| The MCC newsletter reporting from Congregations all over the world. In this Issue:Spotlight on MCC People & ChurchesRev. Beth Rakestraw received the 2006 Catalyst Award from the Triangle Foundation in Michigan. She is the Pastor of both Redeemer MCC (Flint) and Gospel of Jesus Christ MCC (Midland). Anna Booth, Amanda Sykes, Jenny Anne Bishop, and Rev. Andy Braunston of MCC Manchester (England, UK) were the special guests on Gaydio, the local gay community radio station. Our TV star! Rev. Tyrone Sweeting, Pastor of The Rock MCC (Chattanooga, Tennessee) was interviewed by News Channel 9 for a story on "The Rapture" and was featured on The Advocate's newsmagazine on MTV's LOGO network last month. MCC Clergy Candidate Boon Lin Ngeo, a prolific Chinese author, debuted his newest book, a coming out story, during a trip to Malaysia as part of MCC's efforts to plant a church in that country. Along with Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair of MCC’s Global Justice Team, the Malaysia native made presentations on queer theology and MCC ministry. Rev. Dr. Bob Goss presented Sacred Pain and Altered States of Consciousness at a PLAY meeting (People of Leather Among You) at MCC Los Angeles (West Hollywood, California). Rev. Kerri Mesner, Pastor of MCC Edinburgh (Scotland, UK), was interviewed by BBC Radio Scotland for the topical religious program "Colin at Eight." Our own movie star! Andrew Gillingham, a member of Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas), can be seen as Techno Mouth in the recently released movie How to Eat Fried Worms! Rev. Dr. Tim Koch, Pastor of New Life MCC (Charlotte, North Carolina), taught a class on biblical interpretation in the LGBT Studies in Religion program at Pacific School of Religion (PSR). Longtime lay leader Jean Gralley developed a new kind of digital picture book, which is being displayed to represent "the future of books." The exhibition will start at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts, and will travel to New York and Los Angeles. Rev. Chris Dowd was contacted by Unlimited and awarded a grant of 4100 pounds to conduct an LGBT writers’ group, including the printing of an anthology. He is now applying to the Arts Council for additional funding to begin an LGBT Arts Festival in Birmingham, England. Rev. Elder Don Eastman will be the special guest for Homecoming Sunday at MCC of Greater Dallas (Texas) on September 24. "The Perry Planning Posse" at Healing Spirit MCC (Rochester, Minnesota) made all the arrangements for a visit from MCC Founder Rev. Elder Troy Perry. It was a typical Rite of Baptism. Four children along with their parents and Godparents gathered in the front of the sanctuary. Each answered the appropriate questions about faith and guidance, and the congregation pledged its support. What made this a unique experience in MCC was that all the parents were heterosexual and all the Godparents were lesbian couples! They are part of the family of New Life MCC of Hampton Roads (Virginia). Rev. John Mark Hild co-officiated at the first-ever Pueblo (Colorado) LGBT Queer Pride. He also wooed the crowd as Miss Wanna Lee! Planning a vacation? Angel Nook Inn is the new Bed & Breakfast owned by Rev. Eleanor Nealy and Gail Drinkwater. It’s located one block from the beach in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. www.angelnookinn.com Rev. Wayne Lindsey and the ministry of MCC Las Vegas (Nevada) were featured with pictures and articles in the August edition of Qvegas magazine. Rev. Belva Boone will lead a Fall Revival at Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Pennsylvania). The October 6-8 weekend will include workshops, worship services, and an awards dinner. MCC of Our Redeemer (Augusta, Georgia) was featured on Rainbow Radio, the first weekly LGBT radio program in neighboring South Carolina. Way to grrrrrrow! MCC Brisbane (Australia) received nine new members on September 3. MCC of Corpus Christi (Texas) held a special weekend with Robert Blake and The Anointing from Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) performing a concert and Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner preaching. Congratulations to Alberto Nájera, who has served as the Interim Pastoral Leader of ICM Paz y Alegría (Managua, Nicaragua) for the last three years. He will be ordained to MCC ministry next month. "This Is Love", the latest video by Jason & deMarco, was number one on MTV's LOGO for six weeks and continues in the "Click List Top 10." To vote go to www.Logoonline.com. Sunshine Cathedral MCC hosted the recent meetings of the Board of Elders and Board of Administration in their spacious facility and provided lunch and support daily. Rev. Dr. Mona West led a day long spiritual retreat and Florida clergy Rev. Durrell Watkins, Rev. Rick Sosbe, Rev. Paul Whiting and Rev. Steve Filizzi brought the morning devotionals. Bryan Parker, Vice Chair of the Lay Ministry Council, offered an excellent training on working remotely and in virtual teams and Rev. Grant Ford shared some of his insights during the joint meeting. Congregants at Church of Our Savior MCC (Boynton Beach, Florida) are busy pressure cleaning, repairing, and repainting the exterior of their building. Folks from MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California) honored long-time member Ray Therriault with a party for his 80th birthday. Rev. Steve Taylor served as the host for the G8 meeting in Russia. Rev. Delores Berry preached at New Light MCC (Hagerstown, Maryland) for their Homecoming Service, during which they installed new members and deacons. Interim Pastor Rev. Dan Koeshall and Pikes Peak MCC (Colorado Springs, Colorado) were featured in an article in The Daily Gazette. MCC of the Palm Beaches (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) hosted the debut pre-release concert for their new Music Minister, Shawn Thomas. Faith Unashamed, to be released later this month, includes guest artists from other MCCs including MCC Los Angeles (California) and Rainbow Promise MCC (Lakeland, Florida). Fr. John McNeil and Rev. Grant Ford will be honored during the Theological Education Breakfast at the Regions 2 and 7 Conference. Don Ross has joined the Board of Directors for AAARC, the A. Austin Amerine Retreat Center. (back to top) Creative Ministry Ideas you can use!MCC Melbourne (Australia) held a Leather Celebration Service during which they blessed the Leather Festival and hosted a panel discussion. Everyone was invited to wear their leather, vinyl, jeans, or rubber gear and to bring their friends to the special service. At MCC San Diego (California) besides putting their name on their nametags, people wrote words like: steak, Italian, Thai, prime rib, and Mexican. Why? As a way to get to know other people! It’s a great conversation starter! Need a LIFT? Folks at Reconciliation MCC (Grand Rapids, Michigan) gather for a mid-week LIFT (Learning In Fellowship Together) for dinner, singing, and Bible study. Dare to Dream is the theme for a series of events throughout September at MCC Windsor (Ontario, Canada). During Church Makeover they will spend three evenings studying Front Door/Back Door/Side Door by Rev. Elder Don Eastman, Rev. Jim Birkitt, and Ms. Elaine German. Next is two nights of Putting our Dream into Action, focusing on what they want to accomplish before their 20th Anniversary in January 2008. The final segment is an all day Giving our Dreams Vision, during which they will develop a new mission statement, vision statement, and "tag line". Materials from the sessions will be available at www.mccwindsor.ca. Since SunCoast Cathedral MCC (Venice, Florida) must rebuild their facility due to a mold problem, they've used the reconstruction theme to create a new website at www.suncoastmcc.org. The choirs of MCC Knoxville (Tennessee) and MCC Charlotte (North Carolina) traveled to each other’s churches to perform a joint concert. Want to dance? Agape MCC (Fort Worth, Texas) will host its annual Harvest Moon Dinner Dance on October 7 at a nearby Best Western Hotel. Other MCCers are invited to join the festivities. Linda Lamme, Elaine Henjum and Laurel Lamme are creating a Labyrinth Photo Album at Trinity MCC (Gainesville, Florida), detailing the history of the Labyrinth. Congregants are invited to bring a rock to add to this ancient and meaningful spiritual path and have a picture taken with it for the album. Eight members of MCC of the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) worked with the Appalachia Service Project doing home improvements and construction to make homes warmer, safer, and drier. Because it was such an amazing, life-changing experience, they plan to continue this mission experience in the future. MCC of the Quad Cities (Davenport, Iowa) has begun a monthly Gay Parents' Support Group. Sharon Cox, a member of the Health and Wellness Ministry at Good Hope MCC (Cape Town, South Africa) goes to the local prison every week to work with a group of young gay men who had been told that God detests them. The young men now know that God adores them! The Wired Word is the Sunday morning Christian Education class at MCC of the Coachella Valley (Cathedral City, California). They draw issues from current events and use them to discuss Biblical themes. Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas) had a very successful Vacation Bible School with 35 children and 22 adults involved. The children made 65 "Jesus Loves You" blankets. Several were given to elderly folks in the area with others being taken to a small village in Mexico. MCC Melbourne (Australia) welcomed Spring with their annual Spring Ball, a time to dance away their Winter blues! The formal event earlier this month included dinner, dancing, and prizes. Car washes are popular youth events! The youth of MCC Los Angeles (West Hollywood, California) and Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) both held car washes to raise money for their programs. Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana) had their children and youth participate in a worship service, during which the third-graders were given Bibles. Afterwards, there was a special lunch, games for the kids, and a meeting for parents. MCC San Diego (California) is completing their series of activities based on Remember, Reflect, and Rejoice with a beach party at Crown Point on Mission Bay. MCC of Our Redeemer (Augusta, Georgia) has created the Family Affair Bowling League. As their announcement said, "If you have a few hours to SPARE, I have something that will BOWL you over. I know that it is right up your ALLEY. You will have a BALL. Please, do not SPLIT on me now." Come to the Fair! Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) is hosting a Ministry Fair complete with ministry booths, carnival games, music, hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, sodas, fun and fellowship! Participants will learn more about the work of the various ministries and have to opportunity to join a team or two. The children and youth at Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Pennsylvania) spend time together one Saturday each month in addition to their Sunday classes. The 6-10 years olds are led by Aaron Rineer, the 11-13 year olds have activities with Rev. Debbie Coggin, and the youth, 14-18, gather with Mary Ann Durborow. Welcome back! MCC Albuquerque (New Mexico) held a Homecoming Sunday to welcome everyone back from summer vacations.The Choir returned and the Surgite Sacred Dance Company performed during worship. Rev. Pat Langlois and Lucia Chappelle recently led the folks at City of Angels MCC (Los Angeles, California) in a Drum Circle Meditation Gathering. AA, NA, Positive Influence, and Trans Support all have their home at New Light MCC (Hagerstown, Maryland). MCC Portland (Oregon) held an "unVBS" that was featured in an article in the Willamette Week. The family oriented evening sessions included a Spaghetti Dinner, children’s activities, and frank talk about faith and family, including such topics as sex, video games, and coping with looking different from mainstream families. (back to top)
Learn more about ... Stewardship Benchmarks
At each Regional Conference Rev. Elder Don Eastman is introducing his newly revised Benchmarks of Excellence for Stewardship, including an emphasis on useful resources. As in the 1997 edition, the focus is on holistic stewardship, which is much more than a discussion of money in the church. According to Rev. Eastman, "Stewardship is about how we each live our lives, how we care for ourselves and manage our own resources. It’s about what we do with our money. It’s about our own physical, financial, emotional and spiritual well-being. It’s about our time and talents, our potential to learn and grow, and our capacity to discover and develop our spiritual gifts. It’s about responsibility for the impact that our actions have on others. It’s about care for the entire world, not just our community or nation. It’s about our passion for justice and compassion for those in need and our willingness to give liberally of ourselves to reach out and help others. Most of all, stewardship is about our trust in God’s promises. Whatever our personal circumstances, we can find blessings through wise choices and spiritual disciplines. That’s good stewardship!" Rev. Elder Eastman recommends these new and helpful resources for churches planning an annual stewardship program: Lane, Charles, R., Ask, Thank, Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Church (Minneapolis, Augsburg Fortress: 2006) An excellent new resource from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, this book addresses stewardship in the larger context of discipleship. The first half of the book deals with a comprehensive view of stewardship; the second half maps a good path for an annual stewardship program. Powell, Mark Alan, Giving to God: The Bible’s Good News about Living a Generous Life (Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 2006): A wonderfully readable book from a Lutheran theologian and Bible scholar, this is one of the best resources on stewardship now available. Each of its seven chapters is designed for lay readers and offers discussion questions. It can be easily adapted for small groups or seminars, as well as a theme for a series of worship services. Slaughter, Michael, Money Matters: Financial Freedom for all God’s Churches (Nashville, Abingdon, 2006) A great view of an annual stewardship program from one of today’s most innovative pastors. As the title suggests, this book provides an excellent approach on how to talk about money in the church. It’s new and fresh, filled with good resources. Vincent, Mark L., Money Mania: Mastering the Allure of Excess (Scottdale, PA, Herald Press 2005) This is a curriculum in the Living Stewardship Series from the Mennonite Church USA. It presents 12 lessons on holistic stewardship. It builds upon the following two earlier works by this author. Vincent, Mark, A Christian View of Money: Celebrating God’s Generosity (Scottdale, PA, Herald Press, 1997) Mark Vincent, a Mennonite Church pastor and stewardship educator, draws from the richness of the Anabaptist tradition to bring a holistic view of stewardship in this very helpful biblical and theological discussion. His contribution on stewardship at Metropolitan Community Church conferences has been valued greatly. Vincent, Mark, Speaking About Money: Reducing the Tension (Scottdale, PA, Herald Press: 2001) Built on the foundation of his 1997 work, this provides ample material to inform a comprehensive stewardship program in your church. In the months ahead, I will be sharing information on more resources that can help your church create a community of generosity through holistic stewardship. And, I look forward to seeing many of you at our Regional Conferences. May God bless you abundantly! (back to top) TransitionsWhat a gift! Rev Steve Urie, Pastor of Spirit of Christ MCC (Joplin, Missouri), will now also be serving part time with Connie Gilpin, IPL of MCC of the Living Spring (Eureka Springs, Arkansas). He and his partner Heath Ross will spend two days each week in Eureka Springs. The church in Joplin is moving their service to Saturday morning to support this team ministry plan. Steven Couch said a fond farewell to the folks at MCC Portland (Oregon) where he has served as Music Director and the Executive Director of Esther’s Pantry since January 2004. He is returning to Texas to join the staff at MCC of Greater Dallas.
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Region 3 is excited to have seven new clergypersons! Rev. Kristen Clare Foley was ordained at MCC Baltimore (Maryland). Rev. Janet Avery, Rev. Lori McPherson, and Rev. Harry Patterson's ordinations were at MCC Washington, DC. Rev. Ursela Cargill was ordained during a service at Christ the Liberator MCC (North Brunswick, New Jersey). Rev. Elect Jennifer Glass will be ordained on October 4 at Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Pennsylvania) and Rev. Elect Joe Cobb will be ordained on October 8 at MCC of the Blue Ridge (Roanoke, Virginia). Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York) has moved to a new location! They wandered like the Hebrews in the desert for a couple of weeks between buildings. They even held worship and a picnic at a local park one Sunday. The official Building Dedication Service will be next month.
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Congratulations to Rev. Ken Martin and Region 1 for his appointment as their new Elder. He will take office on January 1, 2007.
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And congratulations to Rev. Glenna Shepherd, who was elected to serve as the Regional Elder for MCC Region 4.
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Treasure Valley MCC (Boise, Idaho) moved from a small room at the Community Center to a large meeting space at the Unitarian Church. They have purchased a van to transport members with disabilities or could not otherwise attend services. Renee McCall is the IPL.
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Rev. Chris Glaser will be serving as the Interim Senior Pastor of MCC San Francisco (California) beginning in November. Rev. Dr. Penny Nixon completed her service as MCCSF's senior pastor on September 17. They both participated in an All-Church Retreat September 8-10.
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MCC of the Rockies (Denver, Colorado) has organized an extension of its faith community in Boulder. The first worship event was September 10. Rev. Tom Emmett, a native of the area, will lead the new congregation.
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Rev. Carolyn Mobley will serve as Interim/Sabbatical Pastor at MCC United (Tulsa, Oklahoma) during October-December, 2006.
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Team UFMCC, MCC bicycle riders, has ended its ministry. Rob Hadley, the Director, expressed his thanks to everyone who has participated through the years. He will continue outreach ministry at various sporting events.
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Rev. Jill Nelson is the new Interim Pastor of Sweet Spirit MCC (Salem, Oregon). She had previously pastored New Hope MCC (Santa Rosa, California).
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Fox Valley MCC (Elgin, Illinois) has rented space in a lovely church in a prominent part of town. This will bring a higher profile to the congregation, which is growing under the leadership of Rev. Peter Trabaris. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Rev. Roland Stringfellow will conclude his service as Interim Pastor at MCC Sacramento on September 24.
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Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston has been appointed by the Board of Elders to fill the vacancy on the Geographic Review Board.
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MCC San Francisco (California) hosted the ordination services for two new MCC clergy, Rev. Lara Wheless and Rev. Michelle Kirby. Rev. Elder Debbie Martin's last day as Elder for Region 1 will be September 30. Why not send her a note thanking her for her years of service?
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Dwaine Arnold is the new Worship Coordinator at Harvest MCC (Denton, Texas). He follows the ministry of Camilla Zimbal. Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Pennsylvania) has added a second morning service! In order to ensure that everyone continues to fellowship with one another, they have planned monthly events … a retreat, awards dinner, fall party, bowling, and a Christmas party. Peninsula MCC (San Mateo, California) welcomed Tim Agar as he began a year long Field Education placement for PSR (Pacific School of Religion) and his Clergy Candidacy. (back to top) Supporting One AnotherThe Board member of MCC Auckland (Aotearoa/New Zealand) who passed away recently was Taria Kingstone. The person named previously was not a member of the Board. Apologies to MCC Auckland for the misinformation. Rev. Donna Stroud, Pastor of MCC of the Upstate (Duncan, South Carolina), is recovering from an emergency appendectomy.
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Vandals tore the altar Bible, ripped portraits from the walls, slashed a painting of Jesus, broke plaster columns, and threw hymnals around the sanctuary at the historic Old West Church where MCC Boston (Massachusetts) meets. Rev. Michael Cooper did not believe it was a hate crime.
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Lew Bohache of California, the father of Rev. Tom Bohache, Pastor at MCC Rehoboth (Delaware), suffered a fall, broke his hip, and underwent surgery. He is also on dialysis three times a week and has Parkinson’s.
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The mother of Rev. Hector Gutierrez entered into eternal life on August 28, her 85th birthday. Rev. Gutierrez is the Region 6 Coordinator of Latin America Leadership Development and the Interim Pastor for Casa de Luz ICM (Monterrey, Mexico).
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Rev. Elder Lillie Brock is recovering from some minor surgery.
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Just a few weeks ago, a piece of decorative plaster known as a corbel fell and smashed into a pew at MCC Richmond (Virginia) before breaking into a thousand pieces. Fortunately, no one was hurt. However, a structural engineer recommended that they not meet in the sanctuary until a certified report could be completed. Such a study would cost USD$5 - 7,000 and would probably yield a verdict of the necessity of replacing the existing ceiling. Pray with them as they determine what steps to take. Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline is the Pastor.
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Rev. Ken Ehrke’s 91 year old father, who lives in Nebraska, suffered a broken hip earlier this year and recently had extensive gall bladder surgery.
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Carlos Chavez’s aunt died unexpectedly earlier this month. This follows closely on his father’s passing. Please continue to hold Carlos and his family in yourprayers.
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Rev. Jim Birkitt, MCC's Communications Director, is recuperating from recent eye surgery.
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Congratulations to Rev. S. David and Wren Wynn on the birth of Seth David Wynn, Jr., on September 5. He’s the newest addition at Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida)! (back to top) Cruise with other MCC-ers
Several MCCs have cruises planned. Contact them for additional information. - December 2-7, 2006 - Caribbean - First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia) -www.roncruiseplanners.com
- February 11-19, 2007 - Mexican Riviera - MCC San Diego (California) - www.mccsd.org
- May 26 - June 2, 2007 - Boston, Massachusetts, to Montreal, Quebec, Canada - MCC of the Palm Beaches (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
- an added feature: Rev. Paul Whiting and Karl Zwarych will be legally married in Montreal!
(back to top) Editor: Judy Dale, MCC Communications Department Metropolitan Community Churches
P.O. Box 691728
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 310-360-8640
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