| International Newsletter of Metropolitan Community Churches In this Issue Spotlight on Churches and People Rev. Jodi Mekkers was elected the Executive Administrator for The Community Center, an umbrella nonprofit for the LGBT and allied community of Boise, Idaho.
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Two new MCC groups have formed in Latin America, one in Concepcion, Chile, and the other in Mexico City, Mexico.
MCC New York (New York) has begun a small group meeting monthly in Brooklyn.
A Vital Member of the Body of Christ: A Study of the Unique Ministry and Ecumenical Efforts of the Metropolitan Community Church is a seminary paper written by Lindsey Paris-Lopez. http://www.opendoormcc.com/Docs/MCC_Study.pdf
After months of preparing, purchasing and installing equipment, obtaining legal permits for music, release forms, and more, the dedicated team at MCC Toronto (Ontario) chaired by Lisa Landrey and Mark Warren went live with their first webcast. You can now worship with them on Sunday mornings at 11 (EST) at http://www.mcctoronto.com/video .
Way to grooooooooooow! The membership of MCC of the Upstate (Duncan, South Carolina) grew from 28 to 40 when their last class was brought into membership the Sunday before Christmas. With more interested in joining, they should easily reach their target of 50 members by Easter.
ICM Sao Paulo (Brazil) hosted noted African theologian Bass'Lele Malomalo, who spoke on Black Consciousness during the Brazilian Black Pride Celebration.
Sean Massey is a City Councilor in Binghamton, New York.
Rev. Robin White is scheduled to preach several times at New Spirit MCC (Cincinnati, Ohio) while they are in pastoral search.
Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) began the year by dedicating their beautiful new Earth windows, which were donated by Paul Fasana in honor of his life partner of 45 years, Dr. Robert Graham.
Rev. Gordon McCoy is hosting monthly clergy lunches in Chicago (Illinois), which are also being attended by those in nearby states.
Rev. Elder Darlene Garner is offering Board Training on 8 February at MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California) for all the churches in southern California.
Jason & deMarco's new album Safe is available at Best Buy, F.Y.E., and Virgin Megastores.
Rev. Arlene Ackerman preached at Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Pennsylvania) and shared with them the assessment she had completed of their church.
Carolyn Marshall and Pat Grant recorded a new CD at Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois) Carolyn and Pat LIVE! Children, Youth and Young Adults Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana) has a children's choir, theater, and dance team which practice weekly.
The children at Divine Peace MCC (Pontiac, Michigan) decided that they wanted to do something for other children, so they made and sold Christmas ornaments, baked and auctioned goodies, and collected over $480 (USD) for Children's Hospital of Michigan.
MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks (Texas) has Sunday School classes for their 3-6 year olds and their 7-11 year olds. They are making plans for the middle school youth. Fuel, a group for young adults to gather support and ask questions in a safe space, meets on Tuesday evenings.
Allyson Shaffer is leading the new children's ministry at Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia).
The children of MCC Richmond (Virginia) will gather next month to make beaded crosses to put in the welcome packets for new church visitors.
The 20s30s Group at MCC of the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) began the year with a birthday party for all those who "graduated" to age 40 in 2008 and no longer qualify for membership!
(back to top) Ministry Ideas to use Church of the Holy Spirit MCC (Des Moines, Iowa) is using the internet to create the CHS Rainbow Cyber Church to share worship experiences, meditation opportunities, prayer power, and Christian education with those who cannot otherwise participate. http://www.chsrainbowcyberchurch.com
The folks at Spirit of Life MCC (New Port Ritchie, Florida) decided to have their twice monthly Wednesday night service on a weekly basis now.
Rev. Elder Ken Martin and Tom Cole held a luau at their home to share the exciting MCC work in Asia, especially in the Philippines and Pakistan. More than 80 people attended, became passionate about our ministry there, and contributed more than $12,000 (USD). Additionally two laptops were donated to the Asian Pacific Initiative, which were presented to the two MCCs in the Philippines.
The Reading/Leading Library is open for the community at MCC Ocala (Florida) three days a week.
Valley Ministries MCC (Stockton, California) began the new year with five CARE groups (Connecting with each other, Accepting and being accepted, Realizing the God's Word and its relevancy in today's world, Encouraging each other through prayer and friendship) meeting in four cities in their area.
Good Hope MCC (Cape Town, South Africa) is hoping to begin a music ministry under the guidance of their new pastor Rev. Pressley Sutherland, who at one time toured the US in Jesus Christ, Superstar!
For the Bible Tells Me So is being shown at Spirit of Hope MCC (Kansas City, Missouri) after worship and a potluck lunch.
MCC Baltimore (Maryland) is offering a new support group for singles that will meet one Saturday afternoon each month.
Raising the Roof! At MCC Charleston (South Carolina) they have a special monthly dinner which is sponsored so that all the proceeds may go to repairing their damaged roof.
River of Life MCC (Dorchester, England) began the new year by initiating small groups in, not one, but two different cities! TREES (Time for Renewal, Education, Enlightenment and Sharing) provides the opportunity to explore subjects and ask questions in a safe space.
The Hope & Help Center of MCC of Greater St. Louis (Missouri) is hosting a resume writing and interview skills workshop on 26 and 28 January.
MCC of the Rockies (Denver, Colorado) invited everyone to consider the church's mission statement ("Christ calls us to serve others, grow closer to God, and build community.") as they made their New Year's resolutions and become more involved in the church and its ministry.
MCC San Jose (California) is now sending out a weekly reflection or pastoral letter in addition to their weekly e-newsletter.
MCC Omaha (Nebraska) sells bricks on which names may be engraved with the profit going to accessibility projects at the church. The bricks will be made into a permanent display later this year.
MCC Manchester (England) celebrated a Covenant Service, which allows participants to renew their vows to God at the beginning of the new year.
Yummy! MCC Topeka (Kansas) will enjoy a chilli cook-off and bingo evening on 31 January.
Joy MCC (Orlando, Florida) has revamped their Sunday nights. Each one will be different throughout the month and begin at 6:00 so folks can get home earlier. The themes will include a potluck fellowship, a time of singing or concerts, a Taizé service, an educational forum, and on any fifth Sundays at Free Spirit, they'll share poetry, music, reading, dance, testimony, and other creative gifts.
On the first and third Sundays New Life MCC of Hampton Roads (Virginia) hosts a Newcomers Luncheon.
Live and Let Live is a new AA group established at MCC of Corpus Christi (Texas).
Tea Parties! The Pastor is hosting tea parties around northeast England for folks to gather and share their ideas for ministry this year for MCC Newcastle upon Tyne.
MCC Key West (Florida) is establishing a We Care team to send cards, make phone calls and visits, pray with folks, fix meals, or do other things as the first responders from the church.
The ministry leaders at Pikes Peak MCC are meeting this month to plan church-wide activities for the new year.
Imago Dei MCC (Glen Mills, Pennsylvania) is sponsoring a seven week series on Financial Freedom based on teachings in the Bible.
MERT??? Agape MCC (Fort Worth, Texas) has established a new Medical Emergency Response Team ... MERT.
MCC of the Chesapeake (Annapolis, Maryland) hosted their Third Annual Dreams Dinner at the beginning of January to review their ministries during 2008 and discuss what is possible for 2009.
Lay Pastoral Assistants are being trained at MCC/ICM Los Angeles (California) for three months and then will begin working with those who are ill, home-bound, or hospitalized.
Sounds inviting! After church on 25 January the folks at FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) are heading to a challenging 18 hole miniature golf course complete with waterfalls, a vista of the coastline, and a private beach for collecting shells, building sand castles, and playing in the ocean. (For those in snowy, bitterly cold places right now, doesn't that sound inviting?)
Wednesday nights are busy at First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia) with centering prayer following dinner and then at 7:00 there's practice for the orchestra, band, and praise team as well as Homosexuality and the Bible led by Rev. Paul Graetz and Interpreting the Texts led by Rev. Julie Two-Suess.
Everyone involved in ministry at MCC Lubbock (Texas) will be honored at their Ministry Appreciation Dinner later this month. Five individuals, determined by congregational vote, will receive special awards.
The Crazy Crafters meet twice a month at Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois) to knit, quilt, bead, and do origami or other handwork. It's a time to learn new skills, work on projects individually or together, and to get to know one another.
The Outreach Team of MCC Sydney (Australia) will be meeting next month to plan justice based activities for the year.
Intersection Bible Study meets each week at a local restaurant for dinner and then moves to Gentle Shepherd MCC (Tallahassee, Florida) for their study time.
The first concert of the year at Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) is the D.I.V.A.S. Concert on 1 February, featuring Jacqueline Chambers (Piano) and stunning sopranos Joan Hubert, Barbara Tucker, and Cassandra White for an afternoon of classics, opera, jazz, gospel, and spirituals. Tickets are available at www.ResurrectionMCC.org .
The MenSpirit group at MCC San Francisco (California) is going for dinner and bowling at the Rooftop at Yerba Buena Gardens, which is built literally on the roof of Moscone Convention Center!
MCC Knoxville (Tennessee) will have a dinner and Broadway Review for Valentine's Day with members performing their favorite tunes.
Blizzard time! SunCoast Cathedral MCC (Venice, Florida) found a yummy way to earn money by dining at Dairy Queen and receiving 10% of the sales receipts.
Cherish Our Church is a periodic workday at All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota) during which they make repairs and do other things to enhance their property ... as well as enjoy the fellowship.
MCC Wichita Falls (Texas) designated January as Stewardship Month.
Water of Life MCC (Tucson, Arizona) has established and trained lay chaplains with each congregant being assigned to one who will stay in contact and care for them.
Think warm! Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York) had a Hawaiian theme for their January potluck.
The folks at MCC of the Blue Ridge (Roanoke, Virginia) are already creating baskets to auction at their Valentine's soiree.
Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) hosts a monthly labyrinth gathering on their land which includes drumming, the music of crystal bowls, and the sounds of nature and God's creatures.
Five men and one teen at Spirit of Christ MCC (Joplin, Missouri) knit prayer shawls to give to people undergoing difficult times.
Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas) is having a Gender Identity workshop, dinner, and discussion on 25 January.
Planning Ahead! The choir of Harvest MCC (Denton, Texas) has already begun work on their Easter Cantata.
The end of this month MCC San Diego (California) is beginning a group for couples in a committed relationship in order to encourage and support one another.
King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida) is getting ready for their biggest fundraisers of the year. The Wine and Artists' Dinner will be 6 February with the Food/Wine Tasting, Art Exhibit, and Silent Auction the next evening. Proceeds are shared with Hospice of the Florida Suncoast. For tickets, visit www.wineartandheart.org .
A group from aChurch4Me? MCC (Chicago, Illinois) will be meeting later this month to discuss outreach to Latino/a persons of faith and provide welcoming resources and spaces for those who speak Spanish.
At Church of Our Savior (Boynton Beach, Florida) the congregation began the new year by committing something to offer to Jesus. Each person wrote their promise on a slip of paper. Included were such offerings as taking better care of myself, helping others, growing spiritually, and being more honest, understanding, and patient.
Transitions Rev. Bob Bond will begin his tenure as interim pastor of Safe Harbor MCC (Halifax, Nova Scotia) on 1 March. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Rev. Candy Holmes was ordained at New Covenant MCC (Laurel, Maryland). Rev. Pat Bumgardner and Rev. Elder Darlene Garner celebrated Communion, and Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson brought the message. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Journey MCC (Conyers, Georgia) is an outreach of First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia) pastored by Rev. Renne L. Shawver. They hung this saying "Journey: The bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you refuse to turn." http://site.thejourneymcc.com
Free to Be MCC (Bellville, Ontario) voted to close effective the end of 2008.
Roy Stewart is the new music director at Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia).
MCC London (Ontario) is now meeting at Christ (Anglican) Church.
Rev. John Barbone announced his retirement as senior pastor of Spirit of Hope MCC (Kansas City, Missouri) will be effective in September.
Rev. Randy Besta is serving as transitional pastor for MCC of the Upstate (Duncan, South Carolina).
Harbor MCC has returned to worshipping in Galveston, Texas! They will be meeting at St. Augustine Episcopal Church. They have been meeting in homes off the island since Hurricane Ike took their building last year.
Rev. Norm Van Manen is the interim pastor at MCC Anchorage (Alaska).
Newcoast MCC (Cooranbong, Australia) decided to close and held their last worship service on 21 December
Supporting One Another Neal Curry, the oldest and a charter member of MCC Portland (Oregon) passed on 19 December. He was born on 1 January 1918. He had served as Treasurer on the Board and sung in the choir. The memorial service will be 18 January at 1:00 at the church.
Rev. Jean Levy, who was the first pastor of the former St. Peter MCC in Daytona and worked with churches in northeast Florida for many years, joined the angels on Christmas Day. Although she resided in a nursing home, her death was unexpected. There were no services.
Sophie Goss, mother of Rev. Dr. Bob Shore-Goss, passed away early Sunday morning, 28 December. The funeral was in Connecticut. Memorials can be sent to the Solar Panel Fund at MCC in the Valley, 5730 Cahuenga Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91601, USA. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) board member Norm McLean passed on 28 December. He had volunteered at the church for over ten years.
(back to top) Youth Mission Trip in June The MCC Youth Ministry Project plans to take another group of young adults to the Dominican Republic in June. If your church has young folks 15 - 25, please urge them to email
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or call Tel: +1 717.715.1650 for more information about this life changing experience.
(back to top) Small Church Initiative
This new program is being led by Rev. Elder Diane Fisher to help strengthen and grow these churches. Two groups have been established to date with a third to be named. Participating are Angels of Hope MCC (Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin), Central Texas MCC from the Heart (Waco), Harbor MCC (Galveston, Texas), Heartland Community MCC (Springfield, Illinois), Heartland MCC (San Bernardino, California), Llano Estacado MCC (Clovis, New Mexico), MCC Longview (Texas), MCC Ocala (Florida), MCC of the Harvest (Bakersfield, California), MCC Pueblo (Colorado), Resurrection Beach MCC (Costa Mesa, California), Spirit of Christ (Joplin, Missouri), and Trinity MCC (Arlington, Texas).
(back to top) ICM Argentina Rev. Victor Bracuto is organizing a new congregation in Buenos Aires. He is the South America Coordinator for Other Sheep, a multicultural ministry with sexual minorities, and has initiated a Would Jesus Discriminate? Campaign and established relationships with several interfaith and ecumenical groups. ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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Have you subscribed to the NEW Moderator's Corner?
Have we got exciting news for you...Rev. Nancy has a brand new Blog called the Moderator's Corner! In order to keep up with all of the exciting news and updates from her Blog, all you have to do is subscribe and each time she adds a new posting, the information will be sent right to your email inbox. To subscribe to Rev. Nancy's new Blog, (Click here ) and to review items that have already been posted, (Click here ). Let the Blogging begin!!!
(back to top) iACADEMY
Flo Perry has been named the Dean of MCC's iACADEMY, which is an outgrowth of the TAP program (Train, Access, Prepare). Along with Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner and Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, she is developing an infrastructure and schedule. The team desires input from people about why they did NOT participate in TAP offerings or suggestions for improvement if they did. E-mail
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to contact the team. Enhanced TAP courses will be launched in Australia in February and in North America in March, with the iACADEMY beginning later in the year.
Extra Air Miles??? Do you have any extra air miles that are about to expire or that you don't need? Why not donate them to MCC? They can be used to reduce the travel cost for staff members, bring people to meetings, or be used for scholarship recipients for Regional and General Conferences. If you'd like to participate in this project, contact
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. Thanks!!!
(back to top) Opportunities to Make a Difference MCC wants to partner with CARE Pakistan to offer training for women to become self-sufficient and provide a safe environment for lesbians to learn a marketable trade. Vocational training for one lesbian would be $1500 (USD). The goal of the Asian Pacific Initiative is to train three women. An MCC scholarship fund has been established at Union Theological Seminary in the Philippines to train our clergy in that country. If you would like to make a difference by contributing to one of these projects, E-mail
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to contact Stedney Phillips.
Church Planting Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson is forming a fourth Moderator's Team, the New and Emerging Churches and Communities Team, which will be a volunteer team of team leaders. Each person will recruit a team of their own to work on a specific area. These will be global teams, comprised of lay and clergy, who are constantly learning.
There will be clear connections between church planting and global justice. The team will create a methodology and theology of church planting in MCC is that is indigenous and culturally flexible, inspiring a new generation. The first year will be dedicated to forming and training the team, as well as offering encouragement and support to those who are in the process of nurturing new MCC churches.
There would be five or six teams, possibly including: multisite; church sponsored/entrepreneurial plants; affiliations; virtual church and technology for church planting; "emerging churches;" Hispanic North America; and resources - personnel, training, cross-cultural training, funding. These teams would morph and change over time as the needs changed.
If this idea sparks an excitement in your soul, contact Rev. Wilson with your ideas or with your contact information, resume, and vision if you'd like to participate in this ministry.
To contact Rev. Nancy e-mail
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A Must See!
If you have access to the Lifetime Channel, on Saturday, 24 January at 8 pm (EST/PST) will be the premier of Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Sigourney Weaver starring in Prayers for Bobby, an emotional true story about a 1970s religious suburban housewife and mother who struggles to accept that her young son Bobby is gay. Ultimately she changes her views in ways that she never could have imagined. This movie highlights the work of both MCC and PFLAG. The church scenes were actually filmed at MCC Detroit where Rev. Mark Bidwell is the pastor.
(back to top) Structure Review Team
A team to address the structure and systems of MCC has been named. They will review all components including the Board of Elders, Board of Administration, Office of the Moderator, Executive Director and staff, local churches, Regions, Lay Ministry Council, General Conference, Geographic Review Board, Office of Formation and Leadership Development, Judiciary, Elders Nominating Committee, and Regional Elders Facilitating Committee. Team members are Rev. Tony Freeman, Chair (San Diego, California), Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston (Newcastle upon Tyne, England), Barry Hundley (Atlanta, Georgia), Stan Kimer (Raleigh, North Carolina), and Dr. Jonelle Neighbor (Colorado Springs, Colorado). Read the Structure Review Team web page. (back to top) EditorJudy Dale, Metropolitan Community Churches
To receive the "Around the Fellowship" Newsletter directy, please e-mail
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