You have received this newsletter because you (or someone using your email address) requested it. If you no longer wish to receive these newsletters, send an email with the subject of "unsubscribe" to Newsletter@mcccorpuschrsiti.org Thank you
MCC of Corpus Christi
E – Newsletter
August 4th to August 11th 2010
www.mcccorpuschristi.org
This Week
Support MCC of CC with your everyday purchases! Turn your everyday spending into meaningful donations. With our custom credit card, cash donations for every purchase you make—plus a $50 first purchase bonus—will be donated to MCC of CC. There is an introductory 0% financing. Go to https://www.cardlabconnect.com/mccofcc to apply or learn more!
Many men many voices continues at MCC of Corpus Christi!!!
This 7 session class is intended for those who have sex with men and may be at risk for AIDS. There is transportation, food and a stipend available. Please contact Manuel for more information. Sessions are from 6 to 8 pm each of the following Mondays: July 19th, July 26th, Aug. 2nd, Aug. 9th, Aug. 16th, and Aug. 23rd. For more information contact Manuel Garza
Project BESOS Outreach Educator
Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation
Office: 361.814.2001 ext.114
Cell: 361.510.0743
www.cbaf.org
www.cbaf.org/3MV
Soda Machine Survey: The vending machine team would like to know what you think. Please take the survey located at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CTV9RBZ
Coming Soon
Board of Directors Meeting: The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be Thursday, August 12 at 7:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend and observe. If you have any suggestions for Bylaws amendments, they must be given to the Clerk of the Board before this meeting to be considered this year.
This Month
Toilet Paper: Please bring Toilet Paper to church with you! We are collecting these items to give to the Food Pantry patrons who need them. Thank you!!! As always, grocery bags are greatly appreciated!!
Ongoing
Bible Study! – The Bible Study is going strong! Wednesday Evenings at 6:30 PM folks will gather at the church to study the Bible. Come join us to increase your knowledge of the scriptures.
Inmate requesting a letter—Michael Treakle is in the Houston Detention Center. He would love to hear from you. Thank you!!! His address is: Federal Bureau of Prisons--Michael Harold Treakle reg. #43148279--P.O. Box 474701--Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001
Movie Night – On the 2nd and 4th Saturday night of every month, we will gather at the church to watch a movie. If you have a suggestion for a movie to watch, See Howie or Lisa or write it on the clipboard.
Transgender Support Group—A monthly transgender support group meets here. Each third Saturday of the month, our Transgender brothers and sisters are invited to come and learn more about who we are as people of faith. This is a closed meeting and all participation is confidential. To learn more about the group please speak with Lisa B. Lancaster. She will be glad to assist you.
The Christ-Centered Prayer group: A prayer group focusing on quiet listening is held on Fridays at 9am. Yes, in the morning!!! Come and increase your peace.
Sound System: Would you like to assist with the sound system or the PowerPoint presentation (Especially when Tom and Andy are out of town)? Please see Pastor Carol, Tom, or Andy to sign up. Tom, Andy or Howie will train you before you're expected to fly solo.
T shirts: We are selling T-shirts for $10 each. The sizes run from Small-3x to raise money for the Conference fund. See Andy or Pat. They make a great gift. We have 2 styles available, ask to see them!
Facebook group page: Our church now has a "Facebook" group page. A good place to post church photos, prayer request, events, etc... The possibilities are boundless. Login to Facebook and search for MCC of Corpus Christi
MySpace page: MCC of CC has a MySpace page! Find us at http://www.myspace.com/mccofcorpus
MCC of CC Blog! This newsletter is posted in a blog each week. Go to http://mccofcc.blogspot.com/ We are also posting UFMCC notices there. This week, 4 items were added. One of these 4 is below in the "Fellowship News" section of this newsletter.
FINANCES
As it says in Mark 12:42-44: A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."
Just FYI: Our Bookkeeper, Andy Wilcox, says we need approximately $1028 each week to keep current with all of our bills.
Donate online! -If you have a paypal or Alertpay account, simply send money to treasurer@mcccorpuschristi.org or click the appropriate button below. If you do not have a paypal account, you can use your credit card at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HWB7L9PLBXBDJ Cut and paste the link if clicking does not work.
For Paypal payments: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RHQY9482AWDZC
For Alertpay Payments: https://www.alertpay.com/checkout?BDVBfXhteHJleXVjdGUqQUFVXnZHRWw3fHQvamVpTmt9NXJxd0ZMQWhteGd5aHN2dGN0ZQA=
If you do not have and would like to have either a paypal or Alertpay account, click the link you are interested in below and MCC of CC may get a commission:
Alertpay (preferred by editor, personal preference): https://www.alertpay.com/?Yxe%2fZIRsrFbS%2ffeN3AfnxQ%3d%3d
Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/us/mrb/pal=MP5445LVSFMNY
Good Search--Did you know? Each time someone does a search using Good Search, a charity gets 1 cent. If you put MCC of Corpus Christi in the "Who do you GoodSearch for?" box, MCC of Corpus Christi gets that penny. You can set Good search as your homepage and/or default search engine. You can also download and install a Good Search toolbar to ensure MCC of Corpus Christi gets donations when you buy online! Visit http://www.goodsearch.com/nonprofit/metropolitan-community-church-mcc-of-corpus-christi.aspx for more details!
Need some suggestions to search? Try these: Luke 12, Greed, arbitrator, tithe, survey, Skype, network. You never have to buy anything for MCC of Corpus Christi to get the credit. Happy searching!
Goodshop.com: Goodshop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 % of each purchase to your favorite cause! More than 1000 great Stores including Old Navy, Dell, Expedia, Best Buy, eBay, Macy's, and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with Good Shop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting your favorite cause. Be sure to put MCC of Corpus Christi in the "Who do you support?" box. And if you download the toolbar from http://www.goodsearch.com/nonprofit/metropolitan-community-church-mcc-of-corpus-christi.aspx you will ensure MCC of CC gets credit from every store available when you shop online!
FROM THE FELLOWSHIP
| 
Tearing Down Walls. Building Up Hope. | | Metropolitan Community Churches Decries "Solution to Gay Marriage" Calls on National Organization for Marriage to Immediately Issue an Apology | | Office of the Moderator Metropolitan Community Churches For Immediate Release: July 30, 2010 The solution to same-sex marriage, according to a supporter of the National Organization for Marriage, is to bring back lynching. The National Organization for Marriage is currently on a nationwide tour to promote "traditional" marriage and in an anti-gay rally in Indianapolis, this week, a supporter held a sign with a couple of nooses on it and the words, "The Solution to Gay Marriage", and quoting Leviticus 20:13. Speaking on behalf of Metropolitan Community Churches, The Reverend Dr. Neil Thomas, Senior Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Los Angeles and President of California Faith for Equality, said, "This is a dreadful misuse of the sacred text quoted. It is hate speak and gives permission to religious extremists and right wing fundamentalists to incite violence against God's gay and lesbian children. This is nothing less than a hate crime." According to NOM, marriage should only be between a man and a women. "Ciiting religious views to deny marriage to same-sex couples is a violation of the founding principles of our great country," added The Rev. Nancy Wilson, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches. "We believe in justice, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all, and that the law should protect all of its citizens. Religious arguments have been used to deny inter-racial couples a marriage in the past and to support acts of violence, such as slavery. It was wrong then and it is wrong now," she continued. Religious organizations have always had the freedom to grant a religious ceremony to whomever they chose. Metropolitan Community Churches was the first denomination in the United States to offer the sacrament of marriage to lesbian and gay couples. "I choose to afford religious marriage to same-sex couples believing that one day, in the not too distant future, the law will right itself and civil marriage, incluidng the full responsibilities and privileges that come with this human right, will be awarded to same gender loving couples throughout the United States of America," The Rev. Thomas added. "The Church is a prophetic voice in this battle for equality," commented The Rev. Jim Merritt, Marriage Equality Liaison for the Global Justice Ministry of Metropolitan Community Churches. "As a person of faith, a Christian, this misuse of the Holy Scriptures by the National Organization for Marriage cannot go unchecked. As people of faith we cannot sit back and give silent permission to incite violence in the name of Jesus." "Today, in the name of all that is good, just and holy, I join my voice, on behalf of Metropolitan Community Churches, to all those calling the National Organization for Marriage to immediately and unconditionally condemn this action on the part of its supporters and issue an unqualified apology to LGBT peoples throughout the world," concluded The Rev. Nancy Wilson. "Anything less," added Rev. Thomas, "is complicity with violence and that simply is unacceptable for anyone of us who professes the Christian faith." This statement prepared in conjunction with The Moderator's Global Justice Team, Metropolitan Community Churches, The Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair. | | Click here For more information on Metropolitan Community Churches. For more information on Marriage Equality and MCC's Global Justice Team, contact The Rev. Jim Merritt at RevJim@thecommunityactivist.com. For more information on California Faith for Equality, contact The Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas at RevNeil@mccla.org {skype: revdrneil}. |
| |
| | |
|
| | | Metropolitan Community Churches Tearing Down Walls. Building Up Hope. |
| | 
Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
Moderator Metropolitan Community Churches | | Members of the Metropolitan Community Churches Governing Board Liz Bisordi Rev. Dr. Candace Shultis Raquel Benitez Rojas Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin John Hassell Rev. Onetta Brooks Bryan Parker Rev. Tony Freeman |
| | | It was just 30 days ago that so many of us gathered in Acapulco, Mexico for the 24th MCC General Conference. During our time together, we celebrated, prayed, sang, danced, listened, discerned, dreamed and imagined... The General Conference elected a new Moderator, passed a new structure, elected a new governing board, and offered gratitude for ministry that continues to reach and inspire people all around the world.
God has already imagined today for us and we have come this far by faith and now take boldly our next steps by convening the first formal meeting of our new Governing Board next week. Prior to departing Mexico, the newly elected members of the governing board came together first for an initial check-in and secondly to participate in a joint conversation with the members of the outgoing Board of Administration. In the coming days of 2-6 August, we ask you to hold Liz Bisordi,John Hassell,Bryan Parker, Raquel Benitez Rojas, Rev. Onetta Brooks, Rev. TonyFreeman, Rev. Dr. Robert Griffinand Rev. Dr. Candace Shultis in your hearts and prayers as they travel to gather in Sarasota, FL (USA) to begin the task of organizing for governance. They will be training for 2.5 days with Dan Hotchkiss, our consultant from Alban Institute, who will be working with them over the next 18 months. Also, please hold in the light of your love, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Rev. Elder Darlene Garner, Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, Rev. Elder Ken Martin, Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, Rev. Dr. Mona West, Irma Bauer-Levesque and Barb Crabtree who comprise MCC's senior staff team who will be meeting 9-13 August. | | Prayer for the Upcoming Meetings Living, loving God; Your love fills our hearts and Your light guides our every step. In all that we do, we acknowledge You and give thanks for Your wisdom, strength, and peace within. Let us continue to thankfully turn to Your Divine guidance as we move into the stillness of Your wisdom and connect fully into that which is ours to do in this now moment. We come together in the awareness of Your constant presence within us that continually speaks into our words, our thoughts, our hearts and the work of our hands. You are the light that shines on our path. Your light gives us insight and understanding that is reaching deeper into the hearts and souls of your people. Continue to be our source of wisdom. May Your spirit always guide us, Your love ever enfold us, and Your light continue to inspire us. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen. |
|
|
| |
| | |
|
| | | METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Tearing Down Walls. Building Up Hope. | | In This Issue...
~ 2010 General Conference Awards ~ 
Welcome to a special issue of the MCC IMPACT. This entire edition is devoted to the awards presented during General Conference in Acapulco and to honor the recipients for their dedication to MCC and for all of the work which they do to benefit our churches and denominational movement.
| | AWARDS FROM THE BOARD OF ELDERS THE HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD ~ Rev. Elder Diane Fisher Because of her work, we are known as the Human Rights Church in Eastern Europe. She has inspired a new generation of spiritual activists, not only in Eastern Europe, but throughout MCC. She has also been on the cutting edge of human rights work with persons who have various disabilities, the LBGT community, and others. THE EXCELLENCE IN MINISTRY AWARD ~ Rev. Jeff Miner He has created a path of spiritual formation and growth through SoulShift, an innovative program that offers multiple opportunities for Christian discipleship at Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana), where he is senior pastor. THE EDITH ALLEN PERRY AWARD ~ the family of James Byrd Named for the mother of Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry, this award honors parents who unconditionally love their children. The family of James Byrd, an African-American who was dragged to his death behind a truck in Texas, was active in supporting the inclusive hate crimes legislation passed by the US Congress. THE KERRY BROWN AWARD ~ Marvin Bagwell and Tim Fellows Honoring distinguished lay leadership, this award was presented to Mr. Bagwell for his service above and beyond on the Board of administration, especially in the areas of legal, property, and investment issues. It was also given to Mr. Fellows for his many years of service to the churches in the UK and in Region 4.  THE PURPLE GRASS AWARD ~ Rev. Fernando Frontan, Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins, and Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin
This award is named for Rev. Elder Freda Smith's famous sermon and honors her many years of evangelistic work and bringing spiritual renewal to congregations. Rev. Frontan has accomplished pioneering, global work in Spanish language media ministry from ICM Casa de Luz (Monterrey, Mexico). Rev. Drs. Watkins and Griffin have used new technologies to share the Good News through Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) and Sunshine Cathedral MCC Jamaica. THE PHOENIX AWARD ~ Rev. Mic Hinson and Rev. Charley Garrison Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, so do some of our churches experience renewal. Rev. Hinson fostered a new era of breaking down barriers to growth at MCC San Antonio (Texas) and Rev. Garrison led healthy growth in a small church with a big vision, Central Texas MCC from the Heart (Waco, Texas). THE ED PAUL AWARD ~ Rev. Bob Bond Named for Rev. Ed Paul and the amazing work he did in transitional ministry, this year's award honors Rev. Bob Bond's extraordinary pastoral leadership as the intentional interim pastor of Safe Harbour MCC (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada). THE BOB CROCKER AWARD ~ Diane Leah Named for an exceptional MCC musician, the award honors the dedicated and faithful service of Ms. Leah and her outstanding contribution as director of music ministry at MCC Toronto (Ontario, Canada). THE JOHN H. HOSE AWARD ~ Rev. Margaret Walker The award honoring Papa John is given for dedicated and faithful service. Rev. Walker has done outstanding work mentoring and supporting the intentional interim pastors throughout MCC, as well as being faithful in her pastorate at Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas). THE ECUMENICAL AWARD ~ Markens Liljer MCC and Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas Preben Sloth accepted the award for Markens Liljer MCC (Copenhagen, Denmark) for being the first MCC anywhere in the world to become a member of their country's National Council of Churches. Rev. Dr. Thomas was honored for his tireless work ecumenically for marriage equality in California. THE MCC THEOLOGIAN AWARD ~ Rev. Patrick Cheng He was honored for his contribution to Queer Theology in the Academy. THE AIDS MINISTRY AWARD ~ Dr. Robert Scott He has provided fearless and dedicated contributions as a physician at the Mother of Peace Orphanage in Zimbabwe. THE FOUNDER'S AWARD ~ CRAVE Australia The recipient of this award is selected by our Founder, Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry, rather than by the Board of Elders. CRAVE Australia was honored for their innovative and inspiring leadership in music-based worship and ministry. THE YOUTH AWARD ~ Mr. Angel Collie He was honored for his continued work on the Oral History Project and his advocacy for youth and transgender issues in MCC. THE WOULD JESUS DISCRIMINATE? AWARD ~ Rev. Joe Cobb He was honored for his leadership role in fostering the campaign. THE MEDIA/PERFORMING ARTS AWARD ~ the producers of Prayers for Bobby This documentary has enthralled countless viewers because of their powerful portrayal of the terrible price LGBT youth and families pay for religious homophobia. We are grateful for their positively highlighting the ministry of MCC in this struggle. | | AWARDS FROM THE LAY MINISTRY COUNCIL Following a global request, the LMC received almost 30 nominations for the four awards which they present at each General Conference. The following were the ones selected for 2010. THE JONEE SHELTON LAY LEADERSHIP AWARD ~ Doreen Garrett  Named for JoNee, who served as chair of the Commission on the Laity for 10 years and dedicated her life to the laity of MCC, this award honors a person or team who has been in the forefront of lay leadership, spending countless hours furthering the cause of Christ in various areas of the local community. Doreen Garrett has served MCC London (Ontario, Canada) in every possible capacity, from serving three terms as vice moderator to baking cookies for fellowship. She served on the UFMCC nominating committee and volunteers with local agencies and groups.
THE FAITHFULNESS AWARD ~ Mary Warders The doors at New Spirit MCC (Cincinnati, Ohio) would not be open today if it weren't for Mary Warders. The church has been without a pastor for several years, but Mary's faithfulness, dedication, and commitment have been a rock for the church. She works with the board, schedules weekly speakers, and does whatever needs to be accomplished to reach the community with God's love. She has been a stable force in the church for nearly 20 years. THE SERVICE AWARD ~ Robert W. Pope and the H.O.T. Team at King of Peace MCC This award is presented to an individual or team that enables people to access the Good News of God's inclusive love in ways that were previously unavailable to them. Mr. Pope has been the lay delegate for KOP MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida) since it began and coordinated fundraisers during the church's early years. He established the Human Outreach Team fifteen years ago so that congregants could use their gifts and talents in community outreach, such as preparing meals for persons in need, collecting funds to help children in developing nations, hosting a food distribution site. Through their commitment and passion, they have made Christ visible in the community. THE MUTUALITY IN MINISTRY AWARD ~ Rev. Kristen Klein-Cechettini When clergy and laity partner together, amazing things can happen and the priesthood of all believers becomes a reality. As the director of life development at Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas), she has created spiritual education programs and activities which inspire the knowledge and practice of the Christian faith and promote growth in health and wholeness. | | PROFILES IN COURAGE  These awards honor people for the amazing courage they have shown to stand for Christ and the LBGT community in places where their lives could be threatened by doing so.
________ (We cannot endanger her by using her name.) for her courageous leadership and pastoral ministry in Moldova Ms. Judy Cowen for her courage and commitment as a lay leader in the face of challenges. Rev. Stephen Parelli for taking Other Sheep around the globe in hope and love. Rev. Michael Kimindu for the work he is doing for LGBT people in Africa, especially in Kenya. | | DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS These awards are given to people who go beyond their regular duties to serve the global vision of MCC. For translating material into Spanish and Portuguese ~ Rev. Hector Gutierrez  For sacrificial, creative, and committed work in reviewing the MCC structure and proposing changes ~
Rev. Tony Freeman, Mr. Stan Kimer, Dr. Jonelle Neighbor, Mr. Barry Hundley, and Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston For the diligent and detailed work of reviewing the Bylaws and making recommendations ~ Rev. Michael Cooper, Ms. Judy Dale, Rev. Ron LaRocque, Rev. Robyn Provis, and Ms. Leah Sloan For service on the Judiciary Review Team ~ Rev. Paulette Armstead, Rev. Terri Echelbarger, Rev. Elder John Gill, Ms. Jude Litzenberger, Mr. Ray Nutter, Rev. Clay Witt, and Ms. Vickey Gibbs For helping shape MCC's response as a faith community to US public policy and its impact on the world ~ Rev. Dr. Pat Bumgardner, Mr. DeWayne Davis, Rev. Jorge Delgado, Mr. John Hassell, Rev. Jim Merritt, and Mr. Kareem Murphy For their work in continuing to bring assistance and relief to Haiti ~ ICM Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) | | CHURCH GROWTH AWARDS These awards honor those churches displaying outstanding growth in average weekly attendance.  For churches with less than 50 each week ~ MCC of the Gentle Shepherd (Vancouver, Washington), Big Easy MCC (New Orleans, Louisiana), and Spirit of Life MCC (New Port Richey, Florida)
For churches with 50 - 150 in average weekly attendance ~ First MCC of Wichita(Kansas) For churches with 150 - 300 in weekly attendance ~ MCC New York (New York) For churches with more than 350 each week ~ Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) | | STRATEGIC PLAN AWARDS These awards are given based on the strategic priorities of MCC globally. Marketing ~ MCC Las Vegas (Nevada) for their Season of Prayer program which opened their church to the community in new ways Finances/Stewardship ~ MCC New York (New York) for their faithful and generous support of the  denomination and the work of Global Justice as the highest single contributing church to MCC in recent years Global Justice ~ John Hassell for his work with people with HIV/AIDS through the United Nations, especially for his commitment to the activists in Uganda Resources ~ Jesus MCC(Indianapolis, Indiana) for their Discipleship Program resource, which is being used by many MCCs, and the Lay Ministry Councilfor the Lay Delegate Manual, which has helped new and old delegates find their way Church Planting ~ Rev. Kevin Downer for planting achurch4me? MCC(Chicago, Illinois) and encouraging other church planters in MCC, and Rev. Cee Jay Agbayani, Jr., for planting MCC Quezon City (Philippines) and for his passion for the future of MCC in the Philippines | | THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION  Gratitude was expressed to the members of the Board of Administration who gave many hours of dedicated service under the old structure ~ Rev. Jeff Miner, chair, Mr. Marvin Bagwell, Mr. John Hassell, Ms. Julie Krueger, Mr. John Vespa, and Ms. Marsha Warren.
Appreciation was also expressed to Rev. Dr. Cindi Love for her service as Executive Director of MCC. | | DO YOU HAVE NEWS?  If so, please send it to JudyDale@MCCchurch.net. Thanks!
DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE NEWS? If you don't receive email publications such as MCC Headline News, the MCC Impact, action alerts, prayer alerts, etc., please click the following link and complete the quick sign up to be added immediately to our listings. Click here to sign up. |
|
| | |
|
*************************************************************
You have received this newsletter because you (or someone using your email address) requested it. If you no longer wish to receive these newsletters, send an email with the subject of "unsubscribe" to Newsletter@mcccorpuschrsiti.org Thank you
