Region 3 Spanish Translator - Rev. Edgard Danielsen-Morales
Since January, Edgard has been acting as our volunteer translator and I want to thank him for all of his generous work. Beginning this month Edgard will receive a small stipend for translating the Region 3 E-Newsletter and other official Region 3 documents. Edgard is on staff at MCC Cristo Sanador in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Rev. Ana Vargas Enters Hospital
On Wednesday evening Ana was admitted to the hospital for severe abdominal pain and fever due to gallstones. On Thursday morning she went through surgery to get her gallbladder removed. She is recovering well. Please, pray for her and her partner Minerva.
MCC of the Chesapeake
Our recent Sunday's attendance total was 37! We are close to setting a new record high monthly total attendance. MCC of the Chesapeake is a bi-locational church in Southern Maryland. They worship in Lusby, MD at 10 AM at the Southern Community Center, 20 Appeal Lane. And, in the evening in Annapolis, MD at 6 PM at the Annapolis Friends Meeting, 351 Dubois Road, Annapolis. Conveniently located just off route 50 at Rowe Boulevard/Bestgate Road. See webpage for detailed directions for detailed directions to either location. MCCChesapeake.org
MCC Northern Virginia Revisits Strategic Growth Initiative (SGI) Fairfax, VA revisits SGI as they proceed with their pastoral search. The process was facilitated by Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman.
Our Vision: Stretching, Connecting, Celebrating - People on a Spiritual Journey!
Our Mission: MCC NOVA is a liberal Christian church that is a welcoming and affirming community with a specific outreach to GLBTQA through varied and dynamic worship experiences, small group ministries, educational opportunities, creative outreach, and social activities so that we stretch, connect and celebrate as a people on a spiritual journey.
Our Core Values:
Region 3 E-Newsletter
In the effort to keep costs down and save trees, I will send bi-monthly Regional Newsletters via email. Churches are encouraged to forward these Regional Newsletters to their congregational Email list.
MCC NOVA Troubles the Concerned Women for America
MCC NOVA recently participated as a sponsor of the True Spirit Conference held in Washington DC. True Spirit is a global conference sponsored by The American Boyz, an organization for individuals who were labeled female at birth, but who feel that this is not a complete or accurate assessment of who they are, as well as their significant others, friends, families, and allies (SOFFAS).
We were delighted to find out that we caught the attention of the Concerned Women for America, who were troubled by our sponsorship of this event meant to celebrate transgendered persons. For the complete story, please see the Concerned Women's coverage at http://www.cwfa.org/articledisplay.asp?id=3595&department=CFI&categoryid=cfreport
Leaders of MCC NOVA's social justice outreach, Micah Ministries, have decided that doing justice is not only right, but it's also fun. :).
Former Director of Emmaus House of Prayer Passes Away
Joseph Houle, past Pastor of MCC Pittsburgh, died early Tuesday morning, March 25, 2003, at his home in Washington, DC surrounded by his family. Joe had a short battle with gall bladder cancer having chosen not to undergo chemotherapy, but to let the disease, already well advanced, to take its course.
Joe pastored MCC Pittsburgh in the late 1970's and early 1980's. He went on to get an advanced degree at Duquesne University and some years later, another degree in counseling. He had served as the Director of Emmaus House of Prayer, a special work of the Mid-Atlantic District and as a part of that work edited a devotional, Road to Emmaus, still available through Chi Rho Press, and containing daily devotions from a wide variety of voices throughout the Universal Fellowship and beyond. More recently he had a counseling practice in Washington, DC through Brookland Pastoral Center. His gentle spirit touched many lives.
A memorial service will be held at MCC Washington, DC on Saturday, April 26th, 2003 at Noon. Memorial gifts may be sent to Transfiguration House of Prayer, 295 W. Jefferson Rd, Butler PA 16001.
2003 Clergy Manual and Forms Available On The Intranet
The most recent Clergy Manual and Forms are now available on the MCC Intranet. These take the place of all previous forms. You may access the Intranet by using "ufmcc" as your user name and "charisma" as your password. (All lower case letters and no quote marks!)
Exciting Show At MCC Baltimore
Make your appointment down at Truvy's Beauty Salon at M.C.C. Baltimore for an evening with "Steel Magnolias." Join Truvy, Annelle, M'Lynn, Shelby, Ouiser and Clairee for an evening of beauty secrets, recipes, gossip, laughter and tears. Following in the tradition of previous productions of "Auntie Mame," "The Man Who Came To Dinner," and "The Women", you can expect cross-dressing, over-the-top camp performances, and an evening of great fun. "Steel Magnolias" is directed by Larry Sampson and features members and friends of MCC Baltimore in the cast. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. For reservations or information contact Larry Sampson via e-mail at Littlesam1@aol.com. Performances will be at MCC Baltimore, directions can be found at www.mccbaltimore.org. Show dates are Friday & Saturday, April 4 and 5 at 8:00 PM and Friday & Saturday, April 11 and 12 at 8:00 PM.
World's Largest GLBT Spirituality Conference Set For Dallas
The world's largest GLBT spirituality conference -- MCC's General Conference & World Jubilee -- will take place in Dallas, Texas, 1-6 July 2003. MCC friends and members will gather from around the world for six days of networking, resourcing, worship, fellowship and entertainment.
Dr. Virginia Mollenkott, who rocked the evangelical world with her book, "Is The Homosexual My Neighbor?" will challenge conference attendees to address issues around gender in the Church. Pioneers of the gay rights movement will be present... workshops, seminars and institutes will be offered for local church leaders... and there will be a wide range of concerts and entertainment.
Don't miss the very first MCC General Conference & World Jubilee under MCC's new denominational structure! Register before April 15 for the lowest registration fee.
For information on conference programs, speakers and registration, visit www.MCCchurch.org or write to info@MCCchurch.org for information by e-mail. Write today -- early conference registration deadline is April 15!
MCC Clergy From Puerto Rico Published
The doctoral dissertation of Rev. Dr. Ana Vargas has been published. The title is "The Song of Songs: The relationship of the erotic, the sensual, and the mystical in worship," and it appears in the January 23, 2003, issue of "Dissertation Abstracts International" volume and issue 63-10a, publication number 3067544. According to Dr. Vargas, "Of specific importance to the GLBT community is chapter 4 where I propose a new view of the relationship of expressing our sexuality and spirituality, and the need to review obsolete views of separating body from soul when expressing our love for the divine. Chapter 5 is a liturgy and sermon based on the same idea."
MCC Washington Pastor At The Mayor's Inaugural Breakfast
The Rev. Candace Shultis, senior pastor of MCC Washington, DC, delivered the scripture lesson at the Mayor's Inaugural Prayer Breakfast in January. The breakfast was attended by 1000 people and other participants included the Dean of the National Cathedral, the Imam of the Howard University Chapel, the Chief Rabbi of the Washington Hebrew Congregation and the Cardinal of the Washington Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church.
MCC Washington, DC is growing -- children and youth
The children and youth are helping to lead the way! In addition to the 11 AM Children's Ministry for those ages 3-12, the church has added Infant Care (ages 0-3) at the 9 AM worship hour and has started a teen group (ages 13-18) at the 11 AM hour!
Equality Forum
Rev. Karla Fleshman, pastor of Imago Dei MCC (PA) and Brandon Hamm, formation student, will present two workshops at Equality Forum taking place in Philadelphia, PA during 28 April through 4 May. Equality Forum is a global celebration of GLBT culture, hosted by international leaders of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community. This year, Equality Forum proudly welcomes Germany as a Featured Nation.
Regional Elder Travel Schedule - April
3 - 8 San Juan & Ponce, Puerto Rico - first visit
18 Good Friday - office closed
24 MCC Baltimore - Board Training
26 - 27 Albany, NY - first visit
During this time of war may our prayers, thoughts and actions be ones of peace.