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It is our great pleasure to announce our first confirmed PAD Conference speakers -- Rev. Dr. Patrick Cheng (Episcopal Divinity School), Bishop Yvette Flunder (United Church of Christ, The Fellowship), Rev. Dr. William Knight (Metropolitan Community Churches), and Rev. Dr. Traci West (Drew University, United Methodist) Come and be blessed by what God has in store for you through these amazing speakers! Bishop Flunder will be our opening speaker on Thursday evening (May 19th). Rev. Knight will be our Friday morning speaker (May 20th). Dr. West will offer the first plenary on Friday morning (May 20th). Dr. Cheng will be our second plenary on Friday afternoon (May 20th) Periodically, we will announce other speakers as are they are confirmed. Also, the NEW 2011 MCC PAD Conference Website has launched! Take a look. See you at the PAD Conference!
Peace,
Rev. Elder Darlene
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| Our Speakers
 Bishop Dr. Yvette Flunder founded the City of Refuge UCC in 1991 in order to unite a gospel ministry with a social ministry. City of Refuge is a thriving inner-city congregation that celebrates the radically inclusive love of Jesus Christ. A native San Franciscan, Bishop Flunder is a third generation preacher with roots in the Church of God in Christ. She was licensed in the COGIC and later ordained by the Bishop Walter Hawkins of Love Center Ministries where she served as Associate Pastor and administrator for the Oakland-based Love Center Church. Bishop Flunder is also an ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ and a graduate of the Ministry Studies and Master of Arts programs at the Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, California. She received a Doctor of Ministry degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo California. In June 2003 Bishop Flunder was consecrated Presiding Bishop of The Fellowship a multi-denominational fellowship of 110 primarily African American Christian leaders and laity representing 56 churches and faith-based organizations from all parts of the United States Mexico and Africa.. More About Bishop
 The Rev. Dr. Traci West - Associate Professor of Ethics and African American Studies at Drew University (Madison, NJ) is a world renowned author and lecturer. Her many works include, Wounds of the Spirit: Black Women, Violence and Resistance Ethics and Holy Conversations: Talking about Homosexuality, A Congregational Resource. She is an ordained United Methodist minister, who has served in campus and parish ministry in the Hartford Connecticut area. Dr. West's research and writing enhance her vibrant speaking style and engaging nature. All who hear her will be encouraged to think anew about their views of LGBT issues and organized religion. More About Traci
 The Rev. Dr. Patrick S. Cheng is the Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology at the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Patrick's scholarly work relates to rethinking sin and grace for LGBTQ people, as well as the theological intersections of race, sexuality, and gender. He is the coordinator of Queer Asian Spirit, an organization by and for LGBTQ Asian people of faith. He is also a contributor to the Huffington Post, and he has served as an ordained minister with the Metropolitan Community Churches since 2001. More About Patrick
 The Rev. Dr. William Knight holds both a BA and Masters in Metaphycis, as well as a Doctor of Divinity Degree from the University of Sedona. Rev. Knight has served as Intentional Interim Minister at Water of Life MCC in Tucson, Arizona, Intentional Interim Minister at MCC of San Jose, California and is now serving as Provisional Pastor of MCC San Francisco. Rev. Dr. Knight is a great believer in the important role that the church plays in the health and well-being of the community. He firmly and completely believes that when the church is involved and dedicated to translating the "Good News" of God's radically inclusive love into concrete actions, everyone is blessed. More About William.
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|  Partners - PAD Conference and HRC's Clergy Call
May 22 - 24, 2011 Washington, DC A Faithful Movement for LGBT Justice It's time to register for Clergy Call 2011! We call on all clergy and faith community leaders to support justice and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Join us in Washington, DC from May 22 - 24, 2011 to have your voice heard by Congress on critical issues affecting the LGBT community. For more information, go to www.hrc.org/issues/religion/9194.htm. Special Offer: By special arrangement between MCC and HRC, clergy and religious leaders who register for both the MCC Conference for People of African Descent, Our Friends and Allies and HRC Clergy Call can apply for a special HRC scholarship to cover 3 nights of lodging at either the Fairmont Washington or another hotel (nights of Saturday through Monday, 21 - 23 May). For more information, go to the HRC website above and submit the online scholarship application form. Scholarships are not guaranteed. Please apply early. |
| Testify/My Roots
Mykal O. Slack, Director of Worship & Clergy Candidate Vision of Hope MCC - Mountville, Reading & York, PA  Perhaps you've encountered the Tree of Life before and just didn't know it! Remember Rafiki, the old and wise mandrill from The Lion King, who presents newborn lion cubs to all the animals at Pride Rock? Well, he made his home in one. If you've read "The Little Prince," it's cited as the tree that could split a small planet into pieces. If you know me, you may have even seen one on my favorite shoulder bag!
This Tree of Life, or Baobab (ˈbā-ə-bab) Tree, is truly one of a kind. Also called the bottle tree, or the upside down tree, it can be found in the savannahs of Africa and India and some parts of Australia. It can grow as tall as 98 feet and develop a trunk as wide in diameter as 36 feet. They are considered among the oldest trees on the earth, and every part of the tree can be used to sustain life. In the wet months, water is stored in its thick, fire-resistant trunk for the nine months of dry weather that will follow. The bark is used for cloth and rope, while the leaves can be used as condiments, as well as for their healing powers. And the fruit, also called "monkey bread," is supposed to be quite tasty. A dear old friend once said that the branches of the baobab reach up toward heaven so that God can give it everything God has to offer, just so the tree can then pass those wonders on to each one of us. Whenever I think about my first PAD conference (and every PAD I've attended since, really), I can't help but think of this tree. There was something really marvelous about stepping into Resurrection MCC in Houston, TX in 2004 and seeing fresh and seasoned faces, hearing words of welcome and familiar stories about family and faith, watching folks from all over come together as though we were all apart of one big family gathering under one roof again in love and appreciation for one another. The learning opened my mind and warmed my heart. The worship touched a place in my Spirit that had long been tucked away. The gathering at table was like home. I felt fully embraced and cared for, as though each person, each element of the conference was a root from a Baobab - feeding, healing, and sustaining me for what was to come in my faith journey and my time in MCC. You see, I was a very different person back then. I had a name and an identity that meant very little to me. I was new to MCC and new to the church and her people. I hadn't found my peace or knew where to look for my joy. I'd remained silent about my passion and was afraid of my truth, fearful of just how awesome God created me to be. But that first PAD conference changed things for me. I felt connected, apart of something beautiful. And looking forward to and attending subsequent conferences, as well as having other opportunities to see folks along the way, laid a pathway for growth that has been immeasurable in my life. As I recall my fear of saying "YES", I think of Pastor Brendan. As I continue to live into my call to ministry, I am reminded of Rev. Kristen & Rev. Delores. As I remember that it's okay to ask hard questions as I get closer to God, I am thankful for Rev. Wanda. As I embrace families of choice who have loved me through difficult relationships and helped me get out of my own way, I smile and think of Norma, Noah, ET and Pat. And when I need a reminder that my voice is unique and beautiful, given by God to serve God's people, I hear Cheryl and Rev. Candy singing, feeling blessed by everything I continue to learn from them. Because of these and so many other roots, my life is different and better. I have an extended family that walks with me through my developing transition, watches over me when times get tough and helps me understand what God's love is all about and what the power of the Holy Spirit can do. And so, just as the Baobab's branches offer so much nourishment to its land and people, the people that PAD has brought into my life continue to feed my heart and mind and spirit with so much of God's love and grace and peace. I will forever be thankful for my roots... |
We Support the PAD Conference!  MCC's Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson It's that time! I do not want you to miss the best-attended, most exciting conference in terms of worship, music, workshops and fellowship until our next General Conference! MCC's People of African Descent Conference, May 19th through 21 is just around the corner, so please make your plans now. My partner Paula and I would not miss coming to the PAD Conference, but I want to invite you, especially, this year because: Click here to read in entirety! HRC's Joe Solmonese 
The Human Rights Campaign is honored by our partnership with the Metropolitan Community Church and offers our full support for the
7th MCC Conference for People of African Descent, Our Friends, and Allies. Since 1998 MCC PAD has provided a guiding vision of true Christian community. In these difficult political times, the vision of healing and equality held up by MCC PAD provides the sustenance our community desperately needs to help us build a more just world. The theme of this year's MCC PAD conference, "Loving Ourselves Into Liberation," calls upon all of us - people of all colors together - to move beyond victimhood to victory and to lift others as we climb. HRC is particularly delighted that this year, MCC is working closely with HRC's Religion and Faith program to create collaborative programming at both the PAD conference and HRC's Clergy Call for Justice and Equality. To read the full letter of support for this year's PAD Conference from the Human Rights Campaign, click here! |
| | Release Your Love  As we gather in Washington, DC this May for PAD Conference some of our friends and spiritual family will take advantage of the opportunity to Get Married at PAD. Would you consider sharing one of you favorite wedding day photos as a visual support (and endorsement) of the wonder of married life? We will cycle the pictures on our video screens during our time together and you will have the joy of releasing your love to the community as a beacon. You may send photos to us at GetMarriedatPAD@MCCchurch.net Come on, let us peek into your business -- for inspiration. . |
| | | | | Registration is Now Open for the 2011 MCC Conference for People of African Descent, Our Friends and Allies |  | Register Today for this life changing event! 19 - 22 May 2011 in Washington, DC |
| There is Plenty of Good Room for You! |  | We are pleased to announce that the Fairmont Hotel, Washington, D.C. is the host hotel for the 2011 MCC PAD Conference. This beautiful facility is located in Washington's West End and adjacent to historic Georgetown. The Fairmont Washington, D.C. hotel is pleased to welcome us in true capital style. Rooms are going fast. Don't delay. to make your room reservation today! |
| Become A Pillar | | 
| The 2011 MCC PAD Conference Pillars Fund supports the mission and ministry of the conference by providing a strong and supportive foundation that will allow the conference to stand tall as a mainstay and inspiring presence in MCC and the PAD LGBT communities. Your contribution of $100.00, making you a Pillar, will be publicized in the MCC Conference newsletter, in the PAD Conference souvenir program book, and at the PAD Conference. It is easy to become a 2011 MCC PAD Conference Pillar: · Online via our conference · Fax a completed Pillars Form and credit card information to MCC at 1-310-388-1252 · Mail a completed Pillars Form and check to PAD Conference Registration Metropolitan Community Churches PO Box 1374 Abilene, TX USA 79604. (Enter PAD Conference Pillars Fund in memo space of your check.) ·Call us at 1-310-360-8640 to donate via phone. Thank you in advance for becoming a PAD Pillar. Because of your generosity the mission and ministry of the 2011 MCC PAD Conference is on a sure foundation. For more information about the Pillars Fund, contact Vickey Gibbs at VickeyGibbs@MCCchurch.net. For more information about the 2011 MCC Conference for People of African Descent, Our Friends, and Allies, contact Rev. Candy Holmes, RevCandyHolmes@MCCchurch.net. |
| Our Sponsor | | 
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| Connect With Us! |   |
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| Join Fairmont's President's Club for PERKS | | 
| Fairmont Hotels & Resorts exclusive guest recognition program, Fairmont President's Club, offers special benefits and privileges designed to reflect your individual travel preferences and offer an enhanced level of service. Membership in Fairmont's loyalty program is complimentary and your Fairmont President's Club experience begins the moment you arrive at any of their properties with express check-in at the private reception desk and continues during your stay with complimentary high-speed Internet access, free local calls, complimentary health club access, complimentary use of TaylorMade golf clubs, use of Fairmont Fit and so much more. Click here to enroll. |
| Vendor Opportunities |  | If you are a seminary, church, organization, business, or entrepreneur we invite you to consider sharing who you are by becoming a PAD Conference vendor. All vendors will be provided space in close proximity to conference activities and will also be listed in the souvenir program book. See the vendor form for more details on how you can become vendor. |
| What to Help? |  | | |
| Our Team! | | 
| Click here to learn about the team working hard to offer the best PAD Conference experience possible! |
| Get Married at PAD | | 
| Coming to Washington, DC has many benefits. There are monuments to visit - impressive government buildings, including The White House and the United States Capitol, and more. So, why not take advantage of another benefit of being in Washington, DC - get married while attending the 2011 MCC Conference for People of African Descent, Our Friends, and Allies. Complete your Marriage License Application with the Marriage Bureau of the D.C. Superior Court no later than May 16. Visit http://www.dccourts.gov/dccourts/superior/family/marriage.jsp Three (3) full business days must pass between the application submission and the pick-up of the license. The application fee is $35.00 and the license costs $10.00 payable to Clerk, D.C. Superior Court. You may phone the Court at 202-879-4840. If you do plan to get married while in Washington for the MCC PAD Conference, please contact Rev. Cedric Harmon at GetMarriedatPad@MCCchurch.net. He will answer your questions and send you a list of Authorized Clergy who will be available to you during the Conference. |
| Frequently Asked Questions |  | Have a question about the 2011 MCC PAD Conference? You can find your answers here! |
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