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), North Carolina, South Carolina September 2007 Regional Elder Update It is good to be back! I have missed being in communication with our local churches over this past month and I am looking forward to reconnecting. While away on vacation I had the opportunity to really get some much needed rest as I spent a few weeks next to a river and a fishing lake and then home and doing projects around the house. It's interesting that you don't really discover how tired you are until you have taken the time to stop, rest and reflect . I am returning with a fresh enthusiasm for our work together and a centeredness that only comes from taking time in quiet reflection with God. Join me in praying for all of the churches in Region 3. A number of our churches are facing some major transitions. Our youth and young adults and few older adults as well are returning to school. Church programming is gearing up for the new season of holidays fast approaching. And one of our churches is facing the death of a beloved member to suicide and now is working through the grieving process. Other churches are moving location, searching for a new pastor, changing staff, trying new programs or planting a new church. Whatever you are facing, whatever your church is doing remember to take some time to stop, rest and reflect. Stop long enough to find God's presence in the midst of your life. Rest and reflect long enough to breathe the Holy Spirit in so that your life and ministry can truly reflect Christ. As I write this I am preparing to leave for the Northern Sub-regional Gathering in Allentown , PA. Thank you MCC of the Lehigh Valley for all your hospitality. Following the gathering I leave for a week of Elders meeting in Florida . Please keep the Board of Elders and the Board of Administration in your prayers as we meet. UPCOMING REGIONAL EVENT October 20 Southern Sub-Regional Gathering MCC Charlotte , NC 9am to 4:30pm
Registration Fee is $25 and includes lunch.
There will be opening and closing worship, a sharing session, workshops one of which will be Conflict Mediation, and a main session with Rev. Dr. Mona West: #1 Affirming Our Spiritual/Theological Diversity
#2 Spiritual Journeys Go In Different Directions And That's Okay, No Reason To Get All Bent Out Of Shape If Yours Is Different Than Mine And Mine Is Different Than Yours This session will address Welcoming Theological Diversity, presented by Rev. Dr. Mona West. Just like each of us has a leaning toward a particular personality type (introvert or extrovert) each of us also has a leaning toward a particular spiritual type. Discovering and understanding your spiritual type and the spiritual type of others is a helpful way to welcome theological diversity. In this workshop you will discover your spiritual type and learn best ways to grow in your spiritual journey. You will also learn what things you have in common with people who are of a different spiritual type. It's a great way to learn how to talk to and appreciate others across theological differences!
Rev. Dr. Mona West is the Senior Pastor of Church of the Trinity MCC in Sarasota , Florida . Originally she was ordained in the Southern Baptist denomination in 1987 and transferred her credentials to Metropolitan Community Church in 1992. She holds the M. Div. and Ph. D. (Old Testament/Hebrew Bible) degrees from Southern Seminary in Louisville , KY. After teaching in colleges in the south, she became the Academic Dean for Samaritan Institute, the school that trained MCC clergy for ministry. Dr. West has also served as pastor at Cathedral of Hope and Midway Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), both in Dallas , TX . Mona is passionate about spirituality and queer biblical interpretation. In 2000 she published a book with Pilgrim Press titled, Take Back the Word: A Queer Reading of the Bible. In 2002 she finished a certification program in Spiritual Formation at Columbia Seminary in Atlanta , GA. She is one of four editors for The Queer Bible Commentary published by SCM Press in 2006. She and her partner, Deb Elder, make their home in Sarasota , Florida along with their dog and three cats. Advance Registration required for the October 20 Central Sub-Regional Gathering. Email today to say that you will be attending: Sunshine Cathedral Hurricane Relief Efforts for Jamaica Dear Friends --- we've all watched as Hurricane Dean moved through the Caribbean last week. Our MCC congregation in Jamaica , members and friends are now in need of assistance. We are inviting individuals and congregations to help us collect the following items so that they can be shipped to Sunshine Cathedral in Jamaica for disbursement: - Bath Soap (Bar Style only please) - Toilet Paper - Paper Towels - Bath Towels, all sizes - Canned Food - Disinfectant (Bleach, Pine sol, etc) - Disposable Gloves - Baby Diapers - Baby Food - Large Trash Bag Once you have collected these items, please send them to: Sunshine Cathedral Attn: Reverend Robert Griffin 1480 SW 9th Ave Fort Lauderdale , FL 33315 Also, if you prefer to send check or money order so that the items can be purchased locally, in Fort Lauderdale , and then shipped, please send to the same address. Please include in the memo section: SCJ Hurricane Relief Effort. Another option would be do donate via the Sunshine Cathedral website at www.SunshineCathedral.org and include the memo line SCJ Hurricane Relief Effort. Thank you so much for your assistance. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Robert Advance Notice Regarding MCC's "Fellowship Sunday" from The Reverend Nancy L. Wilson August 17, 2007 Dear MCC Friend: During the month of October, MCC congregations around the world will set aside one Sunday to observe "Fellowship Sunday" -- marking the 39th anniversary of MCC's founding. (The actual founding date is October 6, 1968 -- but many will celebrate this anniversary on Sunday, October 7 this year; others, depending on local church schedules, will select another Sunday in October.) Each year on the anniversary of MCC's founding, local congregations around the world join together to receive a special offering to support the important work of MCC's Strategic Plan and our "Tearing down walls, Building up hope" commitment. This year, this special offering is designated for MCC's growing work in Latin America . Right now, there is an amazing move of God's Spirit across Latin America and people are so hungry for MCC's message of God's unconditional love and inclusivity. For example, did you know that there are MCC churches and groups now located in Argentina , Chile , Columbia , Mexico , Nicaragua , Peru , Uruguay , Venezuela -- and there are 13 active MCC groups and missions in Brazil , alone! Last year at this time there were 18 MCC churches and groups in Latin America -- in only one year that number has grown to 22! Just as you've given so generously in the past to MCC's vital work in Eastern Europe, I am now asking for our churches to join together to meet the needs and opportunities we have across Latin America . I want to share four specific ways you and your congregation can participate in our annual observance: How will your offerings be used? These offerings will be used for three purposes: 1) To plant new MCC congregations in Latin America ; 2) To strengthen and revitalize existing MCC churches in Latin America ; 3) To underwrite 2008's Latin America Leadership Conference. Second, if your church will receive a "Fellowship Sunday Offering for Latin America ," write to me at RevNancyWilson@MCCchurch.net and let me know of your decision. When you write me, be sure to let me know on which Sunday you will receive your offering. And when you write me, I'll add your congregation to the list of Fellowship Sunday Pacesetter Churches -- churches that are "setting the pace" and leading the way for MCC's ministry in Latin America . We'll also post all of the participating churches on the MCC website to honor your church's leadership. (I just love the way MCCers rise to meet challenges and God-given opportunities! Already -- before we've even officially launched the Fellowship Sunday campaign -- 16 local congregations have written to say they'll take part in this year's Fellowship Sunday Offering for Latin America ! Third, promote MCC's work in Latin America -- and the Fellowship Sunday Offering for Latin America -- to your congregation. We'll soon unveil a new Fellowship Sunday section on the MCC website... we'll offer bulletin inserts for use in your church... we'll share background information and downloadable photos of MCC's work in Latin America . And we'll offer you free, downloadable Fellowship Sunday logos with the beautiful word "hope" written in Spanish and Portuguese -- such as this brand-new Fellowship Sunday campaign logo: Fourth, pray for MCC's ministry in South America . Hold Rev. Elder Darlene Garner in your prayers, along with MCC churches, pastors, lay leaders, and staff. I encourage you to remember them both in your personal prayers as well as in public prayers during worship services between now and October. I'll soon be sharing more news about this year's Fellowship Sunday opportunities. In the meantime, I hope you'll write to me this week at RevNancyWilson@MCCchurch.net and let me know of your church's plans to receive a special Fellowship Sunday Offering for Latin America , and the date you'll receive your offering. When I hear from you, I'll add your church to the growing list of Pacesetter Churches and we'll add your church's name to the list on the MCC website. I ask for your prayers and support, and look forward to sharing more information with you in the days ahead. + Nancy Region 3 MCC 2007 PACESETTER CHURCHES Imago Dei MCC (Glen Mills, Pennsylvania) - Rev. Karla Fleshman, Pastor New Life of the Hampton Roads MCC ( Virginia Beach , Virginia ) - Pulpit Open MCC of the Lehigh Valley ( Allentown , Pennsylvania ) - Rev. Beth Goudy, Pastor MCC New York ( New York City , New York ) - Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Senior Pastor New Covenant MCC Holds School Supplies Drive MCC of the Spirit Dined Out MCC of the Spirit, Harrisburg , PA , Dined Out at Isaac's Restaurant in Hershey or Lemoyne on Thursday, August 16th, from 4-9 pm. Participants enjoyed a great meal and supported MCC of the Spirit at the same time. Isaac's Restaurant (Hershey and Lemoyne locations only) will donated 25% of the check total to MCC of the Spirit. Members, friends, co-workers and family joined together for an enjoyable dinner and supported their church. Press Coverage of MCC's Malaysia and Singapore Ministry Tour MCC's ministry tour to Malaysia and Singapore during August received lots of press coverage . The international Associated Press featured MCC's ministry in Sunday's (Aug. 12, 2007) edition of the International Herald Tribune. The news story focused on Rev. Boon Lin Ngeo's sermon in Malaysia -- he's identified in the news story as Rev. Ouyang Wen Feng -- and the story references MCC New York. Boon was ordained as MCC clergy this year and is a prominent author in Malaysia . ONLINE LINK: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/12/asia/AS-REL-Malaysia-Gay-Pastor.php . The Star , the largest English-language newspaper in Malaysia , also featured two stories. ONLINE LINK: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/13/ nation/18577278&sec=nation And, ONLINE LINK: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/10/nation/18542335&sec=nation The six-member MCC team was lead by Rev. Pat Bumgardner, chair of MCC's Global Justice Team, and Rev. Troy Perry, Founder of MCC and included Mary Jane Gibney, Philip Ray De Blieck, Rev. Boon Lin Ngeo (also referred to as Ou Yang Wen in news stories), and Angel Ayala. A Message from Vision of Hope MCC, Mountville , Pa In light of the death of our dear friend and church member, Mr. Earl Custer, our faith community at Vision of Hope MCC wants to thank everyone for their support and encouragement through this difficult time. Earl was a charter member of the church and lay leader during Vision of Hope's 27 year history. He was also active in the former Mid-Atlantic District. Many of you sent notes with words of sympathy and comfort, and we appreciated your taking the time to be in touch! Many of you kept us in prayer and it has been a comfort to know that we are being held in thought and prayer by our MCC sisters and brothers around the world! Thank you! As we continue to work through our grief and loss, we are in the process of organizing the Earl Custer Memorial Concert to be held at Vision of Hope on Saturday October 6 th at 4:00pm. This concert will be held in conjunction with our Fall Revival. We would like to invite any and all choirs, praise teams, praise bands, dance teams, drummers, and/or soloists within your church community to participate in this concert. Our prayer is that this event will lift a spirit of praise to our Creator, and a spirit of love to our dear friend Mr. Earl. He is greatly missed in our hearts and within our congregation, and for those of you who had the great fortune to know Mr. Earl this is just the sort of event he would have loved. Co-Choir Director, Jenn DeWalt will be organizing the memorial concert. Please contact her via email, jennifergal@mindspring.com , NO LATER than Monday September 10 th to let her know if you will be able to participate. Please advise of the name of your participating group (or groups) and the name/email address of those ministry's leaders. At that point, she will determine just how many songs each group can do and keep in close contact with each group leader so that everyone is informed of what they'll be doing, in what order, etc. In addition, everyone is invited to attend the Earl Custer Memorial Concert and even the entire weekend of Revival at Vision of Hope, which will be lead by Rev. Belva Boone from St. Johns MCC in Raleigh , North Carolina . Fall Revival & Anniversary Celebration Friday, October 5 th , Saturday, October 6 th , Sunday, October 7 th Isaiah 40: 4 & 5: Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Adjust the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the L ord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The L ord has spoken!
Together: Going To A Higher Level! October 5 th Friday Night: Service begins at 7pm with Praise Music, Reverend Boone preaching and a time of prayer. October 6 th Saturday: 10am - Noon, Workshop led by Reverend Boone 10am - Noon, Kid's Group drumming lesson by Kathy Jones 4pm - 6pm, Concert Honoring Earl Custer Churches through out the region will come together for a musical service to honor Mr. Earl Custer. A Love Offering will be taken to establish the Earl Custer Ministry Fund. This fund will be used for ministry projects of all kinds. 6pm, Pizza Dinner Cost $3.00 Reservations Required Please contact Jeff Roane at YAZBOY73@aol.com or call church office at (717) 285-9070. 7pm , Praise and Prayer Service October 7 th Sunday:9am and 11am, Worship Services with Reverend Belva Boone4pm to 6pm, Dinner and Annual Goose Awards 6pm, Praise, Reverend Boone, and Prayer. A Love offering for Reverend Boone will be taken on Friday and at each Sunday Service. All Services will include a time of prayer where you may receive a special prayer. MCC Christ the Liberator's 30th Anniversary Celebration MCC Christ the Liberator, North Brunswick , NJ , will celebrate their 30th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 6 @ 7:30 @ The Crowne Plaza in Jamesburg. There is a $60 cost per person. Visit the News & Info page at www.mccctl.com for details! News from MCC Fredericksburg On August 19th, Rev. Stephanie Burns announced her decision to resign as pastor of MCC Fredericksburg, VA. For the past five years, Rev. Burns has worked to plant, build and grow the community in Fredericksburg from feasibility study to full status MCC church. On Sunday, October 14th, MCC Fredericksburg will hold, "A Celebration of Our Journey Together" honoring Rev. Burns on her final Sunday at 6 p.m. at 1115 Caroline Street , Fredericksburg , VA - ALL ARE INVITED. Please hold MCC Fredericksburg in prayer as they begin the process of their first pastoral search process and hold Rev. Burns in prayer as she takes time to rest and reflect and begin a time of discernment as she seeks her next ministry calling. Retreat at The Open Door Center for Spirituality Walking toward Holiness and Wellness See www.opendoormcc.com for directions. The hotel has an indoor pool, exercise room, and Jacuzzi. They provide a shuttle to the Shady Grove Metro Stop ( Washington DC 's subway system) until 9 pm. Our block of rooms will be held until two weeks before the retreat. For further information about this and other retreats in our first season, please e-mail Adam DeBaugh at Adam@ChiRhoPress.com .
The Open Door Center for Spirituality is an independent outreach program of Open Door MCC. Our mission is to provide opportunities for spiritual inquiry and growth through dialogue, experience, and education. Recognizing that spiritual growth is both personal and continual, and yet lived out in relationship with others, the Center for Spirituality exists to provide a safe atmosphere where all people, regardless of theological difference or sexual identity, may come together to find guidance and strength for the spiritual journey, both corporate and individual. Regional Elder Schedule 10 15 Board of Elders Meeting in Florida 16 Travel Day 17 18 Days Off 19 20 Office 21 Travel Day 22 24 Christ the Liberator 25 Day Off 26 28 Office October 2 4 Office 5 Travel Day 6 8 MCC Fredericksburg work with Pastoral Transition 9 10 Days off 11 12 Office 16 18 Office 18 Travel Day 19 22 Southern Sub-Regional Gathering. 26 29 Imani MCC full church assessment The Administrative Assistant, Rev. Jennifer Glass is normally in the office from 9:30 - 2:30 Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. Rev. Elder Arlene J. Ackerman PO Box 276 Phone: 717 898-3713 E-mail: arleneackerman@mccchurch.net MCC HEADQUARTERS MAILING ADDRESS! 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. |