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 October 2007 Reflection from the Regional Elder Realizing that we are not alone in ministry is important for our heart, mind and soul. Too often in MCC we feel isolated from other MCC congregations and often from churches in our own communities. This is a major reason why we are offering Cluster Gatherings otherwise known as Sub-Regional Gatherings. Recently at MCC of the Lehigh Valley we had over 65 people attend the northern gathering from 12 different MCC congregations. Training is yet another reason for getting together. There is an old saying that says, "if you keep doing the same thing why do you expect a different conclusion?" Training can help us stretch our thinking and give us tools to keep up with the ever changing landscape of local church ministry. And lastly, worship - throughout MCC we have some wonderful expressions of worship and music and frankly there is nothing like coming together in the Spirit of God. God said, " I will never leave you or forsake you! Sometimes we just need to be reminded. MCC Region 3 Southern Sub-Regional Gathering Just added – Friday, October 19!!! Saturday, October 20, 2007 MCC Charlotte , North Carolina $25 per person, includes lunch, payable at the event. Advance Registration required. Email today to say that you will be attending: HOTEL INFO: Doubletree Guest Suites Charlotte 704-364 2400, $69 per night To make online reservations: http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/ personalized/CLTDTDT-MCC-20071019/index.jhtml If you call by phone, be sure to mention “MCC Southern Regional Conference” in order to get the conference rate. Friday, Oct. 19 7:30 Music Service – Coordinated by MCC Charlotte Contact them directly if you are interested in participating: (704) 563-5810 or office@mcccharlotte.com . Saturday, Oct. 20 9:00 Registration 9:30 Worship 10:00 Church Sharing Session 11:00 Workshops 1. Conflict Resolution 2. Spiritual Church Leadership 3. Social Justice 12:30 Lunch (provided) 1:15 Plenary – Rev. Dr. Mona West Affirming Our Spiritual/Theological Diversity OR Spiritual Journeys Go In Different Directions And That's OK, No Reason To Get All Bent Out Of Shape If Yours Is Different Than Mine And Mine Is Different Than Yours! 3:30 Break 3:45 Closing Worship with communion 4:30 End $25 per person, includes lunch, payable at the event. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Oct. 15 Advance Registration required. Email today to say that you will be attending: HOTEL INFO: Doubletree Guest Suites Charlotte 704-364 2400 $69 per night To make online reservations: http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/ personalized/CLTDTDT-MCC-20071019/index.jhtml If you call by phone, be sure to mention “MCC Southern Regional Conference” in order to get the conference rate. More information on Plenary: #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 plenary gathering 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. $25 per person, includes lunch, payable at the event. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Oct. 15 Advance Registration required. Email today to say that you will be attending: Clergy Transitions Rev. Terri Steed has been overwhelmingly elected the new pastor of MCC Charleston, SC. Congratulations Terri! Rev. Mark Byrd has accepted a new position at MCC Washington as Assistant Pastor for Congregational Life. Congratulations Mark! MCC Christ the Liberator has entered into a Pastoral Search process. Anyone interested in the position, please contact Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman. Rev. Catherine Houchins has announced her resignation from MCC of the Blue Ridge, effective December 31. 10 th Anniversary at Imani MCC, Durham, NC Imani MCC Presents… OUR ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND Com e help us Celebrate 10 Years with Our Fellowship Moderator Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson November 16-18, 2007 Healing Service Friday November 16, 2007 8:00 PM Durham , North Carolina 27701 Saturday November 17 , 2007 Childcare and Youth Events Available Research Triangle Park Please call for TICKET information Worship Service Sunday November 18, 2007 2:45 PM There Will Be A Social Hour Following The Service Durham , North Carolina 27701 If You Have Questions Please Contact Us: Church Office: (919) 403-6881 E-mail: imanimccoffice@aol.com News from Open Door MCC Putting the Fun in Fundraising! Open Door MCC held its third Drag Bingo to raise monies to support its capital funds campaign. An evening of fun and entertainment was hosted by the "ladies" of the church with over 100 persons in attendance, half of whom were members of the community not regularly associated with the church! The theme for the evening was Disco Fever and those present experienced a fun evening of fellowship, Bingo and entertainment plus a chance to make over $2,100 for the church! This has also become one of the greatest ways of reaching out to those outside the church with the message of MCC. Our next Drag Bingo, "Redneck Resolutions", will be held in January. Join us! MCC Christ the Liberator's New Vision Statement A Strategic Growth Intiative process took place at MCC Christ the Liberator, North Brunswick, New Jersey, the weekend of September 22, 23, and 24. Resulting from that process is a new vision statement, “Living WHOLE, Living FULL, Living FREE!” MCC NOVA's SERVICE PROJECT 2009 UPDATE They're packing their bags! They're going to Costa Rica! MCC NOVA's 2009 service project team will travel to Costa Rica for one week in the January/February 2009 time frame. This is an exciting decision for their congregation and they look forward to enriching the lives of others while enriching their own lives by giving of their time and talent. They currently have a team of 17 people who have committed to making the trip. If you would like to learn more about the service project please visit: http://www.globalvolunteers.org/costarica/default.asp . Chi Rho Press Announces NEW 2007-2008 Liturgical Calendar Chi Rho Press has been working hard on the Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary for the Church Year, which starts with the first Sunday in Advent, December 2, 2007. It is almost ready and the Web minister has put it on the Chi Rho Press Web site ( http://www.ChiRhoPress.com ) so you can place your advance orders and they will be The 2007-2008 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary sells for $11.95 each, $9.50 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling. http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa07_08.html Recommended by Rev. Karla Fleshman, Imago Dei MCC: doctoral study on gay identity development My name is Benjamin Donner and I am a clinical psychology doctoral student at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. I am currently carrying out my dissertation research on gay identity development across cultural groups in the United States. I am so very impressed with the mission and work of Metropolitan Community Churches, as well as the content of your website, and thought you might be willing and/or able to pass my survey along to individuals interested in contributing to cultural equality within the psychological literature, both within the MCC family and outside of it. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm= rjif1K1SdRN_2bBC3hVcT6Pg_3d_3d Should you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at benjamindonner@gmail.com . I hope you'll choose to help. And of course, thank you for doing the very important work that you already do! Regional Elder Update This week instead of writing a reflection for you I have choked to insert a powerful letter from our denomination's moderator, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson. I trust that you will find it as insightful and moving as I did. I realize that some of your pastors may have shared this letter with their congregation but I am also aware that others have not shared it. Rev. Nancy refers to a sermon. You can access it online at: http://www.mccchurch.org/AM/Template.cfm? Section=Home&Template=/CM/HTMLDis "Pressing On In Faith: To 40 and Beyond!" INTRODUCTION by Rev. Wilson: This month, MCC congregations around the world are observing Fellowship Sunday, marking the 39th anniversary of the founding of Metropolitan Community Churches. On October 6, 1968, 12 worshipers gathered in Troy Perry's living room in the Los Angeles suburb of Huntington Park, California, to worship God. The world took little notice that day. In fact, the local neighborhood in Huntington Park hardly noticed! But the ancient Hebrew prophet Zechariah was on to something when he advised, "Do not despise the day of small things." That October Sunday in 1968 -- a day of "small things" by all outward appearances -- would grow into the international movement of Metropolitan Community Churches over the next four decades and challenge the Church Universal with Jesus' Gospel of radical inclusion. Anniversaries by their very nature offer us opportunities to honor our history , to look at the present with fresh eyes, and to consider our future . In the sermon below, originally delivered at MCC's General Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, earlier this year, I invite us to see where God has brought MCC today and to consider the opportunities God has yet ahead of us. But first, let me take just a moment to look back and remember... 1968 was the year I graduated from high school. It was the year that both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy were assassinated in the U.S. Russia invaded Czechoslovakia to crush the reform government there. John Lennon sang Revolution and student protest movements broke out across Europe, Japan, and the United States. Melissa Etheridge was born; Helen Keller and Karl Barth died. I was on my way to college, not having any idea that I was a lesbian, or that the church movement founded by Troy Perry -- a movement that would change and consume my adult life -- was about to be born. I was passionate then about peace, ending the Vietnam War, about overcoming racism. The word "feminist" was not yet in vogue, and it still seemed to be impossible for me to become ordained as a minister. I tried to think about being something else, and ended up becoming a religion major anyway. In 1968, Stonewall had not yet happened. The phrase "Marriage Equality" didn't exist. We didn't protest "hate crimes"(though they happened all the time). HIV/AIDS was still far off. The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name was still in the closet, both politically and spiritually, 39 years ago. We didn't – we couldn't! - imagine that something such as Metropolitan Community Churches would be blossoming in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, after having taken root in North America, Europe and Australia and New Zealand for decades. We never dreamed that there were so many who were hungry for a Jesus and a faith that were so radically inclusive. Though... actually... Someone did dream it. And here we are. Happy 39th Anniversary, MCC! May God bless each of you as we enter into this new, 40th year for MCC. May the fruit of 40 years of love, work, preaching, healing, changing laws and changing lives be evident and obvious in us today! Rev. Nancy L. Wilson Updates from MCC Region 3 Churches The phone number for for MCC Fredericksburg, VA has changed. It is now (540) 419-1140. They also have added an email: info@mccfredericksburg.org There has been a web address change for Holy Redeemer MCC, College Park, MD. Their new website address is www.hrmcc.org . MCC Region 3 Contributors to HRC “Out in Faith” It is with great joy that we share the news about MCC Region 3 clergy who have been contributors to the HRC series, "Out in Faith." Be sure to visit the website: http://www.hrc.org//scripture/index.asp
A Message from Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson September 25, 2007 Dear MCC Pastor, Board and Congregation: At MCC's recent General Conference, the Board of Elders and Board of Administration took the courageous action, approved by you, to lower the monthly contribution from local congregations to MCC to 13%. This was an act of faith! As we plan ahead for 2008, we need two things from you that would insure a financially successful 2008 as we continue to do the urgent ministry that God has called us to: -- Resolve to pay your monthly contributions regularly and on time. If every church strove to do this, we would immediately solve our cash flow issues. You may think that your church's contributions alone do not make the difference, but that is not true. We have made enormous improvements in this in the past year or so, but more improvement would mean better service to our churches. Many churches are already doing this, but if even 25% improved, it would bring us to a whole new place! I would suggest to you that this is not only about financial discipline, but about a holistic, spiritual commitment to our global community. You will be blessed, I am confident! Please prayerfully consider the challenge set out by MCC's Board of Administration and our BOA Chair, Rev. Jeff Miner, and plan to give over and above the 13% minimum either to the general fund, or to one of the identified ministries in the "Generous in Faith" materials we sent to you. (If you need a copy of these materials, simply write to info@MCCchurch.net and we'll promptly send them, along with a helpful planning form, by return e-mail). This over-and-above giving will make a difference in what we can do beyond the basics, and even in covering some of those very bottom-line expenses for ministry. As we promised at conference, this is an experiment in which we hope that your congregation will have an opportunity to become more engaged in specific MCC ministries that you support. Already, local churches have started to respond to the challenge before us! Rev. Miner's church, Jesus MCC (Indianapolis), has pledged to give 15.2% in 2008, an increase for them and a challenge to the rest of us. Exodus MCC (Texas) and MCC Naples (Florida) have already pledged to continue at 14%. As your congregation begins planning its 2008 budget, we are hopeful that you, too, will take a step of faith and choose to support MCC's global ministry above the 13% minimum. Your Regional Elder will be in touch with you and is available for consultation about your options. Once you have moved through your budget process and made a decision on your level of support in 2008, please let me know what you have decided by e-mailing me at RevNancyWilson@MCCchurch.net . Thanks again for your powerful witness to the inclusive Gospel of Jesus that we preach and live in MCC. I hope to hear from you soon! Grace and Peace, +Nancy The Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson P.S. Remember, if you need another copy of the "Generous in Faith" materials, including your ministry giving options and a planning form, write to info@MCCchurch.net . We'll promptly send your materials by return e-mail. P.P.S. At General Conference this year, we could all feel the "tipping point" that characterizes this special moment in MCC's nearly 40 year history. It is time to invest again, deeply, in our movement and in that momentum. Human....Resources....? YES! Our HR webpage has some important updates to it. Have you wondered how to check your Flexible Spending Account? Have you wanted to see your Year-to-date pay? You can do these and more ONLINE ! Visit www.MCCchurch.org/HR today and explore the links for "Manage Benefits Online," "Access Flexible Spending Accounts Online" and much, much more! Calling all Clergy Hopefuls...ReVM (Readiness for Entering Vocational Ministry) is Back! Our next MCC ReVM retreat is December 12-16 and registration is now open. If you know someone who is anticipating attending this retreat, get in touch with them asap! The due date for information is October 31, 2007 , just over a month...that includes psychological testing results! The fee this time is $450. Visit the webpage at www.MCCchurch.org/REVM for more information. Other items to be aware of:
Women in Ministry 2008, January 31-February 3, 2008 in Sarasota, FL. Additional info (including a schedule and information about speakers) can be found on the website, www.mccchurch.org/WIM2008 . People of African Descent 2008, April 17-19, 2008 in St. Louis, MO. www.mccchurch.org/PAD2008 . Pastor's Reflection by Rev. Jim Mulchahy Open Arms MCC, Rochester, NY E-link October 3, 2007, Are you an inny or an outie? Rev. Jim Regional Elder Schedule 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 November 1 – 2 Office 5 – 11 Board of Elders meeting, Sarasota, FL 12 – 13 Days off 14 – 16 Office 19 – 21 Office 22 Thanksgiving (U.S. Holiday) 23 Office closed 26 – 30 Office 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. |