| The MCC newsletter reporting from congregations all over the world... In this issueJustce and Social Action Updates MCC Toronto (Ontario, Canada) is sponsoring the church's first refugee, a lesbian from Iran, according to Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, senior pastor. He notes that there are still 68 countries where homosexuality is illegal -- and 10 where it is punishable by death.
In many cultures, people have historically gathered in a neighborhood church or house of faith to fill themselves with spiritual strength, energy, and support beforing any public action for liberation and freedom. That's exactly what happened at MCC Detroit (Michigan), where they opened their doors in welcome to members of the (US) National Black Justice Coalition, who were providing an LBGT presence at the 98th NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Convention!
MCC New York has dedicated the Marsha P. Johnson Center, the only 24-hour emergency drop-in center for LGBT youth. The Center is the newest division of MCCNY's Homeless Youth Services.
Valley Ministries MCC (Stockton, California) created a Homeless Backpack Program. They collect backpacks from various sources (individuals, donations, yard sales, and thrift stores) and fill them with personal items (toothpaste, tooth brush, socks, shampoo, hand soap, etc.), snacks and goodies, and a note pad with stamped envelopes. In the winter, gloves, hats, and warm clothing items are included. They keep the filled backpacks in their cars and, when they see people in need, they give then away!
The HOT Team (Human Outreach Team) at King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida) cooks and serves a monthly meal for the homeless at St. Vincent de Paul Food Kitchen.
The Rock MCC (Chattanooga, Tennessee) sponsored the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalitions showing of the film Citizen Lobbyist.
Revs. Tessie Mandeville and Jane Acuff were among the participants at the CLOUT (Christian Lesbians Out) Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The theme was Crossing Borders, Confronting Racism, Claiming Grace: Generations, Geographies, Genders.
A Cabaret/Dinner Theater and silent auction were held at MCC of the Coachella Valley (Cathedral City, California). All proceeds were donated to The Well in the Desert, a non-profit organization for poverty prevention, intervention, and advocacy.
MCC Sydney (Australia) observed the week of NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
If every household in the US replaced their incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent ones, the pollution savings would be equivalent to taking 3.5 million cars off the road. Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) did their part by replacing all the bulbs in their sanctuary chandeliers with energy efficient ones, which last for 10 years.
An Associated Press article discussed the issue of deprogramming gay people. Rev. Pat Bumgardner, chair of MCCs Global Justice Ministry, was quoted as saying, "I believe passionately in a God who made us as we are and who loves us deeply." The article went on to state, "There are Metropolitan Community Churches all over the world (www.mccchurch.org ) working to dissuade others from the common Christian notion that being gay is a sin."
Colorado Springs, Colorado, had its first-ever Diversity Fair. Of course, Pikes Peak MCC was there handing our brochures about the church, Holy Unions, and Homosexuality and the Bible!
Rev. Leigh Neighbor spoke to 50 students, representing a variety of faith traditions, from three universities in Auckland, New Zealand. He addressed Gay Spirituality during the Queer Conference, sharing his story and MCCs story. Further meetings within the universities are possible.
Folks from Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia) are participating with the Purple Bra Brigade in the Atlanta 3 Day walk for breast cancer. They will walk each day, participate in great entertainment each evening, and sleep in a (very comfy) tent city at night.
MCC Louisville (Kentucky) fielded a team for their local Relay for Life to honor those who have died from cancer, those who are living with it, and those who are survivors, as well as a team for the AIDS Walk.
Rev. Joe McMurray spoke at the Gainesville, Florida, City Commission meeting during which they voted to provide a Domestic Partner Registry. Then he and his partner Eric Cole became the fourth couple to register. They were interviewed at Trinity MCC by a local TV station.
Each month congregants at Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) collect packages of dried fruit, jerky, nuts, and other snacks to send to troops in Iraq.
Folks from Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana) took part in a ministry trip to the Navajo Nation in New Mexico during October 20-27. Church members shared the love of Christ through service projects, such as home repair and working with developmentally delayed individuals.
For Black Pride Weekend First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia) staffed a booth, hosted the Candlelight Vigil, and their clergy facilitated two of the workshops. Harbor MCC (Galveston, Texas) was invited to cosponsor their city's first Gay Pride Festival on October 27, the day an all gay cruise returns to port. They are excited about the outreach they can do both locally and for other MCCs with all the visitors in town. MCC Key West (Florida) joined with Hospice Care of Southeast Florida to offer caregiver training. Holy Covenant MCC partnered with the Human Rights Campaign to urge U.S. Representative Dan Lipinski to support ENDA (the Employment Non Discrimination Act). Congregants spent their Sunday morning Social Hour writing 31 letters, which HRC delivered to Capitol Hill. In conjunction with other community groups Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas) sponsored a Drug Awareness Weekend led by Joshua Love. There had a dinner, workshops, and a community forum. MCC Topeka (Kansas) hosted the Pride Picnic for their city. Promise MCC (Oak Cliff, Texas) held a Bingo event, which included a silent auction. They had over $15,000 (USD) worth of prizes and items. The proceeds went to their Promise Community Center, which is dedicated to community outreach and development. (back to top) HIV and AIDS Ministries Open Arms MCC (Pahoa, Hawaii) has a Change 4 Change jar at church. All donations are given directly to the HIV/AIDS Foundation in Keaau.
Every month the Royal, Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Central Texas Empire hosts a relaxing Sunday afternoon, Dining with Royalty, which includes a delicious meal, fellowship, and a dip in the pool. The proceeds go to the Red Door Pantry sponsored by Central Texas MCC from the Heart (Waco), which feeds 40+ people with HIV/AIDS.
Joshua Love, program director for MCC's Global HIV/AIDS Ministry will conduct the Stop AIDS! Keep The Promise! Leadership Campaign at five events in Washington, DC; Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania between November 28 and December 4. The events are part of MCC's leadership and advocacy for World AIDS Day 2007. To read more about these vital Leadership Campaign events, including participating churches, dates, locations, and times, CLICK HERE.
The Rock MCC (Chattanooga, Tennessee) won two awards at the AIDS Walk for Chattanooga Cares: Most Spirited Group and Best T-Shirt. (back to top) Get out a Hankie!This is an excerpt from an article in the MCC Newcastle (England) newsletter written by Katie Harris, who accompanied Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd on her trip to Africa. Joseph, a Kenyan lay pastor with a degree in psychology, made contact with MCC through the internet first with Rev. Pat Bumgardner, who "introduced" him to Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd. A series of e-mail contacts led to a meeting with Rev. Glenna in Nairobi and invitations to preach in his two churches. He told us of about the small gathering of people he had been leading in worship for nearly two years and helped us know what to expect in worship the next morning.
I consulted the Lonely Planet guide book and gulped. Poverty stricken slum with a terrible reputation for crime, violence and car-jacking.
It was here that I met the Holy Spirit.
The community center that became a church on Saturday afternoons is a breeze block and wood frame building, corrugated iron roof, toilets with no water and an oil drum to wash in. It was cold and the rain came in through the chicken wire windows. In the building we met the small gathering 48 women, 51 children and 8 men.
These people were truly people on the margins of the marginalized in a third world environment, but God was with each one of them. They were, by their own admission and in brutally frank conversations, prostitutes, widows, lesbians, single mums, carer siblings, orphans. Some were unemployed and about 15% of the children were HIV+.
They sang, they praised God for being alive. The children danced and sang and it was as if the Holy Spirit was moving with us in that cold, wet room. A small girl sang a song of prayer asking for Gods help to be lifted out of poverty. A collection was taken and I watched over and over again the widows mite story unfold in front of me. Those who had not a shilling to spare, gave it willingly, smiling and singing to Gods glory. What an example of sacrificial giving!
I am absolutely thrilled to be able to tell you that this gathering has begun the process of exploring an affiliation to MCC. The name the leadership team has chosen for this group since our visit is People of Substance, which came from the message that Rev. Glenna shared. (back to top) Ecumenical and Interfaith ActivitiesOn October 14 the congregation of Brightwaves MCC (Brighton, England) witnessed an unusual baptism. Rev. Debbie Gaston and the Vicar from a local Anglican church jointly baptized Spike, the 12-year old son of an MCC member. The straight minister is on a unique journey of his own and wanted to learn more about sexuality and relationships with God, as well as how to baptize by full immersion, since he had never done such a baptism. Emmanuel MCC (Spokane, Washington) initiated a Spokane Churches United for Pride this year with an interfaith worship service. The service concluded with a commitment ceremony with over 30 couples, both gay and straight, participating.
Folks from MCC Good Shepherd (Granville, Australia), MCC Sydney, and Leighhardt Baptist Church gather monthly for lunch as the Young Again Christians (YACs).
Valley Ministries MCC (Stockton, California) joined IMPACT, a group of faith communities, as they marched together in the Sacramento Gay Pride Parade. Rev. Teri Miller led the opening prayer at the major event. MCC Newcastle (England) joined with their host church, St. James URC, for a special Harvest Service. MCC Hartford (Connecticut) was joined by folks from Church of the Good Shepherd for their Homecoming, Building Dedication, and a picnic. (back to top) Conferences, Classes and Retreats Band and choir members at Agape MCC (Ft. Worth, Texas) were blessed on a weekend retreat led by Bob Crocker, who has 30 years of experience in leading MCC musicians.
The Recovering from Homophobic Religion class met for seven weeks at MCC of Greater St. Louis (Missouri). They explored the topic of homosexuality and the Bible for those who participated in a church that taught that homosexuality was a sin and possibly had lingering doubts about God's saving grace.
Joshua Love led a men's retreat at Wichita Falls MCC. The theme was From Isolation to Inspiration.
MCC San Jose (California) hosted an all-day retreat on The Spirituality of Non-Violence, facilitated by Laura Slattery and Ryan Dowell-Baum from Pace e Bene, an international group known for its leadership in non-violent spirituality. It was held just before the anniversary of September 11.
Fourteen members of MCC Naples (Florida) spent the summer months (northern hemisphere) in Bible 101, an overview of Scripture. At the end of the course, they agreed to begin in-depth studies of certain portions of the Bible.
Clergy Candidate Catherine Dearlove facilitated a Worship Training Day at Brightwaves MCC (Brighton, England). Participants gained a fresh understanding of worship and it encouraged worship leaders to plan in new and creative ways. (back to top) Church and Pastoral AnniversariesRev. Dr. Brent Hawkes recently celebrated his 30th Anniversary as Pastor of MCC Toronto (Ontario, Canada).
For their 6th Anniversary, Truth Center MCC (Atlanta, Georgia) hosted a gathering of LGBT accepting and affirming church leaders, as well as civic, social and political leaders for a Community Forum. The featured speaker was Bishop Yvette Flunder.
A Potluck Cookout was held at MCC Boston (Massachusetts) prior to their 35th Anniversary worship service.
Circle of Light MCC (Miami, Florida) celebrated their 12th Anniversary with song, dance, speakers from the community, and a potluck lunch. It was also the 11th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Carlos Cruz.
Exodus MCC will celebrated their 27th Anniversary in October with a Variety Show and a Banquet. Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner was the guest preacher and Anointing performed.
MCC Detroit (Michigan) celebrated their 35th Anniversary with a luncheon followed by a gala that night. Special guests were Rev. Elder Troy Perry, who preached at both services on Sunday, and Rev. Elder Diane Fisher.
MCC Melbourne (Australia) was joined by Rev. Elder Ken Martin and the other churches from Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand as they celebrated their 33rd Anniversary during the recent Region 1 gathering.
Pikes Peak MCC (Colorado Springs, Colorado) celebrated their 28th Anniversary with a picnic and concert in the park.
Trinity MCC (Gainesville, Florida) celebrated their 24th Anniversary with a cookout and pool party hosted by the Board. Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski preached for the Anniversary worship service on Sunday.
MCC Seattle (Washington) honored their 35th Anniversary with a celebratory worship service and potluck.
Rev. Elder Troy Perry, MCC Founder, and Tim Searcy from MCC Las Vegas (Nevada) were the special guests for MCC Sacramento (California)s 36th Anniversary. There was a concert and barbeque on Saturday and exciting worship on Sunday.
MCC of the Redwood Empire (Guerneville, California) held a 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner on October 20 with Rev. Penny Nixon as the speaker. Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski preach the next day. (back to top) Sermon and Study SeriesCaf Contemplation is a new monthly series at MCC Sydney (Australia). They gather for lunch following the morning worship service and then study different prayer techniques. One month, it was an Ignatian meditation on the gospel, another month focused on the ancient Benedictine meditation Lectio Divina.
Rev. Dr. Mona West began two new sermon series at Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida). The 9:15 AM service explores the spiritual journey of ageing in Am-age-ing Grace and at 11 AM they've been Pondering the Parables of Jesus.
Sizzling Heat: Sex & the City of God was the Summer Series (northern hemisphere) at MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California).
All Saints MCC (Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand) has begun a monthly Home-group Bible Study using the lectio divina method. They enjoy supper afterwards.
Rev. Andy Braunston is at it again! His autumn sermon series at MCC Manchester (England) is inspired by the songs of Madonna, whose music is full of spiritual and moral issues. The songs are "Like a Prayer," her search for authentic spirituality; "Oh, Father", forgiveness in terms of family life; "Nothing Really Matters," the cult of celebrity to which our society is addicted; and "Material Girl", thoughts on materialism. You can hear them on the church's website at http://www.mccmanchester.co.uk.
At MCC Portland (Oregon) Rev. Dianne Shaw is teaching an eight week class based on Charles Sheldon's famous book In His Steps.
In the Institute for Spiritual Growth Class at First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia) Rev. Julie Two Suess is leading a study on the book of Daniel. (back to top) ResourcesMCC has a Disability Forum (Disforum) ... so named by its members -- so don't feel that people will be offended by its politically incorrect name! The Forum is open to all who are interested in disability issues, who desire to help their churches to be more disabled friendly, and/or who are disabled themselves for whatever reason. Remember that not all disabilities are visible! Please share this address with persons in your church who might be interested in joining in the discussions or just reading what others write. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mccdisforum/ or write to
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Additionally, LayLink is a discussion group for laity in MCC, although several clergy also participate. You can subscribe by visiting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LayLink/. There is also an HIV/AIDS discussion group at http://hivaids.livingfusion.org/index.cfm and one on polyamory at http://mccpoly.livingfusion.org/index.cfm.
MCC's Resource Team has developed an MCC Resource Survival Kit that was given to every 2007 General Conference registrant. If your church did not receive one, it is an absolute MUST for your Board and leadership to have as they guide the church. This is an amazing kit that provides resources and information you've always wanted! You can obtain a MCC Resource Survival Kit by contacting the denomination's office in Abilene at 310-360-8640 or by emailing
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. Individual resources are also available electronically by contacting Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner at
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or 214-306-6402. Families Joined by Love is a comprehensive bookstore, resource center, and discussion community for LGBT families. This was created in response to a growing need for information and literature on topics related to parenting, adoption, legal and financial issues, and other areas of interest for current and prospective LGBT parents. www.familiesjoinedbylove.com
Rev. Jake Tatton from MCC Edinburgh (Scotland) is the Editor of the new International Journal for Queer Ministry, which includes works from a variety of denominations, languages, perspectives, and nationalities. If you would like to submit an article or subscribe, contact him at
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. It includes resources, sermon and liturgy archives, book reviews, original worship, and music sound files -- and will be interactive.
MCC is seeking qualified translators who are willing to provide written translations of MCC documents and local church resources into the official languages of MCC (English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish). If you are proficient in English and any of the other official languages, please contact Rev. Elder Darlene Garner at
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for more information.
A complete listing of the TAP classes (Training Access Preparation) and registration information can be found at
www.MCCchurch.org/TAP. (back to top) Did you know...Advantec provides HR, Payroll, Health and Medical Benefits, FlexPlan and other services to small and mid-sized organizations in the United States. Local MCC churches have realized the practical value of using Advantec's solutions. In 2004, Resurrection MCC was the first congregation to turn to Advantec for HR support. The MCC administrative offices signed on in 2005. Since that time, Advantec has been asked to support 20 member churches. Advantec provides its services in a co-employment model, which allows a congregation to provide clergy and staff with support to manage the obligations of serving as an employer. Because Advantec negotiates insurance rates and other benefits on behalf of all its clients, many client congregations find that they are able to offer quality group health plans and other important benefits at affordable rates. Advantec also helps these MCC member churches to manage payroll and human resources without additional administrative staff.
Thank you to the following MCC churches who are using Advantec solutions.
All God’s Children MCC - Rev. Paul Eknes-Tucker (R2)
Christ Covenant MCC – Rev. Tessie Mandeville (R2)
Church of the Trinity MCC - Rev. Dr. Mona West (R7)
First MCC of Atlanta - Rev. Paul Graetz (R2)
Hope MCC - Open Pulpit (R7)
Jesus MCC – Rev. Jeff Miner (R5)
MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks – Rev. Robyn Provis (R6)
MCC Illiana – Rev. Angie Thinnes (R5)
MCC in El Paso – Rev. Kati Houts (R6)
MCC Louisville – Rev. Dee Dale (R5)
MCC Naples – Rev. Rick Sosbe (R7)
MCC of Tampa – Rev. Phyllis Hunt (R7)
MCC of the Blue Ridge – Rev. Catherine Houchins (R3)
MCC Pittsburgh – Rev. Roberta Dunn (R3)
New Creation MCC – Rev. Margaret Hawke (R5)
New Spirit MCC – Rev. Bonnie Daniel (R5)
Resurrection MCC – Rev. Dwayne Johnson (R6)
Spirit of Hope MCC – Rev. John Barbone (R2)
Water of Life MCC – Rev. Gale Rawson (R6)
Wichita Falls MCC – Rev. Lea Brown (R7) (back to top) Editor:Judy Dale, Editor
MCC Communications Department
Metropolitan Community Churches
P.O. Box 1374
Abilene, Texas 79604
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Web: www.mccchuch.org |
