REGION 3 UPDATE
Caribbean, South and North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia (Washington, DC), Pennsylvania, and the state of New York
February 2006
Region 3 Reconstituted
On January 1, Region 3 was reconstituted. It now includes all of the islands of the Caribbean, South and North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania and the state of New York.
Elder's Tour of North and South Carolina
During the first two weeks of January I had the privilege of visiting with all nine MCC congregations in North and South Carolina in twelve days. Even though the schedule was very grueling the experience of meeting so many wonderful and dedicated people filled my heart. I met wonderful pastors and lay leaders and am excited to be in ministry partnership with them.
MCC Charleston, SC is an exciting church with such a wonderful Spirit. Rev. Tommy Hutson is pastor. Average 5 0 - 60 in worship attendance.
MCC of the Upstate, Duncan, SC is a new church, and/or the rebirth of MCC Greenville, only 18 months old. Currently purchasing 2/1/2 acres in the heart of the fastest growing area in South Carolina. Rev. Donna Stroud pastor.
MCC Columbia, SC - I was present to represent MCC on the day they voted to disaffiliate from MCC. This is the second time this church has decided to go a different direction. We gave them our blessings in their new journey. Later that day I met with a number of people who want very much to remain connected with MCC.
New Life MCC, Charlotte, NC - Rev. Dr. Timothy Koch, pastor. This is a small church averaging about 35 in attendance with a creative mission focus. They do wonderful things in the arts and they have a mission focus with strong ties to ministry in Mexico.
MCC Charlotte, NC - Rev. Mick Henson, pastor. This church has a wonderful property with an attendance of 65 - 80 people. I met with approximately 35 of their people who love their church and feel called to ministry.
St. Jude's MCC, Wilmington, NC - Rev. Amanda McCollough, pastor. The church recently voted to sell their current property and to purchase new property, a larger space with parking and room to expand in the future. This is an exciting church of close to 100.
St. John's MCC, Raleigh, NC - This is the largest MCC in N and S. Carolina. They too recently voted to sell their property and are looking to purchase a larger site that will better meet their growing needs. Rev. Belva Boone, pastor.
Imani MCC, Durham, SC - Rev. Wanda Floyd, pastor - This is a dynamic church and is a mid sized congregation of 60 - 70 in attendance with a great passion for ministry.
MCC Winston Salem, NC - This was my second visit with this church. I began in December doing conflict mediation with this wonderful church and returned in Jan. for part two. They average just over 100 people. Rev. Mark Byrd is the pastor. This congregation is currently reorganizing for ministry and I believe have a bright future in ministry.
Rev. Roben Waddell Ordination Service
On my way home, from the Carolina's I stopped at MCC of the Spirit in Harrisburg, PA to participate in the installation service of Rev. Roben Waddell . This was a moving service as we reaffirmed her call to ministry and transfer of credentials from the Methodists to MCC. Every part of Roben's life was well represented. What a wonderful affirmation of her call. Roben is currently working as a chaplain.
Email Challenges
We are still experiencing email challenges. If you know of people who are not receiving this Region 3 E-Newsletter who wants to be please have them email us at ajoy1@aol.com and request to be added to the list.
If you have sent an email and it has not been responded to please email or phone again. We recently learned that AOL was not sending out our entire email list and the UFMCC server (the MCCchurch.org address) was not always sending or recieving/processing all of the emails.
The good news is the MCC headquarters is working on a new system which should solve the problems in the next month or so. And, now that we know about the problem with AOL we are working to implement the solution.
Praises
MCC of the Blue Ridge received 44 New members in 2005. This now brings their active membership to 150.
MCC of the Blue Ridge has a wonderful new web page, check it out: mccblueridge.com
Update from St. Jude's MCC, Wilmington, NC
St. Jude's MCC gives all glory and honor to God for the blessing of their very own property. Our mission was 'PUTTING DOWN ROOTS', and we have now a permanent home in the very best location, on the corner of the major road into historic downtown Wilmington. If we dared to dream, it would not have been any better than this. We have nearly 2 acres of land, and .....the old ODD FELLOWS lodge(how apt !) We paid $515,000 , and we already own 40% (the capital campaign moves into another gear).
Every member is enjoying the clean-up/renovating/painting preparation for move in March. Our dedication will come hopefully in June. How exciting ...thousands of cars drive by every day, and how good it feels to be a growing witness to them of God's love.
Aiden from MCC Richmond was featured on MTV over the past week on
"True Life: I Have Gay Parents."
Our youth are representing us very well. Thank you Aiden.
Prayer Requests :
Rev. Marty Luna-Wolfe and her partner Rev. Maria have announced their resignation from New Life MCC, Norfolk, VA effective April 9. They will be moving to Texas to be closer to their grandchildren. We wish them all the best after so faithfully serving their local church and the region for the past 5 1/2 years.
Pastoral Search - Please pray for ICM Cristo Sanador , in San Juan, Puerto Rico and New Life MCC in Norfolk , VA as they work through the pastoral search process.
Region 3: Important Dates for 2006
Feb. 17 Small Church Pastors Gathering - Mountville, PA - Support gathering for pastors of churches whose average attendance is under 50. Confirm attendance with Region 3 office. Time - 10 AM to 4 PM. No Charge.
March 2 - 3 Pastoring the Multi-Staffed Church - Cosponsored with Region 5 this two day event is for senior pastors who either have or plan to have paid staff in the near future. The focus is on Senior Pastors as the Director of Personnel. Location: MCC Baltimore, MD, Registration Fee: $75 paid in advance or $100 at the door. The Rev. Dr. Cindi Love and Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman co-facilitating. Lunch provided both days. Time Thursday 10 - 5 and Friday 10 - 5. Send registration fee to MCC Region 3 office. Advance registration is required.
May 6 Children & Youth Ministry Coordinators Summit - a time for those currently coordinating or hope to coordinate children and youth programing within your local church can come together for networking and resource sharing. To be held at MCC Washington from 10 - 4 PM.
June 10 Region 3 Southern Cluster Gathering - All those from the Southern part of Region 3 are invited to attend a one day training session and time to build relationship with those from the area. The training topic is Breaking The Barriers with Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman as the trainer for the day. Everyone is welcome. Time: 10 - 4 PM.
Nov. 2 - 5 Region 3 & 5 Combined Regional Conference in the Pittsburgh area. Conference will begin after lunch on Thursday and end Sunday following morning worship. Special guest, our new moderator, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson. Early registration is $99 for those within the US and Canada, lower for students and seniors. Hotel - $84 per night plus tax, parking is free. For more details on all regional conferences go to http://www.mccconferences.org/regionalconferences/index.html
Dates still to be scheduled :
Teaching Church Pastors Gathering
A Day for Clergy Candidates
LGBT Family Visibility Action - White House Easter Egg Roll April 17th, 2006
(MCC is co-sponsoring this event)
WHEN THE WHITE HOUSE LAWN IS OPENED TO FAMILIES FOR THE ANNUAL EASTER EGG ROLL,
IMAGINE IF THE FIRST 1,000 FAMILIES WERE LGBT FAMILIES! We need you to make this happen!
The media will be there and millions of Americans will meet our families - many for the first time - and once they do, there will be no going back.
Come to our nation's capital and let America see who we really are!
Come be a part of history as we reach every state in the country with positive images of our families participating in this great American family tradition.
go to www.familypride.org/eggroll
to sign up, help or get more information
PLEASE BE DISCREET! The success of this action depends on keeping it under the radar of the media and the administration. DO NOT put a link to this website anywhere other than in an e-mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this all about?
We believe that there is no more powerful way to change the national discussion around our families and our rights than to introduce ourselves to our neighbors on a grand scale, and the Easter Egg Roll, with it's built-in media coverage, built-in feel good factor, and first-come, first-serve tickets is the perfect way to do this.
How do I get tickets?
In order to get tickets, one adult needs to stand in line beginning on Friday evening at 8 PM (each adult can get up to 5 tickets). The Park Service counts those in line and cuts the line off at some point in the early morning hours. Then at around 7 am the next morning, the Park Service gives tickets to those in line.
I can't stand in line - can I still participate?
Yes! The person who stands in line does not have to be the same person who uses the tickets. You can find someone to stand in line for you, and if you can't, we'll find someone.
What happens if it rains?
If it's raining on the morning of the event, the National Park Service makes a determination about whether to close the event. In the last three years, despite rain, the first hour of the event has always been held. Our goal is to be in the first four contingents that are admitted to the White House Lawn.
I can't afford a hotel - what do I do?
We are working with the local DC LGBT parenting community to find volunteers to provide housing. Please indicate if you need housing when you register.
Is this a protest?
No, this event presents a unique opportunity for our fellow citizens to see us as real American families participating in a great American tradition on the White House lawn rather than protesting from the sidelines.
Will the media be there?
There is always lots of coverage of the Easter Egg Roll - it's the feel good human interest story on every local and national newscast. In addition, once we've secured tickets, we'll be alerting the media.
White House Egg Roll Facts
"The National Park Service will distribute free tickets on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 7 am on Saturday, April 15, 2006.
"The line for the tickets starts forming Friday -- we need to be in line for tickets by 8 PM on Friday to be the first ones on the White House lawn.
"Ticket holders are admitted to the South Lawn of the White House from 8 am - 2 PM on Monday, April 17 and can stay on the Lawn until the event is over.
"A maximum of five tickets will be issued per adult.
"Children of all ages can attend but there must be at least one child 7 years old or younger and no more than two adults in each group.
Go to www.familypride.org/eggroll
to sign up, help out, or get more info!
Please sign up so we can make accurate plans and keep you informed!
MCC - How can you and your church be involved? If you want to participate contact Jen Glass at the MCC Region 3 office at ajoy1@aol.com
A Message From The Reverend Dr. Troy D. Perry
For Same-Sex Marriage Rights
January 26, 2006
Dear Friend:
I want you to join me in taking a public stand on Valentines Day, February 14th.
Let me explain...
For almost four decades, the predominantly LGBT Metropolitan Community Churches have worked to make legal marriage rights available to all people, including gay, lesbians, bisexual and transgender persons. This is a vital part of MCC's history.
In 1969, I performed the first public gay wedding in the United States, and in 1970, MCC filed the first-ever lawsuit seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriages.
Today, MCC churches around the world continue this commitment. Every year, MCC clergy perform more than 6000 same-sex weddings for LGBT couples -- weddings that are recognized by God, but too often are not recognized by civil authorities.
Since our last Valentine's Day marriage actions -- in less than one year -- amazing things have happened around the world:
-- Marriage equality is a reality across the entire nation of Canada, thanks in large measure to the groundbreaking work of Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes of MCC Toronto.
-- MCC clergyperson Rev. Debbie Gaston and her partner Elaine became the first lesbian couple married in England under the new Partnership Law.
-- South Africa's highest court has ruled that full marriage equality must be the law within the coming year.
-- LGBT marriage became a full legal right in Spain.
-- In the United States, the courts ruled in favor of the lawsuit Philip and I filed, along with activists Robin Tyler and her spouse Diane Olson, seeking legal same-sex marriage in California -- the case is still on appeal. And just recently the courts ruled that marriage equality must be the law in the state of Maryland.
What a difference a year makes!
And I want to acknowledge this fact: The reality is that many nations of the world have moved far beyond the United States by providing legal marriage benefits to same-sex couples, and serve as wonderful role models for activists such as myself who are based in the U.S.
Part of my interest in this cause grows out of 38 years of activism on behalf of human rights: I want to see all people receive equality under the law, including the marriage laws.
That's why I'm inviting LGBT couples to advance the cause of same-sex marriage rights by taking part in same-sex marriage actions during Valentine's Week, Feb. 12-19, 2006. This year, a wide array of GLBT and GLBT-friendly organizations, including DontAmend.com, HRC, PFLAG, NGLTF, ACLU, NOW, Marriage Equality, Freedom To Marry, Lambda Legal and many others are promoting special marriage events throughout Valentine's Week.
One of the most effective things you can do is to go to municipal offices and courthouses during Valentine's Week to apply for marriage licenses -- and call attention to the discrimination inherent in the current marriage laws.
How can you participate?
First, visit the MCC website at www.MCCchurch.org/marriage where you'll find helpful resources, background information, and links about marriage equality. Explore the wealth of information located there.
Second, write to UFMCCHQ@aol.com and ask for the 2006 Valentine's Day Marriage Action Kit which is available in e-mail format. You'll find simple guidelines to conduct your local event, a sample news release, and other helpful links and resources. I encourage you to write your for free copy today -- then simply follow the action steps to join me in this important annual LGBT event.
By taking part in this year's actions, you will help put a human face on our quest for marriage equality -- and will help us move closer to full equality under the law.
/signed/
Rev. Troy D. Perry
MCC Founder and Moderator Emeritus
P.S. This year, I encourage clergy of all faiths to consider an additional step: Perform a public wedding on the courthouse steps for couples whose marriage license applications have been rejected. Demonstrate that while LGBT couples are still rejected for civil licenses, many houses of faith open their arms to LGBT couples through religious wedding ceremonies.
P.P.S. Be sure to write today to UFMCCHQ@aol.com and request your free copy of the 2006 Valentine's Day Marriage Action Kit.
A thought to ponder:
Albert Schweitzer said
,
" Success is not the key to happiness.
Happiness is the key to success.
If you love what you are doing, you will be successful "
A few thoughts from your Regional Elder
In our last newsletter we indicated that we have been having problems with email not only in the region 3 office but throughout the MCC.org system. One of the problems unknown to us was that AOL was cutting off the number of email addresses being sent out. What this means is that newer additions to our list simply were not receiving the newsletter even though we believed everyone on the list was getting it. Now that we are aware of the problem we have found a way to fix the problem. We are also in the process of switching from an AOL address book to an Outlook data base and that too will help resolve much of our problems. I want to thank my assistant, Jen Glass, for all of her hard work.
We still believe that there are some emails that are not reaching our office at either Ajoy1@aol.com or arleneackerman@MCCchurch.org (we are now switching this address to arleneackerma@MCCchurch.net) If you have sent an email that has not been responded to please either resend it or call the Region 3 office.
Much of the problems around our MCC email accounts had to do with the amount of traffic the server was getting. The truth is that we simply outgrew the capabilities of the system. A new system is now in place. If you are using the MCCchurch.org address please make the change now to arleneackerman@MCCchurch.net or you can continue to use the AJOY1@aol.com address.
Some days I hate computers and other days I realize how much they make our ministry possible. Pray for us.
Region 3 E-Newsletter
Our general goal is to send out the E-Newsletter twice per month and more if need be. We also have tried to send out every issue bilingually. There have been a couple of occasions when we were not able to have the translation done in time to send it out and have sent the translated issue out as soon as it came.
Some people have asked why we send the newsletter out in both English and Spanish. The answer is very simple. One of our churches is a Spanish speaking congregation (ICM (MCC) Cristo Sanador, San Juan, Puerto Rico) and another Spanish speaking group is in the process of formation in the Dominican Republic. You see, Region 3 is made up of nine states in US and the entire Caribbean, which is mostly Spanish speaking as well as French. In the future, we will be sending out each Newsletter twice, once in English and then in Spanish. The reason for dividing it is that with the translation it is often too long and some servers either cut off a portion of it or will not deliver it. We do ask for your support as we learn what are the best methods of doing this. And, to our Spanish speaking readers we apologize that the punctuation has continuously been a problem. AOL changes the punctuation after it is sent therefore we will soon be sending it out in a different format in the very near future. Hopefully, this will solve the problem.
Question: Why are some churches mentioned in the E-Newsletter and others aren't?
Some churches send us their newsletters and others do not. Some pastors contact the Region 3 office while others do not. We want to share resources, fresh ministry ideas, major events that others might be interested in so keep the Region 3 office informed.
Upcoming Training For Senior Pastors
"Senior Pastor As Personnel Director of Multi-staffed Churches"
We need for you to respond ASAP so we will know how many to plan for.
Date: Thursday & Friday - March 2 & 3, 2006 Location: MCC Baltimore, MD Time: 10 - 5 PM Both days Cost: $75 in advance, $100 at the door. Lunch will be provided both days Sponsored by: MCC Region 3 & Region 5
Registration: You can email your name, email address and confirmation that your check is in the mail to obtain the $75 dollar rate. Let us know by Feb 23. After Feb. 23 the rate will be $100. Please let us know in advance so we can plan for lunch and breaks. Send all emails to AJOY1@aol.com. (Even if you told us before, please reconfirm your plans to attend so we will have an accurate count.)
Send checks to: MCC Region 3, PO Box 276, Landisville, PA 17538
Make checks out to: MCC
Hotel:
Mt. Vernon Hotel
24 W. Franklin Street (Rt. 40 westbound)
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410)727-2000 Press "O" ask for Reservations, ask for MCC Groups rate
Rate: $69.00 plus tax Parking is an additional $13.00 per night).
Facilitators: Rev. Dr. Cindi Love, Executive Director of MCC and Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman, Regional Elder for Region 3
If you have any questions simply email me at Ajoy1@aol.com.
Building Update
After 25 years in rented space, Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York) is purchasing a church building. The sanctuary comfortably seats 140 and can hold up to 200; the building includes a fellowship hall and classrooms. Rev. Jim Mulcahy is Pastor.
Prayer Request
Rev. Delores Berry - is continuing her battle with bronchitis, and kidney infection - ever since last July when she was given a dye that her system reacted to. She is out of the hospital and will spend some time at home recovering. Delores reports, "My call and passion is unshakable and its my responsibility to take care of my body. I am not done in ministry and am looking forward to returning as soon as possible."
If you can offer support her ministry during this time you can contact Rev. Berry at 314 Bentley Ridge Blvd., Lancaster, PA 17602 or by email at RevDBerry@aol.com.
Snow Storm Could Be A Problem
A good number of Region 3 Churches had to cancel worship services due to the recent snow storm. If your church had to cancel services consider sending them your offering or tithe check in the mail for the missed Sunday. Remember ministry continues even if a service has to be canceled.
Open Door MCC, Boyds, MD begins strategic planning process
Leaders from Open Door MCC began the strategic planning process with their Regional Elder Arlene Ackerman recently. They began with a congregational survey, a church development workshop and an all day intensive visioning session. This was then followed by a strategic planning team being formed to manage their strategic issues over the coming two year period. As a result of their work together, Open Door MCC developed this new vision statement based on the churches initials, ODMCC:
O penly
D evoted to
M inistry
C entered in
C hrist
Valentine's Day - A Great Day To Marry! Two Churches Report In
Bill Siegfried, 28 and Lucky Michaels, 25, a Brooklyn couple together for four years, were turned away from the City marriage bureau and refused the use of the City chapel for their marriage as Marriage Equality and the Metropolitan Community Church pressed for their rights on Valentine's Day. Looking on at right, Brendan Fay, who married his partner Tom Moulton in Canada, and Rev. Pat Bumgardner , pastor of MCC/NY , who conducted their wedding service in the hallway outside the chapel.
Despite the arrival of a winter storm, over 130 people gathered at MCC of the Lehigh Valley , Allentown, PA, Saturday, February 11 to mark National Freedom to Marry Day. Dozens of same-sex couples received a blessing of their relationship and three couples were married by 8 clergy people including Rev. Beth Goudy pastor of MCCLV. Singles were offered a blessing by Rev. Elaine Ely and music was provided by MCCLV's Praise & Glory Singers. The musical group I.C.E. (Tanya Erdman, Marjorie Fortin and David Fortin), Tanya Erdman and Nancy Whitaker and Cris Smith provided special music. Dale Parkhust and Anthony Young gave the "Couples Moment" and a Choral Reading of various biblical passages was shared by ten Readers. A reception and dance followed the worship service, with food donations from PFLAG, Renaissance, along with MCCLV.
St. John's MCC Celebrates 30 Years of Ministry
Congratulations to St. John's MCC in Raleigh, NC on there 30 Anniversary. Last weekend was their big celebration with their special guest, Rev. Elder Troy Perry Troy along with Willie White (Founding Pastor) and his partner, Robert Pace; Rev. June Norris (2nd Pastor) and Rev. Wayne Lindsey (3rd Pastor).
MCC NOVA Celebrates 25th Anniversary
MCC of Northern Virginia, Fairfax, VA invites you to a Dinner/Dance Cruise Saturday, March 18, 2006, 5 PM - 9 PM Celebrity Yacht Washington Marina, 1300 Maine Avenue SW, Near the foot of 15th Street Dress: Semi Formal OptionalTea/Soda/Juice provided - Cash Bar Price: $50 + any additional donation. For directions and parking information, visit http://www.capitalyacht.com/ There are a limited number of tickets so order now! Tickets on sale now at the church or by calling the church office at 703-691-0930. Anniversary Services of Celebration Sunday, March 19, 2006, 9 am & 11 am Special Guest: Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski. Special awards will be presented to honor individuals who live out the message of our Vision "Stretching, Connecting, Celebrating…People on a Spiritual Journey!" and who helps us as a larger community embrace that vision. You can email MCC NOVA at mccnovacom@earthlink.net
The People of African Descent Conference - Everyone is welcome - April 20-23, 2006, Tampa, FL. Be sure to register and make your hotel reservations soon. The Conference promises to be a spirit-filled event that will inform and inspire. An experience not to be missed!
If you would like to support the conference there are several ways you can assist. Volunteers are needed for various tasks (music, worship, workshops, special events, etc.) Also, if you, your church, or organization would like to support the Conference you are invited to do so though placing an ad in the program book, sponsoring an event, or being a contributor. For more information go to http://www.mccconferences.org/
Regional Conference Three/Region Five will be held in Pittsburgh, PA November 2 st-4th, 2006, at the Radisson Hotel. Conference begins at 1:00 PM on Thursday. The conference planning team recently had its first meeting in Pittsburgh. The hotel is close to shopping and restaurants and very close to the Turnpike, so you can avoid the city if you are driving. The Hotel is actually located on Mall Blvd. in Monroeville, PA which is a suburb on the eastern side of Pittsburgh. The hotel staff are incredibly helpful and are excited about hosting our conference. There are a number of accessible rooms and we have asked the hotel to ensure that accessibility guidelines are followed. Rev. David Smith of MCC Baltimore, revrdavid@aol.com; will be our conference coordinator; Shirli Hughes, shirlidiva@aol.com; will be our Music Leader (if you or your choir are interested in participating in the music program please contact Shirli); Shawn Henderson, accessmccdc@aol.com; is our Children and Youth Leader; Rev.Deb Dysert, revfluff@aol.com; is our Workshop Leader; Andrea Fergusson is our Registration and Hospitality Leader; Rev. Dee Dale , RevDee@aol.com is our Resource Leader; Rev. Paul Fairley, revpaulfairley@mccchurch.net; is our MCC Conferences Liaison. We will be joined for the week by our new moderator, the Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson. The conference is shaping up to be an exciting event. The workshops will follow three tracks which are built on our Strategic Plan. Stewardship, Justice and Compassion, and Articulating our message
Student Clergy, Clergy In Formation & Transfer Clergy
Here is a listing of important and required classes:
POLITY , a requirement for ordination, will be offered on-line from March 1st through May 31st. REGISTRATION will be available only during the month of February. No late registrations will be accepted. The teacher is Rev. Kharma Amos. Please be sure to read the current clergy manual on-line at http://www.mccchurhc.org/- which is where the polity registration may be found. ANYONE may take polity course; all persons positioning themselves for ordination MUST take polity. Students enrolled in ATS accredited seminaries http://www.ats.edu/ should be eligible for 1.5 credits; it is an 18 hour course. We will furnish a letter to your school's registrar and academic dean once you have registered requesting recognition on your transcript. If you request credit you must complete the course by May 1st (this is plenty of time.) The course may only be taken pass/fail; no letter grade can be furnished.
Sexuality Class is offered in June 12-23 at Episcopal Divinity School http://www.eds.edu/ in Cambridge, MA. It must be taken for credit to fulfill ordination requirements. If your accredited seminary is offering a sexuality class that you would like to substitute, ask me. Check out Summer School offerings also at Pacific School of Religion http://www.psr.edu/ listed at http://www.clgs.org/, the school's Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in religion and Ministry.
Intensive in the Practice of MCC Ministry (an ordination requirement) will be held concurrently with Clergy Conference, July 10-15 in Scottsdale AZ. The theme of the Clergy Conference is "preaching". There is no charge for registration for currently credentialed MCC Clergy. Orientation participants and non-currently credentialed MCC or non-MCC clergy may register for $500. There is no registration charge for participants outside the U.S. or Canada. Additional costs for room and board may cost $500-$1000 depending on room sharing. the dates are firm; registration available shortly.
2006 Ordination interviews will be held on Thursday and July 13 and 14 in Scottsdale only.
Stewardship Idea - taken from MCC of Northern Virginia E-Newsletter
(Note: We were impressed by this letter sent out by the Board of Directors of MCC NOVA. Hopefully, it will inspire boards and stewardship teams.)
SINCERE APPRECIATION FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who contribute to the financial support of MCC NOVA. Whether through weekly or monthly giving, tithing, in-kind donations or special contributions, we are blessed by your generosity. 2005 was truly a banner year for our church; we finished the year in the black. Thank you. At December's congregational meeting, we anticipated 2006 as a year of significant expansion and growth for our community. The realization of that goal relies heavily on the Stewardship Pledges you have submitted. The congregation approved a budget of $______ for 2006. In support of that budget, we have received 51 pledges representing a total amount of $______ to date. The Board is extremely grateful for every dollar you give and would like to recognize and thank those people who have already submitted their 2006 financial stewardship pledges. (The board then goes on to list the names of the people who have pledged. Each person gave permission for their name to be shared. Since sending this letter out to the membership more pledges have been received.) Remember - it is never too late to pledge. If you wish to make a stewardship pledge, please contact any Board member for a pledge card.
Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman February Schedule
February
1 - 2 office
3 - 5 Open Door MCC , Boyds, MD - strategic planning weekend
6 - 7 days off
8 - 10 office
12 New Covenant MCC , Laurel, MD - leadership training & worship
13 - 14 days off
15 - 16 office
17 Small Church Pastors Gathering - Vision of Hope MCC, Mountville - 10 - 4
18 - 19 days off
20 - 22 Vacation Days
22 Arlene's birthday
23 office
24 - 26 MCC of the Blue Ridge - leadership training & worship
27 travel day
28 day off
Rev. Elder Arlene J. Ackerman
UFMCC Regional Elder
Region 3 PO Box 276
Landisville, PA 17538 Phone: 717 898-3713
Fax: 717 898-3714 E-mail: arleneackerman@MCCchurch.org Newsletter Archive
MCC HEADQUARTERS HAS A NEW MAILING ADDRESS!
MCC Headquarters
P. O. Box 691728
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Please update your mailing lists and files. Please begin using this new address, effective immediately. Please share this information with your church staff and your church treasurer, in your church's newsletter, and with anyone who may need to contact MCC Headquarters. |