Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, Virgin Islands and the U.S. States of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, the District of Columbia (Washington, DC), North Carolina, South Carolina

March 2006

Children & Youth Coordinators Summit - May 6
On May 6, MCC Region 3 will sponsor a Children and Youth Program Coordinators Summit. All leaders, facilitators, teachers and those interested in beginning such a ministry in their local church are invited to participate. We will meet from 10 - 4 on Saturday, May 6 at MCC Washington, DC. This day will be devoted to sharing of resources, support, problem solving and networking. It is not a workshop but a day of mutual learning. CO-leaders for the day are Shawn Henderson, youth coordinator for MCC Washington and Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman, Region 3 Elder. Most our growing churches have developed children and/or youth programs that meet the needs of both the kids and the growing number of parents within our communities. To participate simply notify the Region 3 office via email. This is a free event but advance reservation is required.

Senior Pastor As Director Of Personnel Workshop A Success
16 people attended including one United Church of Christ Pastor from Allentown, PA attended this two day event sponsored by MCC Region 3. Our featured speaker was the CEO of MCC, Rev. Dr. Cindi Love who did a wonderful job. Every person indicated how important this time of training was for them and have requested more training in the future. Surprising, every pastor indicated that until now this was the first real offering of this kind within MCC or in their seminary experience and yet for our congregations to grow beyond the 100 barrier it is essential that our pastors take on this pivotal role. Attending were: Rev. Candace Shultis, Rev. Kharma Amos, Rev. Beth Goudy, Rev. Debbie Coggin, Rev. Catherine Houchins, Rev. Roben Gorsline, Rev. Amanda McCulloch, Rev. Karla Fleshman, Rev. Rob Apgar-Taylor, Rev. David Smith, Rev. Eva O'Diam, Rev. Belva Boone, Rev. James Robinson, Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman, and ordination candidates Kristen Foley and Helen Daniels.

Two Resources: (Both given out at the workshop on Pastor As Personnel Director)
1. Staff Your Church For Growth, 2. Leading The Team Based Church

Supervising Clergy Training May Be Offered At Region 3 & 5 Conference
In speaking with Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski we have tentatively scheduled training for those MCC clergy who would like to take the training required for your church to become a teaching church. It is also advisable for all MCC clergy to consider taking the course so that you will have the latest information on assisting those interested in the formation process. If you are MCC clergy and are interested in taking this course please let the Region 3 office know. We will need a minimum number to offer the class.

St. Judes MCC Has Moved
Our church in Wilmington, NC has moved. Our new church home is at 19 N. 26th St., Wilmington, NC 28403.  Our telephone number is the same 910-762-5833. Our offices are open Monday through Thursday website at www.stjudesmcc.org

Another Region 3 Pastor Enters Doctoral Program
Rev. Stephanie Burns, pastor of MCC Fredericksburg, VA, has been accepted into the Doctor of Ministry - Small Church Ministry Track program at Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education (Union PSCE) in Richmond, VA.  This ecumenical program is a three year pilot project which provides for full tuition scholarships for the eight students it accepts each year.  The Small Church Ministry Track focuses specifically on the ministry of the small church (defined as churches of 150 members or less), and includes coursework in the Nature and Purpose of Pastoral Leadership in the Small Church and the Nature and Purpose of Ministry in the Small Church."

Prayer Requests
Rev. Delores Berry and Judy Kiser
- continue to recuperate at home. Judy is recovering from bronchitis and a urinary track infection.  She had a fever of 103 degrees, but thank God that has gone away, though she is still very weak.  Rev. Delores's blood pressure has been like a yo-yo, up and down.  Later in the month she will be working with her specialist regarding her kidney function. You can send your get well wishes, and if you want to send a check: (Please make checks payable to: Rev. Delores P. Berry Evangelistic Ministry.)
Email: revdberry@aol.com, Rev. Delores P. Berry Evangelistic Ministry, 314 Bentley Ridge Blvd, Lancaster, PA 17602

Rev. Marty Luna-Wolf Elected Pastor In Texas
Pastor Marty was elected Senior Pastor at Harvest MCC in Denton, TX last week with a vote of 90%.  She will be leaving New Life MCC in Norfolk in mid April after faithfully serving for over 5 1/2 years as their pastor. We will miss Pastors Marty and Maria. They have been a blessing to our region.

Imago Dei MCC Celebrates Fifth Anniversary -  March 23rd - 26th! 
Event: One Queer Christian Social Activist: a minority voice seeking justice - with Reverend Troy Perry, Date & Time: March 23, 2006 - 7:30 p.m., Location: West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Cost: Free

Event: Imago Dei MCC Fifth Anniversary Banquet Seeking Equality with Reverend Troy Perry and Stacey Sobel, Esq. Executive Director of Pennsylvania's Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, Date & Time: March 24, 2006 - 6:30 p.m., Location: Edgmont County Club 5180 West Chester Pike (Rt. 3)Edgemont, PA 19028 (Delaware County)Cost: Ticket Prices from $50 to $500, building the foundation for Imago Dei MCC's journey as we continue to develop a Christian Community for the LGBT community in the tri-state area. Buy Tickets Online Now, Featuring: Hors d'oeuvres, wine bar, dinner, silent auction, and music by The Half of It

Event: "Our Vision & Our Actions" Reception honoring Reverend Troy Perry and the Friends and Members of Imago Dei MCC. Date & Time: March 25, 2006 - 10:00-2:00
Call for reservations since this is a catered free event.
Reservations are requested by March 23rd by calling (610) 358-1716.
Location: Imago Dei MCC1223 Middletown Rd.Glen Mills, PA 19342 Cost: N/A Featuring: Reverend Troy Perry will speak on the future of the Metropolitan Community Churches as the church increases its work around the world, truly becoming an international institution supporting justice and equal rights for LGBT people.  There will be conversation, discussions, a catered lunch and an opportunity for photos with Rev. Perry.

Event: "Our Future & Our Hope" Worship Services - led by Reverend Troy Perry
Date & Time: March 26, 2006, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., Location: Imago Dei MCC1223 Middletown Rd.Glen Mills, PA 19342, Cost: N/A  Featuring: Whether you are a long time member of MCC or a first time visitor, experience this unique opportunity to participate in a worship service led by Reverend Troy Perry and the people of Imago Dei MCC.
Guest musicians and vocalists (from MCC Philadelphia & Amanda Ackerman of Vision of Hope MCC) join our wonderful music ministry

MCC New Haven, CT Calls Rev. Bernie Barbour
Rev. Bernie's first Sunday as the new pastor of MCCNH will be April 2nd.  He shares that he is sad to be leaving Fayetteville, but he is also very excited about this new opportunity. Bernie you go with our prayers.

MCC Headquarters Has A NEW Address
Here's a reminder to all churches and to local church leaders to update your address books, mailing lists and databases with the new postal mailing address for MCC Headquarters. The new address for all MCC HQ postal correspondence -- including MCC's Executive Director and HQ staff, as well as for the transmittal of local church tithes and payments to the Board of Pensions -- is:

Metropolitan Community Churches
Headquarters Offices
P. O. Box 691728
West Hollywood, CA  90069

March
       11 - 12     MCC Philadelphia
       14 - 17     office
       18 - 24     Board of Elders Meeting and related meetings - CA
       25            Region 3 - Resource Team meeting
       25 - 26     Imago Dei MCC, PA - 5th Anniversary
       27 - 29     Days off
       30            Office
       31 - 3        MCC Hudson Valley, Albany, NY - Church Assessment

April
       4 - 5          Days off
       6 - 7          Office
       7 - 9          MCC Baltimore, MD - Church Assessment
       10 - 11     Days off
       12 - 14     Office
       15 - 16     Days off
       17 - 18     Office
       19            Day off - 26th Anniversary and daughters 17 birthday
       20 - 24     People of African Decent Conference - Tampa, FL
       25 - 26     Days Off
       27 - 28     Office

Important Region 3 Dates

May 6               Children and Youth Coordinators Summit - at MCC Washington
May 12 - 13       Holy Ghost Revival at MCC Baltimore - cosponsored by a number of MCC congregations
June 10             Southern Regional Cluster Gathering "Breaking The Barriers" to be held at MCC Charlotte, MC Everyone is invited!

Nov. 2 - 5           MCC Region 3 & 5 Conference in Pittsburgh, PA (Monroeville)
                    http://www.mccconferences.org/regionalconferences/pittsburgh.html

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.