| | | MCC Invited to U.N. Commission of Human Rights Meeting: FREE and EQUAL in DIGNITY and RIGHTS  | | U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton |
MCC was honored to be one of 38 invited guests to the U.N. Commission of Human Rights meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, to hear U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's historic address. You can read more about it in Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson's article on Huffington Post entitled Occupy Queer Rights Around the Globe! or via MCC's press release.  | | Rev. Pat Bumgardner (MCC New York and Global Justice Institute) and Dane Lewis (MCC in Jamaica and JFLAG) |
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| Welcome the New Assistant to the Moderator 
Linda Beckstead has been hired to replace Connie Meadows, who is retiring at the end of this year, and will be Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson's new assistant, starting January 3. She will also serve as the Project Manager for the International Task Force (ITF). Linda comes to us after an award-winning career teaching journalism in high school. She provided leadership to MCC Omaha in marketing, website development, and music ministry, as well as served as moderator on their board of directors. Highlights of her leadership include: co-planning two Heartland Network multi-state conferences; coordinating relief efforts for Spirit of Christ MCC after a tornado devastated a portion of Joplin, Missouri; and preaching at the MCC Region 8 conference in Denver (Colorado) in 2004. Linda and her partner Susie will be relocating from Omaha (Nebraska) to Sarasota. Her new email address will be LindaBeckstead@MCCchurch.net. |
| Exciting News from U.S. Board of Pensions
The U.S. Board of Pensions (BOP) has been working very hard for nearly a year to bring two pieces of very exciting news to our U.S. clergy. Here are the main points:
- No more annual clergy contributions!
- Larger pension payouts!
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| The Office of Formation and Leadership Development is accepting applications for the second L.E.A.D. retreat, 17-20 February 2012. The L.E.A.D. (Laity Empowered for Active Discipleship) Certificate Program provides MCC laity with an opportunity for spiritual growth and the development of leadership skills. Persons who complete the L.E.A.D. Certificate will be placed on a Leadership List available to Elders, Senior Staff, and MCC Clergy for the purpose of creating a leadership pool from which to choose trained laity to serve in leadership positions in MCC at the local, denominational, and international levels.
To participate in the upcoming L.E.A.D. Retreat, individuals should complete the program application found here: L.E.A.D. App link. The cost of the retreat is $475 USD, which includes tuition, three nights' lodging, and all meals. The location of the retreat at The Balcones Retreat Center, Marble Falls, Texas, is accessible from either the Austin or San Antonio airport. The deadline for applications to the program is 6 January 2012.
The L.E.A.D. Manual, which explains the program in more detail, can be obtained here: L.E.A.D. Manual link. To access our L.E.A.D. Brochure to print for your church, click here. |
| | Seeking MCC Stoles for the Shower of Stoles Project
The Shower of Stoles Project is an extraordinary collection of over one thousand liturgical stoles and other sacred items representing the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people of faith. These religious leaders have served in almost forty denominations and faith traditions, and come from six countries on three continents. This collection celebrates the gifts of LGBT persons who serve God in countless ways, while also lifting up those who have been excluded from service because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Project bears witness to the huge loss of leadership that the Church has brought upon itself because of its own unjust policies. The collection tours constantly around the country, being exhibited in local congregations, universities and seminaries, and regional and national denominational gatherings. You can receive news, notices of upcoming exhibits, and the Stole of the Week by following the Shower of Stoles Project on twitter @ShowerofStoles or via the SOSP website. |
| MCC General Conference 1-5 July 2013 Chicago, Illinois
It's that time again! Time to start thinking about General Conference! Registration will be opening soon, so be sure to keep an eye out for the announcement. If you are as excited as we are about the conference and want to get a head start, you can make your hotel reservations at our special group rate, $125 USD (+tax) per night at the Fairmont Chicago. Click here to reserve online, or call 1-800-526-2008 and mention our group name (UFMCC 2013 General Conference) to lock in this low conference rate. We are looking forward to seeing all of you in Chicago in 2013. Stay tuned for more details coming soon in the New Year! |
| | | Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson's Christmas Message Did you miss Rev. Wilson's Christmas message? You can view it here:
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Support MCC with a Year-End Gift Would you like to make a tax-deductible donation to MCC to support our life-changing work around the world? |
| 2012 Men's Conference 14-16 March 2012 San Diego, California
It gives me great joy and pleasure, on behalf of the Design Team of the MCC Men's Conference, to invite you to join us for a gathering at our host church, MCC San Diego. Our theme is Holy Trust: Building A Lasting Bond! It has been five years since the men of MCC gathered, and this Design Team has organized a wonderful gathering which will allow each of us an opportunity to re-connect or connect, share, bond and grow. There are networking opportunities for both clergy and laity to share together, as well as safe space to share separately in breakout session. Early registration is $75(USD) through 31 January 2012 and $100 (USD) thereafter. Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin, Convener Vice Chair, MCC Governing Board |
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