MCC Impact - October Volume II

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Metropolitan Community Churches Tearing Down Walls.  Building Up Hope. MCC Impact October is Black History Month in the UK.  MCC East London (England) has celebrated with a special children's service (Adults were invited, too!) and special speakers during the month including Rev. Jide Macaulay from House of Rainbow MCC, Laurence Benkhabeb-House from MCC East London, and Rev. Kieren Bourne from Living Springs MCC in Bath. In 1926 Carter Godwin, an American historian who initiated the field of black studies, founded the Negro History Week. Later this initiative became Black History Month, which is celebrated in October in the UK and February in the US.  It is a time to acknowledge the enormous contributions by black people to the development of the UK and cultural diversity. Black communities have been part of East London for centuries. In the 18th century servants, who ran away from their masters' houses, fled to the East End of London, where they lived with others in poverty. October is a period of tolerance and reconciliation in African culture, making this time a reconnection with the African source.   HOLIDAY PLANS Last week MCC North London (England) celebrated a joint Harvest Service with Trinity URC in the morning and their own Harvest Service in the evening. FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) hosted a Costume Swap Day as part of their environmental work.  No need to purchase a new, cardboard and plastic-wrapped, polyester outfit and plastic mask, "when you can trade with someone, or go vintage from your own closet!  So whether you're bartering for a bandolier, or trading away your tutu, you won't be contributing to landfill waste." The folks at MCC Omaha (Nebraska) gathered for a pumpkin decorating social. Children at MCC Knoxville (Tennessee) participated in a "Trunk or Treat" following worship yesterday.  After homemade chili and hot dogs, while the children changed into their Halloween costumes, the adults decorated the trunks of their cars so they were ready to pass out healthy snacks and candy. Last Saturday MCC Illiana (Portage, Indiana) hosted a Trivia Night with a Halloween theme.  The eight people at each table decorated their tables and competed with other groups in the games and contests. First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia) hosted a Kids Fall Festival Event entitled "Great Tomb Raid" yesterday morning.  Through the stories, games and fun, the children discovered God's power in a new way. Costumes and treats were part of the event, of course!  In the afternoon they went on an outing to Cagles farm corn maze. A Masquerade Ball, dinner and dance, is being planned by Harvest MCC (Denton, Texas) for the 30th. To observe All Hallows Eve, Eternal Joy MCC (Dayton, Ohio) will hold a special afternoon service on 31 October to celebrate and commemorate the lives of those who have passed during the last year. Living Springs MCC (Bath, England) began their annual collecting for Christmas shoeboxes for children in need in Eastern Europe and Africa.  They already have a surfeit of cuddly toys!  On the 31st they will take an early look at the nativity stories in the Bible and discuss their meaning and history. Divine Peace MCC (Pontiac, Michigan) has already issued the invitations for their Festival of Carols on 11 December! MAKING A DIFFERENCE Rev. Carol Rawlings-Chambers reprinted Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson's letter on bullying in the newsletter of Open Circle at The Villages MCC, a church plant in Oxford, Florida.  A few days later, she received an email from one of their members, the mother of a teen, who said that she had been wanting to reach out to their local school around this issue, but hadn't decided what to do.  When she read Rev. Nancy's letter, she had her direction.  She sent an email to the principal, outed herself, and offered up resources of Open Circle MCC and the local LGBT community organization to assist the school around the issue of bullying.  She felt very strongly that Rev. Nancy's letter gave her the courage to step out and make a difference. What can you do to address bullying and other issues facing our youth and our communities?  King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida) held a candlelight walk downtown.  Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) held a vigil at the church on International Coming Out Day.  Reconciliation MCC (Grand Rapids, Michigan), MCC Louisville (Kentucky), and others used a Litany on Bulling during worship. Are You Making An Impact In Your Local Community?  Tell Us About It...   Do you have news to share? If so, please click here to contact Judy Dale, the editor of the MCC Impact to help lift up and share what God is up to in your local MCC! Making the Impact! Holiday Plans Making a Difference Crossroads Worship Concert The Final Deadline Churches Reaching Out Special People Party Time! A Night of Black & White Active Churches Applications are Now Being Accepted for the 2011 Leadership Mentoring Retreat   Please note that there is no tuition for the program.  If you are in need of assistance with the room and board cost, let us know by emailing Connie Meadows in the Moderator's Office. ~ If you are interested in learning more and applying to participate in this retreat, please click here to complete the online application.   Apply Today!  Coming Soon   Seasonal Resources Clergy License 2011 Online License Payments and Downloadable Forms   CROSSROADS WORSHIP CONCERT The Ministry of Aaron's Rainbow Project will produce a special night of worship and praise in West Palm Beach, Florida, featuring the music and message of four different ministries from across the nation: Shawn Thomas, Susie and Linda of Brenner-Beckstead, Jeremiah Cummings, and Jason DeShazo of There's Victory. The event will begin at 7 pm at MCC of the Palm Beaches in Palm Beach Gardens on Friday, 12 November.  Click here to find out more and RSVP for the free concert.  THE FINAL DEADLINE "Too often we postpone life, as if there were no deadline," according to author and theologian Rev. Chris Glaser, "but death, to me, is personalized eschatology."   In contrast to religious traditions that attempt to shield us from death by promising eternal life or by denying or demeaning physical existence, Rev. Glaser looks at death directly and with appreciation for what it teaches us about life.  Death is an inscrutable and even stern Zen master ready to teach us, a spiritual director eager to inspire us, a soul-friend reminding us that our lifespan has sacred worth. In his new book, The Final Deadline: What Death has Taught Me about Life, he writes movingly of deaths that have shaped him, whether those deaths occurred through murder, suicide, accident, or illness. A few deaths were especially transforming and personal, and all, he hopes, will open readers' hearts to their own discoveries when facing The Final Deadline. Chris Glaser ISBN: 978-0-8192-2378-4 $18.00 Paper 144 pgs 5.5 x 8.5 Morehouse Publishing CHURCHES REACHING OUT MCC in Glasgow, in association with Glasgay!, Scotland's annual celebration of queer culture, is presenting a free showing of "Prayers for Bobby" at the Glasgow Film Theatre next Sunday.   Afterwards there will be a Q and A (Queers and Answers) session "Gotta Have Faith" during which Rev. Jane Clarke will address the aspects of religion, faith, social, and media commentary, as well as audience questions. Valley Ministries MCC (Stockton, California) set a goal to send youth to the next General Conference in Chicago in 2013 and the fund already has $1000 (USD)! Folks at MCC Greater Dallas (Texas) are going through their closets and getting out those fall and winter clothes.  While doing so they are setting aside extra coats and sweaters for their "Warm Hearts, Warm Bodies" clothing drive for the homeless.  MCC/ICM Los Angeles (California) had a regular attendee of their Bible Study move out of state, but he really wanted to continue being part of the group.  So, they now interactively Skype their Bible Study with people who have transportation issues right there in LA or live in such places as Oregon, Tennessee, and even Sao Paulo, Brazil. Knowing that these issues were important to church members, some folks from The Big Easy MCC (New Orleans, Louisiana) participated in the Light the Night Walk for Leukemia and Lymphoma and others the Walk for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, since both were scheduled on the same day. Carrying umbrellas of various rainbow hues and a large sign proclaiming God Loves You, Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York) led the Wedding March downtown.  Rev. Jim Mulcahy spoke to the crowd. CRAVE MCC Paddington (Australia) is involved with regularly distributing food and hot drinks at a BBQ for 150 disadvantaged people at the Waterloo Housing Estate. A formal dinner was held to show appreciation for the volunteers living there. They are beginning to see individuals who are now showing interest in spiritual life. The DUO (Do Unto Others) Fund collections for October at All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota) will be donated to Training to Serve, which assists service providers in ensuring that LGBT seniors have a satisfying quality of life. Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Reading, and York, Pennsylvania) will be spending Saturday morning helping the environment by picking up debris along Route 23 West. MCC Richmond (Virginia) will host a two hour Financial Management Seminar on 6 November at 9 am focusing on financial education, budgeting, and debt management. A group at MCC Newcastle upon Tyne (England) is combining the work of Amnesty International and MCC's Global Justice Ministry into their own effort in doing justice locally and around the world. Instead of a float or marching unit in their Pride Parade, Trinity MCC (Arlington, Texas) offered two recycling centers during the parade and the street party afterwards.  They collected a pick-up bed full of cans, glass, and plastic to recycle and keep out of landfills.  They wore their Would Jesus Discriminate t-shirts and posted signs which said "Recycling provided by Trinity MCC". MCC Manchester (England) is excited about hosting an evening of poetry with Carol Ann Duffy, the Poet Laureate, on 13 November at 7 pm.  Tickets are £10 and all proceeds are going to the Immigration Aid Unit.  Click here for more information.   SPECIAL PEOPLE Rev. Melanie Martinez was ordained during a special service last Saturday evening at Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas). Laurie Gaum has been appointed as the Spiritual Mentor for Good Hope MCC (Cape Town, South Africa).  He will be offering spiritual support and guidance to the Church Council and others in leadership for at least six months. MCC Detroit (Michigan) member Larry Narvais participated in the Michigan Make-A-Wish Foundation's 300-mile bike ride to raise money for children with life-threatening illnesses. Rev. Dave Bieniek is now the Chaplain and Volunteer Coordinator for the Home Health Care and Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital on Whidbey Island in Coupeville, Washington.  He continues to write a blog and develop his website. Last Saturday Spiritual Director Ravi Verma led a retreat for congregants and guests of MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California). During a rare hail storm in Phoenix, Arizona, Rev. Elder John Gill's car was damaged, as were those of others at Gentle Shepherd MCC. Rev. Renee McCoy preached last Sunday at Emerald City MCC (Seattle, Washington) as they kicked off their "Fighting HIV/AIDS One Prayer at a Time" program.  Prayer Partners signed a Certificate of Covenant, stating commitment to regularly pray for one person with HIV/AIDS throughout the year, and received a pin with the words "One Prayer" on it to initiate conversation with others. Rev. Ken Storer passed away earlier this month.  He was active in the early days of the Northwest District, but recently has been living as Jamshed Ken Storer in Oregon at Breitenbush Hot Springs. Bonnie Dlouhy, the partner of Heather Maybee, long-time Lay Delegate for the now closed Christos MCC (Toronto, Ontario), died unexpectedly following surgery.  The funeral was 12 October at MCC Toronto. PARTY TIME! MCC of the Spirit (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) celebrated their 30th anniversary last Sunday with An Evening of Song and Spirit.  MCC Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) and Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Reading, and York, Pennsylvania) joined in the festivities. MCC Charleston (South Carolina) will host a Fall Dance on 13 November with the proceeds going to their Food Bank. Pikes Peak MCC (Colorado Springs, Colorado) will enjoy Dreaming of Decadence: Fun in the Fifties.  There will be a dinner, show, live auction, silent auction, and more! Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) held a birthday party for MCC's 42nd birthday!  They showed the film Troy Perry: Pastor and Prophet. A NIGHT OF BLACK & WHITE King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida) is offering a $5 advance registration for an entry in the pre-registration drawing, quick admission to A Night of Black & White on 6 November, and five free raffle tickets.  "Just think you won't have to stand in the queue at the door with the hoi polloi and buy your own raffle tickets. So, you might want to consider seriously this pre-registration option!" There will also be special raffle tickets to obtain a chance ona 14-SEER variable speed 410-A Frigidaire heat pump residential (1½ to 5-ton) system with a Honeywell thermostat, which retails for $7800(USD).  Donations for tickets are 1 for $30, 2 for $50, and 5 for $100.  You don't have to be present to win.   A Night of Black & White will be an exciting evening of food, fun, and fellowship with something for everyone.  The guest emcee is Sterling Powell, a local artist and (flamboyant) personality.  There will be silent and live auctions, sign-up events (dinners, cruises, parties, etc.) offered by KOP MCC members and friends, a costume contest, a cash ticket bar, and who knows what else?  You won't want to miss it! ACTIVE CHURCHES Our Hope MCC (Athens, Georgia) partnered with McAlister's, Loco's, Applebee's, and The National & Hollis BBQ, which, for church folks, gave 10% of the tab to the church. They also partnered with a straight ally, Rev. Bob Googe, owner of Jittery Joe's Coffee to create the OHMCC Anniversary Blend in celebration of the church's 11th anniversary!  Cans of ground or whole bean coffee can be ordered online by contacting the church.  Cans are $10 (USD) each plus shipping. At Agape MCC (Ft. Worth, Texas) they had a Pink Sunday, a day to wear pink, promote Breast Cancer Awareness, and encourage self check breast exams for both men and women. They provided informational packets and a video after church. The middle and high school youth at MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks (Texas) and some of their friends enjoyed an evening of BlazerTag last weekend. Yesterday MCC Toronto (Ontario) hosted their annual Bridges to Hope and Freedom event at the Arcadian Court.  This year they honoured individuals in the legal profession and the progress toward equality of human rights in the LGBT community.  Justice Harry S. Laforme was the keynote speaker. Planning a trip to New York City?  Going to the theater?  Click here to purchase your tickets and 5% of your ticket price will benefit Sylvia's Place and other MCC New York ministries. Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois) is offering classes in basic meditation techniques. Imago Dei MCC (Glen Mills, Pennsylvania) will observe Consecration Sunday by returning their Covenant of Commitment Cards. Healing Spirit MCC (Rochester, Minnesota) received second place for the monies their team collected in the AIDS Walk.  Only the UU church collected more. An exciting new group, the Traditionalist Caucus, has formed at MCC Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania). Identifying themselves as theologically conservative and/or evangelical, they are currently working on organizing small-group Bible Studies, as well as developing core guiding principles.

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MCC of CC E-news

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MCC of Corpus Christi

E – Newsletter

24 October 2010

www.mcccorpuschristi.org

This Week

Rev. Ken Ehrke and Board of Directors

MCC Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, Texas

October 20, 2010

Dear Ones:

It is my great pleasure to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Ken Ehrke as the new Intentional Interim Pastor for MCC Corpus Christi.  After discerning your needs, I am convinced that Rev. Ehrke is the perfect one to lead you on this part of the journey.

With the complete confidence and affirmation of the Board of Directors of MCC Corpus Christi, it is my great privilege to make this appointment effective on November 17, 2010 and continuing through November 30, 2010, with the possibility of three-month extensions.

It is my hope that every single one of you will recognize this point in your history as a time for renewal, restoration and growth.  It is my prayer that you will partner with Rev. Ehrke to make MCC Corpus Christi the spiritual home that has everyone talking.

I thank you for your faithfulness and patience while going through this time of transition and want you to know what a pleasure it is to serve with all of you in ministry.  Please know that my help and support are always available and you are always in my heart.

Be blessed on this journey,

Rev. Elder Darlene Garner

Friday October 29, 2010 MCC will be having there 2nd annual Halloween Bash from 6 to 10pm. This time we will be having a pot luck, So bring your favorite food dish, soft drinks, punch, and deserts. There will also be a drag show at 8:30pm sharp.

Annual Congregational Meeting: The Annual Congregational meeting for MCC of CC will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday October 31^st.  We will be approving a budget, electing 3 Board members and a Lay Delegate.  There were no applicants for Alternate Lay Delegate so that position will remain vacant for the time being. Documents can be found at http://www.mcccorpuschristi.org/members

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!

 

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

 

This Month

Locher Food Pantry: Next month begins the Holiday season.  The Locher Food Pantry is starting to collect the fixin's for Thanksgiving meals now so we can distribute them beginning the first of November.

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.

Movie Night – On the 2^nd and 4^th 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 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! 

 

 

 

 

 

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MCC Headline NEWS - October Volume II

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Metropolitan Community Churches Tearing Down Walls.  Building Up Hope. MCCHeadline NEWS Frank Zerilli Celebrates 36 Years of Service to MCC On December 2, 2010 Frank Zerilli will retire from MCC staff after 36 years of distinguished service.  Frank began working for Rev. Elder Troy Perry as his confidential assistant in 1974, and over the course of the years has worked with many of us throughout MCC and in other organizations around the world.     Earlier this month,  we had an opportunity to celebrate with Frank when Rev. Troy Perry visited Abilene to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Exodus MCC.  We reflected on the past 36 years and presented Frank with a plaque to commemorate the celebration.  Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator of MCC, recorded a special video message for the occasion.   We invite you to click here and visit the web page we have set up for you to view the video message from Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, see the photo from the retirement celebration event, and even post your own message of congratulations or share a favorite memory with Frank.   We pray for bountiful blessings for Frank as he retires, and are grateful for his presence with us over the past years. Saying Farewell...   As part of our ongoing financial management, we found it necessary to eliminate the staff positions held by Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner, Rev. Jennifer Glass, and Joshua Love.  To each of them we extend our farewell wishes and note that their presence is already missed among our remaining staff.  We see them blessed and loved as they prepare to engage the next opportunity that God holds for them.    Regarding these difficult decisions, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson says, "Sharon, Jen, and Joshua have all made significant contributions to the mission and ministry of MCC that is felt around the world, and we are so grateful for their service."  Please join us in holding each of them in our hearts and prayers. A View from the Summit with Rev. Elder Lillie Brock "What's Size Got to Do With It?"   Well, that's a question the Elders have been asking all year!  And without a doubt, we have discovered that, SIZE has everything to do with how a church behaves, structures itself and commits itself to ongoing transformation.   Most of you know that since December of 2009, the Elders have been facilitating a 2 day experience for churches that we call The Church Size Summits. These summits have a two-fold purpose:   1.      To offer thorough education to churches about Church Size Theory 2.     To do a thorough assessment of every church and offer one-on-one feedback and recommendations at the summit We are VERY pleased with the level of participation on the part of our churches and based on the feedback we have received, believe this is one of the best things that has ever been offered to our churches by the denomination.   A few fun facts about the Summits: ·         To date, 72 churches in the U.S. have participated in a Church Size Summit and a thorough assessment/feedback has been provided. ·         We have held Church Size Summits in Austin, TX, Tampa, FL, San Francisco, CA, Kansas City, MO, Detroit, MI and Washington, D.C. ·         November 11-12, 2010, we will hold the final Size Summit for this year in Las Vegas, NV. ·         To date, 9 churches have invited one of the Elders to come and do Mini-Size Summits for their congregations. ·         A total of 374 individuals have attended Church Size Summits.   Key Things We have Learned: ·         The dynamics of Church Size DEFINITELY explain why our churches are, by in large, stuck and gives concrete strategies for changing our trajectory from flat to growing! ·         Of the churches we have assessed, when churches have a Stewardship Program with 3 key elements present, their per capita giving (per person per week) is $38.11 and when those key elements are not present, the per capita giving is $18.68.  Do the math!!!! ·         Of the six key functions of the church, the amount and quality of programming and required staffing are the two areas where our churches have the greatest challenges. ·         The collective Congregational Surveys that are part of the assessment process show clearly that our congregants are hungry for spiritual growth but perceive that our churches do not make it a priority. ·         The role of the pastor, depending on size, changes so we must do a better job of matching the gifts and skill of the pastor with the appropriate size church.   Plans for 2011   Since the Church Size Summits have been so well received, these are our objectives for 2011: 1.     Determine a way to continue delivering Church Size Summits through 2011 in North America 2.     Explore the possibilities of doing Church Size Summits outside North America that are culturally relevant 3.     Work with The Fellowship to determine how Church Size Summits might be helpful to them if made culturally relevant. 4.     Begin a new series of Summits that serve to offer crucial follow up information and experiences to the Size Summits.      Summit Schedules for 2011:  (Look for final locations and dates to be published soon)    Church Size Summits ·         January 21-22 - Atlanta, GA ·         April - TBD ·         May 13-14 - Toronto, ON   Stewardship Summits ·         June 24-25 - TBD ·         September - TBD   Worship/Programming Summits ·         August - TBD ·         November - TBD   According to Arlin Routhage, "Size is the most obvious factor affecting congregational life!"  Please include attendance at one or more of the summits as you do your planning for 2011! Now Accepting Applications for the 2011 Leadership Mentoring Retreat Apply Today! Please note that there is no tuition for the program.  If you are in need of assistance with the room and board cost, let us know by emailing Connie Meadows in the Moderator's Office. If you are interested in learning more and applying to participate in this retreat, please click here to complete the online application.   Every year, The Office of Formation and Leadership Development (OFLD) receives clergy license fees in order to renew the licenses of our clergy in local communities. Clergy are responsible for completing the appropriate forms and paying yearly renewal fees.  Click here for more information and to renew. Making An Impact In Your Local Community?   Do you have news to share? If so, please click here to contact Judy Dale, the editor of the MCC Impact to help lift up and share what God is up to in your local MCC!

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