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REGION 3 UPDATE
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)
April 4, 2005
MCC Washington Votes To Expand Facilities
In a special congregational meeting held on Sunday, March 6th, with well over 100 members of the congregation present, MCC Washington voted unanimously to proceed with the purchase of the property known as 472 Ridge Street NW, the building immediately adjoining our ministry facility! A contract for purchase in the amount of $700,000 has been signed and the Board of Directors continues to pursue financing for the property. Please keep them and the Trustees of the Buchanan Memorial Building Fund in your prayers as they proceed on your behalf!
MCC Philadelphia Education Institute
Over 40 people attended MCC Philadelphia's Christian Education Institute on Saturday, March 19, 2005. This all day event, planned by MCCP's Purpose Driven Team, gave members and friends of MCCP the opportunity to advance in "C level ". Courses offered included New Converts Class #001, New Members Class # 101, Discipleship Class #201, Discovering My Ministry Class # 301 and Discovering Evangelism Class # 401. Currently at MCCP, taking 001 class is a prerequisite for baptism and 101 and 201 are prerequisites for membership. In the very near future, as MCCP continues to raise our standards, 301 will become a requirement for those during ministry and 401 will become a requirement for those wishing to officially represent MCCP in the larger community. The Christian Education Institute and the "C Levels" are small parts of the work happening at MCCP to advance our vision of "Empowering People to Reflect Christ". These courses are based on the Purpose Driven model created by Rick Warren and adapted by pastor, Rev Jeffrey H. Jordan for the Rainbow Community.
MCC/CTL Enjoys Record Palm Sunday Celebration
Mar. 20, we had a WONDERFUL Palm Sunday celebration at MCC-CTL. We had 106 people in worship (an all time high) followed by almost 90 people at the banquet luncheon (82 tickets sold plus about 6 comps). The founder of the MCC Movement, Dr. Troy Perry, was our guest preacher. It was a great day in the life CTL, featuring The Liberation Gospel Choir, Acrodanse Theatre, and Church in the Hood Outreach Ministries. Special thanks to Deacon Cheryl Bragg for organizing the banquet and to Cheryl and Jeremy Johnson for their leadership in our music program (the music was amazing). Kudos also to staff, deacon board, usher board, and all the volunteers that made our service such an exciting event.
A Message from
The Reverend Dr. Troy D. Perry
Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches
Dear MCC Friend:
I want you to mark your calendar for a joyous celebration to be held in Washington, DC on October 29 and 30, 2005.
These dates will mark the installation of MCC's new Moderator.
The installation service will take place at Washington National Cathedral -- known internationally as a "House of Prayer for All People" -- and the church where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached his last sermon.
Over the past century, the Cathedral has welcomed a vast array of international leaders and faith communities -- and on October 29 and 30, 2005, Washington National Cathedral will welcome Metropolitan Community Churches and host the installation of our new Moderator.
The schedule below is a preliminary schedule which will allow friends to begin planning their travel dates.
____________________________________________________
Saturday, October 29, 2005
2 o'clock PM
Installation Service at Washington National Cathedral
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Late afternoon or evening
Reception for New Moderator and MCC Human Rights Event
________________________
Sunday, October 30, 2005
11 o'clock AM
New MCC Moderator to Preach at MCC Washington, DC
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Early afternoon
A luncheon in honor of the new MCC Moderator will take place. This will be a ticketed event; location to be announced later.
_____________________________________________________
Washington National Cathedral is a most appropriate place for the installation services to be held. The Cathedral holds a unique place in historical and ecumenical life.
Soulforce Action Planned at Focus on the Family
Mark your calendars for the Soulforce action planned at "Focus on the Family," in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Sunday May 1 (Optional events April 30 and May 2). The weekend will be filled with speakers, singers, and vigils celebrating our diverse families, and confronting James Dobson's deceptions about same-gender families. You'll find more information at www.deardrdobson.com and www.soulforce.com.
(MCC Board of Elders just endorsed this Christian social action event.)
The Power of Non-Violence: A Training for Social Justice
On Sunday, April 17th from 1:00 pm to 3:00pm you are invited to attend:
This introductory training will involve education in non-violent practices as implemented by Dr. Martin Luther King and Mahatma Ghandi. Hands-on exercises will be implemented to demonstrate the power of non-violence in settling and preventing conflict. This training is essential for anyone planning on social justice activities around Pride Events; and will be helpful for anyone who might face any type of confrontational and/or combative conflict in daily living. There will be hand-outs and opportunity for questions and answers. [An all-day intensive training is being scheduled for early Summer. Details and registration will be made available at the April 17th training]
**For persons who would like to participate in some advance preparation for this powerful day, please visit www.Soulforce.org and view the left column looking for "Take the Journey." If you click on "Take the Journey," you can begin preparing yourself for seeking justice through non-violence. It is encouraged that if you can find a partner to "take the journey" with you will benefit even more so in engaging the principles of non-violence.
A voluntary love-offering will be collected to benefit the on-going work of Soulforce, Inc. - Philadelphia Chapter
This Seminar will be led by Kathy Stayton, trainer & member of Soulforce, Inc. - Philadelphia Chapter. To learn more about Soulforce, please visit their web-site at www.Soulforce.org.
This Seminar is sponsored by Imago Dei MCC & MCC Philadelphia
Location: Imago Dei MCC
1223 Middletown Road
Glen Mills, PA 19342
For more information, please contact Rev. Karla Fleshman at (610) 358-1716 or email her at RevKarla@imagodeimcc.org.
If unable to attend this training, it will be repeated at MCC Philadelphia located at the William Way Community Center - Center City, Philadelphia on Wednesday, April 27th beginning at 7:00 pm.
"Blessed are the peace-makers for they will inherit the earth."
Remember to register soon for the Stewardship Institute.
The institute will be held in two locations: May 20/21 at MCC of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown, PA. and June 3/4 at MCC Richmond, VA. For a registration form email ajoy1@aol.com. Register soon, space is limited.
Hotel Information for Allentown
Econo Lodge
2115 Downy Flake Lane
Allentown, PA 18103
http://www.econolodgeallentown.com
610-797-2200
Distance from MCCLV = 0.44 miles
$50, double occupancy
Allentown - Days Inn Lehigh Street
2622 Lehigh Street
Allentown, PA 18103
http://www.daysinn.com
610-797-1234
Distance from MCCLV = 1.13 miles
$59, double occupancy
Super 8 Motel
1715 Plaza Lane
Allentown, PA 18104
http://www.super8.com
610-435-7880
Toll-free 800-800-8000
Distance from MCCLV = 3.75 miles
$60, double occupancy
Wingate Inn - Allentown
4325 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18103
610-366-1600
Distance from MCCLV = 4.27 miles
$99, single/double occupancy
Comfort Suites Allentown
3712 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18103
Toll-free 800-228-5150
Distance from MCCLV = 4.84 miles
$90 single/double occupancy
Holiday Inn Express
3620 Hamilton Blvd.
Allentown, PA 18103
610-437-9255
Distance from MCCLV = 4.92 miles
$71, single/double occupancy
April 21, 2005
I recently returned from one of the most productive Board of Elder meeting that I have experienced. The Spirit of God is truly moving throughout our movement as I listened to what God is doing through MCC around the world. Together we prayed for our churches and church leaders and envisioned the future of MCC. We also reviewed the plans for the upcoming General Conference and I must tell you this looks like an incredible conference. As Rev. Perry's last conference as our moderator it will be a historic event as the torch is passed to the new moderator and we look to the exciting future of MCC.
The Board of Elders accomplished a great deal, for example, we approved the updated Clergy Manual, reviewed the improved Judiciary process and did more work on the MCC strategic plan. A letter will soon come out talking more about each of these and how you can give important feedback on the next phase of the strategic plan. We also shared about what is happening around church planting and the new church revitalization program that is soon to begin.
The Board of Elders also met with the Board of Administration and some of the staff in our annual joint meeting. We also had a very productive meeting with the Lay Ministry Council. And, as Elders spent a day together in spiritual retreat.
We are a church with a "Future and a Hope!"
Stewardship Institutes - Time To Register
MCC Region 3 is proud to present two stewardship institutes to better meet your training needs. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The focus of the institutes will be:
1. Examining personal money management from a biblical/faith perspective.
2. Nuts and bolts training for stewardship teams so that they might be better equipped to lead their congregation in effective stewardship.
The institute will be held in two locations: May 20/21 at MCC of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown, PA. and June 3/4 in MCC Richmond, VA.
Mark Vincent is a professional in the area of stewardship. You can visit his web site to learn more about him and his company, Design For Ministry: www.Designforministry.com
Registration form is below. Send it in today!
Prayer Requests
The father of Rev. Candace Shultis passed away last week. Keep Rev. Shultis and her family in your prayers.
Tom, the brother of Mary Jane, the partner of Rev. Pat Bumgardner passed away recently following a long illness. Please keep Mary Jane and her family in your prayers.
Two New MCC Region 3 Ministry Opportunities
If you are interested in being considered for one of the new upcoming ministry teams in MCC Region 3 submit your name, email address, the name of your church where you are a member and why you think you should be considered.
1. Region 3 Resource Team
" To evaluate the needs of local church pastors and laity
" To gather existing written resources and recommended other printed resources
" To list people resources by area of expertise
" To make churches aware of the resources available
" To develop a plan to make resources more available to local churches
2. Region 3 Church Planting Team
" To develop a demographic study of Region 3 to see which areas might be target areas for church planting
" To create a regional culture that values and supports church planting through the development of church planting partner churches
" To help identify future church planters
" To help mobilize resources to support new church plants: funds, people, other resources
Consider putting your name forward to serve on one of these two new teams.
HOLY WEEK & EASTER: A Sampling From Around the Region / Semana Santa y Resurrección: Una muestra de lo sucedido en la Región
MCC Christ The Liberator
For Palm Sunday, Christ the Liberator MCC had 106 people in worship at the Hyatt in New Brunswick, NJ. Our guest was MCC founder Rev. Troy Perry whom we awarded the first annual CTL Freedom Award. The service was followed by a banquet attended by 88 of the 106 people who worshiped with us.
For Good Friday CTL offered a presentation called "From Temple to Tomb: A Story-Telling Event for Good Friday" (written by Durrell Watkins). The evening involved liturgical/dramatic dance, choral singing, candle rituals, and story-telling (a sort of modified Tenebrae service). 24 people attended the Good Friday Service.
For Easter we pulled out all the stops with choral singing, solo performances by professional concert singer Rochelle Ellis, liturgical dancing, an Easter baptism, and a sermon by Durrell Watkins titled, "Dignity Won't Stay Dead." 83 people attended the Easter service which was followed by a lunch consisting of baked ham, collard greens, and other Easter faves.
Open Arms MCC, Rochester, NY
We had 72 in church for Easter - an all time record. It was fabulous! Brunch afterwards was amazing.
New Covenant MCC, Laurel, MD
Easter at New Covenant MCC was a joyful opportunity to celebrate the Risen Christ. The twenty-eight people who gathered for worship on Easter evening lifted high our "Alleluias!" with faithful gusto. The spirit was truly present, and nearly everyone, including our two first-time guests, stayed for a wonderful Easter reception after worship. Our sanctuary in our new church home at Oaklands Presbyterian was truly beautiful, with fresh flowers covering the cross and our paschal candle reminding us that the "Light of Christ rises in glory!" Even after dark on a chilly and rainy night, with many of our members out-of town (three of them even out of the country!), we who gathered to celebrate Easter were encountered by Resurrection Life. God is good!
ICM Cristo Sanador, San Juan, Puerto Rico
On Palm Sunday Service we worship with joy. We were 86 at church that morning. The interim pastor preached dress up like a Roman Centurion, Cornelius. The sermon was "The Passion of Christ from a Centurions Perspective". The music ministry and leadership of the church were dressed up like the Jesus time people.
Other News
MCC Richmond
Fans of Showtime's "The L Word" missed an appearance by actress Leisha Hailey, who plays Alice Pieszecki on the popular cable series about lesbian living in LA, who blessed us with her charm, energy, and good looks during worship on Sunday, April 3. She was not here because of a sudden conversion experience (although she did tell me she found the service "very moving") but because she is the producer of the video about lesbian and gay families (featuring Aidan Grennell and her moms, Janet Grennell and Jane Nelson) that will appear on MTV. The video crew was here taping Aidan's and Jane's participation in the service. I think it wonderful that Leisha is using her fame to push this project. So, the message today is: if you want to be in on the action in Richmond, MCC is the place to be!
MCC New York (New York)
MCCNY where Rev. Pat Bumgardner (MCCNewYork@aol.com) is senior pastor, has added a new worship service to accommodate the congregation's growth. The church now offers a 9 AM traditional service, an 11 AM contemporary service, and a 7 PM praise and worship service.
New MCC E-Newsletter Launched "Around the Fellowship"
This is the new e-newsletter published by the MCC Communications Department at Fellowship Headquarters with one main purpose - to share news of local MCC churches, MCC leaders, and MCC events. Editor, Jim Birkitt writes "We want to share your news with MCCs around the globe. To share news and events in your congregation, simply send your information by e-mail to info@MCCchurch.org.""Around the Fellowship will be published during the first week of each month. Subscriptions are free upon request. Encourage your church members and church leaders to subscribe by writing to info@MCCchurch.org
The Intensive in the Practice of MCC Ministry June 19-24, 2005
The Intensive will take place at Pacific School of Religion Berkeley California, USA. Intensive Applications Due May 2nd
Dear MCC Students and Clergy, The Office of Leadership Development is pleased to announce the Intensive in the Practice of MCC Ministry program for 2005. The intensives are a key part of the educational program for MCC student clergy. It is designed as a supplement to seminary education where our students are encouraged to engage the unique context of ministry within predominantly GLBT communities. The 2005 curriculum will focus on skill building in the areas of worship, community organizing, and vocational discernment. Students will leave the program with concrete skills in worship, preaching, and community organizing that will enable them to plant and/or pastor churches that effectively meet the needs of 21st century people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. We are particularly excited about the exceptional faculty that will be mentoring and teaching our students. Rev. Penny Nixon will be presenting a segment on queer preaching. Bob Crocker will serve as our music director for worship throughout the week. The 2005 intensives will take place on the campus of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley California June 19-24. Tuition for the program is $500. The total package of tuition, room, and board (including linen service and 3 daily meals) is $1000 double occupancy. Registration forms can be downloaded at MCCchurch.org/education. For questions or more information please contact Charles Tigard, charlestigard@MCCchurch 310-360-8640 x 216. Yours in Christ, The Department of Leadership Development Rev. Jim Mitulski revjimmitulski@MCCchurch.org, Charles Tigard charlestigard@MCCchurch.org, The 2005 Intensive Faculty Rev. Dr. Edgard Danielsen-Morales - Puerto Rico/ MCC New York, Rev. Elder Nori Rost- Pike's Peak MCC, Colorado Springs, CO, Rev. Kharma Amos- MCC Northern Virginia, Fairfax, VA, Rev. Elder Darlene Garner, Regional Elder for Region 6, Rev. Jim Mitulski- Director of Seminary Relations, Rev. Cindi Love- Executive Director
Intensivo en la Práctica Ministerial de ICM - 19 al 24 de junio de 2005
MCC's Supervising and Advising Clergy Training
The training will be held prior to the MCC General Conference July 19-20 in Calgary Canada. Registration forms are available from the Leadership Development department or can be downloaded at MCCchurch.org/education
Rev. Elder Ackerman Schedule
April 18 - 20 Time off - 25th Anniversary, daughters 16 th birthday
22 - 25 New Life MCC, Norfolk, VA - Leadership Training
28 - 29 Office
30 - 1 Open Door MCC - Board Training - tentative
May 4 - 6 Office
7 Ordination Candidates Gathering
10 - 13 Office
14 Lancaster Seminary Graduation
16 - 19 Office
20 - 21 Stewardship Institute - Allentown, PA
22 MCC of the Lehigh Valley - worship
25 - 26 Office
27 - 31 Vacation
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