| | | Metropolitan Community Churches Tearing Down Walls. Building Up Hope. |
| |  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! |
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 | | 
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| 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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