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

October 2006

As you know Regional Conference is just around the corner, Nov. 2 - 5. Below is some important information for you. As of today we have well over 300 registered for conference and we know that there are still a great number of you who are planning on attending but have not yet registered. Please register just as soon as possible. And, if you have not yet booked your hotel room, do so today. The hotel is starting to fill up.

I am excited about this conference and I pray that you and your church will be well represented. Here are just a few reasons for you to consider:

1. This is our first combined conference . People will be coming together from all over the East Coast of the US and as far West as Indianapolis and South down through S. Carolina and the Puerto Rico, plus those from Eastern Canada. We have a lot of cousins to meet and get to know from MCC Region 3 & 5.
2. Our denominations moderator, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson will be leading a laity retreat and a clergy retreat .
3. We are offering high quality training events for church members and leaders on such subjects as Stewardship, Lay Delegate Training, Church Planting, Building a Family Centered Church, Excellence in Worship, Spirituality, A panel on Reaching Beyond Our Doors, The AIDS Years, Conflict Mediation Team training for the local church, Doing Justice Work, Integrating (Adopting) New People Into the Life of the Church, Global Justice Work, Risk Management, Increasing MCC Exposure, and much more.
4. Seven Worship Services – Each service representing a different flavor or style of worship that reflects the diversity of our regions.
5. Children and Youth Programming
6. Affinity groups, resource center/bookstore, forums, business meeting, and a reception.
7. A Talent Show – featuring some of our best. Do you see why I think this conference is worth your while?

Do you see why I think this conference is worth your while? I hope you will make plans today.

Lastly, I want to encourage every church in our Region to commit to participating in this years Fellowship Sunday on or near the date (see the article below). Yes, I do chair the MCC Church Planting Initiative, but I also care deeply about helping to not only plant churches but to help those churches who are struggling through a decline and then we also need to start up the MCC Virtual Church for those who do not have an MCC nearby. Please join me in going the extra mile on Fellowship Sunday by receiving a special offering.

MCC Winston-Salem, NC hosts HIV/AIDS prayer vigil weekend
The weekend of August 12th and 13th was spent in focused prayer for those who have lost the battle with HIV/AIDS and those who continue to bravely fight the disease.  This weekend was hosted by MCCWS as a kick off for our new HIV/AIDS support group, which is open to all those living with or affected by the disease.

A panel of the National AIDS quilt from the Names Project was on display in the church sanctuary for the entire weekend and many services were center around it.  The church doors opened at 11am on Saturday morning and from that time until 11pm, church members and friends volunteered their time to come to the church and pray for those living with HIV/AIDS and for those who have lost their fight.  At 9pm Saturday night, a special candlelight service was held to remember the importance of those who have gone before us and those currently fighting the battle.  From 11pm Saturday night until 11am Sunday morning, church members and friends prayed from their homes, fulfilling our goal of 24 hours of prayer.

Sunday hosted special services at 11am and 6pm focused on remembrance and hope, with special speakers and viewing of the UFMCC video, Stop AIDS Keep the Promise.


News Regarding the Sanctuary at MCC Richmond, VA
Rev. Robin Gorsline, Senior Pastor at MCC Richmond wrote that in August a piece of decorative plaster-called a corbel-attached to the wall of the sanctuary (but pressed up against the ceiling) fell, smashing into a pew before breaking into a thousand pieces. Fortunately, no one was hurt. However, for the sake of safety, they called in a structural engineer for an informal examination of the other corbels and the ceiling.

During further consultations with the engineer, it has become clear that the church cannot safely use the sanctuary without a formal examination and certified report about the condition of the ceiling. Such a study will cost $5,000-$7,000, and there is no assurance the report would recommend returning to the sanctuary.

In fact, it appears that the study would probably yield a verdict that they could only use the sanctuary if they paid for a further study to develop a plan for removing the existing ceiling and replacing it with one much lighter. The costs of a removal and reconstruction project would be enormous.

Thus, the Board and Pastor Robin are carefully considering other options, ranging from investing large funds in a reconstruction project to selling the property and seeking a new church home.

For now, MCC Richmond will not be holding services in or otherwise using the sanctuary in the foreseeable future.  However, the cliché that a church is not the building is actually true. God is not limited by any walls of human construction. They will continue to hold their wonderful worship on Sunday downstairs in the Celebration Hall.

Please pray for the spiritual community of MCC Richmond, and for the Board, so that together they may hear what God is telling them about their future.


MCC Chesapeake's Eight Anniversary
MCC Chesapeake, MD celebrated their EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY on September 17.  During worship that Sunday they reflected on the past year's ministry and looked to the future.  They dedicated a new panel on the Covenant Candle and shared dinner at the Macaroni Grill near the Annapolis Mall following worship.


MCC Philadelphia's 35th Anniversary
On October 1, MCC Philadelphia will kick off a month long celebration of their 35th anniversary. As part of this celebration, Gail Didich will be honored and named the official "mother of the church". If you get an opportunity, could you please send me a letter of congratulations for Gail either by mail or e-mail. Thank you.  Rev. Jeffrey H. Jordan-Pickett, RevJJordan@aol.com.

Also, check out this video of MCC P's float from the Philly Pride Parade:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xz6cfXzb6Y


MCC Lehigh Valley's 22ND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION BANQUET
WHEN:   SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2006
TIME:   6:00PM - 11:00PM
HELD AT:   THE BARRISTER'S CLUB  -  1114 W. Walnut Street,
Allentown, PA 18102

Tickets ON SALE NOW !!!!!!!!!
$30.00 per person includes dinner & dancing
Cash Bar - Raffles - 50/50

To purchase tickets contact Stephanie O'Donnell at 484-634-6834, email her at fellowship.ministry@mcclv.org or please mail check payable to MCCLV to the address below.  Tickets will be mailed back to you or held at the door the day of the Banquet.

MCCLV
ATTN:  Stephanie O'Donnell
1901 S. 12th St
Allentown, PA 18103


Open Arms MCC Has a New Address
Open Arms Metropolitan Community Church
740 Marshall Road - Rochester, NY 14624
Telephone (585)271-8478
Email: oamcc@frontiernet.net.
Website: http://www.frontiernet.net/~oamcc


Outreach Idea
Rev. Roberta Dunn of MCC Pittsburgh, PA Writes Column in GLBT Publication
This is the most recent column Rev. Roberta Dunn contributed to OUT Magazine in Pittsburgh, PA:
Dear Pastor Bobbie,
     Three years ago I met this really great woman.  We have been building a relationship since then.  Over the Christmas holiday I took her home with me to meet my parents.  We didn't actually come out to my family, but they seemed to like Susan and we all got along really well.  Susan and I have been talking about having a commitment ceremony.  Whether that means going to Canada to get married or have a Holy Union ceremony here we haven't decided.  It's important for us to have our family present, but we don't know how they will accept the idea.  We want to get married in the church because it is important for us to make our commitment before God and our family and friends. Thank you, Carrie

Dear Carrie and Susan,
     As Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Pittsburgh I have performed hundreds of Holy Union ceremonies over the past 20 years.  Some of those ceremonies have included only the couple and myself, because the couple was so closeted no one else knew of their relationship.  At the other end of the spectrum I have performed ceremonies with one hundred plus family and friends in attendance as the couple shared this precious moment with one another.  What I have heard over and over again from straight people, family, and friends is that "love is love".  When one woman looks into the eyes of another woman and shares her vows of love - love is present there. When one man stands holding the hands of his lover of twenty -five years and say before God "I want you for my life partner forever - love is present there.  And when I have performed heterosexual marriage and seen a woman express her love to her young groom - love is present there.  To have a wedding, a marriage, a Holy Union is a personal decision and right that should be available to all couples who are in love with one another. To stand up before our families, friends, and family of choice and say to another "I love you" is a sacred moment in time and for lgbt people it is a courageous and spiritual act of coming out.  You need to have the people present that day who are important in your life.  If that includes your family then you might want to consider beginning the journey of coming out to them well in advance so they have time to accept the idea.  I have seen mothers and father's alike cry tears of joy at the Holy Union ceremony as they bless their child who has found someone who he or she really loves.  It might take them awhile to accept that their child is making a commitment to someone of the same sex so give them time to begin the journey.  On the other hand I have seen on occasion when a parent just cannot come to that point of acceptance.  You must do what is best for you and having your family of choice there on your day of celebration can be very affirming.  As glbt people we have the right to marry the person of our choice and to make that expression known to others.  As our government continues to discuss this issue it is a matter of social justice that we stand up for our rights to marry.  The freedom to marry is not a special right given to only a certain group of people.  Every person should have the right to marry the person of their choice under the laws of this country.  The legal ramifications are many as you well know.  From a spiritual perspective your love is sacred.  Your sexuality, and sexual expression is holy.  Never let anyone tell you that your love is not important.  The world deserves to know the beauty, worth, and dignity that is expressed in your love for one another. No one, not any church, not any government has the right to stop you from the loving the person of your choice.  As you look into the eyes of one another know that your love is blessed by God.  I hope that your day of celebration will be one that celebrates all of who you are as a couple together.  May those who walk the journey of love be with you to support and uphold your relationship in the days ahead.  As we keep on loving, as we share our love with the world, our world will be a better place, because love dwells here.  I look forward to meeting both of you and celebrating your Holy Union. 

Reverend Roberta Dunn is the Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Pittsburgh.  You can contact her by mail at 4836 Ellsworth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA  15213 or by email at mccpghrev@aol.com.  MCC Pittsburgh meets for worship at 7:00pm every Sunday at the above address.  Further information can be found at www.mccpittsburgh.com


A Personal Request from Rev. Edgard Danielsen-Morales of MCC NY
Iván Hideki Chia-Danielsen is my nephew who is currently a patient at the Epilepsy Center of the NYU Medical Center in New York City.

Iván suffers a rare condition that doesn't respond to medication and today he is undergoing brain surgery that we hope will provide a way to control the seizures that have already affected the cognitive area of his brain.
The law doesn't allow me nor my life-partner William to donate blood. In fact, no sexually active gay man can donate. (It is ironic that in a nation where our queer blood is spilled in wars and hate crimes, we can't offer it freely to save lives.)

My family has authorized a blood drive in Iván's honor. If you can donate blood, our family would deeply appreciate your donation and hope you will ask others you know to volunteer to donate also.

Donations of blood in Ivan Chia's honor should be made at NYU Medical Center in Manhattan. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (212) 263-5440. NYU Blood Donor Center is open Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm at 530 First Avenue. (Please mention the name Iván Chia.)

Remember this is not only about Iván; if you don't live in NYC, we ask that you prayerfully consider doing a blood donation at your local hospital. Every donation can save three lives!

Peace to you!


Out In Scripture
The Human Rights Campaign Religion and Faith Program's preaching and devotional resource, "Out In Scripture," is now available on a weekly and seasonal basis. Written from a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight-supportive perspective by well-respected scholars from around the country and across a variety of Christian denominations, this resource will assist ministers in planning their sermons. "Out In Scripture" is also an excellent devotional resource for individuals.  You can view this resource and / or sign up to receive "Out In Scripture" via email by going to:  http://www.hrc.org/scripture.


MCC Celebrates 38th Anniversary In October!   FELLOWSHIP SUNDAY 2006
Tearing down walls. Building up hope!

MCC congregations around the world will observe Fellowship Sunday during October 2006 -- celebrating the 38th anniversary of the founding of MCC.

And MCC churches will receive an annual Fellowship Sunday Offering designed to strengthen local churches through MCC's Church Planting Initiative, Church Revitalization Program, and MCC's Virtual Church On-Line (which will minister to people where there is no MCC and help seekers connect with our local congregations).

Now you can download beautifully designed bulletin inserts to promote Fellowship Sunday 2006 to your congregation -- and share the important work being accomplished through Church Planting.

Here's how to download the beautiful, educational MCC Fellowship Sunday bulletin inserts: Visit www.mccchurch.org/FellowshipSunday2006 -- you'll find the bulletin inserts just below the center page logo.

And be sure to explore other church planting resources -- including great stories about new MCC churches that you can share with your congregation.


PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING THE GROWING LIST OF PACESETTER CHURCHES TAKING PART IN 2006'S FELLOWSHIP SUNDAY OFFERINGS.
Pacesetter Churches are congregations that are "setting the pace" through their commitment to receive a special, designated Fellowship Sunday Offering.

To join, write to Rev. Nancy Wilson, MCC Moderator, at RevNancyWilson@MCCchurch.net. Let her know that your church will participate in this annual offering -- be sure to include your church's name, pastor's name, and the date your church plans to receive its offering. We'll add your church to the list of Pacesetter Churches -- and post your church's participation on the MCC website.


Hello Region 3 & 5 Conference Participants!
There will be exciting musical opportunities at the MCC Regional Conference in November.  If you are interested in participating in the Mass Choir or if you would like to participate in the Gifted and Talented Showcase (to be held on Saturday night), please contact the Regional Conference Music Leader Shirli L. Hughes at shirli@mccdc.com or her assistant Kareem Murphy at murphman72@yahoo.com.  Thanks and God Bless!

ATTENTION PARENTS:
How many people are bringing their children and youth to conference?  We are looking to plan the children and youth program.  If your children are coming to conference, please email their names and ages to jenniferglass@mccchurch.net. Thank you!

Are you willing to volunteer to help with children and youth activities? 
Are you willing to help serve communion and / or usher during worship at conference?  If you answered yes to either of these questions, please email your name and preference to jenniferglass@mccchurch.net. Thank you!

REGISTER FOR CONFERENCE

Register today for the 2006 Regional Conference.
November 2 - 5, 2006
Complete details at: www.MCCconferences.org

You can find flyers to post at your church or to use in bulletins at:
http://www.mccconferences.org/regionalconferences/publicity/

REGIONAL CONFERENCE :
We are only 2 weeks from the start of the Pittsburgh Regional Conference!  We have a wonderful program scheduled and cannot wait to get started!  You can still register, it is not too late! Our host hotel for the conference is the Radisson Hotel (101 Mall Boulevard, Monroeville, PA, USA 15146) The deadline to lock in our low conference room rate has now past but you can still call the hotel and get a $99. rate and some suites are still available. You can make your hotel room reservation by calling 1-800-333-3333 and mention our group name, Metropolitan Community Churches.

If you have any questions or need help reserving a hotel room, please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer Justice at JenniferJustice@mccchurch.net , 213-447-2953 or Carlos Chavez at CarlosChavez@mccchurch.net, 310-489-3899.  We look forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh!

Conference Children and Youth Program
If you have children or youth and are planning on attending conference be sure to bring them! The program is designed for children out of diapers and older up through the teens. Our focus is fun, leadership training and learning.

The program will be organized, fun and educational. Bring your swim suits, there is an indoor pool. Our children and youth will be a part of all of the worship services. They are even scheduling some time with the moderator, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson.

There will be no program during meal times or worship but plan on having a packed day of activities.

For the older kids there will be a Juice and Java Coffeehouse with discussions and movies in the evenings and maybe some shopping. For the little kids, plan on crafts and games along with learning activities. And kids, be sure to bring your parents there will be plenty of things for them at conference too.

Business Meeting Packet:
You can download the agenda and business packets at this link:
http://www.mccchurch.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Events/RegionalConferences2006/Regional_Conferences.htm


Fellowship Sunday - Pacesetter Churches in MCC Region 3
www.mccchurch.org/fellowshipsunday2006

Region 3 churches participating in the Fellowship Sunday offering for Church Planting and Church revitalization and the virtual church are: (If your church is participating please let us know)

Imago Dei MCC
Rev. Karla Fleshman
Glen Mills, Pennsylvania

MCC Charlotte
Rev. Mick Hinson, Pastor
Charlotte, North Carolina

MCC Fredericksburg
Rev. Stephanie Burns, Pastor
Fredericksburg, Virginia

MCC New York
Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Pastor
New York City, New York

MCC of the Blue Ridge
Rev. Catherine Houchins, Pastor
Roanoke, Virginia

MCC of the Hudson Valley
Pulpit Open
Albany, New York

MCC Rehoboth
Rev. Dr. Tom Bohache, Pastor
Rehoboth, Delaware

MCC Richmond
Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline, Pastor
Richmond, Virginia

New Covenant MCC
Rev. Lance Mullins, Pastor
Laurel, Maryland

New Life MCC
Rev. Dr. Tim Koch, Pastor
Charlotte, North Carolina

Open Arms MCC
Rev. Jim Mulcahy, Pastor
Rochester, New York

St. Jude's MCC
Rev. Amanda McCullough, Pastor
Wilmington, North Carolina


35th anniversary at MCC Washington
MCC-DC celebrated their 35th anniversary and the 38th anniversary of the Fellowship on Sunday, October 15.  The Rev. Elder Troy Perry, founding moderator of UFMCC, was the special guest preacher at both morning services.

MCC-DC also hosted a dinner party at Love, a dinner/dance club off New York Avenue.  Rev. Elder Perry was the special guest. 


Pastor to Sing as Part of Gospel Mass Choir
Rev. David North, pastor at Holy Redeemer MCC, College Park, MD, has auditioned and been accepted as part of the Washington Performing Arts Society's Men and Women of the Gospel Mass Choir.  Congratulations David!

For more than a decade, Washington Performing Arts Society's Men and Women of the Gospel Mass Choir and Children of the Gospel Mass Choir have performed annually for sold-out audiences. During the 2006/2007 season, the combined choirs will perform at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on Sunday, January 21, 2007 at 4pm, and make numerous appearances throughout the community.


Open Door MCC, Boyds, MD, Approved as Teaching Church
Open Door MCC and Rev. Dr. Robert Apgar-Taylor, Senior Pastor, have recently been approved as a Teaching Church and Pastor in Region 3. 


MCC of the Lehigh Valley, Allentown, PA and the Appalachia Service Project
"My name is Jen Andrews, and I'm a member of MCC of the Lehigh Valley.  There were 8 congregants who went to rural Kentucky (Central Appalachia) with an organization called the Appalachia Service Project to help make homes warmer, safer, and drier.  We did interior work (insulation, dry walling, painting, and even some little touches) for a wonderful family who would not have been able to make these necessary repairs.  I am happy to say 8 strong women completed this work!!  We would like to let others know of this possibility.  Maybe other congregations would enjoy such a life-changing opportunity.  Thanks!"


Great Article
This article is great and recommended by Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Senior Pastor at MCC NY, and Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman:

City's emergency LGBT shelter helps youths get off the street
http://ny.metro.us/metro/local/article/Citys_emergency_LGBT_shelter_helps_youths_get_off_the_street/4573.html#email


Resource Idea From MCC Fredericksburg, VA
How to Find - How to Get - How to Keep
Job Coaching Seminar
Sunday, October 1, 2006, following worship
w/ Rev. Lisa Belongia
a professional Job Coach for the state of Virginia

Resume Writing
Where to Look
Interview Skills and Techniques
Common Mistakes to avoid
And much, much more!


MCC of the Hudson Valley, Albany, NY, and iGive
From Heather McNally, Board Member: MCCHV is a small congregation, with 22 members.... and as many small congregations has a hard time meeting its bills...

We signed up for iGive a while ago.... back in June, to see if by chance it would help...

At that point, we were seeing other groups on iGive getting checks for 25 - 35 a month, and figured that was better than nothing.

Imagine our surprise when our first check came to us in Aug for 51.26, we had only 6 members signed up on iGive.  We received notice the other day that a second check has been cut and is in the mail, the check was issued on 9/22 and its for 140.96.  And in October we will be getting a check for 338.18.

That's a total of 530.40 in moneys that we would not have gotten otherwise.... its a way of shopping, that's guilt free because not only are you getting the best price choices being able to compare all over the net, but you are knowing that some % of your shopping is going back to the charity of your choice, in this case MCCHV.

If you'd like to find out more please do so by going to www.igive.com/mcchv.

From what I can tell, only about 3 or 4 MCC churches are signed up on iGive, so all the others are missing out on the income that could be raised.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sing the Blues to Support our Youth!
Glen Mills, PA. 10-11-06 - Imago Dei Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), Glen Mills, PA. and the Youth Health Empowerment Project (Y-HEP), Philadelphia, PA. have joined together to host the Deb Callahan Band in concert on Saturday, October 28 beginning at 8:00 PM!

The Deb Callahan Band, a regular feature of the Media Blues Stroll in Media, PA where their soulful blues and powerful lyrics bring delight to an often packed house, will be performing a benefit concert.

On Saturday, October 28th beginning at 8:00 PM the Deb Callahan Band will donate their passionate play for a great cause at Imago Dei MCC, which is hosting the concert to benefit the Y-HEP.

"Music is often the medium that brings together mind, body, and spirit.  As a church concerned and committed to our youth, it only makes sense that Imago Dei MCC will help sing the blues while raising awareness for the needs of young people today," says Reverend Karla Fleshman, pastor of Imago Dei MCC.

"Y-HEP is a vibrant, multi-faceted, community-based health and leadership development program for youth," says Robin Brennan, Director of Y-HEP, "who face a myriad of challenges in today's culture."

The concert will take place at Imago Dei MCC located at 1223 Middletown Road (three miles north of Granite Run Mall).  Tickets will be $20 at the door, which opens at 7:30 pm.

For more information, please contact Imago Dei MCC at (610) 358-1716 or visit the web at www.imagodeimcc.org.

PRESS CONTACT:
Reverend Karla Fleshman, Imago Dei MCC (610) 358 1716


LTS Benefit Concert for Berry Preaching Prize during GLBT Week
Lancaster Theological Seminary will host a Gospel Concert to benefit the Rev. Delores Berry Liberation Theology during its annual GLBT Week.  The Gospel Concert will take place on Wednesday, 8 November 2007 at 7:30 PM at the Lancaster Theological Seminary -- Santee Chapel, Lancaster, PA.  Tickets-- $15 donation and $7 donation for students.

UFMCC created the Berry Preaching Prize at LTS in honor of Rev. Delores Berry.  The program will include a song by the Vision of Hope MCC Choir, songs by Rev. Berry and hopefully a song with both Delores and Amanda Ackerman.  A reception will follow the concert in Mayer Commons.

Regional Elder Schedule

October
1 – 2 MCC Charlotte – Spiritual Renewal
3 – 4 Days Off
4 Vision of Hope MCC – Ordination Service for Rev. Elect Jenn Glass
5 Office
6 Travel Day & meetings
7 – 8 MCC New York – worship & meetings
9 – 10 Days off
11 – 12 Office
13 – 15 MCC Baltimore, MD – Strategic Planning Weekend
16 – 17 Days off
18 – 20 Office
21 – 22 Days off
23 – 27 Office
28 – 29 Days off
30 – 31 Office

November
1 Travel Day
2 – 5 Regional Conference – Pittsburgh, PA

While traveling Elder Ackerman can be reached via cell phone, instructions are given by calling the office phone number below. The Administrative Assistant, Jennifer Glass is normally in the office from 9:30 - 2:30 Tues., Weds., and Thursdays.

PLEASE NOTE an email change:  Effective immediately, please use revarleneackerman@mccchurch.net or arleneackerman@mccchurch.net for correspondence with Elder Ackerman.  Shortly she will no longer be using the AOL account for business regarding Region 3.  Thank you.

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.