| The MCC newsletter reporting from Congregations all over the world. In this Issue: Welcome to "Around the Fellowship"!Welcome to the latest issue of "Around the Fellowship" newsletter, in which you will find news and updates from local MCC churches as well as information on MCC's leaders, members, and friends. Subscriptions to "Around The Fellowship" are free upon request. To subscribe, simply write to
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and we'll be glad to start your free subscription! Judy Dale, ATF Editor Spotlight on MCC People and Churches Rev. Gelson Piber, Interim Pastor, Miss o ICM Niterói (Brazil), was a presenter during the Week of Religion and Cultural Diversity in América Latina, promoted by the State University of Rio de Janeiro. University teachers, specialists and religious leaders from across Latin America participated. His lecture, "The people homosexuals and the processes of the Christian religious communities' exclusion," was followed by debate. Lancaster Theological Seminary (Pennsylvania) has established the Rev. Delores Berry Preaching Prize and the Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman Master of Divinity Scholarship Fund.
Great outreach! "Annie's Mailbox" (the former Ann Landers' advice column now carried in more than 800 newspapers) recently cited Metropolitan Community Churches as the best resource for people dealing with issues of homosexuality and religion. The column included MCC's website and mailing address.
MCC clergyperson Rev. Vicki Kowlakowski became the first openly transgender person to serve as a judge in the US when she was recently sworn in as an Administrative Law Judge for the California Public Utilities Commission.
Christopher Bell, Lay Delegate for MCC Baltimore (Maryland) was named Crew Member of the Year by Cold Stone Creamery nationally. He's been named general manager of their new store near Johns Hopkins University.
A must read! Rev. June Norris, MCC's first heterosexual clergyperson, the second woman ordained in the MCC denomination, and the author of several of our hymns, was featured in the North County Times newspaper of San Diego, California. Be sure to read this excellent article, which includes valuable MCC history, online at http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/01/19/faith/10_12_741_18_07.txt_
The MCC Moderator's Theology Team met for the first time last month via conference call to pray and think together about how to engage MCC in a new era of theological conversation, and to explore ways to create safe space in MCC for those conversations among clergy and laity. This evolving "brainstorming team" includes Rev. Kharma Amos (Virginia), Rev. Dr. Jim Burns (Colorado), Rev. Dr. Edgard Danielson-Morales (Mexico), and Rev. Dr. Mona West (Florida). Rev. Robert Griffin is providing staff support. Among other projects, they are preparing a "Theological Cafe" experience at General Conference in July.
Congratulations to Rev. Candy Holmes of MCC Christ the Liberator (North Brunswick, New Jersey) was featured in the "Roll Call, Who's Who in Black LGBT" in an edition of the National Black Justice Coalition Magazine.
Rev. Kerri Mesner, Pastor of MCC Edinburgh (Scotland), represented MCC at the launch of "Equalities in Scotland: A Review of Progress" in the Scottish Parliament. The event brought together more than 80 different age, disability, gender, race, religion/belief and sexual orientation groups in an open debate. The gathering, which was connected with the 2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for All, marked the first time for such an event to be hosted by the Scottish Parliament.
Rev. Paul Fairley and Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd were the special guests recently at Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia).
Ruth Huber, a member of MCC San Jose (California), was named Emerging Artist of the Year by the American Art Song Competition for Composers.
Rev. Hector Gutierrez, Church Development Officer for MCC Churches in Mexico and Central America, is working towards his Doctorate in Religion at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile in Concepción, Chile.
Out & Faithful: Coming Out to Love was a workshop presented by Rev. Neil Thomas, senior pastor of MCC Los Angeles (California). The workshop was held at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.
Rev. Dee Dale was invited to present to the Advocacy Committee for Women's Concerns of the Presbyterian Church (USA). This national elected body was convened to address the experiences of lesbians in the church and make recommendations to the General Assembly. She spent five hours with them answering their questions about her personal experiences as an openly lesbian pastor. Rev. Dale is senior pastor of MCC Louisville (Kentucky).
MCC Ocala (Florida) established a Prayer Wreath as the result of a presentation at their Regional Conference. They believe many prayers have been answered, including receiving a $10,000 USD gift to establish a Building Fund.
Angel Collie of Imani MCC (Durham, North Carolina) is among the 2007 Soulforce Equality Riders, going by bus to over 50 college and university campuses which are anti-gay. For more information or to help sponsor Angel's trip, visit https://www.soulforce.org/angel_collie .
The new Moderator’s Theology Team is looking for a copy of the document produced early in our MCC history by our Faith, Fellowship and Order Commission, entitled “the Six Questions.” This was a very important early theological effort, using a grassroots input process, and a team of editors. Anyone who has a copy, please contact the Moderator at
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. Rev. Karla Fleshman and Joshua Love facilitated Beyond Boundaries: A Blueprint for LGBTI Healthcare Equality at the Third National (US) LBGTI Health Summit this month in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Del Mar College held their Second Annual Unity March celebration. Representing MCC of Corpus Christi (Texas) at the event were Billie "Tazz" Harvey, Diana Downs, Melissa Rollins, Lee Brame and Rev. Danny Spears, who was one of the speakers.
Mark Edward Howell, a member of Agape MCC (Ft. Worth, Texas) just played the Ringmaster in a production of "My Brother and Sister with Wings". He is also starring in a Texas Lottery commercial.
Numa Jay Pillion of Lady Lake, Florida, sent a wonderful letter to MCC and presented a copy of her book Life Stories Life Readings to us.
Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Mobile, Alabama, Pride Parade next month and will speak at the Pride in the Park worship celebration sponsored by Cornerstone MCC. Canaan, a musical group from Rainbow Promise MCC (Lakeland, Florida) will perform. The church is also facilitating an Angel Project along with other LGBT groups to shield marchers from protesters. (back to top) Lentern Series and ActivitiesDo you know why many churches have Pancake Suppers on Shrove Tuesday (also known as Fat Tuesday), the last day of Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday? In memory of Jesus' long fast in the wilderness, Christians often give something up for Lent. In previous generations Lent was marked with very strict fasting and only the plainest food could be eaten. Therefore, rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, sugar and flour were disposed of immediately prior to the fast. Pancakes were the perfect way of using up these perishable goods, besides providing a minor feast prior to the fast itself. The day these pancakes were, and still are, eaten is Shrove Tuesday. The word 'Shrove' comes from an old English word meaning forgiven, as it was customary to go to confession on Shrove Tuesday, too.
Rev. Kharma Amos has been selected as a contributor to the Human Rights Campaign's Out In Scripture commentary. Her contributions for the season of Lent can be found at www.hrc.org/scripture/season.asp#02-21-07 .
Rev. Maria Luna-Wolfe is teaching a special class at Harvest MCC (Denton, Texas) on grief as seen through the experience of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.
MCC of the Coachella Valley (Cathedral City, California) began the Season with a Pancake Dinner on Shrove Tuesday complete with Mardi Gras decorations, activities, and games. The proceeds went to support ICM Sao Paulo (Brazil). Their Lenten Study, The Way of the Cross, has them joining Jesus on the journey to Calvary. And their Lenten Candy Drive will provide over 800 baskets to needy children.
MCC Portland (Oregon) is providing a Lenten "e-journey" with a brief biblical passage and prayer sent daily. You may still sign up to receive the remaining ones. Go to www.mccportland.com and click the "Lent" button.
Wilderness Survival is the sermon theme at Central Texas MCC of the Heart (Waco), while MCC Albuquerque (New Mexico) is using the theme Hope in the Desert. They also have four Small Groups meeting in various locations for prayer and Bible study during the Lenten season.
Readings, meditations, and music are replacing the sermons during Lent at MCC Manchester (England). They gave everyone a tube of Smarties and asked them to enjoy the candy and return the tube during Eastertide with money in it, which will be donated to the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit. They are also providing special daily devotions for Lent both in print and on their website. www.mccmanchester.co.uk
Weekly Taizé services are being held at Angels of Hope MCC (Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin), City of Angels MCC (Los Angeles, California), and MCC Los Angeles (West Hollywood, California).
The folks of MCC of Greater New Orleans began Lent by reflecting as they walked the labyrinth at Audubon Park. They are meeting each Sunday to discern the future mission and vision of the church.
A Clearing Season: Reflections for Lent by Sarah Parsons is the study used in Living Room Groups meeting in homes at Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida). They also have a Friday Night Fish Fry each week.
As part of their Lenten theme Give and Take, MCC of Greater Dallas (Texas) is hoping to have 30 people commit to being in the special Easter Chorus to sing on Palm Sunday and Easter morning.
MCC Newcastle (England) began with a Pancake Party on Shrove Tuesday and then had weekly Lenten Studies in homes in diverse locations. They Got It Wrong focuses on six Bible stories about individuals who made a mess of their lives and relationship with God - and the lessons we can learn from them.
At Peninsula MCC (San Mateo, California), Rev. Terri Echelbarger is preaching a series of sermons based on Prayers of the Cosmos: Meditations on the Aramaic Words of Jesus, translated and with commentary by Neil Douglas-Klotz. Many in the congregation have committed to memorizing the prayer Jesus taught us in Christ's native Aramaic language. They also observe the season by speaking, rather than singing, their Communion blessings.
Purple Sunday? Yes! First MCC (Atlanta, Georgia) acknowledged the first Sunday of Lent by inviting everyone to wear purple that day!
Sunday evenings during Lent the folks at Wichita Falls MCC (Texas) are gathering for How Firm a Foundation, a potluck dinner and time of sharing about all that makes up the foundation of our faith: the Bible, the Holy Spirit, Jesus, God, and the Church.
Church of Our Savior MCC (Boynton Beach, Florida) provided imposition of ashes during the afternoon on Ash Wednesday followed by a special Taizé service.
Lent with Lucy at Open Door MCC (Boyds, Maryland) finds them gathering weekly for pizza and a group study involving the old TV sitcom "The Lucy Show."
As part of their Lenten theme Rediscovering Jesus, MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California) is showing the video series Saving Jesus, featuring progressive religious voices discussing various aspects of Jesus.
Where the Wild One Leads is the theme at Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia). They began the sermon series with a special guest, Rev. Dr. Penny Nixon, preaching about Wild Surrender.
Rev. Jim Merritt, the Community Activist, is offering a Lenten series on his website. The sermon titles are "Time to Get Ready for Temptation," "Time to Get Ready for Sorrow," "Time to Get Ready for Repentance," "Time to Get Ready for Rejoicing," "Time to Get Ready for Jesus," and "Ready or not, Here's Jesus." www.thecommunityactivist.com
Folks at MCC Bournemouth (England) were encouraged to fast for Ash Wednesday and to spend meal times in prayer. The church was opened for such during lunchtime. They also gave their congregants tubes of Smarties. The money raised will go to the Mother of Peace Orphanage in Zimbabwe.
Gary Shulte at MCC of the Coachella Valley (Cathedral City, California) devised a great acronym for LENT -- Lose Every Negative Thought. What would happen if we really stopped all the negative thinking about ourselves, others, our churches, our jobs, our families, our neighbors, our governments? We could make this world a better place to live - and ourselves more Christ-like.
Imago Dei MCC (Glen Mills, Pennsylvania) is focusing on Prayer. Joshua Love, MCC Program Director for HIV/AIDS, preached on Entreaty as Prayer on March 18. (back to top) Focus on Children, Youth, and Young AdultsHeartland Christian Fellowship MCC (San Bernardino, California) has created a Speakers' Bureau. They have presented at both the University of California at Riverside and for the Western Regional GLBTIA Colleges Conference. "We were full to overflowing, and it was wonderfully heartening to see our youth scribbling notes furiously on the texts of terror and the passages of promise which five of us condensed into a 90 minute presentation." Don't ever say smaller churches can't make a significant impact! This church has 11 members. How many of us can say almost half our membership is involved in such fantastic ministry?
The very first support program for LBGT and questioning youth in Wichita Falls, Texas, is being initiated by MCC Wichita Falls. TruBluU for teens 13 to 17 had a kick-off pizza party on March 1.
MCC of Greater Dallas (Texas) is beginning a class for their younger teens, ages 12-15.
The Tribe, the young adult group at MCC Los Angeles (West Hollywood, California) just celebrated the first anniversary of their monthly worship service. MCCLA also has a group for 13-18 year olds: TeenQuest. And Kids' Club is for those 3 -12.
The Yacht Club (Young Adults Cooperative Heading for Tomorrow) is a group for college age and twenty-somethings at FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida).
Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas) has both a Youth Sunday School and a Youth Teen Group that meet weekly.
Fourteen Muhlenberg College students were among those participating in the Freedom to Marry Rally sponsored by MCC Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania). (back to top) Creative Ministry Ideas you can use!Folks at Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia) were challenged to donate a percentage of their income tax returns to decrease the church's mortgage principal. elly Busters is a weight loss support group at Divine Peace MCC (Pontiac, Michigan).
The Singing Kettle is a gathering of folks from MCC Newcastle (England) to enjoy singing hymns around the piano in someone's home, studying a Psalm, praying, and fellowshipping together. They also have Prayer Parties in homes all across Northeast England. People pray together for their church and its ministries, and then enjoy refreshments and conversation. They have even established one for Mandarin speaking LGBT people!
Angels of Hope MCC (Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin) hosted a St. Patrick's Day Dinner and Silent Auction. They will enjoy the traditional corned beef and cabbage, along with other yummy dishes.
Rev. Rikki Chunn leads an MCC service in the Catholic tradition each Sunday afternoon at MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California).
Covering the territory! Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) had a booth and presented a Sunday service at Diverse Minority Pride. They staffed multiple booths around the grounds at Pride South Florida.
The Lay Delegates at MCC Portland (Oregon) handed out empty water bottles to the congregation and asked them to fill them with dimes to help fund the Delegates' attendance at General Conference.
What a hike! The Walking Disciples at MCC San Diego (California) recently enjoyed a six mile trek at El Capitan Open Space Preserve as they followed old mining trails up the steep slope.
Early each Sunday morning folks gather on the land at Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) for an outdoor worship service.
Fishing for Jesus was the theme of Good Hope MCC (Cape Town, South Africa)'s float in the Pride Parade last month.
Blood pressure screening and information on heart health was provided one Sunday following worship at Peninsula MCC (San Mateo, California).
Need a POD? FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) has many POD groups (Principles of Discipleship), including Palatka POD, Rainbow POD, Sunday POD, and POD Squad and Mission Possible POD, which meet in Jacksonville.
My Life, My Plan, a financial planning seminar at MCC San Francisco (California), helped participants determine what they want in life and make financial decisions based on those values.
MCC NOVA (Fairfax, Virginia) has begun a ministry to reach out to new people who have come two or three Sundays and then stopped attending.
Yum! First MCC (Atlanta, Georgia) held a Dinner on the Grounds featuring a Soul Food Menu: fried chicken, baked ham, turnip greens, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, and red velvet cake.
Join the fun! King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida) is sponsoring an exotic 8 day Panama Canal cruise on the new mega ship Carnival Liberty September 29 - October 7. It departs from Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) and visits Costa Maya, Mexico; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; and Colon, Panama. Prices start at $739 (interior room, double occupancy) and include all taxes, a contribution to King of Peace MCC, and a roundtrip bus from St. Petersburg to Ft. Lauderdale. Questions? Send an email to Travel Beyond.
A group from Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York) takes Day Hikes. Can you imagine hiking in the snow?
Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana) is now offering a catered meal following their Sunday evening service to provide a time of fellowship for the congregation.
Good Shepherd Parish MCC (Chicago, Illinois), the first MCC east of the Mississippi River in the US, is creating an online history. If you have any photos or stories to share, please send them to
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There were no organizations in Northeast England that ministered to older LBGT people, so MCC Newcastle began Tea with Dorothy. Those 45 and older are invited to gather to socialize and enjoy tea and cake each month. (back to top) MCC Transitions The Region 6 office has moved from Monterrey to Guadalajara, México. Our newest Elders have now moved into their respective Regions. Rev. Elder Ken Martin resides in Portland, Oregon, and Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd is located in Brighton, England. Rev. Mark Byrd is the Interim Pastor at Christ the Liberator MCC (North Brunswick, New Jersey).
MCC Good Shepherd (Sydney, Australia) has leased an old Girl Guide Hall in Granville. Since it has been vacant for a number of years, as part of their lease agreement with the City of Parramatta, they must complete a large amount of renovation work for compensation in rental. Their goal is to hold their first service there this month. Cost for renovation is always a challenge. You can be part of this "Project for Jesus." Send your gift to MCC Good Shepherd, PO Box 2312 Parramatta North, Sydney Australia 1750, or contact Rev. Robert Clark at
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Holy Redeemer MCC (College Park, Maryland) is no longer a Parish Extension of MCC DC (Washington, DC), but its own independent church … MCC, of course!
Rev. Janet Avery was appointed Interim Pastor for MCC Hudson Valley (Albany, New York).
East Coast MCC (Melbourne, Florida) moved into their own worship space, which they share with The Living Room, the new Gay and Lesbian Community Center. Now they are seeking chairs, a piano, choir robes, and worship banners. Can your church help?
Rev. Margarita Sanchez Deleon reentered MCC clergy and was installed as Pastor of ICM Cristo Sanador (San Juan, Puerto Rico).
MCC Corpus Christi (Texas) just voted to purchase their own property. The first service in their new home will be Easter Sunday! The building has slightly over 6,000 square feet on a corner lot with paved parking, and it's within a few blocks of the gay bars.
Rev. Karon VanGelder is the new Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish MCC (Chicago, Illinois). They are meeting monthly for worship and monthly for a potluck with Communion. They plan to close by the end of the year with the establishment of a new MCC in Chicago led by Rev. Kevin Downer.
Members at MCC San Diego (California) are voting this month on the potential purchase of a new church building . (back to top) Supporting One Another Rev. Nathan Woodruff, Associate Pastor and Director of Christian Education at Promise MCC (Oak Cliff, Texas), died unexpectedly last month. A long-time member of MCC, he was also on the faculty at the University of Texas at Arlington.
The mother of Rev. Darlene Young, Pastor of Safe Harbor MCC (Halifax, Nova Scotia), passed on last month. Rev. Darlene had just been released from the hospital following treatment for congestive heart failure.
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Garrett Jordan Purcell was born on Ash Wednesday to Rev. Gina Purcell, Clergy on Staff at Agape MCC (Ft. Worth, Texas).
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Dixie, the daughter of Rev. June Norris, passed away two weeks after being diagnosed with cancer in her back, liver, and kidneys.
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The father of Rev. Ken Ehrke, Senior Pastor of Agape MCC (Ft. Worth, Texas), died in Nebraska after living a long and full life.
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Rev. Marty Luna-Wolfe, Senior Pastor of Harvest MCC (Denton, Texas), had hip replacement surgery last month.
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Congratulations to new moms Rev. Jane Newall, Pastor of Rainbow Cathedral MCC (Yakima, Washington) and her partner Debbie Vuillemot. Their son, Akira Owen, was born on February 16.
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Robert Mixon, the partner of Rev. Paul Graetz, Senior Pastor of First MCC (Atlanta, Georgia), lost his mother recently following surgery and several strokes. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Jan Otto, a founding member of MCC Corpus Christi (Texas), went home to be with Jesus.
Rev. Gale Rawson, Pastor of Water of Life MCC (Tucson, Arizona) is again recovering from surgery. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Barbara Gittings, a pioneer in civil rights for our community, passed away last month following a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She and her partner, Kay Lahusen, were the recipients of MCC's Human Rights Award at General Conference in 2003. Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry will speak at her Memorial Service next month. Editor: Judy Dale, Editor
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