Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico, have been disaffiliated.

Rev. Geoff Robinson has departed from MCC Key West (Florida) to be installed as Pastor of St. Luke’s MCC (Jacksonville, Florida).

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Supporting One Another

The Lay Ministry Council has announced that they will be presenting a new award at every General Conference to honor the memory of one of MCC’s pioneer lay people -- the JoNee Shelton Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Lay Leadership.

Please continue to hold the family of MCC staff member Carlos Chavez in your prayers. Carlos' father passed away last month after an extended illness. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Praises! Rev. Candace Shultis' vision in the eye with the detached retina has been restored to 20/40, which is almost perfect! She is able to wear contact lens again. Yea, God!

Denny, the partner of Rev. Leigh Neighbour, MCC Auckland (New Zealand) lost his step-father the end of June. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The mother of Mary Jane Gibney passed away last month following a very brief illness. Mary Jane is the partner of Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Senior Pastor of MCC New York. The family has requested donations to Metropolitan Community Charities in lieu of flowers.

A tree was planted in the front yard of Milwaukee MCC (Wisconsin) to remember Rev. Lew Broyles and all that he did for the church and the community on the first anniversary of his death last month. The service was attended by members of the church and community, as well as people from his workplace at the medical center.

Welcome, Hannah!  Rev. Shelagh Zincke and Clare Warren proudly announce the arrival of Hannah Eugenie Zincke-Warren on May 25, 2006.  Jack is very excited about the his new little sister, as is the congregation of NewCoast MCC (New South Wales, Australia).

Paul Myers, Interim Music Director at MCC of the Spirit (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), passed away the end of last month following a difficult battle with cancer. He was only in his 30s and leaves his partner Robert Ruiz. He had also served at New Light MCC (Hagerstown, Maryland) and had been a musician for both the Mid Atlantic District and Region 3 Conferences. Rev. Eva O'Diam officiated at his funeral.

Rev. Gale Rawlins, Pastor of Water of Life MCC (Tucson, Arizona), continues to recuperate from major surgery. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Treasure Valley MCC at Boise (Idaho) lost their pastor suddenly for the second time. Rev. Carlos Garcia, formerly a Nazarene minister who was transferring his credentials to MCC, was getting coffee and then planned to take a neighbor to work, when he died abruptly from a heart attack on May 1. This congregation is still grieving the death of their former pastor, Rev. Robert Cross, who died unexpectedly two years ago.

Because Wichita Falls MCC (Texas) was so greatly blessed by various MCCs when their church burned down, they believe they need to begin returning the favor. The Board approved a $200 gift from their Building Fund and the congregation took up a love offering to assist SunCoast Cathedral MCC (Venice, Florida). That church lost their facility in a storm several years ago and just now has been able to have the old structure torn down. As they are able to raise the money, they will rebuild. Meanwhile they continue to worship in temporary space. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Rev. Margaret Hawk and Stephanie Miller lost Stephanie’s son Nathan, who was only 28. He collapsed at work the end of May and died before they could arrive at the hospital. The autopsy was unable to discover the cause of death. Rev. Margaret is the Pastor of New Creation MCC (Columbus, Ohio). This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pam, the sister of Rev. Debbie Gaston, Pastor of MCC Brighton (England) passed away early last month after struggling with bone marrow cancer. She leaves two daughters and three grandchildren. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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MCC and the Dominican Republic

Rev. Venson Phillip Mathews, Associate Pastor of MCC Washington DC, spent two months in the Dominican Republic working on a new church start. He prepared the way for a group of 24 people from the church to work for a week in two orphanages, providing a vacation Bible school and doing painting and other work on the buildings. The group raised $30,000 (USD) for the trip and took intensive Spanish lessons! The theme was Solo Dios Puede - Only God Can!  MCCDC folks donated 22 suitcases full of supplies for the children.

Clergy Candidates Tania Guzman and Vickie Miller traveled to the Dominican Republic from Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) to assist Rev. Mathews with his work there. Tania, a native of the Dominican Republic, and Vickie helped establish new contacts and gathered MCC materials in Spanish for upcoming presentations. Tania also preached at a worship service at El Tamarindo School, which was started by MCC volunteers.

In Santo Domingo, the community has continually been denied permits for a Pride March, so this year they hosted a day-long forum with various presenters, one of whom was Rev. Venson Philip Mathews. He was also featured in the Nacional newspaper following the event.

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Editor: Judy Dale, MCC Communications Department 

Metropolitan Community Churches
P.O. Box 691728
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 310-360-8640
Fax: 310-360-8680

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