International Newsletter of Metropolitan Community Churches with the focus on MCC congregations all over the world.

In this Issue

• On Churches and People
• Children, Youth and Young Adults
• Ministry Ideas to Use
• Building and Service News
• Transitions
• Supporting One Another

On Churches and People

Rev. Roland Stringfellow was quoted in an Associated Press article on a church attempting an exorcism on a gay youth.  More info ...
 
Rev. Bernie Barbour is one of the editorial consultants for the July/August edition of Homiletics magazine.
 
Shawn Thomas was interviewed on Gay Christian Network. www.gaychristian.net/gcnradio/
 
Rev. Dr. Nancy Horvath-Zurn presented a transgender seminar at the Untied Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.
 
Rev. Delores Berry is now on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4ovzEvsF3Y
 
Philip Jones and Ian Gregory have been elected chair and vice-chair, respectively, of Proud Tameside, the LGBT coordinating group for the Borough of Tameside to the east of Manchester, England.  Philip is also chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Greater Manchester Police in Ashton.
 
Victor Floyd won the Marcella Althaus-Reid Award for Queering the Bible and Theology from the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies at Pacific School of Religion.  His paper was entitled "The Living End: Science Fiction Queers Resurrection Theology". 
 
Rev. Paul Anway, alias Miss Paula Pastora, was one of the highlights of the Draggin' Out the Praise, a gospel drag show which benefited the Family Tree LGBT Community Center in Tallahassee, Florida.
 
The Big Easy MCC (New Orleans, Louisiana) brought in seven new members bringing their membership to 61 from a low of 11 just two years ago! They will have a barbeque and pool party to include baptism by immersion.
 
Rev. Gavin Ward received his Master of Ministry from Australia's Charles Sturt University.
 
Rev. Ruth Jensen-Forbell was quoted in the sidebar of an article in the Times Union (Jacksonville, Florida) about tweeting in church, Tweets & Prayers! Click here to to read the article. 
 
Californians Woody Camacho of MCC San Jose and Claudia Kenworthy of Peninsula MCC (San Mateo) traveled to Washington DC to participate in the Transgender Religious Leadership Summit.
 
MCC Anchorage's (Alaska) pastor Norman Van Manen and Matthew Moak discussed the upcoming non discrimination referendum, the Matthew Shepherd Act, and homosexuality and the Scriptures for two hours on KYBR 700's Eddie Burke Show. They, along with Britney Rodriguez, were also interviewed by KTVA Channel 11 concerning the importance of gay marriage.
 
The 2009 Summer Concert Series at Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) is being dedicated to Deacon Gregory Kurdian, who has long advocated for such programming. The series includes a chamber orchestra and a pipe organ concert.
 
Several members of Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) are active in theater productions this summer. Ron Drumm was in And Then There Were None  www.pasadenalittletheatre.org , Terry Jones is in Seasons in the Sun www.ovationsnightclub.com , and Steel Magnolias is being directed by Lee Walker www.adplayers.org.

At MCC Richmond (Virginia) now Rev. Robin Gorsline shares a message with the children in Sunday School before joining the adults in worship.  The children continue with their lessons and then come up for Communion. But on the fourth Sunday, the children participate in all of the worship service, assisting the ushers, maybe reading a lesson, sitting with the pastor to help him with the sermon, and sometimes singing during Communion.
 
The youth of MCC San Diego (California) had a gloriously wet and fun time on their outing to Soak City for swimming and rides.
 
MCC Newcastle (England) is forming a social group for those 18-29, a growing segment of their congregation.
 
The children of MCC Topeka (Kansas) and the surrounding community will enjoy Vacation Bible School 3-6 August.  The theme is God is Peace, Love, and Joy.
 
ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) was the Vacation Bible School theme at MCC Elizabethtown (Kentucky). They began on Friday night with a showing of Evan Almighty, enjoyed activities all day Saturday. Sunday worship featured the children and what they had learned.
 
First MCC of Kansas (Wichita) received a $1250 (USD) grant for their third Safe Step Youth Focus, a social and educational event for queer young people.
 
MCC Seattle (Washington) doesn't have any children ... yet ... but they want to reach out to families, so a Children's Ministry Team has already begun meeting.
 
Christmas in July!  MCC Las Vegas (Nevada) is collecting bottled water and pop-top snacks to assist the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth. All the items are being placed around the vintage aluminum Christmas tree.
 
The Young Adults Ministry Team at All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota) plans regular events for all of those ages 19-29.

Crocodile Dock will be the theme for VBS at Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas) 3-7 August. 
 
MCC Paducah (Kentucky) now has 13 children active in the church.  They have a special Sunday School class before worship, as well as activities during part of the service each week.
 
On 1 August, Rev. Wes Mullins and the teens and young adults of Pikes Peak MCC (Colorado Springs, Colorado) will spend the day together at Elitch Gardens amusement park for a special time to get to know their pastor better.
 
Jessi Urbans, a young adult from MCC United (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), spent a week earlier this month in New Orleans. During the day she assisted in the rebuilding of homes damaged by Katrina.  She spent her evenings leading Vacation Bible School with the neighborhood kids.

Ministry Ideas to Use

The Connections Team at Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur,Georgia) is staying busy!  They hosted a 4th of July picnic and fireworks evening and have planned a drive-in movie night complete with tailgating before the show.
 
Some women from MCC San Francisco (California) met on the beach to observe the summer solstice, enjoy food around a bonfire, and watch the sun set into the ocean.
 
Shawn Thomas was in concert at MCC Knoxville (Tennessee) 25-26 July.  http://www.shawn-thomas.com/
 
MCC of Greater Dallas (Texas) gathered at the home of some members on Lake Dallas for food, fellowship and fireworks on the Fourth.
 
Swim time! Rev. Renwick Bell hosted a pool party and cookout for Church of Our Savior MCC (Boynton Beach, Florida).
 
The Fun and Frolic committee of Healing Spirit MCC (Rochester, Minnesota) is planning a Rainbow Float, a canoe/kayak ride down the Zumbro River, on 22 August.
 
Ryan Gussman is helping folks at MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California) in getting their property reassessed and property taxes lowered.
 
A potluck and pool party was the order of the day on the 4th of July for Gentle Shepherd MCC (Phoenix, Arizona).
 
Mamma Mia!  Spaghetti was the perfect dinner for the movie night at MCC of the Palm Beaches (West Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) before they sang along with the show.
 
MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks (Texas) is doing a series of potlucks and attendance depends on your religious background.  One time it's for those with no church background, another time Catholics, another Baptists, another Charismatics, and finally mainline church folks. You can come to as many as you qualify to attend and enjoy the sharing.
 
Strawberries!  MCC Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) celebrated the beginning of the local fruit and vegetable season with a Strawberry Fete, a potluck where everyone brought their favorite strawberry soup, salad, jam, entree or dessert to share.
 
As part of their Pitch In for Pittsburg campaign to raise funds for Regional Conference, MCC Charleston (South Carolina) hosted dances, luncheons, and other festivities.
 
The Imperial Court of Nebraska Emperor & Empress Candidates hosted a Brunch fundraiser for MCC Omaha following worship one Sunday.
 
Ha ha ha ha! On 6 August the Comedy Caravan is doing a show starring Etta May to benefit the Capital Campaign of MCC Louisville (Kentucky).
 
MCC/ICM Los Angeles (California) will have their annual Blessing of the Animals and Open House on Saturday, the 25th. Neighbors, as well as church members, and their pets participate in this event.
 
Gentle Shepherd MCC (Tallahassee, Florida) enjoyed a Spaghetti Dinner followed by a special worship service with the Brenner-Beckstead Ministries. http://brennerbeckstead.com
 
MCC of the Redwood Empire (Guerneville, California) raised $2100 (USD) for their church by participating in the Human Race Fundraiser. MCC Santa Rosa (California) raised $200 for their conference fund.  They also had a booth to disseminate information about their congregation.
 
On 26 July Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Pennsylvania)  offered a full immersion baptism service for those who wanted to be baptized for the first time or as a rededication of their lives.
 
Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois) participated in the 4th of July parade in their village.
 
Pasta, pasta, everywhere! At their first monthly dinner at Eternal Joy MCC (Dayton, Ohio) there wasn't an empty seat in the social hall. Talented musicians entertained, they stuffed themselves with all kinds of pasta, and  they made $400 for the church.
 
On the 19th the gang from MCC Baltimore (Maryland) went roller skating together.
 
Steal home! MCC El Paso (Texas) will be participating in the 2nd Annual Gay and Lesbian Softball Tournament.
 
At MCC of the Rockies (Denver, Colorado) there will be a sober and fun pizza get together for members of various recovery groups to hang out, meet-greet, and share experiences, strengths, hopes, and joys.
 
Later this month Imago Dei MCC (Allentown, Pennsylvania) will host a Celebrating Health Cookout, where only healthy foods will be allowed, and then everyone will go out for their first night of doing a dance bar ministry.
 
Folks from New Life MCC of Hampton Roads (Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Virginia) enjoyed a Sunset Pier Party with others from the community.
 
As part of their participation in the Small Church Initiative, MCC of the Chesapeake (Annapolis, Maryland) held a Holy Conversation to discuss their future and make plans for carrying out their goals.
 
Say cheese! Congregants at Christ Chapel MCC (Santa Ana, California) are having a photo contest for pictures taken over the summer. There are several categories to be judged with each entry having a $5 (USD) fee. The voting will take place in September.
 
A 40 by 40 foot white tent was erected at First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia) last weekend for three days of festivities. On Friday there was a Hawaiian Luau, featuring great food, fun and dancing. Saturday there was a dog and cat show with the contestants vying for Best in Show and other titles. There were alsobooths featuring the Humane Society, veterinarians, groomers, pet stores and more. They ended the weekend with a Western BBQ on Sunday.

Dinner To Go is a new once-a-month event to benefit the programs and ministries of MCC Key West (Florida) beginning 5 August. Food will be prepared on the premises, and then be available for pick-up or delivery. They are advertising this reasonably-priced dinner throughout the island,
 
Last week Jade Esteban Estrada performed ICONS: The Gay & Lesbian History of the World, Part 2 at MCC Albuquerque (New Mexico). www.getjaded.com
 
Folks from SunCoast Cathedral MCC (Venice, Florida) enjoyed dining at Dairy Queen one evening with the church receiving 10% of their meal costs.
 
Appalachian MCC (St. Albans, West Virginia) has a liturgical dance team.

Building and Service News

MCC NOVA (Fairfax, Virginia) will be meeting on the 26th to discuss their need for a new facility.
 
WOW! MCC San Antonio (Texas) recently began a Spanish speaking service at 3pm on Sunday afternoons with an average of 40 people in attendance each week.
 
The new driveway at MCC Corpus Christi (Texas) has been completed.
 
500 people attended MCC of Greater St. Louis' (Missouri) first service in their new building last month. Click here to check out the article from the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Beginning this month their new worship times are 9:00 and 10:30 with Children's Church provided.
 
MCC Topeka (Kansas) will remove the large metal cross extending skyward from the front lawn because of safety issues. And, thanks to a bequest from longtime member John England, they will be able to repair the roof and gutters, purchase a new air conditioning unit, soundproof the pastor's office, and upgrade two bathrooms to make them ADA compliant. The social hall and bathrooms will be painted by volunteers. Another gift provided landscape paving stones which have already been installed outside the church, principally around the Children's Garden.
 
The first ever morning worship service at Living Springs MCC (Bath, England) was a great success. The congregation included people who have been unable to attend their usual evening worship. After coffee and clearing up, eight folks went out for lunch together.
 
On 28 June members and friends of The Upstate Church MCC gathered for their final service in Duncan, South Carolina, commemorating the history of the church and decommissioning that location in order to prepare for their new home in the facility of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Greenville beginning on 5 July, bringing them closer to the community. They celebrated with a community barbeque last Sunday.
 
Since Easter the board of MCC Manchester (England) has been considering new venues, including four Anglican congregations, four Methodist churches, and various other options. Then they began dialogue with Wilbraham St. Ninian's URC. This location is more visible, accessible to public transportation, and offers more space and amenities, including a kitchen and pastoral offices.  Plus it's £2000 a year less! Their first service there will be 30 August, their Pride service. www.mccmanchester.co.uk/ninians
 
FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) has begun worshipping temporarily at Temple Bet Yam. The office has moved to the pastor's dining room and other property is being stored by congregants until their new facility is completed.
 
The Praise Band with their new drummer opened the service at Wichita Falls MCC (Texas).
 
The evening service and children's ministry are on hiatus for the summer at Joy MCC (Orlando, Florida).
 
Open Arms (Rochester, New York) has received a $2000 (USD) challenge grant from one of their members.  The money raised will be used for the floor in their fellowship hall.
 
MCC San Jose (California)voted to move back to Grace Baptist Church. If the new agreement is approved, they will begin worshipping there again in early September.
 
For a donation to the building fund of MCC Illiana (Lake Station, Indiana) you can have pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee on Sunday mornings.

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Transitions

Rev. Tessie Mandeville resigned as pastor of Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia), as did music director Roy Stewart.
 
Rev. Paulette Armstead was ordained on 12 July at MCC DC (Washington, DC) with Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman and Rev. Elder Dr. Charlie Arehart officiating.  Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos of MCC NOVA (Fairfax, Virginia) was the speaker and the choirs from both churches performed.
 
Theresa Gunter-Parish is the new administrator assistant at MCC of the Rockies (Denver, Colorado).
 
Rev. Jim Lynch just completed his 18 month interim at Redeemer MCC (Flint, Michigan).
 
Sweet Spirit MCC (Salem, Oregon) voted to close effective 30 June. Rev. Tim Riggs served as the interim pastor there for the last year.
 
At Trinity MCC (Gainesville, Florida) Rev. Vickie Miller just completed her assignment as part-time temporary pastor.  She will be returning to Church of the Trinity (Sarasota, Florida). 
 
Rev. Jim Merritt is now the new full-time provisional pastor at Trinity MCC (Gainesville, Florida).
 
Rev. Julie Two Suess is the new part-time church administrator at Gentle Shepherd MCC (Phoenix, Arizona).
 
Rev. Jim Mulcahy will take a sabbatical trip to Eastern Europe in September.
 
The new director of worship at Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) is Jace Hill, who just received his Master of Arts in Music from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago.
 
Rev. Maria Luna-Wolfe has initiated a ministry focusing on the spiritual needs of the extended care unit at St. Mary's Hospital in Tucson, Arizona.

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Supporting One Another

Rev. June Norris, our first heterosexual clergyperson, turned 87 the last day of June.  Why not send her a belated greeting? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text94646 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Timothy Parham, a board member at Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) transitioned to the next life late last month. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Although James Michael Hayes had been ill for several years, his death was a surprise, for he had been at church and participated in Pride just a few days earlier. Jim was always vocal at General Conferences for the past 35 years and on LayLink. He was a founding member of MCC Boston (Massachusetts) and leaves his partner Ray. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Tony Manley of Spirit of Hope MCC (Kansas City, Missouri) passed away the end of June.  He was the longtime coordinator of their Children's Church and Kaleidoscope, as well as a former member of the board. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text2404 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Janine Preesman of Glorious Light MCC (Johannesburg, South Africa) suddenly lost her three month old baby daughter, Simone Faith.  Messages sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it will be given to her.