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REGION 3 UPDATE
February 13, 2003 Note from Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman Last week I returned from two weeks in CA for the newly constituted Board of Elders training and meetings. It was been a wonderful and challenging learning experience. We spent time getting to know one another, learning with Wendy Foxworth, Rev. Tony Freeman and Kaki, Rev. Steve Taylor, Speed Leas and the fellowship's lawyers. We learned more about working in teams, our internal and external working relationships, how to work in a multicultural world, we looked at internal working covenants between staff, the BOE and the BOA. The staff brought us up to date on their areas of specialty ie: leadership development and clergy credentials, finance and budgeting, communication and fund development, our web site, E-Tapestry - a new denominational data base, risk management, and it goes on and on. Exciting and exhausting. The feel of the BOE, the BOA and Staff is one of excitement and passion. It is a new day and we are all feeling the incredible passion and commitment of this amazing body of people. New Website - MCC Richmond MCC Fredericksburg, VA ICM Cristo Sanador Celebrates 7th Anniversary God is doing wonderful and powerful things in our midst! Last year, after a few months of what could be a distressing situation, our Church moved to a bigger and more accessible place where new and greater ministries are evolving. Our Faith Community has established a new Home Visiting Program, we are working on a Christian Education project that includes Liberation Theology, and the congregation has now a Spiritual Care program. In addition, more Support Groups (AA, Depression, Stress Management, and Victims of Sexual Violence) are providing opportunities for healing and empowerment to our community. Furthermore, during the first three months of this year, Rev. Pablo Navarro-Hernández, on Sabbatical Leave of his Pastoral duties, is doing community service with other GLBT and Civil Rights Organizations who are joining efforts to promote the removal of Article 103 (Sodomy Law) from the Puerto Rican Penal Code. Rev. Dr. Edgard Danielsen-Morales & Rev. Manuel Guzmán-Arizmendi Holy Redeemer MCC Celebrates 5th Anniversary MCC Rehoboth Joins Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Churches UFMCC General Conference and World Jubilee Mark your calendar now for this exciting international MCC conference. The dates are July 1 - 6 in Dallas, TX. New Book of Lenten Meditations Written out of the deep faith and learning of an openly gay practicing Roman Catholic (though Jeff often attends MCC DC and from a Catholic perspective, "For Another Flock" includes daily meditations for all the days of Lent and Holy Week, beginning with Ash Wednesday (which this year is March 5), and ending with Easter Sunday (April 20, 2003). Scripture readings are provided for every day in Lent and Holy Week followed by a reflection from a uniquely gay and Catholic point of view and a prayer. Following the daily meditations is a seven-week Lenten Bible Study Guide. Jeff Lea's introduction explores Lent as a penitential season, discussing penance and repentance. Each weekly Bible Study starts with a Gospel reading. There is a Lenten theme for each of the seven sessions. Week One is "An Ash Wednesday Ritual and discussion of the Nature of Penance." Week Two is "The Nature of Temptation." Week Three is "The Meaning of Sin in our Lives." Week Four is "Faithfulness and Homosexuality." Week Five is "The Joy of Being Gay." Week Six is "The Meaning of Judgement." And the concluding session is "The Last Supper and the Mandatum" (New Commandment). Seven Appendices conclude the book: Solemnities and Feasts in Lent, Lectionary Cycle Calendar, The Books of the Old Testament of the Various Biblical Traditions, Small Group Study Guidelines, an Ash Wednesday Liturgy, a Maundy Thursday Liturgy, and a Bibliography. "For Another Flock: Rainbow Meditations and Study Guide for Lent" is spiral bound, 5 ½" x 8 ½", 104 pages, and sells for $10.95 each, $8.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling. http://www.chirhopress.com/products/devotionals.html#ForAnotherFlock Progressive Religious Leadership Mini-Conference Conference Faculty will include: Former MCC Global Outreach Director, Rev. Dr. Judy Dahl, New York's Historic Riverside Church Staff Minister, Rev. Paul Raushenbush (Rev. Raushenbush is a great-grandson of one of the founders of the Social Gospel movement), MCC-New York's Assistant Pastor, Rev. Kristen Klein-Cechettini, Organizational Psychologist, Dr. Denise Bane Conference Co-Hosts will be New Light MCC's Founding Pastor, Rev. Robert Griffin and MCC-Christ the Liberator's Senior Pastor, Rev. Durrell Watkins. Conference Chaplain will be New York Transit Authority's Rapid Transit Safety Director and MCC-CTL Deacon, Mr. Kevin Tisdol. The conference will not only celebrate Progressive Theology, but will also teach leadership skills and techniques, appropriate for both laity and clergy. As progressive thinkers, how can we become more effective leaders in a world that is increasingly dominated by right wing leaders? Plan to attend this year's Progressive Religious Leadership Mini-Conference and learn how to be a better leader within the Progressive movement. Conference fee is only $45, made payable to MCC-Christ the Liberator. More information will soon be available regarding local hotels, airports and train stations. Mark May 3 on your calendar and plan to attend this exciting mini-conference. This conference can be a continuing education opportunity for MCC clergy. Pastor Watkins Awarded Graduate Degree Elder Ackerman Travel/Event Schedule
"Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love." Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Elder Arlene J. Ackerman PO Box 276 Phone: 717 898-3713 E-mail: arleneackerman@MCCchurch.org |
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