| METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Tearing Down Walls. Building Up Hope. | | CHANGING THE FACE OF HUMAN RIGHTS Photographer Nadia Bettega's exhibition Changing the Face of Human Rights, which was on display in London last month, involved portraying the issues which different groups face. Included were human rights activists, lawyers, public figures, artists, actors, women's groups, disabled people, traveler and gypsy groups, black and minority ethnic people, and homeless people.
Rev. Carmen Margarita Sánchez De León, pastor of MCC East London (England) and her partner, Frida Kruijt, who works for Amnesty International, were among those featured. They were pictured with their newborn children, Oshadi Marinke Carmina Sánchez-Kruijt and Siboney Dimas Bert Sánchez-Kruijt, and the birth certificate which was issued in the mothers' names, portraying the human right of being able to establish a family. They are among the first children in the UK issued birth certificates that fully recognize both their female parents. | | MORE MCC BIOS ON THE RELIGIOUS ARCHIVES NETWORK  Frank Zerilli has been hard at work ensuring that MCC pioneers and Elders have been listed in the Profiles Gallery of the Religious Archives Network at http://www.lgbtran.org/index.aspx. Besides the three featured in the last issue of the MCC IMPACT, recent additions submitted by Frank include the profiles of Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman, Rev. Larry Bernier, Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, Rev. Elder Carol Cureton, Rev. Elder Don Eastman, Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, Elder Clark Friesen, Rev. Elder John Gill, Rev. Stan Harris, Rev. Elder Wilhelmina Hein, Rev. Elder John Hose, Elder Mel Johnson, Rev. Dr. Cindi Love, Rev. Elder Debbie Martin, Rev. June Norris, Rev. Elder Nori Rost, Rev. Elder James Sandmire, Rev. Elder Jorge Sosa, Rev. Elder Hong Tan, and Rev. Elder Richard Vincent. Bios which had previously been posted include those of Rev. Elder Dr. Charlie Arehart, Rev. Elder Roy Birchard, Rev. Delores Berry, Rev. Paul Breton, Rev. Kittredge Cherry, Rev. John Doner, Rev. Alejandro Escoto, Rev. Elder Darlene Garner, Rev. Joseph Gilbert, Rev. Chris Glaser, Rev. Tom Hanks, Rev. Rodger Harrison, Rev. Elder Jeri Ann Harvey, Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, Rev. Elder Ken Martin, Rev. Richad Mickley, Rev. David North, Rev. Stephen Parelli, Rev. Elder Troy Perry, Rev. Stephen Pieters, Rev. Dusty Pruitt, Rev. Elder Freda Smith, Marsha Stevens-Pino, Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas, Rev. Dr. Mona West, Rev. Dr. Mel White, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, and Frank Zerilli. Do you know who all of these important leaders in MCC are? If not, visit the site and read about MCC's history through their contributions. | | DOING JUSTICE
MCC Las Vegas (Nevada) had a Pantie Raid for Mother's Day. No, it's not what you think! They collected underwear and socks for women and children for those escaping domestic violence at SafeNest and Shade Tree. They donated an amazing 747 briefs, 266 pairs of socks, 88 bras, and 37 miscellaneous items, along with $589 (USD) in cash.
Congregants of MCC of the Spirit (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) are being encouraged to plant an extra row or two in their gardens and then bring the extra vegetable to church to be given to local food banks.
MCC El Paso (Texas) is participating in Boycott Hate, a campaign created by photographer David Quintanilla. It was inspired by Arizona's controversial immigration law. Click here to learn more.
Living Springs MCC (Bath, England) marked IDAHO last Sunday with a special service. Their guest speaker was a police officer who talked about the nature of hate crimes and the ways in which such crimes can be reported and are dealt with by the police. Also present was a representative of EACH (Educational Action against Homophobia).
Folks from MCC Corpus Christi (Texas) worked on a house for an older nurse, who uses a walker. She had no functional indoor plumbing or gas and there were exposed electrical wires.
SunCoast Cathedral MCC (Venice, Florida) collected toothbrushes for the CHAPS Food/Hygiene Pantry for those with HIV/AIDS.
MCC of Paducah (Kentucky) feeds four children every weekend. They fill backpacks with enough food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks to last them from Friday after school until they return to school Monday morning. | | THE ANGLICAN CHURCH'S LOSS; MCC'S GAIN Kersten Pegden and Nina Laure were accused of "overtly sexual" conduct because the two held hands during worship at St. Nicholas Anglican church in Dorset village of Corfe Mullen in England. No similar complaints were lodged against heterosexual couples for the same public displays during church services, however, reported the Bournemouth edition of the Daily Echo on 14 May. The couple felt forced to withdraw from the parish even though their children sang in the choir and ushered there. They are planning a civil union, which, in Britain, carries the same rights and protections as marriage. Where does the family attend church now? Why, MCC, of course! | | POSTINGS ON THE HUFFINGTON POST Click here to review the latest contribution by MCC's Rev. Dr. Patrick Cheng who is now a Huffington Post contributor. His latest writing is "Evangelicals and Gays: Why Can't We All Just Get Along?" In the spirit of Martin Luther, he has also "nailed" to the web a piece called "9.5 Theses for a New Reformation" that challenges both Christian evangelicals and LGBTQ folk to reimagine how we relate to each other.
If you wish to be notified about future postings, you can contact him at the following: Twitter, Facebook click here. Or, you can sign up to get automatic notifications from his Huffington Post contributor's page.
| | WAY TO GO!!! Rev. Kieren Bourne, pastor of Living Springs MCC (Bath, England), has been named the Mayor's Chaplain in the City of Bath for 2010-2011. His duties in this role begin with a civic event on 5 June. The Harvey Milk Award, presented by Christopher Street West, recognizes an individual who gives well beyond the call of duty in countless ways. The 2010 recipient is Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas, senior pastor of MCC/ICM Los Angeles (California). Stan Kimer is the new President-Elect of the North Carolina Council of Churches. Rev. Elder Darlene Garner has been named a 2010 Capital Pride Hero by the Board of Directors of the Capital Pride Alliance for her outstanding contributions to the Washington, DC, LGBT community. She will be honored during the pride festivities in June. Jochen Gewecke has another photo exhibit on display in Germany. It is a new Mosque/Church/Synagogue presentation. His first one drew acclimations from around the world. Jochen is a member of Salz der Erde MCC (Stuttgart) and one of the European Network Leaders. Rev. Joe Cobb and his partner James welcomed their second child, James Joseph, born on 18 April. Ginny is the proud big sister. Rev. Martha Daniels spoke to a pastoral care class at Iona College (United Church of Canada) on faith and critical illness from a patient's perspective. Minister Adrain Bowie, spouse of Rev. Carolyn Mobley, received her M.Div. (Master of Divinity degree) from Candler School of Theology at Emory University earlier this month. She is a clergy candidate at First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia), where Rev. Mobley is one of two Church Evangelists. They also travel, sharing their Ministry of Inspiration with MCC and other affirming groups. www.aministryofinspiration.com Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes received an honorary degree from Mount Allison University for his outstanding leadership and accomplishments, especially in the area of equal rights for the LBGT community. | | RIBBON CUTTING FOR RAINBOW ROOM AT MCC TORONTO MCC Toronto (Canada) held a ribbon-cutting reception on 5 May to celebrate the renovation and expansion of a new community meeting facility. The Rainbow Room is a result of combined efforts and donations from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (which is an agency of the Government of Ontario), the Bluma Appel Community Trust, and Patrick Fahn Architect Inc. The new room will allow the church to continue to support various programs in which it is involved, such as MCC Toronto's Adult Spiritual Education Programs, 12 Step recovery and other community group gatherings, and the Triangle Program of the Toronto District School Board, Canada's only LGBT high school program where at-risk youth gain knowledge, confidence and life skills in a safe environment. | | SIGNIFICANT ANNIVERSARIES MCC San Diego will be celebrating its 40th anniversary 4-6 June and wants to invite everyone to the celebration. On Friday evening there will be an old fashioned sing along, selecting cherished hymns to sing together. Saturday brings a morning workshop, "Life after 40", facilitated by Rev. Elder Darlene Garner. That evening the Celebration Choir joins with PRYSM in presenting an exciting concert. On Sunday at the special times of 5:00 and 7:00 pm, so that others might be able to join them, Rev. Elder Troy Perry will be in the pulpit for the celebratory worship services and Rev. David Ferrell, Pastor Emeritus, will be a special guest. Leading up to the weekend's festivities, they have enjoyed a dessert competition, "40 Years of Sweet Success with MCCSD", and, this weekend, a scavenger hunt, "Mission 40", and dinner. Peninsula MCC (San Mateo, California) will celebrate their 5th anniversary Mardi Gras style on 5 June. MCC San Francisco celebrated its 40th Anniversary in April with Rev. Elder Troy Perry in a weekend full of joyful worship and activities. They are hosting 40 events throughout the year to observe this milestone, including: film screenings (Cure for Love, Jihad for Love, Call Me Troy), concerts, and home parties. "These events are bringing many new people to MCCSF, and building community among congregants," according to senior pastor Rev. Dr. Lea Brown. | | 
The southern California MCCs enjoyed a day of fun together on Saturday at Disneyland wearing their shorts, while Healing Spirit MCC (Rochester, Minnesota) had a day long picnic with a bonfire! That was also the day for the Block Party at Spirit of Hope MCC (Kansas City, Missouri), where there was live entertainment, activities for children of all ages, and concessions. You can now download free audio or video recordings of the 11 am Sunday services of MCC New York (New York). Just go to iTunes.com and enter "mccny" in the search box. You can even subscribe for automatic downloads each week. Dr. Jallen Rix was the guest at Evensong on Sunday night at MCC of the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, California), where he spoke about his new book Ex-Gay No Way. The weekly Bible study at MCC Charleston (South Carolina) is "If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get out of the Boat." MCC of the Quad Cities (Davenport, Iowa) is establishing both a Fundraising Committee and a Social Activities Committee. MCC Windsor (Canada) recently welcomed five new members! Sunday was Volunteer Appreciation Day at MCC Omaha (Nebraska). Volunteers were honored with a reception following the 9 am service and a picnic after the 11 am service. MCC North London (England) had a fantastic service and concert with singer/songwriter, Rev'd. Rizi Timane, observing IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia). The children from MCC of Topeka (Kansas) went on a fishing trip to Lake Shawnee last Saturday. Kayaking was the order of the day on Sunday following worship for the folks at MCC Winston-Salem (North Carolina). Rev. Paul Eknes-Tucker celebrated Communion in Spanish at both services at All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota) on Pentecost Sunday. Following worship a meeting was held to organize a Spanish ministry. MCC Key West (Florida) hosted a Spring Fling to which everyone came dressed as their favorite characters from Alice in Wonderland. New Life MCC of Hampton Roads (Virginia) will host Rev. Elder Darlene Garner next weekend for board training on Saturday and as their guest preacher on Sunday. Folks at MCC Newcastle (England) are focusing on the question, "What are our bedrock beliefs?" As they share those together they are listening to each one's spiritual journey. They are celebrating the similarities and sometimes respectfully disagreeing when theologies differ. achurch4me? MCC (Chicago, Illinois) has just begun a group for those who are grieving. One of their resources will be Harold Kushner's When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Last Sunday was the first Sunday Coffee House at First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia). It featured the singing of Satin Britches, gourmet coffee, and homemade baked goods. The Cornerstone MCC (Mobile, Alabama) Rainbow Council of Ministries met to begin plans for a youth ministry. 30 May will be Harmony and Understanding Sunday at Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida). They will have only one worship service with Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson preaching. It will be followed by a barbeque on the grounds. MCC United (Tulsa, Oklahoma) participated in an Interfaith Service on Sunday, during which the Pride flag was blessed. Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) will host a Memorial Day Picnic on 31 May. Pikes Peak MCC (Colorado Springs, Colorado) enjoyed a Night of Classic Disney complete with a spaghetti dinner, aerial acrobatics, magicians, and Disney songs. | |  TRANSITIONS IN MINISTRY
MCC Asheville (Hendersonville, North Carolina) has changed their name to MCC Sacred Journey. Rev. Mark Kevin Deane became the provisional pastor of New Life MCC (Charlotte, North Carolina) on 1 May. Rev. Sharon Ferguson will be installed as the senior pastor of MCC North London (England) on 13 June. She is also the Chief Executive of LGCM (Lesbian, Gay Christian Movement). After many years of serving the far west suburbs of Chicago, Fox Valley MCC (Elgin, Illinois) voted to close. Rev. Joe Cobb was installed last weekend as the pastor of MCC of the Blue Ridge (Roanoke, Virginia) with Rev. Elder Darlene Garner officiating. Although MCC Edinburg (Scotland) merged earlier with St. Augustine United Church, they have now launched a new ministry "Our Tribe", named after Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson's book, and will be working with MCC at the denominational level under the direction of Rev. Maxwell Reay. | | CONDOLENCES Rhon Rich, the husband of Rev. Rich Hendricks, pastor of Quad Cities MCC (Davenport, Iowa), transitioned on 10 April after a very brief illness. They had been one of the first couples legally married in Iowa. Prior to his involvement at Quad Cities MCC, Rhon was a very active member of Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois). PastorRich@mccqc.com Theresa Swanigan, the partner of Rev. Gale Smith, pastor of Sunrise MCC (Lancaster, California), passed following a series of heart attacks on 27 April. She had formerly been a member of the Southwest District Committee and involved at MCC Long Beach. galenotgail@verizon.net | | DO YOU HAVE NEWS?  If so, please send it to JudyDale@MCCchurch.net. Thanks!
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