Region 3 News

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)

December 5, 2003

MCC Baltimore Newest Teaching Church
The application to become a Teaching Church to train future UFMCC Clergy was approved by Rev. Elder Ackerman and Rev. Justin Tanis, Director of Clergy Development. MCC Baltimore joins our other Teaching Churches MCC New York, MCC Washington, MCC of the Spirit, Harrisburg, PA, New Life MCC, Norfolk, VA,

MCC New York On TV
Did you know that MCC NY airs their worship services every Sunday at 8:30 AM on the Time Warner Channel. What a wonderful resource! Is this something your church could do?

2004 Ordination Candidates
Help us help you! If you are thinking of applying for ordination in 2004 send us an email with your current contact information so that we can start early by inventorying your file in December and identify what, if anything, needs to be completed in order for this happen. A current resume makes this task even more efficient. It will also help us identify now at which Regional Conferences to schedule interviews. This is the time to pose the questions you've been wondering about. Pastors, be sure to pass this notice on to anyone you are supervising. Even if you're just contemplating this step in 2004, let us know: revjimmitulski@mccchurch.org

Keep these 2004 dates in mind: Polity and Sexuality Studies will be offered June 1-14, the Intensive in the Practice of MCC Ministry will be offered June 14-21 at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge (Boston), MA, USA. More complete registration information will be available after December 15th-but the dates are certain.

News from ICM Cristo Sanador, San Juan, Puerto Rico
We would like to share the following news with our sisters and brothers in Region 3:

1. ICM Cristo Sanador received a Certificate of Recognition from The National Latino/a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Organization (LLEGO). This organization acknowledged the work of ICM Cristo Sanador in support of the civil rights and health of GLBT Puerto Ricans.

2. Interim Co Pastors Edgard Danielsen-Morales and Manuel GuzmÃ¡n-Arizmendi were invited to participate in the first meeting of a coalition of pastors of RÃo Piedras, the geographical area of San Juan where ICM Cristo Sanador is located. Pastors Manuel and Edgard are the only openly gay clergy in this newly formed group. The coalition will help churches in the area establish a coherent program for the homeless people.

3. The Pastoral Search Committee announces the position of Senior Pastor. The Committee presents the following information: ICM Cristo Sanador is a young (7 years) and relatively small congregation, with a weekly attendance of 65 people. We firmly believe in inclusivity as a concrete expression of a God that loves us as we are because we were created in her image. We open our doors to other religious and spiritual traditions. We affirm and promote healing at every level, and we commit ourselves to have an open table and provide a safe place, where confidentiality and respect are valued. We are located in RÃo Piedras, a urban sector of San Juan, the Capital of the Puerto Rico, at walking distance of the main campus of the University of Puerto Rico. The Island presents the visitors with excellent beaches and other touristic areas, and enjoys a tropical weather all year long. We are a multicultural society, with influences from the "indios taÃnos" (original nation), Spanish colonizers and African slaves. Spanish is our main language. We are searching for a charismatic, dynamic, and tireless pastoral leader who can guide us during the growth process we are experiencing. Initially, this will be a part time position. The candidate needs to demonstrate excellent command of spoken and written Spanish. To receive a complete application, potential candidates should send a rÃ©sumÃ© to icmcristosanador@yahoo.com or to the following postal address:

ComitÃ© de BÃºsqueda Pastoral
Urb. Caguas Norte
R1 Calle Montreal
Caguas, PR 00725

Deadline to submit rÃ©sumÃ©s is Friday, January 16, 2004.
"Together we grow in Christ; with open arms we touch the world."

Update on Rev. Delores Berry
Greetings dear angels, Here we are at the most wonderful time of the year - the celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus! Christmas is a great time for being with family (church or biological) and friends. Finding peace in the wonders in God's tough of winter - the laughter of snow angels in a fresh blank of snow, the warmth of fireplace, the aroma of hot chocolate or cider simmering on the stove, the warmth of the Sun, the force of the surf, or just being with the one(s) you love. This is CHRISTmas! Since this is being written two days before Thanksgiving, I would like to share from Rev. Delores some of the things in which she is thankful. She is grateful for the blessing of healing, for Judy, for the many prayers, but most of all, for all of you and your generosity. The last time I spoke with her and Judy, they were both on the way to solid healing. Rev. Delores's infection is being treated with the proper antibiotics and the wound continues to heal. Judy is still working with the doctors to determine the proper course to take to correct the problem of her low iron level, but is feeling stronger. Both are encouraged with their progress. Judy and Rev. Delores are on a limited church visits, due to the doctors still will not let her go back to a full schedule. The electric bills, phone bill and others still need to be paid. If you could find it in your heart and pocket book to share your love through a momentary gift this would help them get through the Holidays and hopefully back a full schedule of church visits, hopefully late January or February. Some other need items you could provide are: pre-paid phone card and/or postal stamps. Reminder any momentary contribution to the Rev. Delores P. Berry Ministries is tax deductible. Please make checks payable to: Rev Delores P. Berry Ministries and mail your much needed and valued donation to: Rev. Delores P. Berry Ministries314 Bentley Ridge Blvd.Lancaster, PA 17602If any of you would like to e-mail Rev. Deloris and Judy directly their e-mail is: revdberry@aol.com We will be in touch with you after the first of the year to share other news of how all of you can be a part of Rev. Delores P. Berry Ministries - stay tune!

Second Annual MCC Women in Ministry Conference
February 5, 6 and 7, 2004 at Church of the Trinity MCC in Sarasota, Florida. The website is up and you can register now. Go to: www.mcccruise.com/women
Advance registration is $70; registration after December 31, 2003 is $85, so be sure to register early. Note that the Fellowship Dinner is on Wednesday night, if you wish to register for that.

Rev. Elder Ackerman On Medical Leave
Arlene will be having surgery on Dec. 3 and would welcome your prayers. She is schedule to return to the office on Jan. 5. If there is an emergency, call the Region 3 office and speak to Mary.

December 17, 2003

Rev Elder Ackerman Update - Rev Elder Arlene is doing as well as to be expected following her surgery. She is getting plenty of rest. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

An MCC Call to Prayer - A message from Rev. Troy D. Perry, MCC Moderator and Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, Region 5

Dear MCC Friend:
We are writing today to ask for your prayers for Rev. Darlene Young and the congregation of Safe Harbour MCC (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada). This congregation has been the target of a bomb threat this week -- a threat the police are taking very seriously. A police investigation is under way. Please uphold this church and its pastor with your prayers during this difficult time. This bomb threat comes as this congregation is still recuperating from the awful impact of Hurricane Julian earlier this year, so this has been an exceptionally challenging year for this congregation.
While we take hope in the many positive social justice improvements for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons in recent years, incidents such as this are powerful reminders that there is still significant anti-gay hostility and violence in our world.
We also note that throughout MCC's 35 year history, every step forward for justice and equality has been met with a backlash ofintolerance and oppression. As you may know, more than 20 MCC congregations have been targets of the anti-gay hate crimes of arson and/or firebombing. Churches in both the United States and England continue to receive bomb andarson threats -- this week's incident marks the first such threat to a Canadian MCC in many years.
Please pray for peace, safety and a sense of God's presence for each member of Safe Harbour MCC, and for the apprehension of theindividual or individuals involved in this anti-gay hate crime. E-mails conveying your love and prayers may be sent to Safe Harbour MCC at safeharbour@hfx.andara.com.

Chi Rho Press is pleased to announce the imminent publication of a new book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra L. Bochonok. We expect to go to press by the end of December and this pre-publication sale is on through the release of the book in the end of January, 2004. The list price for the book will be $20.95, but until the book rolls off the presses in January, the special pre-publication sale cost is only $16.95 (plus shipping and handling), a savings of $4.00! Six or more copies are $14.95 each plus shipping and handing, an even greater savings. You can find this great opportunity on our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/devotionals.html#Bochonok.

NY Times Article - I read this today and was so moved that I wanted to share it with everyone. It is worth taking a moment to read these men's story. Click Here.

Rev Elder Arlene Ackerman & Mary Homsher wish each & every one of you a very blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

"Very little is needed to make a happy life.
It is all within yourself in your way
of thinking and attitude."
Fred Corbett

Peace~

Arlene Ackerman

Previous Regional Updates:
[Jan. 03, Feb. 03, Mar. 03, April 03 , May 03, June 03, July 03, Aug. 03, Sept. 03, Oct. 03, Nov 03]

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


	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) December 5, 2003 MCC Baltimore Newest Teaching Church The application to become a Teaching Church to train future UFMCC Clergy was approved by Rev. Elder Ackerman and Rev. Justin Tanis, Director of Clergy Development. MCC Baltimore joins our other Teaching Churches MCC New York, MCC Washington, MCC of the Spirit, Harrisburg, PA, New Life MCC, Norfolk, VA, MCC New York On TV Did you know that MCC NY airs their worship services every Sunday at 8:30 AM on the Time Warner Channel. What a wonderful resource! Is this something your church could do? 2004 Ordination Candidates Help us help you! If you are thinking of applying for ordination in 2004 send us an email with your current contact information so that we can start early by inventorying your file in December and identify what, if anything, needs to be completed in order for this happen. A current resume makes this task even more efficient. It will also help us identify now at which Regional Conferences to schedule interviews. This is the time to pose the questions you've been wondering about. Pastors, be sure to pass this notice on to anyone you are supervising. Even if you're just contemplating this step in 2004, let us know: revjimmitulski@mccchurch.org Keep these 2004 dates in mind: Polity and Sexuality Studies will be offered June 1-14, the Intensive in the Practice of MCC Ministry will be offered June 14-21 at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge (Boston), MA, USA. More complete registration information will be available after December 15th-but the dates are certain. News from ICM Cristo Sanador, San Juan, Puerto Rico We would like to share the following news with our sisters and brothers in Region 3: 1. ICM Cristo Sanador received a Certificate of Recognition from The National Latino/a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Organization (LLEGO). This organization acknowledged the work of ICM Cristo Sanador in support of the civil rights and health of GLBT Puerto Ricans. 2. Interim Co Pastors Edgard Danielsen-Morales and Manuel GuzmÃ¡n-Arizmendi were invited to participate in the first meeting of a coalition of pastors of RÃo Piedras, the geographical area of San Juan where ICM Cristo Sanador is located. Pastors Manuel and Edgard are the only openly gay clergy in this newly formed group. The coalition will help churches in the area establish a coherent program for the homeless people. 3. The Pastoral Search Committee announces the position of Senior Pastor. The Committee presents the following information: ICM Cristo Sanador is a young (7 years) and relatively small congregation, with a weekly attendance of 65 people. We firmly believe in inclusivity as a concrete expression of a God that loves us as we are because we were created in her image. We open our doors to other religious and spiritual traditions. We affirm and promote healing at every level, and we commit ourselves to have an open table and provide a safe place, where confidentiality and respect are valued. We are located in RÃo Piedras, a urban sector of San Juan, the Capital of the Puerto Rico, at walking distance of the main campus of the University of Puerto Rico. The Island presents the visitors with excellent beaches and other touristic areas, and enjoys a tropical weather all year long. We are a multicultural society, with influences from the "indios taÃnos" (original nation), Spanish colonizers and African slaves. Spanish is our main language. We are searching for a charismatic, dynamic, and tireless pastoral leader who can guide us during the growth process we are experiencing. Initially, this will be a part time position. The candidate needs to demonstrate excellent command of spoken and written Spanish. To receive a complete application, potential candidates should send a rÃ©sumÃ© to icmcristosanador@yahoo.com or to the following postal address: ComitÃ© de BÃºsqueda Pastoral Urb. Caguas Norte R1 Calle Montreal Caguas, PR 00725 Deadline to submit rÃ©sumÃ©s is Friday, January 16, 2004. "Together we grow in Christ; with open arms we touch the world." Update on Rev. Delores Berry Greetings dear angels, Here we are at the most wonderful time of the year - the celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus! Christmas is a great time for being with family (church or biological) and friends. Finding peace in the wonders in God's tough of winter - the laughter of snow angels in a fresh blank of snow, the warmth of fireplace, the aroma of hot chocolate or cider simmering on the stove, the warmth of the Sun, the force of the surf, or just being with the one(s) you love. This is CHRISTmas! Since this is being written two days before Thanksgiving, I would like to share from Rev. Delores some of the things in which she is thankful. She is grateful for the blessing of healing, for Judy, for the many prayers, but most of all, for all of you and your generosity. The last time I spoke with her and Judy, they were both on the way to solid healing. Rev. Delores's infection is being treated with the proper antibiotics and the wound continues to heal. Judy is still working with the doctors to determine the proper course to take to correct the problem of her low iron level, but is feeling stronger. Both are encouraged with their progress. Judy and Rev. Delores are on a limited church visits, due to the doctors still will not let her go back to a full schedule. The electric bills, phone bill and others still need to be paid. If you could find it in your heart and pocket book to share your love through a momentary gift this would help them get through the Holidays and hopefully back a full schedule of church visits, hopefully late January or February. Some other need items you could provide are: pre-paid phone card and/or postal stamps. Reminder any momentary contribution to the Rev. Delores P. Berry Ministries is tax deductible. Please make checks payable to: Rev Delores P. Berry Ministries and mail your much needed and valued donation to: Rev. Delores P. Berry Ministries314 Bentley Ridge Blvd.Lancaster, PA 17602If any of you would like to e-mail Rev. Deloris and Judy directly their e-mail is: revdberry@aol.com We will be in touch with you after the first of the year to share other news of how all of you can be a part of Rev. Delores P. Berry Ministries - stay tune! Second Annual MCC Women in Ministry Conference February 5, 6 and 7, 2004 at Church of the Trinity MCC in Sarasota, Florida. The website is up and you can register now. Go to: www.mcccruise.com/women Advance registration is $70; registration after December 31, 2003 is $85, so be sure to register early. Note that the Fellowship Dinner is on Wednesday night, if you wish to register for that. Rev. Elder Ackerman On Medical Leave Arlene will be having surgery on Dec. 3 and would welcome your prayers. She is schedule to return to the office on Jan. 5. If there is an emergency, call the Region 3 office and speak to Mary. December 17, 2003 Rev Elder Ackerman Update - Rev Elder Arlene is doing as well as to be expected following her surgery. She is getting plenty of rest. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. An MCC Call to Prayer - A message from Rev. Troy D. Perry, MCC Moderator and Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, Region 5 Dear MCC Friend: We are writing today to ask for your prayers for Rev. Darlene Young and the congregation of Safe Harbour MCC (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada). This congregation has been the target of a bomb threat this week -- a threat the police are taking very seriously. A police investigation is under way. Please uphold this church and its pastor with your prayers during this difficult time. This bomb threat comes as this congregation is still recuperating from the awful impact of Hurricane Julian earlier this year, so this has been an exceptionally challenging year for this congregation. While we take hope in the many positive social justice improvements for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons in recent years, incidents such as this are powerful reminders that there is still significant anti-gay hostility and violence in our world. We also note that throughout MCC's 35 year history, every step forward for justice and equality has been met with a backlash ofintolerance and oppression. As you may know, more than 20 MCC congregations have been targets of the anti-gay hate crimes of arson and/or firebombing. Churches in both the United States and England continue to receive bomb andarson threats -- this week's incident marks the first such threat to a Canadian MCC in many years. Please pray for peace, safety and a sense of God's presence for each member of Safe Harbour MCC, and for the apprehension of theindividual or individuals involved in this anti-gay hate crime. E-mails conveying your love and prayers may be sent to Safe Harbour MCC at safeharbour@hfx.andara.com. Chi Rho Press is pleased to announce the imminent publication of a new book of daily devotions, *"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time,"* by the Rev. Dr. Sandra L. Bochonok. We expect to go to press by the end of December and this pre-publication sale is on through the release of the book in the end of January, 2004. The list price for the book will be $20.95, but until the book rolls off the presses in January, the special pre-publication sale cost is only $16.95 (plus shipping and handling), a savings of $4.00! Six or more copies are $14.95 each plus shipping and handing, an even greater savings. You can find this great opportunity on our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/devotionals.html#Bochonok. NY Times Article - I read this today and was so moved that I wanted to share it with everyone. It is worth taking a moment to read these men's story. Click Here. Rev Elder Arlene Ackerman & Mary Homsher wish each & every one of you a very blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year. "Very little is needed to make a happy life. It is all within yourself in your way of thinking and attitude." Fred Corbett Peace~ Arlene Ackerman Previous Regional Updates: [Jan. 03, Feb. 03, Mar. 03, April 03 , May 03, June 03, July 03, Aug. 03, Sept. 03, Oct. 03, Nov 03] 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