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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)
November 2, 2004
MCC Fredericksburg Celebrates First Anniversary
On October 24, MCC Fredericksburg celebrated their first anniversary of public worship. The church was packed with almost 60 people in attendance. The service was celebrative with the choir singing and the children/youth presenting the pastor, Rev. Stephanie Burns with a beautiful stole with the hand prints and names of each of the kids. A love offering for church planting was also received. MCC Fredericksburg will be moving within a few weeks to the Unitarian church since they have outgrown there current space.
Special World AIDS Day Event:
MCC-NY and MCC-CTL are collaborating again! On Dec. 1 (World AIDS Day), CTL's Liberation Players will be presenting a series of vignettes addressing HIV/AIDS issues at MCC-NY during their midweek (Wed. evening) service. MCC-NY is on 36th Street in Manhattan between 9th and 10th avenues. The Liberation Players of MCC-Christ the Liberator are pleased to have this opportunity to share their talents with our sister church and nearest neighbor, MCC-NY. If you live or work in or near the city, make plans to see your Liberation Players at MCC-NY on the evening of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, 2004 (and tell your friends to join you!).
Region 3 Teaching Church Pastors Gathering
Recently Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman met with the Teaching Church Pastors of four of our Teaching churches. We met at MCC Baltimore to resource share and network. We also spent some time learning about the new MCC Church Planting Guidelines. Attending were (bottom row) Rev. David Smith, MCC Baltimore; Rev. Eva O'Diam, MCC of the Spirit; (top row) Rev. Pat Bumgardner, MCC New York; Rev. Candace Shultis, MCC Washington. Not able to attend, Rev. Marty Luna-Wolf, New Life MCC and Rev. Debbie Coggin, Vision of Hope MCC.
Martha Daniel's Approved For Ordination
Martha, an ordination candidate from MCC Washington, was approved for ordination at the Region 2 conference in Atlanta, GA. She writes, "Rev. Shultis and my Covenant Team and I are planning my ordination service for the 7th of November (a Sunday), at 3 pm. I will be leaving for Windsor, Canada on the next Friday (the 12th). My plan is to have an "incomplete" service, in that we will not have Communion--I will celebrate that for the first time as ordained clergy the next Sunday in Windsor!" Everyone is invited!
Collaborative efforts between Regions 3 and 6
For the past 6 months, the Rev. Edgard Danielsen-Morales (Region 3) has been working in collaboration with Region 6. Edgard is serving as pastoral advisor to Alberto Nájera-Flores, the pastoral leader of our church in Managua, Nicaragua. In addition, last week Edgard led a spiritual retreat and training for the leaders (Pastors, Board Members, and Laity) of ICM churches, and other interested groups, in Mexico and Central America. The materials used during the training included a "culturally adapted" version of Rev. Elder Arlene's materials on church planting and growth. Edgard expects to continue working with Region 6 in the areas of education and training of the laity and student clergy.
ICM Cristo Sanador Celebrated A Special Pet Blessing
On October 3, MCC Cristo Sanador celebrated a special service of the life of Saint Francis of Assisi; his mission and vision as an example of the Kingdom of God in our lives. Remembering the love of Saint Francis to the animals and all the creation Cristo Sanador had a pet blessing. Members and friends were asked to bring their loved ones to church so that we can all be enriched by the bonds of love in God's creation. This special service had an attendance of 25 dogs, one cat and one bird. We gave thanks for the presence and significance of our pets in our lives. For most of us our pets are part of our family; for others our pets are our only family.
MCC of the Chesapeake, Annapolis, MD, Revisits SGI Weekend
Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman recently led the congregation through a revisit of the Strategic Growth Initiative Weekend. As a result the congregation revisioned their vision and mission statements and reexamined their core values. This is what they developed.
CORE VALUES
Open communion to all seeking a relationship with God
Questions are more important than answers; encouragement to ask questions
Commitment to GLBTS community
We want to welcome all people
We follow the teachings and example of Jesus
Members are encouraged to think for themselves
VISION STATEMENT
Questions, not followers
Journeys, not answers
Service, not silence.
MISSION STATEMENT
MCC OF THE CHESAPEAKE provides opportunities for Spiritual Growth to the GLBTS Community through progressive worship, stewardship, small groups and circles, community service, study groups, congregational care, social activities, ministry development, and spiritual mentoring.
WANTED: Enthusiastic Minister of Music
The Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NOVA) is seeking applicants for the quarter-time position of Director of Music Ministries. We are a welcoming and affirming liberal Christian community, seeking someone to lead our energetic and expanding music ministry. We are looking for someone who: demonstrates a sincere enthusiasm for music ministry has passion for and experience with leading diverse individuals with varying levels of skill and experience is an accomplished accompanist, possesses an ability to oversee a wide variety of musical styles, has experience with all aspects of worship planning and enjoys thinking creatively outside the box, is committed to collaborative team work with staff and volunteers, possesses a theological and liturgical understanding consistent with the ethos and values of MCC NOVA. The deadline for applications to be received is Friday, November 19, 2004. Applications, which should include cover letter and resume, are to be forwarded to Rev. Kharma Amos by email at revkharma@mccnova.com or by mail at Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia, 10383 Democracy Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030. For more information about MCC NOVA, visit our website at www.mccnova.com. Permission is liberally granted to forward this notice as widely as possible.
For Pastors Only: A Free Copy of This Important New Book
What does stewardship have to do with life? Everything! It is an all-encompassing priority, challenging us to make the most of all that we have and all that we are. In his inspiring new book, The Stewardship of Life, Kirk Nowery explores this vital subject and uncovers a veritable treasure of ideas and insights. Every page of this compelling new work is rich with thoughts that are meaningful and memorable.
If you are a pastor, this is a book you will want to have in your library. Because of its importance, ISS will send you a copy of The Stewardship of Life absolutely free of charge. No strings attached, just the heartfelt desire to partner with you in ministry.* Simply return the enclosed response form, call us toll-free at 1-800-333-6509 or visit us online at www.injoystewardship.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
A Letter To The Editor - Lancaster, PA - New Era Newspaper
Editor; New Era:
I am writing about the vandalism of the homes in East Hempfield Township (Mountville, PA) and the slurs against the gay people of a community I once lived in. And of the small-minded people who ruin property just to have something to do!
My husband and I go to this church, Vision of Hope (MCC), and are happy to be accepted, as we go there for the same reason that the rest of the people do - to worship God! God made us all and God doesn't make mistakes!
We are not the only so-called straight people that attend Vision of Hope MCC, and I think other people who aren't small-minded will find the love and devotion to one God that we have found there!
I feel that other people have enough to do, minding their own business and finding something better to do than vandalizing homes, churches and, oh yes, the cemeteries!
Mrs. Harold Gibble, Denver, PA
Regional Elders Travel Schedule
Nov. 2 - 10* Bath, England - ordination service for Elder Cecilia Eggleston
15 - 18* Palm Springs, CA - UFMCC Strategic Growth Initiative Team Meeting
21 New Covenant MCC, Columbia, MD - Celebration of becoming their own MCC
25 - 26 Thanksgiving - office closed
Dec. 4 & 5* Christ The Liberator MCC - North Brunswick, NJ
* includes travel
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