Rev. Elder John Gill Retires

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Rev. Elder John Gill: Be Blessed in Retirement!   It caught me a little by surprise when I learned of Rev. Elder John Gill's retirement from MCC ministry, probably because we are contemporaries...and because John has always been there as a trusted colleague, friend and leader in MCC. I met John Gill in Atlanta in 1973 when we were both coming into MCC. He was a young, handsome, Princeton graduate who brought an Ivy league theological education and a touch of class to MCC. He was elected an Elder in 1974 but was not returned in 1976 in a rough year for incumbents in those early, tumultuous days. Charlie Arehart and I were both nominated and elected that year (to our surprise!), and moments after my election, John Gill was right there in front of me with a dozen, congratulatory yellow roses. That was so "John." From that point on, he was always "Elder" John and continued to serve in many capacities in the denomination as a volunteer, over and above his full-time pastoral ministry. John came to MCC in 1971 to start a church in Atlanta. In addition, he made important contributions to MCC through long-term, successful, fruitful pastorates in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Houston, Texas; and St. Petersburg, Florida, as well as two interim pastorates in San Diego, California, and Phoenix, Arizona. John brought strength, stability, openness, pastoral and management skills to every church and made a lasting contribution in every case. John modeled integrity, excellence and a deep spiritual commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ and MCC's mission. He has inspired many to answer their own call to pastoral ministry or lay leadership in MCC. John also played an important role in history in the early days. He was the first one to get the call when that terrible fire happened in New Orleans that killed 32 people and desvastated our church's leadership and membership. John was there, alongside Rev. Perry, dealing with the horrific aftermath of the deadly fire. Accounts of his role are written in Rev. Perry's book, Don't Be Afraid Anymore, and Out for Good, by Cleniden and Nagourney. John Gill has played a role in every major change in MCC's life and structure, especially to advise MCC's leadership. When John would speak at a General Conference, which he did sparingly, everyone listened. John is always practical, as well as pastoral. And John has a wonderful sense of humor - he is funny, theatrical when he wants to be, and always uses humor as a leveler. THANK YOU, REV. ELDER JOHN GILL! To read his full bio at The LGBT Religious Archives Network, click here. Thanks also to his partner, John Phlegar, for helping to pull this tribute together.    Rev. Elder John W. Gill & John E. Phlegar   Some colleagues and friends were invited to share their congratulations and memories as well: "When I first came to MCC in 1976, you were already an icon - someone who was always spoken of with great awe and whose words where highly respected. As I got to know more about you over the ensuing years, I came to understand why. You truly are a spiritual giant, a wise prophet, and a gentle pastor. You really are worthy of the high trust that so many of us have placed in you..." - Rev. Elder Darlene Garner "Rev. Elder John Gill has been through the worst and the best of times in Metropolitan Community Church. Rev. John contributed to the growth of the denomination through his steady and strong leadership. He is a man of integrity, kindness and compassion. He has some wonderful gifts, including good traveling skills on ships, slot machine expertise, and is the only person I know who can come home from vacation with more soap and shampoo than when he went." - Rev. Lorraine Brock, Associate Pastor, King of Peace MCC, St. Petersburg, Florida "John Gill and his partner John Phlegar rescued MCC San Diego as our Interim Pastor . . .when Rev. Elders Darlene Garner and Don Eastman proposed John Gill to be our Interim Pastor, is was "love at first sight," as we were already aware of the incredible service that this servant of God has bestowed upon our denomination...He was God-sent to be Who we needed, When we needed him, and for What needed him. God bless John and John on their well-earned retirement. May all their Cruises be smooth sailing into beautiful sunsets..." - Al Smithson, lay leader, MCC San Diego, California  You can send your best wishes and thanksgiving for the ministry of Rev. Elder John Gill to revgill@hotmail.com.   Grace and Peace,   + Nancy   Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson

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Ministry Development Team Survey Reminder

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Ministry Development Survey The Team Rev. Kevin Downer. Rev. Tania Guzman Rev. Carol Rawlings - Chambers  Vickey Gibbs Deadline June 27, 2011                  We wanted to remind you that the Ministry Development Team Survey will close on Monday June 27, 2011. If you have not completed the survey , please take 10 minutes now to let us know what ministry(ies) you are developing so that we can partner with you to  support your efforts.    Ministry Development Team Purpose   MCC is growing rapidly in many places around the world and we see renewed interest in developing a variety of innovative and creative ministries.     The Ministry Development Team seeks to support our growing movement by: · Connecting ministries with similar needs; · Improving collaboration; · Providing support for ministries in the earliest stages of development; · Providing resources and lessons learned to emerging ministries so that new ministries may have a healthy start and build momentum.  Begin at the Beginning   In order for us to fulfill our purpose, we need to know what ministries are being developed, thus the reason for our survey. Please complete this survey by June 27, 2011, so that we may ascertain what ministries are developing so that we may generate appropriate resources and contacts to assist in healthy growth. Your ministry may be at any point along the continuum from thought to emergent. To take the survey please click here.    Rev. Elder Darlene Garner   DIrector of the Office of Emerging Ministries   RevDarleneGarner@MCCchurch.net   3540 Crain Highway, #655 Bowie MD 20716 USA   Office Phone: 1-281-201-0320   Cell Phone: 1-210-380-7881 Fax: 1-310-388-1252 Skype: darlene.garner   Website: www.icmmccregion6.org Blog: http://mccpadlink.blogspot.com/     Ministry Development Team MinistryDevelopmentTeam@MCCchurch.net

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Upcoming MCC Church Summits

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MCC Church Summits MCC PROGRAMMING SUMMIT! As a result of the Church Size Summits we have done over the last year and a half, we realize that there is a missing component of church life in many of our churches and that is PROGRAMMING.  So, in 2011, we will offer our first Programming Summit to be hosted by MCC of Greater St. Louis. This experience will be interactive, fun and full of new learning!   This Summit Will Explore: A clear definition of programming A new methodology for determining the felt needs in your congregation around program offerings What programming should look like in different size churches The issues around programming for children and youth How to start where you are and build toward where you want to be How to use some programming as an additional income stream Helpful resources  What It Will Cost: $40 per person, up to 6 registrants from the same church $25 per person, 7 registrants or more from the same church Who Should Attend The Pastor Staff or volunteers who are or might like to be involved in Christian Education for all ages Outreach Efforts Ministry Teams Small Groups DATE: August 26-27, 2011 HOST CHURCH: MCC of Greater St. Louis 1919 South Broadway St. Louis, MO 63104-4055 REGISTER HERE   SUGGESTED HOTEL: Millennium Hotel 200 S. 4th Street St. Louis, MO 63112 Reservations Department: 1-800-325-7343 or 1-314-241-9500 HOTEL BOOKING DEADLINE: July 25, 2011 MCC STEWARDSHIP SUMMIT! As a result of doing 97 church assessments for the Church Size Summits, it is clear that churches are struggling with issues that surround Stewardship, so we are eager to work with churches to imporve all aspects of Stewardship in the local church. Though we offered some recommendations to churches at the Size Summits, we are very aware that we need to delve into this area more deeply.    What You Will Learn: How to effectively run Pledge Campaigns The importance of education around generosity of time, talent, and treasure The role of Stewardship Teams Resources for creating a culture of generosity Key lessons from church assessments about per capita giving and how to improve it What It Will Cost: $40 per person, up to 6 registrants from the same church $25 per person, 7 registrants or more from the same church Who Should Attend The Pastor Stewardship Teams or those interested in serving in that capacity Board Members who oversee Stewardship or Stewardship Teams DATE: September 9-10, 2011 HOST CHURCH: All God's Children MCC 3100 Park Avenue S. Minneapolis, MN 55407 REGISTER HERE   SUGGESTED HOTEL: Millennium Hotel 1313 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403 Reservations Department: 1-800-522-8856 or 1-612-332-6000 HOTEL BOOKING DEADLINE: August 10, 2011 MCC SIZE SUMMIT! The MCC Senior Leadership Team brings a balance of experience and proven results and shares a passion for helping churches grow in every way...spiritually, numerically, relationally, and programmatically and are committed to giving you the data, feedback, recommendations and tools you need to see your church thrive.   Church Size Summits provide leaders with helpful information, professional consultation and focused coaching. So, no matter what size church you are, the Church Size Summit is for you.    Key Goals of the Size Summits: Provide a broad education about the impact and implications of a church's size and makeup Conduct an assessment for each church that registers and provide each church with individual feedback about the results along with recommendations Provide time and guidance for the representatives of each church to develop an action plan  Who Should Attend The Pastor Board of Directors Staff Members Ministry Leaders DATE: September 23-24, 2011 HOST CHURCH: Emerald City MCC Seattle, WA REGISTER HERE MCC WORSHIP SUMMIT! From our founding, MCC has placed worship at the center of our relationship with God and our identity as a Christian community. Through evaluating worship in 97 MCC churches as part of the Size Summits, we have learned a number of things we believe can assist all our churches in offering more powerful and relevant worship. So mark your claendar for the first MCC WORSHIP SUMMIT, November 11-12, 2011.    This Summit Will Explore: What things characterize dynamic worship in a church our size What is "blended worship" and why is it working so well in so many MCC churches The "when, why, and how" of multiple worship services Building effective worship planning and support teams The role of music in worship** Where to find creative worship resources Creative use of worship space The Liturgical Year Assessment and recommendations regarding your individual church's worship And more! What It Will Cost: $40 per person, up to 6 registrants from the same church $25 per person, 7 registrants or more from the same church Who Should Attend We encourage all individuals and teams involved in planning, implementing, and supporting worship in your church to attend   DATE: November 11-12, 2011 HOST CHURCH: Resurrection MCC 2025 W. 11th St. Houston, TX 77008 REGISTER HERE Following REGISTRATION each church will be sent a Welcome and Instruction letter, and a survey to complete prior to the Summit.  It is imperative that these be completed on, or before, the deadline date so that the Summit Team can review and create the Assessment and Recommedations report. Cancellation Policy: In order to be good stewards of our limited resources, we have determined how many registrants are needed for each summit in order for it to be financially feasible to move forward with its offering.  As such, an assessment of the registration numbers will be made prior to the date of the scheduled summit and a decision to move forward or cancel will be made at that time.  All registrants will be notified within 24 hours of the evaluation date if the decision is to cancel the summit.  Those who are registering should consider this before booking flights or mEorshipaking other plans that may commit you to payments in full or in part.   Cancellation Dates: Programming Summit: August 2, 2011 Stewardship Summit: August 17, 2011 Worship Summit: October 18, 2011 If you have questions or comments that have not been addressed in this email, please contact  Rev. Stedney Phillips at RevStedneyPhillips@MCCchurch.net

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MCC Headline News - 13 June 2011

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Headline News Tearing Down Walls. Building Up Hope. MCC Announces L.E.A.D. Coordinators   The Office of Formation and Leadership Development is pleased to announce the appointment of Nancy Maxwell and Barry Hundley as coordinators for the L.E.A.D. (Laity Empowered for Active Discipleship) Certificate Program. Nancy and Barry are graciously volunteering their time and expertise for this important role in the continued development of leaders in MCC at the local, global and denominational level. They will be working closely with Rev. Dr. Mona West to implement this new training program for laity in MCC. For more information about their gifts, training and commitment to MCC, click here to read their bios. Applications are currently being accepted for the first L.E.A.D. retreat to be held 18-21 August 2011 in Ellenton, Florida (USA). For more information on the L.E.A.D. program, click here. To download an application packet, click here. Deadline for applications is 5 July 2011.   Reflections on Disaster Relief by Rev. Elder Diane Fisher Photo taken as storms left Boston (Massachusetts) area 1 June 2011 Nearly two weeks ago, Massachusetts had some severe storms and nine confirmed tornados. Four people lost their lives, and Springfield suffered a lot of destruction. As the storm left our area heading to Boston, the sky was consistently bright with the storm's lightning. The photo above was as the storm left. I recorded video as well, and what is the most striking is the noise. Truly unbelievable.   We had a crazy winter. I have said that I am over snow, which were words I never thought I would hear myself utter. And now, I can add that I am over tornadoes.    We were luckier than most. We had two storm systems, one from the south and another from the north. They created fabulous night sky displays and noise over our house, and we have minimal damage. Most of the trees that we had not lost during the winter snow, remained firm. We lost only four, and all of those missed the house.   I am more aware now of just how lucky the survivors in Joplin are to have seen and lived through the horrific tornadoes that left such a swath of devastation. The might of these storms is something to behold.   I hope that we will continue to keep the people of Joplin, Tuscaloosa, Japan, Christchurch, and Brisbane in prayer. Hurricane Katrina has shown us just how long the recovery and rebuilding can take.   It feels this year more than ever as though we have really upset Mother Earth and need to bring things back into "right relationship." We need to pray for healing of the earth, for people's hearts and their renewed hope and courage, and for us not to just move on to the next disaster, forgetting those still living in turmoil and fear.   God Bless, Diane   For MCC responses to Disasters, visit our Disaster Relief page at http://mccchurch.org/ministries/disaster-relief/. (You can also donate to our Disaster Relief ministry via the same link.)   Summer Reading Sale Continues   We are offering new pricing (up to 40% off) for books in the Rev. Troy Perry cycle:   The Lord is My Shepherd & He Knows I'm Gay - $15.00 Don't Be Afraid Anymore - $8.00 10 Spiritual Truths for Successful Living for Gays and Lesbians (and Everyone Else!) - $7.00 Troy Perry: Pastor and Prophet - $8.00 (includes book & CD!) *** Or buy the whole set for $35.00! ***   All prices in US dollars. Free shipping/handling (within the continental US) for orders of $15 USD or more. While supplies last.   Special Bonus: Be one of the first 29 individuals to order 10 Spiritual Truths, and receive an autographed copy!             Additional Value: A free Would Jesus Discriminate? t-shirt will be shipped with the first 50 orders! (Include your size preference with your order, and indicate what you would like us to do if your size is no longer available.)   (This offer is good for orders received no later than 31 July 2011.)   You can order online here, or contact Franklin Calvin at FranklinCalvin@MCCchurch.net or 1-202-657-6304.   PAD Conference Editorial delay: Watch for a post-conference summary in the next issue of Headline News. Making Headlines! MCC Announces L.E.A.D. Coordinators Reflections on Disaster Relief Summer Reading Sale PAD Conference MCC Makes Headlines Upcoming MCC Events Updated Program Booklet Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic MCC Makes Headlines Brian Bond, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, was interviewed by the Washington Blade and mentions MCC. You can read that article here. Upcoming 2011 MCC Events     24-25 June Stewardship Summit       27-30 July Young Adult Retreat        12-14 September OFLD Clergy Retreat     For a full listing of 2011 MCC events, click here.   MCC's Updated Program Booklet   As we work to use church size theory for our denominational work, we want to ensure that our churches have easy access to programs that support leaders, grow churches and provide care and connection. To that end, we are continually creating and updating resources that are producing results. Click here for the most recent listing of programs being offered this year.   Young Adult Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic A team of 14 MCC young adults and their advisors is slated to depart on a week-long mission trip to the Dominican Republic on 23 June 2011. The trip is being organized by MCC Washington DC (for the sixth consecutive year) with the support and guidance of Rev. Elder Darlene Garner and MCCDC Senior Pastor Dwayne Johnson. For more details, click here. The team is actively involved in raising their own funds for this mission trip. For information on how to contribute, click here. You are invited to follow the mission team on their journey. They have developed their own website here.

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