Rev. Elder Ackerman Returns From Medical Leave
It's good to be back! I had a very successful surgery on Dec. 3 and have
taken the time to recuperate but I must admit it is good to back in the
office. I want to thank everyone who prayed, sent cards, flowers and gifts.
It meant a great deal to me and my family. For those who are not aware,
I had gastric bypass surgery and so far have lost over 30 pounds. I trust
in the coming months I will be healthier and more able to keep up with
some of you younger folks. Again, thank you for all your support.
Region 3 Conference Update - San Juan, Puerto Rico
Mark your calendars for July 8 - 11, for our Region 3 conference. Rev.
Elder Troy Perry will be one of our featured speakers. The conference
will be in old town San Juan, Puerto Rico. Our planning team will meeting
soon so watch for next weeks update.
New Light MCC Has New Interim Pastor
In mid December, Rev. Marian Humphrey became the new Interim Pastor
of New Light MCC, Hagerstown, MD. Following seven years of service Rev.
Robert Griffin is returning to seminary in Boston. Marian was recently
ordained and was a student clergy from MCC Washington.
Vision of Hope MCC Begins A New Worship Experience
Vision of Hope MCC in Mountville, PA has added a 3rd worship service.
The new contemplative worship service starts at 8:30 am on Sundays and
lasts one hour. It includes liturgical readings, hymns, opportunities
for silent reflection, a sermon, offering, communion, as well as other
aspects of worship. You are invited to join us. And we ask that you
help us spread the word by inviting someone who you know might enjoy
this service format. Please help us spread the word about our new contemplative
worship service.
Region 3 Churches Keeping To The 15% Assessment
In response to the UFMCC request to all MCC churches, MCC of the Lehigh
Valley voted at its Board meeting last night to pay (give) the extra
1/2% tithe for the year 2004. Has your church made a similar commitment?
Freedom To Marry Week
Mark your calendar for Freedom To Marry Week, during February 9-15 --
Valentine's Week. For more information go to www.mccchurch.org.
Update on Region 3 Newest Church Plant - MCC Fredericksburg
Our church continues to thrive! As we begin 2004, we are on tract with
our current goals in terms of growth and ministry development. 2004
has the potential to be a phenomenal year for MCC Fredericksburg, VA.
With the beginning of the New Year has come a boost in attendance. The
last two Sundays have had more than 40 people in worship each Sunday.
This past Sunday we were blessed to have 9 first time guests with us,
many of whom stayed for a while at fellowship hour following worship.
Worship continues to be a tremendous blessing. We are now preparing
for Lent and Easter. Our Lenten Theme will be Paths to Wholeness with
an emphasis on healing and wholeness. Our Lenten book study will be
on the book Letters to Marc About Jesus and these readings will be incorporated
into worship throughout Lent. During Lent, we will have two guest preachers:
Rev. Karla Fleshman, pastor, Imago Dei MCC on February 29th; and Rev.
Elder Arlene Ackerman on March 28th.
Interfaith-Sponsored Concert Benefit February 22 in Columbia, MD
Nationally recognized, D.C.-based "Not What You Think" (NWYT)
will perform a concert to benefit community-based charities on February
22nd from 4-6 p.m. at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center at 5885 Robert
Oliver Place in Columbia, MD 21045. (Directions are available online
at www.themeetinghouse.org). Tickets will be sold at the door and are
$10 for adults. The event is sponsored by MCC Howard County, Columbia
United Christian Church, and the Columbia Jewish Congregation. NWYT
is an ensemble of the Lesbian & Gay Chorus of Washington, D.C. that
performs pop, light jazz, and folk. NWYT has opened for the Fabulous
Flirtations 5 times, has been featured in the Foyer Series at The Kennedy
Center before the opening of Angels in America, and has performed at
several local religious congregations. To find out more about NWYT,
visit www.nwyt.org. More info about the concert? Contact Rev. Lance
Mullins at 410/370-9663 or by e-mail at RevLanceM@yahoo.com.
Interim Pastoral Leaders Reflection (Open Arms MCC, Rochester, NY)
How wonderful to be part of a church on the move. How energizing to
come into church on Sunday and see the seats fill up and the smiles
and enthusiasm of our people. We only had 9 empty seats on a recent
Sunday. Two couples are seeking Holy Unions. Groups are forming. Prayers
are happening. Social interactions outside of church are happening.
I feel like breaking out in a rousing chorus of "We Are The Church
Alive!" We have opened the doors and windows and allowed the Spirit
to come in. And, sisters and brothers, when the Spirit comes in WATCH
OUT! Things move and shake and the greatness of God is revealed. If
you don't share my excitement, come, talk to me and I'll shake you till
you shout, "Glory, Halleluiah!" Oh, all right, I'll calm down,
before the men in white coats come to take me away. But, honestly, don't
you feel good? Doesn't the thought of Open Arms just make you want to
grin? God is good. All the time.
Till next time, oremus pro invicem, Jim Mulcahy, IPL
Interested In The Schuller Institute For Successful Church Leadership?
MCC of the Spirit has several Schuller Registrations (January 26-29)
available for the taking…(May have to pay $25 for
name change on reservation) airline discounts may be available by calling
1-800-433-1790 and using the special STAR record number S9404. Simply
email reveso@comcast.net and let me know of your interest.
Region 3 Elder Travel Schedule
Jan. 17 Regional Conference Planning Meeting
20 Mid-Sized PLUS Church Pastors Gathering, Harrisburg, PA
30 Pastoral Care Team Planning Meeting, DC
31 - 1 MCC Rehoboth, DE SGI 2
Peace and blessings,
Arlene Ackerman