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

June 2006

MCC Region 3 Southern Cluster Gathering "Breaking The Barriers"
Saturday, June 10, 2006, 10 AM to 4 PM at MCC Charlotte, NC
You are invited to this training and networking event being offered in the Southern part of Region 3.

The training will focus on what it takes for churches to break the predictable attendance barriers and move the church to the next level of development. The training is geared for both lay and clergy leadership.

Included will be opportunities to worship, share resources, dialogue with the Regional Elder, and to build relationships with those from other MCC's.

Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman will serve as the facilitator for the day.

Cost: $10. includes lunch Registration: Advance reservations required.
Simply email and ask to be put on the list: RevArleneAckerman@MCCchurch.net

Everyone is welcome!

Join in the International Day of Prayer for Nigeria
In January 2006, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced the proposal of a new law to ban homosexual relations and same sex marriage in Nigeria. The bill would also make engaging in homosexual relations and entering into a same sex marriage offences punishable by five years imprisonment. Clerics or others helping to arrange such a union could also be convicted and jailed. The proposed law also will ban any organizations or movements that promote gay rights. MCC North London is hosting an International Day of Prayer to raise awareness and offer support for the LGBT people in Nigeria. The event will be held on Sunday 2nd July at 7pm at Trinity URC, Camden, London, England. If your congregation would like to hold a similar event, or you would like more information, please contact Rev. Rowland Jide Macaulay at lgbtnigerians@hotmail.com or visit www.LGBTNIGERIANS.org.

Prayer Request
Mary Jane Gibney's mother passed away last week following a very brief illness. Mary Jane is the long time partner of Rev. Pat Bumgardner, pastor of MCC New York. Please keep Mary Jane and Pat in your prayers. The family has requested donations to Metropolitan Community Charities in lieu of flowers.

Region 3 MCCs Give To The Eastern Europe Offering
In response to the request for support of Tearing Down Walls, MCC's Eastern Europe Initiative, many local MCCs made contributions during Easter.  Rev. Elder Diane Fisher and Florin Buhuceanu, our pastor in Romania, are travelling during May and June through several Eastern European countries to bring words of hope and encouragement from MCC.

MCC New York collected $993.34.
Open Arms MCC, Rochester, NY Board of Directors approved sending $500 from their mission budget

If your church made a contribution, please email the Region 3 Office with the information and we will include it in an upcoming E-Newsletter.

MCC Washington's 35th Anniversary - Dominican Republic Project
Rev. Dr. Candace R. Shultis and the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington D.C. (MCC-DC) are celebrating MCC-DC's 35th anniversary in grand style by committing to a church start project in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (D.R.). Associate Pastor Venson Phillip Mathews is working in the D.R. this summer in an effort to develop a core team of Dominicans interested in starting a MCC. In July, a group of 25 members and friends of MCC-DC, including participants from New Covenant MCC in Laurel and New Life MCC of Hampton Roads, will be traveling to the D.R. to conduct a week long summer Bible school at two orphanage schools and to paint and repair the school facilities. Everyone can follow along with MCC-DC's exciting Dominican Republic Outreach Project by visiting www.mccdc-dominican-outreach.blogspot.com.

News From MCC of the Upstate, Duncan, SC
Rev. Donna Stroud writes, "I just had to write and let you know that we brought in 10 new members last Sunday! I was so excited! It was a wonderful time for the church! We now have 34 members. Our goal is to have a membership of at least 50 people by the end of the year and there is no doubt in my mind that we can do it! God has been good to us and the church feels the fire of the Holy Spirit."

"Also, as I mentioned to you recently, we raised $1,635.00 for Aid Upstate. Aid Upstate is the Greenville (SC) HIV/AIDS group. Dean, our vice moderator and his partner, Scott hosted a "Dining with Friends" party at their home. Last year, we donated $945.00 to AID Upstate, so we are moving on up the ladder. MCCU is affiliated with or involved with 19 different community organizations in the Greenville - Spartanburg area. Since we started the church on September 26, 2004, we have given away approximately $4,000.00 in cash to the community! Since we have been in Duncan, we have donated paper products to the Middle Tyger Community Center's pantry and we maintain their children's playground on a monthly basis.

"We are also gaining in our efforts to raise $25,000.00 for the down payment of the property. We have over $21,000.00, so the other $4,000.00 will not be hard to raise."

St. John's MCC, Raleigh, NC - AIDS Ride and Walk
St. John's reports, "I wanted to give you all an update of our HUGE success this year with the AIDS Ride and walk in Raleigh,NC on May 6th. I apologize it took so long, however we were waiting for all the donation updates to be completed on the website. They are in the final stages of tallying the donations but I did not want to prolong getting a response to you.

"St. John's MCC partnered with Courtyard by Marriott and Jack Astor's Bar and Grill for this year's event. The combined goal was to recruit 60 participants and raise $6,000. I am happy to announce that we recruited 101 PARTICIPANTS and raised $11,217.95 and counting. As of today, St. John's MCC is the leading team in donations received for the entire event.

"We had a total of 16 bikers for the 101.5 mile ride, 9 of which completed the entire 101.5 miles!!!! The rest of our folks walked up to 3 miles as we moved to the Capitol Building for closing ceremonies.

"I am very honored to say St. John's was loud and proud with the highest number of participants for any group this year. Look out next year!! Thank you for all your support and allowing us to "toot" our horn!!!"

Imago Dei MCC, Glen Mills, PA - Innovative Idea
Imago Dei MCC held an event entitled "Build a Sandwhich, Build a Ministry, & Build a Church."  The various ministry teams of Imago Dei MCC provided various food items throughout the sanctuary…as people built their sandwich they were able to learn about how to build a ministry, which will lead to building the church.

Vision of Hope MCC, Mountville, PA - New Children's Activity
Vision of Hope MCC offered a new small group for children ages 7 to 12, so they can get together other than Sunday morning for learning and fun. On Saturday, May 20th from 10am to 1pm, they held their first kid's small group meeting. Aaron Rinner, who is an Eagle Scout and Assistant Scout Leader, will be facilitating the group with Pastor Deb helping out.

2006 Graduates

Congratulations to the following graduates:

Kristen Claire Foley, Clergy Candidate - Master of Divinity, Wesley Theological Seminary (Cum Laude)
Aidan Grennell, MCC Richmond, VA - James River High School in Richmond, VA on June 15th (She will begin attending Christopher Newport University in August 2006.)

If you or someone you know is graduating from high school or an institution of higher education, please email the Region 3 Office so that we can include this information in a future E-Newsletter. Thanks!

First Region 3 Cluster Gathering A Great Success
On June 4 approximately 50 people representing 10 congregations gathered together for a day of training, networking and worship. Every church in South and North Carolina were represented plus churches in Southern Virginia. Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman facilitated a four hour training on Breaking The Barriers, a new presentation providing insight to those church leaders who feel called to break through their current attendance barriers. Next year, MCC Region 3 hopes to offer a Northern, Central and Southern Cluster Gathering to make training available to all of our churches within a reasonable drive. We want to especially acknowledge Rev. Mick Hinson and MCC Charlotte for hosting the day and providing wonderful food.

Two More Churches Begin Strategic Planning
Over the last few weeks Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman began strategic planning with two more churches in North Carolina. Both churches completed congregational surveys, pastoral surveys, participated in a church growth workshop and a day long visioning session with their Elder. During the visioning session each church clarified their core values, vision and mission and strategic issues. Here is what they identified as their vision statements:
MCC Winston-Salem, NC
Real People making a
Real Difference in a
Real World, led by a
Real Christ

New Life MCC, Charlotte, NC
P roclaiming Christ
E mpowering each other
A udacious love
C ompassionate service
E mbracing Diversity

Rev. Durrell Watkins Announces His Resignation
Last Sunday Rev. Watkins announced his resignation after faithfully serving for over 5 years as pastor of MCC Christ The Liberator. Durrell's final service will be on July 9. Both Durrell and his partner, Rev. Robert Griffin, will be moving to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Both Durrell and Robert have been offered positions on staff of the Sunshine Cathedral MCC. Durrell will be serving as the Canon Presenter & liturgist and Robert will serve half time as the Religious Education Director and will continue to work half-time for our denomination's Office of Clergy Development. Our prayers and love go with them.

2006 Graduates
Congratulations to the following graduates:

Brian Hutchison, MCC Washington, DC - University of Maryland. He has been accepted at the Pacific School of Religion.
Danielle Sampson, friend, MCC Baltimore, MD - Emory University
Kathryn Sampson, friend, MCC Baltimore, MD - University of Maryland Baltimore County

If you or someone you know is graduating from high school or an institution of higher education, please email the Region 3 Office so that we can include this information in a future E-Newsletter. Thanks!
Graduandos 2006

Region 3 MCCs Give To The Eastern Europe Offering
In response to the request for support of Tearing Down Walls, MCC's Eastern Europe Initiative, many local MCCs made contributions during Easter. Rev. Elder Diane Fisher and Florin Buhuceanu, our pastor in Romania, are travelling during May and June through several Eastern European countries to bring words of hope and encouragement from MCC.

New Covenant MCC, Columbia, MD contributed $195, which was collected through a love offering on Easter Sunday.
MCC of the Hudson Valley, Albany, NY sent in $ 75.00.

If your church made a contribution, please email the Region 3 Office with the information and we will include it in an upcoming E-Newsletter.

MCC Region 3 Student Receive Scholarship
POINT FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2006 POINT SCHOLARS
30 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender students receive multiyear scholarships, including first Matthew Shepard Foundation Scholars and mtvU Scholar

SAN FRANCISCO-The Point Foundation announced that it has granted scholarships to 30 outstanding gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.  The Point Foundation provides financial support, mentoring and hope to meritorious students who are marginalized because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"Our newest Point Scholars represent the best and brightest in our community, coming from diverse educational fields, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, racial backgrounds, economic circumstances and geography," said Bruce Lindstrom, Point Foundation Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors.  "Our scholars are chosen for their demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, involvement in the LGBT community, and financial need.  This year's group of scholars far exceeded our expectations."

As of June 2006, there will be 65 Point scholars currently in school and 12 alumni. While the average scholarship award is $12,500, TPF supports scholars in other programmatic capacities. For example, the Point's mentoring program and scholar retreat create a multifaceted support network for scholars extending far beyond their time in school. The average amount of financial support devoted to each scholar exceeds $ $33,000 which includes scholarship funding, mentoring and leadership training.

"We were thrilled with the high caliber of scholars who applied for funding this year," said Lindstrom.  "The selection process was difficult but ultimately rewarding.  We received well over 1,300 completed applications for scholarships this year and only wish we were able to provide for the needs of thousands of other disenfranchised LGBT scholars, many of whom struggle to afford college."

Several major foundations and corporations have partnered with Point to fund LGBT students, including the Matthew Shepard Foundation (MSF) and MTV. Ivan Bukta, a student at the City College of New York, was chosen as the mtvU Scholar.  MSF will fund Ellen Adams, an incoming freshman at Princeton, Matt Oertli, a student at Harvard Medical School, and Jennifer Wohlner, a Studio Art major at the University of Southern California.

In addition to financial support, The Point Foundation matches scholars with mentors who are highly successful professionals in fields ranging from the arts and sciences, education and other humanities, to business, law and medicine.  One of the central features of the Mentoring Program is an emphasis on community service. Each year, scholars are expected to develop and conduct a project that will directly impact the LGBT and straight allied community of interest to the scholar. Mentors advise scholars on the creation of these projects as well as ensure follow through that maximizes the benefit of the project to scholar's surrounding community. Project locations include Cape Town, South Africa; South Bend, Indiana; Madrid, Spain; Los Angeles; and Durham, North Carolina.

Mykal Slack: Mykal was not brought up in the church, but nonetheless felt the homophobic sting of right wing religious rhetoric early on in small town Georgia.  After obtaining a B.A. in Economics, a law degree, and working as an attorney, Mykal entered Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.  Now, as a third-year Master of Divinity student, his primary focus is on pastoral ministry and theology, as well as liturgical studies
and vocal/gospel music. (Mykal is an ordination candidate at MCC New York) For more information on this program contact: Cathy Renna, Renna Communications, 917.757.6123, cathy@rennacommunications.com

Duncan church attracts people from all over to 'feel the love of Jesus Christ'
DEBRA G. LESTER, Staff Writer
Published May 13, 2006

Duncan church attracts people from all over to 'feel the love of Jesus Christ'
DEBRA G. LESTER, Staff Writer
Published May 13, 2006

church attracts people from all over to 'feel the love of Jesus Christ'
DEBRA G. LESTER, Staff Writer
Published May 13, 2006

Duncan church attracts people from all over to "feel the love of Jesus Christ"
DEBRA G. Lester, Staff Writer, Go Upstate.com
May 13, 2006

The Rev. Donna Stroud, pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church in Duncan, NC, says her church "is extremely diverse, into social justice and as open as it could possibly get."

DUNCAN, NC -- The tiny white clapboard church in the hollow recalls a quieter time. The bell in front of the church calls people to worship with a clear tone resonating the past, but looking to the future. "The church was built 110 years ago exclusively for blacks because none of the churches in the area would welcome them," explained the Rev. Donna Stroud, pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of the Upstate. "I believe God led us to this place. "The beliefs of the people still sound like those of any other mainstream Christian church. Some of them are more conservative than many congregations, including the belief that "the Bible is the divinely inspired word of God. "But the church members, like their black brothers and sisters in Christ before them, aren't welcome at some churches. Despite their beliefs, they are judged by their lifestyles. Stroud, pastor of the church for almost two years, said the church's doors are open to anyone. "God's inclusive love belongs to all people," she said. But the 40 or so members are primarily gay, lesbian or transgender. The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches denomination was founded in 1968 to offer a church home to "all who confess and believe," according to the statement of faith. People travel from all over Spartanburg, Greenville and Anderson counties in South Carolina and Polk, Henderson and Buncombe counties in North Carolina to attend the Duncan church. The church moved there from Greenville about a year ago. The next closest Metropolitan Community churches are in Columbia and Charlotte, N.C. Stroud, who said she is a lesbian, was reared a Methodist and graduated from Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West. She was unsure of where she should serve in the ministry, but was invited to a worldwide conference for the MCC and "seemed to fit." "The church is extremely diverse, into social justice and as open as it could possibly get. It reminds me of the early Christian church," she said. The MCC denomination is more demanding of its ministers' credentials than most churches, she reported. While the church sports a Rainbow Flag, the symbol of gay pride, on one wall, church members said their allegiance is to the Christian flag that stands near the altar. Stacy Wittrock of Six Mile said she "tried a lot of different church in the area, but this place feels more accepting." "It feels like a family here," Peggy Upton of Greenville said. "You feel the love of Jesus Christ when you come in the door." Dana Peace of Simpsonville said she likes the family feeling as well. But "the main thing with our church is that it doesn't matter who you are, what you are, what the world believes about you, we're here to celebrate Christ and God. "Their emphasis, Dan Phillips of Greenville said, "is to love everything God created and not condemnation of anything." Alix Pengue of Greenville said the church is lucky to have "a pastor who has been blessed by God. She shepherds each of us and pulls us together as a family." Stroud said despite the warmth and caring of her congregation, most of them have endured hardships other people can't fathom. "I do a lot of counseling for mental health issues, alcoholism, drug use -- the types of things most ministers counsel about -- but we have people here who have been thrown out of their homes, thrown out of their churches, fired. The average MCC pastor hears things no Baptist or Methodist pastor would ever hear. "She said it's hard to deal with the struggle for acceptance, the opposition to gay marriage, to adoption, to companies giving domestic benefits. "We have couples who've been together in a monogamous relationship for years then lose a partner and have no rights at all," she said. "People have a typical picture of gays in gay pride parades. The average gay person does laundry, goes to the grocery store, the same things anyone else does." The Metropolitan Community Church of the Upstate is at 2180 E. Poinsett St. Ext., Duncan. Services are at 6 p.m. Sundays and Bible study is at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, call 439-5080.

MCC Richmond, VA - The Importance of our Children & Youth - A Pastoral Letter
Dear Community in Faith,  I hope you were able to share in the joy of Homecoming this past weekend, celebrating 28 years of MCC Richmond.  The Homecoming Dinner Saturday night was very special (the food was fabulous). Our Sunday worship was truly spirit-filled-thank you to all the musicians who were "over the top" (and special thanks to Sam Hockaday for sharing her musical gifts as part of the sermon-you can listen online through iTunes or at our website!). Thank you, Mark James and team, for organizing a splendid silent auction.  But what thrilled me the most were the moments when our children shone. First, of course, was the presentation, at the dinner, of the Mary Gay Hutcherson Community Leadership Award to Aidan Grennell. To watch the surprise on her face as Mary Gay announced the award, and then to hear the grace of Aidan's remarks is to realize just how special she is.  On  Sunday, we had a large group of children listening to Gay Fritzemeier's sermon about the church's birthday-and wearing party hats in the sanctuary! And then, at the Block Party, kids seemed to be everywhere-making pictures, having their faces painted, playing ball, chasing each other. Our children are leading us to a new place. In the old days, gay men were afraid to connect with our children. Today, we have gifted, caring men and women serving as Sunday School teachers and Nursery helpers. When I came to Richmond, parents were expected to provide the programs for their children (Carol Anderson, Forest Carnes, and Lydia Melton are notable exceptions). Now, we have many non-parents teaching and caring for our children.  We are a church in the midst of change. Historically, churches in the MCC movement have not drawn members the way many other churches do-through members of each generation staying loyal to the church of their youth. Aidan, with her stated desire to become a pastor in MCC, breaks the mold of MCC being a church only for those who have found no home elsewhere. She is just the beginning. Think about these wonderful children-I can't name them all: At the Spring Retreat, Julie and Shianne touched us with their singing and dancing; recently, Janan danced her way into our hearts; Julius will yet go to his young scholars program in Washington, D.C.; and Shar'a, Shannon, Melvin, Kristen, Emily, and Jordan are all growing up so fast. Each one, including those I have not named, is a gift. More will come.  Our future as a church depends, in large measure, on how well we build a community of faith for them. We must always celebrate our rich past, but if we are to be the church of abundant life that Jesus calls us to be, we will put our children first.   Pastor Robin (to reply, write RevRobinG@MCCRichmond.org or call 804/353-9477)

Update from the Press Contact for the newly formed Faith Coalition for PA Families
Rev. Karla Fleshman, Pastor of Imago Dei MCC, Glen Mills, PA reports, "The Faith Coalition for PA Families held our first press conference today [Monday, June 5] in Harrisburg at 11:00 AM. We had thirty clergy/rabbi from across the state and across faith communities gather to represent this four week old coalition, which is speaking out against state and federal attempts to amend the constitutions through restricting the definition of marriage to one man and one woman.

"Our state house of representatives is slated to vote this week on the anti-gay/family amendment; and so the timing of this coalition was critical. Never before have people of faith gathered in this great state - at our capital - to stand up and speak out for GBLT families! It was a humble and proud moment for me as a native of PA.

"I am happy to report that Rev. Jordan (MCCP) was one of nine speakers! He was awesome!! During the Q&A session with press, I was called forward to also answer a question. We had great press (four cameras, various papers, and public radio). We also lobbied representatives. We have a coalition brochure, which includes our coalition statement. The contents were sent out on my church email distribution list and may be downloaded on my church web page.

"I am happy to report, as press contact, that I have already received two very irate phone calls from fellow Christians offended by this new coalition's statements and position! Clearly our new group has made the news only hours after our press conference!

"I thought I would share this great news with all of you…I love MCC!  Peace!"

News from the Transfolk Retreat at MCC of the Hudson Valley, NY
The Transfolk Retreat, "Embracing the Spiritual Fire," held on Saturday, June 3 at MCC of the Hudson Valley went well.  Co-Pastor Rev. Karha` Us facilitated the retreat.  There were 5 people. Some didn't know each other so it was good to see connections being developed. She found that the participants really got into the labyrinth walk. The flow for the retreat was relationship with God, relationship with self and relationship with community.  Their time ended with a meal of agape was also quite powerful for the group. The participants already started talking about having one next year!

Region 3 Elders Schedule
June       12 - 16  Office
             19 - 23  Office
             25        Imago Dei MCC, Glenn Mills, PA
             27 - 30  Office

July        3 - 4     Office Closed - holiday
             5 - 7     Office
             9 - 14   Clergy Conference - Scottsdale, AZ
             19 - 20  Office
             21 - 30  Spanish Language Intensive - Guadalajara, Mexico

August  1 - 6      Spanish Language Intensive - Guadalajara, Mexico



Important Region 3 Dates

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.