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

April 2006

Don't Forget - 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.

Huge LGBT Family Visibility Event at the White House Egg Roll
For years LGBT families have been invisible to many. Slowly but surely we are starting to break down those barriers at playground and in schoolyards, at the doctor's office and in our churches. But the time has come to introduce LGBT families to America on a grand scale.

Every year thousands of families gather at the White House Lawn on the Monday following Easter to participate in a great American tradition - the White House Egg Roll. On April 17th, 2006, when the White House lawn is opened to families for the Annual Easter Egg Roll, we want the first 1000 families onto the lawn to be LGBT families. The Egg Roll is a big media event, so we have an amazing opportunity to reach homes in blue states and red states with positive images of our families participating in this great American family tradition - laughing, having fun, rolling hard-boiled eggs down a hill with a spoon.

Family Pride has been working to organize this event, and we are excited to join the list of organizations helping to make this happen.

We can't make this happen without your participation. Come to the White House on Monday, April 17th for the Egg Roll!

We need LGBT families with at least one child 7 years of age or younger (families must have a child 7 or under to participate in the White House Egg Roll) AND we need people to help make this event happen (including help organizing and publicizing the egg roll, standing in line to get tickets, passing out coffee and donuts to line-standers, hosting visiting families if you live in the DC area, and fundraising).

If you want to help America see the love of your family, if you want to help America become a more equitable place, if you want the children of LGBT parents to have all the same legal protections that children of heterosexual couples do - sign up today to participate at http://www.familypride.org/eggroll.

More information about who is eligible to attend the egg roll, how tickets are dispensed, how people without kids can help out, etc. can also be found at http://www.familypride.org/eggroll.

If you are planning to attend this event and have signed up with Family Pride, please also email the Region 3 Office and let us know about your plans.  E-mail Jen Glass at jenniferglass@mccchurch.net.  Thank you!

Sixth Annual Youth Event at Lancaster Theological Seminary * April 29, 2006
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. * for ages 13-18 and their adult leaders

Lancaster Theological Seminary's 6th annual Spring Youth Event will be held Saturday, April 29. Over 100 youth join together in this ecumenical gathering to learn, worship and play with great energy and enthusiasm.  The day includes workshops led by LTS professors, students and alums as well as some of the youth from the Leadership Now program.  We also will celebrate God together in worship that will have a Southern Africa theme this year and, as usual, we'll share great food and great fellowship time with one another.  Hope you'll mark your calendar and join us for the day!

Registration is limited to 150 and there will be no at the door registration, due to the need to plan ahead for space and materials.
Registration deadline: April 10, 2006.  You can find registration forms online at:
http://www.lancasterseminary.edu/youth_leadership_now/upcoming_recent_youth_events.htm

Mark your calendars - 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.

Vision of Hope MCC Looking To Hire
Vision of Hope MCC in Lancaster County, PA is seeking to hire a part-time Congregational Care Staff Position.  The Congregational Care Staff Position is responsible for assisting in providing congregational care for Vision of Hope MCC so that no one stands alone.  The person in this position will plan, develop, organize, supervise and support the Congregational Care Ministries, which include Ministries such as Hospitality, Card, Social and Men's.  If you are interested in learning more about this position, you can request a job description and an application from the church office at 717-285-9070 or email VOH1Office@aol.com.  Pray about joining a church which is "Led by Christ, empowered to Rock the World."

MCC of the Spirit Work Camp in New Orleans
MCC of the Spirit in Harrisburg, PA is organizing a work camp to New Orleans April 26 to May 2, 2006.  They will leave Harrisburg, PA on Wednesday evening, April 26 and travel to Roanoke, VA where MCC of the Blue Ridge will host them for the night. They will drive the remaining distance to New Orleans, LA on Thursday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday (about ½ the day) will be work days. They will worship with MCC New Orleans on Sunday. Evenings will be spent in fellowship and listening to some New Orleans music and they will take time on Sunday evening to travel to the French Quarter. Monday, they will finish up the work and drive to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park where they will camp for the night. Tuesday they will return to Harrisburg. They will be staying in pop-up campers in sleeping bags. A contact in New Orleans is working on finding them work projects and places for their campers. If you would like to join in, contact them immediately at mccofthespirit@comcast.net OR call (717) 236-7387. They must know by April 3 of any others who wish to join them! They will be chipping in to pay gas and food but are trying to find benefactors to pay for all or most of the gasoline.

A Resource Suggestion from Region 1

Leadership Magazine Article:
Does Your Church Website Measure Up?
Some do, most don't, according to David Gillaspey of Great Church Websites, who has reviewed 7500 sites so far. Most common shortcoming: looking outdated. Here are his guidelines:
1. Make sure the site loads quickly in browsers.
2. No splash screen or intro page.
3. Don't use a layout based on frames.
4. No patterned or tiled page backgrounds.
5. No animated gifts, rainbow colors, or visitor counters.
6. Use photos of people or scenics, rather than church building.
7. Don't fill the home page with ads for ministries or events, and especially no secular ads.
8. Make the following easy to find on the homepage: address including city and state, phone number, weekend service times, link for location, e-mail link to webmaster.
9. Make sure every graphic has an "alt" text description in the underlying HTML code.
10. Make sure users can access every link by tabbing through the site, and that they can use the tab key plus arrow keys to access links in drop-down menus.
More information at www.greatchurchwebsites.org

Resources for Sustainable Fundraising
A few weeks ago there was an opportunity for MCC clergy and Board of Director members to participate in a call in session with a company called "Raising More Money."  The topic was Sustainable Fundraising.  The basic information that was shared during this conference call about their approach can be found on the company's website:

www.raisingmoremoney.com

Click on the tab called "Getting Started" and then click on "Model Overview"

There you will find the following information:

Want to read a little more about the Raising More Money Model and get a basic understanding of this approach? We have two options for you to choose from:

· Model Overview
This full overview provides the background on why individual donors should become the centerpiece of your fundraising strategy, helps you to see what a legacy of sustainable funding would look like for your organization, and explains how you can use the Raising More Money Model to achieve sustainability. (This is 4 steps.)

· Brief Model Summary
This shorter summary of the Raising More Money Model gives a clear explanation of the four basic steps of this approach, but does not go into as much detail about actually implementing this model.

Thought to Ponder - from an email by Rev. Durrell Watkins of MCC Christ the Liberator
Thoughts for Our Daily Prayer

This is from a devotional ministry called "Spirit & Truth" - a set of daily readings offered to members of a large MCC in the Southeast.
When praying for yourself or others, remember to be positive. When making plans or speaking about goals, stay positive. Lift up what is good, and name what is possible. What we focus on we tend to create more of...so let's be intentional about focusing on the good. When praying for healing of body or situation, speak words of hope and affirm the possibility of accomplishment. Enjoy and practice the lesson offered below from "Spirit & Truth."
--Pastor Durrell

A Time to Touch Others
"Pleasant words are as sweet as honey dripping from the comb, bringing healing to the bones." [Proverbs 16:24]
Even during the time of Solomon they knew that health and well-being was the result of our belief system more than any other thing. That's why affirmations (and denials) are so powerful. They unleash the Good of God into our life situation, and also touch the lives of those around us.
We, too, can speak Truth and touch with Love. I affirm wellness and health for me and others!

Important Region 3 Dates
Children & Youth Coordinators Summit - May 6, A day for those currently doing or hoping to build a children and/or youth program for your local church. This is a time for resource sharing, networking and problem solving. Coordinated by Rev. Elder Ackerman and Shawn Henderson. You must pre-register by letting us know that you will be attending. Location: MCC Washington Time: 10 - 4.

Clergy Candidates Gathering - May 20, A day for Clergy Candidates to come together to meet with their Regional Elder to talk about their program, calling, hopes for the future, networking and support. Facilitated by Rev. Elder Ackerman Location: MCC Washington

Regional Conference - November 2 - 5, A combined Region 3 & 5 Conference held in Pittsburgh, PA. Special guest speaker, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson the new moderator of MCC. This conference will be filled with opportunities for networking, ministry training, and multiple worship experiences and spiritual renewal. This conference is focused on resourcing our local churches. You can now register online at:
http://www.mccconferences.org/regionalconferences/pittsburgh.html

ICM Cristo Sanador Has A New Pastor
Margarita Sanchez is the new acting pastor of our MCC in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She is former MCC clergy and is actively pursuing reactivating her clergy credentials. Pending reactivation, the congregation elected her with a 100% vote. Margarita is also the director of Amnesty International for Puerto Rico. You can send notes of congratutalation to her at margaritasanchez@amnestypr.org.

Annual Report Reminder
Pastors and board members remember that your Annual Church Report or as it is officially titled, Affiliation Report is due the end of April. If you need more time or assistance contact the Region 3 office.

Recommended by Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
A FAIR HARVEST: RELIGIONS RESPONSE TO IMMIGRATION ISSUES, AN INTERFAITH RELIGION SPECIAL TO BE BROADCAST SUNDAY, APRIL 23 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK A FAIR HARVEST: RELIGIONS RESPONSE TO IMMIGRATION ISSUES, an interfaith religion special, will be broadcast, Sunday, April 23 (8:00-8:30 AM, ET; 5:00-5:30 PT) on the CBS Television Network. This is a special religious program about fresh attempts to achieve dignity for migrant farm-workers. In the years since the CBS Reports special, Harvest of Shame (1960) pointed out the slave wages and deplorable working conditions of migrant workers, there has been steady but very slow progress to right the wrongs. Still even today, most farm-workers, mostly foreign-born, are paid about as much as they earned 30 years ago. On the national level, attitudes and laws regarding migrants change from one administration to the next. The broadcast deals principally with a story in southwest Florida (Immokalee) about a group of tomato pickers from Central America and Haiti who organized their own workers' coalition. The Coalition of Immokalee Workers staged hunger strikes, marches across Florida and many other unsuccessful attempts at bringing attention to abuse of workers, very low pay per pound of tomatoes picked and other issues. When the growers and owners would not ever speak with them, they hit on the idea of boycotting Taco Bell, which buys 10 million pounds of winter tomatoes from Florida growers. Local churches came on board and national church organizations followed, helping the Coalition to organize "truth marches." This gave exposure to the workers in settings across the country to state their case, present a human face, and encourage church members to avoid buying from Taco Bell. The boycott caused Taco Bell (owned by the Yum Brands) little financial damage but a good deal of bad press. They responded with a modest $100,000 a year to be sent to the farmers for distribution to the pickers who pick Taco Bell tomatoes. This actually doubled their wages from 1.3 cents a pound to 2.3 cents and brought their two-ton a day yield to perhaps $90 from the $50 they had earned before. Their next move was toward McDonalds, which buys perhaps several times as many pounds of tomatoes from south Florida as Taco Bell; if it agrees to another penny a pound migrant wages could "skyrocket"- relatively speaking. Another story touched upon is the Mt. Olive Pickle Company in North Carolina. With help from the National Council of Churches, local councils and the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh cucumber pickers in the Mt. Olive area succeeded in getting a boost in wages for the cucumbers they pick for Mt. Olive, which is a national brand and supplier of pickles. To discuss these stories and some proposals being made for national immigration legislation, we hear from Rev. Bob Edgar, of the National Council of Churches, and Rev. George Anderson, an editor of the Jesuit magazine, AMERICA, who add their perspectives on the issues and the need for greater public understanding and effective legislation.
The migrant farm-workers dignity and fairness issues are vividly presented by: Robert Mendez and Eucebio Rodriguez, two Guatemalans in their early 20's, both full-time pickers and part-time union activists for the Coalition. In addition we hear from Lucas Benitez, a picker of oranges and tomatoes for 13 years before helping to found the Coalition. Adding their experience are Father Joe Clifford, pastor of St. Columbkille Catholic Church (Ft. Myers); Rev Jim Boler, (Sanibel Is.) UCCC; Rev. Noelle Damico, liaison between the national Presbyterian Church and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers; and Bert Perry, of the National Farm-workers Ministry. John P. Blessington is the executive producer of the special; Ted Holmes is the producer. It is produced with the cooperation of the National Council of Churches, The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and a consortium of Jewish and Muslim organizations.

5th Anniversary Update - Imago Dei MCC
Imago Dei MCC celebrated five years of worship, from March 23rd to March 26th, with special guest Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry. IDMCC arranged for Rev. Perry to be a guest speaker at West Chester University, West Chester, PA; and to be interviewed by the City Paper of Philadelphia. Their banquet celebration included special guest and civil rights hero, Barbara Gittings. Speakers included Rev. Perry and Stacey Sobel, executive director of the Center for Lesbian & Gay Civil Rights and co-coordinator of the "Value All Families Coalition" of Pennsylvania, of which Imago Dei MCC is a member. This coalition actively promotes social justice and equality for LBGT families in PA; and is currently working to defeat the amendment to altar the state constitution to define marriage between a man and a woman. The anniversary weekend culminated in two incredible worship services that included Amanda Ackerman, of Vision of Hope MCC, as a special guest vocalist at both services and Reverend Jeff Jordan & MCC Philadelphia praise choir as special guests for the second service. Reverend Elder Ackerman was also special guest for both services. This special anniversary weekend included celebration, social justice, community outreach, and incredible collaboration between three MCC churches!

New Resource On Conflict Resolution
Imago Dei MCC has developed a seven-week bible study on Conflict Resolution in the bible. The study explores conflict situations in readings from both the Hebrew & Christian bible; and discussion focuses upon the different conflict themes and how they impact our church community today. For more information email RevKarla@imagodeimcc.org

Rev. Elder Ackerman's Schedule

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

May
1 Office Closed - Labor Day
2 - 5 Office
5 MCC Washington, 35th Anniversary Dinner
6 Children & Youth Coordinators Summit - Washington, DC
7 MCC Nova, Fairfax, VA - Worship & forum
8 Travel Day
9 - 10 North Carolina Council of Churches meeting
12 - 14 Holy Ghost Revival - MCC Baltimore - workshop, preach
13 Region 3 Resource Team meeting - MCC Baltimore
17 - 19 Office
20 Region 3 Clergy Candidate Gathering - MCC Washington
21 New Covenant MCC, Laurel, MD - leadership training, preaching
24 - 26 Office
30 - 31 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.