| | FAREWELL AND THANKS TO JUDY DALE A big THANK YOU to Judy Dale for her tireless effort on MCC's Impact newsletter! Due to recent health issues, she will be retiring to spend time with friends and family. Our prayers and best wishes are with Judy as she heads into retirement. |
IMPACT GOING ON SABBATICAL This will be our last issue of Impact for a while. We are giving this newsletter a sabbatical for an undetermined amount of time. You can post your updates and review updates from others on MCC's facebook wall. |
NETWORK NEWS "Year of Hope, Time of Action" was the theme for the MCC Northeast US Network Gathering, 22-23 July, at MCC New York (New York). Highlights of the event included a special musical performance entitled "Sing a New Song," a picnic social in the park, interactive workshops, worship celebrations, networking opportunities and more! For more information, visit the Network facebook page. Meeting at the same time was the Central US East Network (Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia). They gathered on 23 June at MCC Louisville (Kentucky) due to its central location, and New Creation MCC (Columbus, Ohio) was the host church for times of worship, learning, fellowship, sharing, meals, and fun. For more information, contact Rev. Susan Deitrick, Network Leader, at swdeit@gmail.com. |
| WHAT FOUR YEARS...AND GOD...CAN DO ICM Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) recently celebrated their 4th anniversary and praised God for the miracles that have happened there, largely due to the support they have received from Rev. Tania Guzman and MCC. Four years ago, there were only eight worshiping together. Today, more than eighty people call ICM Santo Domingo their church. Four years ago, worship music came from a borrowed radio. Today, there is a praise team - people using their talents to serve the community of faith - who have become real ministers of adoration. Four years ago, there were just a few women involved in the church. Today, they have a major outreach exclusively for the lesbian community, whose participation in the church is rapidly increasing. Four years ago, Rev. Tania Guzman was there only part of the time. Today, Rev. Wilkin Lara lives in Santo Domingo full-time. Four years ago, there was a lot of prejudice toward the Haitian community by many of the LGBT groups in the Dominican Republic. Today, many Haitians are leaders in the church because ICM Santo Domingo continued to extend the hand of friendship and the love of God to them. One of their newest ministries is a special outreach to Haitian sex workers, many of whom are displaced earthquake refugees who are unable to find any other employment. Among other things, ICM Santo Domingo has developed an educational program for HIV prevention. Four years ago, it was almost impossible to get the LGBT community involved in the process of fighting for justice to change the homophobic attitude. Today, ICM Santo Domingo has formed a PFLAG chapter with a group of mothers and friends committed to generating change within themselves and within society in general. Four years ago, they did not have their own space and were limited to an hour for church activities once a week. Today, thanks to God and many in MCC, they have their own rented space and can share with others the message of Christ and continue to fulfill our mission of "Tearing down walls and building up hope." |
YOUTH "Take the Plunge" was the theme for the Vacation Bible School at MCC of the Rockies (Denver, Colorado) last month. At MCC Albuquerque (New Mexico), they have begun having a special message time for the children and youth on the first and third Sundays, and activities for them during worship on the opposite Sundays. The Teen Department of First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia) enjoys "stepping," a popular rhythm and movement dance. The group performs to their own original songs. New classes have begun in the Sunday School at Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas). The 3-6 year olds are learning "Yes, I Am, Because of Jesus," while the pre-teens are "Taking Flyte: Faith. Life. Together." Exodus has also exploded into Pandamania for their VBS this week, experiencing 50+ children each day. Children at MCC Knoxville (Tennessee) gathered for VBS this month. MCC Austin (Texas) and Central Presbyterian Church again are sharing their VBS this year. Please get the word out! GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network) is doing an anonymous survey of those age 13 and up who were in middle or high school this past school year. Results from the 2011 US National School Climate Survey will be used to inform legislators and policy makers about what is actually happening in schools. Access the survey here. |
OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH (AGES 18-22) 
CALL FOR APPLICANTS 2011-12 Activist-Scholars Program I am writing to inform you of our exciting new Activist-Scholar program, Good Sex/Bad Sex: Christian Taboos, Testimonies, and Transcendence, which may be of interest to your students. In The Truth Force Project (TFP), we practice the fearless pursuit of truth in community, through faith, reason, and action in order to draw ever closer to Jesus and be the church we wish to see.
Starting in March, we began recruitment for young people ages 18-22 who are interested in investigating sex-positive and sex-negative formation and LGBTQ concerns in a Christian context. Based online, TFP connects young people together from across the country through video conferencing and is a new project of Hosanna! People's Seminary based in New York City. Our ministry team brings years of experience working in a variety of youth and young adult ministry settings. We know that your students are busy. The Activist-Scholars Program takes about five hours per month. Here's how the program works: - Attend nine interactive sessions via video conference from your computer. Sessions include guest speakers, films, presentations, and study of the issue.
- Complete at least two hours of service a month related to the issue in your community. (Students already engaged in related service can use it to meet this requirement.)
- Collaborate with stakeholders to do a small capstone project on the issue.
- Reflect on and share your journey throughout the program via Facebook, blogs, YouTube, a journal, etc.
- Pray.
Our program is meant for both students who are experienced with the issue and those who are just beginning their interest. There is no cost for the program and applicants have until July 31 to apply. All applicants will be notified in August regarding their status. Director, The Truth Force Project |
MCC HOSTED GAYFEST 2011 
Florin Buhuceanu (MCC's Eastern Europe coordinator) being interviewed by the local media In countries like Romania, dominated by a culture of invisibility in the case of LGBT people, Gay Pride is extremely important for shifting norms inside our communities and putting pressure upon society to become more inclusive. MCC's Eastern Europe coordinator, Florin Buhuceanu, was the host of the Romanian Pride on June 4. He has received support from the American, British and Swedish Ambassadors, as well as a group of MCCers and their friends from Stuttgart, Germany.  Mark Gitenstein (US ambassador), Johannes Kahrs (member of the German Bundestag) and Jochen Gewecke (MCC Stuttgart) |
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MCC's PARTICIPATION IN EURO PRIDE Within the official program of the Euro Pride 2011 held in Rome, Italy, a conference titled "GLBT people and Christian churches in Europe: fears and opportunities for full acceptance and inclusion" was organized on Friday, 10 June. It was offered by the Italian group Nuova Proposta in collaboration with several other local and regional LGBT Christian organizations. The program included the world premiere of the film "Taking a Chance on God" about the life of John McNeill, who was present and spoke about the film and his life. Other LGBT Christians from Europe groups made presentations focused on the full acceptance of LGBT people. MCC's Florin Buhuceanu addressed the conference on "The situation of LGBT Christian people in Eastern Europe and the case history of MCC." Additionally, he shared with the participants a number of MCC's theological leaflets. The conference ended with a moment of ecumenical prayer.  Florin Buhuceanu at Euro Pride 2011 On the morning of the same day, participants gathered in front of the Vatican Mail Office to deliver a public letter addressed to the Pope, initiated by the European Forum and asking for the Vatican to bring an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. |
MCC PRESENCE AT GUADALAJARA PRIDE  On Saturday, 11 June, at 3pm, ICM Guadalajara participated in the city's parade, where they met about 20 thousand people. The first storm of the season also made its appearance in the city, which could not stop the excitement and celebration. The church distributed over 4,000 pens with their information printed on them.  |
OTHER PRIDE ACTIVITIES Pink Saturday (25 June), sponsored by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, found Peninsula MCC (San Mateo, California) working at the gate to earn money for their church, as well as getting a view of all the revelers. MCC Toronto (Ontario) again presented "Tearing Down Walls, Building Up Hope, Church on the Street", a worship service on Sunday morning, 3 July, on the Toronto Pride South Stage. Seven Florida MCCs - Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota), Joy MCC (Orlando), King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg), MCC Tampa, Open Circle at the Villages MCC (Oxford), Spirit of Life MCC (New Port Ritchey), and St. John the Apostle MCC (Ft. Meyers) - had a float and marched together in the Pride Parade last month in St. Petersburg. Rev. Elder Troy Perry was the Grand Marshal for the event. King of Peace MCC hosted a dinner for Rev. Perry, who preached at their worship service. A float, a booth, people sharing about MCC...that's Pride time for many of our churches, including MCC Knoxville (Tennessee) last month. Florin Buhuceanu, MCC's Eastern Europe coordinator, and Rev. Jim Mulcahy, pastor of Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York), participated in Rainbow Pride Festival in Nikolayev, Ukraine, hosted by ILGA (International Lesbian and Gay Association). They officiated at a blessing of relationships ceremony, with Communion for two couples, with 60 people attending. They also presented a workshop on the history of MCC, the origin of the Bible, and the "clobber passages." MCC Richmond (Virginia) and the Gay Community Center of Richmond hosted the 2nd Annual Equality for All - Remembering Stonewall Festival last month. Entertainers included Gaye Adagebola, Roddy Barnes, and Rachel Leyco. There was plenty of activities for children, vendors, food, and fun. Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) showed the documentaries Call Me Troy and Stonewall Uprising as part of their Pride events. Emerald City MCC (Seattle, Washington) was joined by All Pilgrims Church in planning the Pride Community Worship Service for last month. Five other mainline churches also sponsored the event. Bristol Pride was 10 July and Living Springs MCC (Bath, England) hosted the Pride service with the theme, "A Celebration of All God's People." MCC San Diego (California) had over 100 people marching with their contingent in the Pride Parade when their city celebrated 16-17 July. In marking the 5th Baguio LGBT Pride Month in the Philippines, MCC of Metro Baguio joined Baguio Pride Network for several events. This year's theme was "Live. Love. Be. Justice Today. Equality Forever." Among the scheduled activities were a clean-up drive, a disco party, 2 forums, an ecumenical thanksgiving service, a mass wedding, and a parade. The National Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals and Bisexuals, the main LGBT organization in Spain, extended an invitation to MCC to be part of a religious ceremony during Pride on 3 July. They wanted someone to co-lead a religious celebration on behalf of MCC, together with the Catholic church and the Anglican church. This was the first ever ecumenical service to be offered in Spain during Pride. (Madrid's Pride is the 2nd largest in Europe.) MCC Bournemouth (United Kingdom) added something new this year to the Bourne Free Pride Festival. They had "Pride Worship in the Triangle." The Triangle is the center of the LGBT community in Bournemouth and where most of the Bourne Free events are held. |
SPECIAL DATE IN ARGENTINA (15 JULY) 
Rev. Victor Bracuto celebrated his 3rd anniversary of ordination. ICM Argentina celebrated its 2nd anniversary as an MCC. LGBT Argentinians celebrated the 1st anniversary of marriage equality. |
ACTIVE CHURCHES Silverware? Cloth Napkins? Washcloths? That's what FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) is gathering so they can discontinue their use of paper napkins and plastic cutlery. Going green! The Cape Fear Garden Club awarded St Jude's MCC (Wilmington, North Carolina) a $6,000 (USD) grant to improve their property and now has dedicated a plaque to the church for what they have accomplished. They have installed a well and irrigation system, and they planted 28 azaleas, seven crepe myrtle trees, and six gardenia bushes. The focus of the project was designing and building a 37-foot brick labyrinth, shaded by two pecan trees, which is offered to the community as a sacred space for meditation, prayer, and mindfulness. MCC Charleston (South Carolina) has established a Happy Hour of Prayer Power on Wednesday evenings from 5:00 - 6:45. There is no service, just a time set aside for prayer. People can come and go as their schedules permit. "There's no telling what God can do when God's people begin to pray." Joy MCC (Orlando, Florida) focused on a Pridetide theme last month. This month, it's "Free to Be," while August's theme is "The Gospel According to Broadway". Also, for July and August, they have only one morning service at 10:00am. Heartland MCC (Springfield, Illinois) is beginning outreach in several surrounding communities, including Decatur and Jacksonville. Last month, MCC Omaha (Nebraska) hosted an evening with presentations by lawyers specializing in adoption. FirstCentral Congregational Church and First Unitarian also sponsored the event. St. John's MCC (Raleigh, North Carolina) had their 2011 Summer Revival this month with special guest, Rev. Elder Ken Martin. Barnabas Prayer Group is a new monthly gathering at MCC Manchester (England). They spend time praying for the needs and mission of the church, as well as for one another. "Be Still and Know" is the daily devotional series written by members of LifeJourney MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana). You can read each day's meditation here. At Joy MCC (Orlando, Florida) next month, the sermon series will be "The Gospel According to Broadway," using the musicals "The Sound of Music," "Rent," "Hairspray," and "Wicked" to explore the Biblical themes of prayer, honoring the body, diversity, and courage. The choir from MCC of the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) has been invited to sing "The National Anthem" at the Iron Pigs baseball game on 27 July. In an effort to "Go Green," Agape MCC (Ft. Worth, Texas) is not printing bulletins this summer but sending their Order of Worship out along with their e-newsletter. They will only have a few printed copies of announcements each week for those who are "unplugged." The summer series at MCC Manchester (England), "Seeing Salvation: Searching for God in Art," is focusing on 10 different paintings and the spiritual message each artist wished to convey. The artists have taken a Biblical message or idea and portrayed it in ways appropriate to their own cultures...Chinese, European, American from the 1400s to the 20th century. To read about our new MCC presence in Spain, click here. (See pages 3 and 6.) |
THE CHILDREN ARE FREE, NOW TRANSLATED IN MALAYALAM MCC began a dialogue regarding multiple translations of The Children Are Free: Re-examining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex Relationships with Other Sheep prior to General Conference last year, and we are thrilled with this news! Other Sheep sent out this release earlier this month: | | | The First Malayalam Edition of The Children Are Free is hot off the press! |  | | Jose Ortiz, Other Sheep Coordinator for Asia, happy to see the TTF publication |
(Dated 5 July 2011) You can imagine our joy when just this evening, here in Trivandrum, Kerala, India, we (Jose and Steve) were presented with copies - fresh off the press this late afternoon - of the translation of The Children Are Free: Re-examining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex Relationships in Malayalam, the language spoken in the state of Kerala. The Kerala edition is an abridgement of the original English version.
Sam L. Sone, General Editor of the translation and Chairperson of Trivandrum Theological Forum (TTF), called the new publication "the starting point and the platform" from which theologians, church leaders, theological students and the church in general in Kerala will now discuss the question of Christianity and same-sex relationships.
The book is a Trivandrum Theological Forum (TTF) Publication (email: ttftvpm@yahoo.co.in). This first Malayalam edition is a printing of 2000 copies.
Beginning next week, we hope to distribute 1000 copies over a period of three weeks to interested parties throughout Kerala.
Steve Parelli and Jose Ortiz | | Other Sheep is a multi-cultural, ecumenical Christian ministry that works worldwide for the full inclusion of LGBT people of faith within their respective faith traditions. "...connecting people with people and people with resources..." |
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REPORT FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC YOUTH TRIP The Young Adults returned to the Dominican Republic for the third time last month. It was a mission with a lot of hard work, but there was a lot of joy, excitement, and growth in our relationships with God. We were there in multiple capacities. First, we spent a few days with the MCC in Santo Domingo. MCC Santo Domingo and our mission team were instrumental in the first pride worship service to ever take place in the Dominican Republic. Members of our team were a part of the preparation and some even participated in the service, helping with music and communion. It was truly historic because for the last three years, MCC Santo Domingo and the LGBTQ Community of Santo Domingo have tried to hold this very same service and were either shut down by violent crowds or the police. The service and the pride day events were all safe and uninterrupted by police this year.  | | DR Mission Team members gathered with ICM Santo Domingo members for Pride (2011) |
As a part of Pride, MCC Santo Domingo also worked with PFLAG to hold a day-long conference. Members of our mission team presented in two different workshops. Jessica and Elyse Urbonas, both members of Spirit of Christ MCC (Joplin, Missouri), presented on "Experiencing God even in times of Disaster." Their church was brought closer together, and even in their time of struggle, honored their financial commitment to send these youth to do this work in the DR. Angel Collie from MCC's Transgender Ministries presented a workshop on Being Transgender and Christian. Both workshops were very well received and new for the LGBTQ Movement of the Dominican Republic. The second half of the trip was spent at a school in a very impoverished community on the outskirts of Santo Domingo founded by a former MCC Pastor. The school named ICM El Tamarindo is a Christian school that serves kids who would be unable to attend school because their parents couldn't afford the less than 8-cent daily bus fare for them to get there. It was our third time there as a group, and many of the teachers and students were familiar faces. We were met with hugs, and many of the kids who recognized us were screaming our names in excitement.  | | DR students (2011) |
The Vacation Bible School held every summer is a reward for good attendance, academic achievement, and good behavior. It is an incentive to encourage education as a means for breaking out of the cycle of poverty. One of the mission team members best described our visit as their Christmas and their "Six Flags" because we are no doubt the highlight of their year. Upon the conclusion of the mission, the Young Adult Mission team committed to raising the funds to continue to fund the education of two of the promising students that graduated from ICM EL Tamarindo to the local High School. Without this scholarship, the students would not be able to afford High School education. In return, the scholarship recipients commit to be involved and give back to ICM El Tamarindo. (Submitted by Angel Collie) To read their blog from the trip, go to http://mccdrmission.org/. To view more pictures from their trip, click here. |
A THANK YOU FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Dear brothers and sisters: No words would really express the great honor and hign gratitud that we fill here at El Tamarindo for having you shared with us again during these three marvelous days.
The impact for the children of knowing that someone do care for them. Their constant learning of the stories of the Bible being taught. The teachers for asurance tnat their work is being valuiable. The sharing with the families of the community and bringing food to them. The touching, the word of consolation. The school supplies, the medications. The frendship. The fellowship.The changing of the future for our scholarchip Jonathan and Ana Rosa, since your first trip down here, making a big difference for their lives. Those are are only a few living examples that really Solo Dios Puede. We know that God has many many things to continue sharing with us through you. And that He will not let us to perish.
Your work with us is not in vain, the greater God is with us. Regards to all in the name of the whole community,
God Bless you all
Tev. Juan Francisco Barrerta |
| | | | CORRECTIONS FROM JUNE ISSUE OF IMPACT Both Candy Holmes and Jim Merritt were awarded the J. Norman Hall Prize, which is presented to a graduating student recognized as outstanding in peace and justice work. Sandra Millar from MCC Toronto completed the certificate program at Episcopal Divinity School. |
HISTORIC U.N. VOTE Last month, the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva passed a Resolution on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, representing a historic moment in U.N. efforts to bring to the fore human rights abuses experienced by LGBTQI people around the globe. There is obvious import with regard to the quest for LGBTQI rights and legal protection globally, but the vote also highlights the role that civil society and NGOs can and should play in shaping governmental operations. South Africa took the lead in seeing the vote through, which carries great significance for other countries in the region. To read the press release from a combination of international organizations, click here. To read the resolution, click here. |
TRANSITIONS After 17 years, founding pastor Rev. Jane Emma Newall left Rainbow Cathedral MCC (Yakima, Washington) at the end of June. Her partner took a new job in Connecticut, so they relocated there with their five children. Rev. Dr. Sherry Poepsel is the new Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator for Hospice Advantage, working in Boone, Callaway, and Cole counties in Missouri. After 28 years, Rev. Dee Dale will be leaving MCC Louisville (Kentucky) next month. She is retiring to spend time with Judy, her spouse of 24 years. The church is planning multiple celebrations between now and the end of August. |
REV. PAT BUMGARDNER HONORED Rev. Pat Bumgardner, senior pastor of MCC New York (New York) for 26 years, was honored by having a scholarship named for her. It was announced, to her surprise and delight, at the reception honoring her as the Grand Marshal of the New Your City Pride Parade. The scholarship will be awarded to one former homeless LGBTQI young adult each year who has graduated from MCCNY's Homeless Youth services and programs. The Sylvia's Place graduate will be one who is actively seeking a degree or certificate from an accredited college, university, trade school, or professional training program. The recipient will have demonstrated leadership, a commitment to the community and a willingness to make changes in his/her personal life and the lives of others. Since 2002, MCCNY Homeless Youth Services has helped thousands of LGBTQI runaway and homeless youth aged 16-24 to continue their work towards stability by providing comprehensive overnight services, crisis intervention, case management, mental health services, health care, HIV testing, and job training services in midtown Manhattan. If you would like, you can donate to the scholarship fund online by visiting mccny.org/donate.html , choosing the credit option and selecting "Pride Fund." You can also mail a check or money order made out to MCCNY, with RPB Fund in the memo line, to MCC New York, ATTN: Mike Easterling, 446 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018, USA. |
MIRACLE ON EUREKA STREET In June 1979, MCC San Francisco (California) moved to 150 Eureka Street -- it was a miracle! We were the first LGBT group to own our own building, and we have used it well. We want to celebrate the world-changing miracles MCC churches and people have created together by carving our names into a yellow brick sidewalk in front of our historic pink church on Eureka Street in the Castro as a tribute to our shared past, present and future. Church, group and/or individual names can be listed. For us, this campaign will raise much-needed funds and help us reconnect with our community. Complete information is available at mccsf.org. - Rev. Dr. William H. Knight, Senior Provisional Pastor |
CELEBRATIONS Donna Payne was recognized by the PAD Conference with the Rosa Parks Award. She is also on staff with HRC, who recognized her achievement here. Resurrection Beach MCC celebrated their anniversary last month with a special service and a guest speaker. Rev. Gale Rawson has been elected as pastor by Gentle Shepherd MCC (Phoenix, Arizona). She has moved there from her home in Fairbanks, Alaska. MCCs throughout Illinois are celebrating the enactment of Civil Unions in their state. Rev. Dr. Tony Thieman-Somora was interviewed for this article in the Jacksonville Journal Courier. Rev. Elder Troy Perry joined MCC Charleston (South Carolina) this month to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Their theme was "Praising the Past, Celebrating the Present, Envisioning the Future." The 25th anniversary dinner for MCC Good Shepherd (Parametta, Australia) was at the Sebel Hotel on 16 July with Dr. Wendall Rosevear, named one of the 35 most influential LGBT persons in Australia. The next day, Rev. Elder Darlene Garner was the guest preacher for their anniversary worship service. Congratulations to Joey Payge, better known to MCC Louisville (Kentucky) as Tina Carnforth, who was crowned the 2011 Mister Kentuckiana Pride Festival after winning every category in the contest. He was featured in the parade and onstage at the festival, as well as at the MCCL booth talking about the church. Shawn Thomas, who performed at MCC of the Spirit (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) last month, is releasing a two-disc collection of songs this month. "Covered and Created" will feature a full CD of original work and a full CD of cover songs. Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell, pastor of MCC of Greater St. Louis (Missouri), was the guest preacher at Joy MCC (Orlando, Florida), where she formerly pastored, on 17 July. Rev. Brad Rice, pastor of The Rock MCC (Chattanooga, Tennessee), will lead their worship on the 31st. Emerald City MCC (Seattle, Washington) will host a special worship service and potluck dinner to celebrate their 39th anniversary on 28 August.
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SERVING OTHERS MCC NOVA (Fairfax, Virginia) hosted a dance last month to benefit the Collette Foundation, an organization that assists in providing water to villages in South Africa with unique water-carrying devices called Hippo Rollers. There was a DJ, refreshments and prizes. MCC Austin (Texas) collects non-perishable food items year-round for the Manor Food Bank in their area. The Walking Together Team from MCC Detroit (Michigan) won the gold at the Relay for Life in Royal Oak, Michigan, for raising the greatest amount of money for cancer research. Several team members went on to do the Race for the Cure run as well. MCC San Francisco (California) raised over $1,000 (USD) for the congregation of Spirit of Christ MCC (Joplin, Missouri). For the 5th year, MCC of Quezon City (Philippines) provided school bags and supplies to the 80 Special Children of Payatas B Elementary School. You can view pictures here. Reconciliation MCC (Grand Rapids, Michigan) will join Habitat for Humanity's Faith United Build on 19 August when people from many different religious groups will rebuild, repair, or repaint 50 homes on the south side of the city. MCC Lubbock (Texas) had their Fishes for Loaves fundraiser this month. Fish dinners were sold to benefit their Helping Hands Pantry. MCCNY (New York) Charities, Inc. began partnering with Our Collective Mental Health, Inc. to offer sliding-scale mental health services to the public. |
ALL MY DAYS This summer (Northern hemisphere), Agape MCC (Ft. Worth, Texas) is engaging in a season of play and prayer as a community. They brought and shared old beads from home to create their own sets of prayer beads for personal spiritual practices, following the ancient traditions and rituals of many faith groups around the world of using a string of beads or rope to give structure to personal prayer devotion. It helps people stay focused on various areas of concern. Repeated rituals can be powerful shapers of habits. Congregants are being encouraged to pray "All My Days," making a habit of prayer wherever they are. Each Sunday, they are focusing on one of the steps of the prayer beads. |
FUN(D)RAISERS Although not a fundraiser in and of itself, the MCC Stewardship Summit last month at MCC/ICM Los Angeles (California) helped all participating churches to better know how to raise funds for their ministries. There was a great turn-out! WOW! MCC London (Ontario) raised over $1,000 (CAD) at their Chili Cookoff and Service Auction. "Don't let heavy change weigh you down! Pick up a spare change milk-box in the Narthex and fill it up when you empty your pockets/wallets. Lighten up, folks!" That's the way they do it at Open Door MCC (Boyds, Maryland). The Fourth of July Raffle at Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) offered some big prizes, like an iPad. All proceeds went to their rain gutter replacement fund. Congregants at New Spirit MCC/UCC/DOC (Berkley, California) donate their BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) tickets that have odd amounts left on them to the church, which can cash them in to use for ministry. On the first Sunday of each month, Reconciliation MCC (Grand Rapids, Michigan) sells hot dogs for $1 (USD), with the profits going to their Conference Fund. |
FUN ACTIVITIES MCC Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) joined other LGBT and affirming Christians for the 5th Annual Camp OUT, 14-17 July, a family-friendly event. Special guests for the weekend included pop artists Jason and deMarco and theatrical artist Peterson Toscano. For more information, visit emergingfaithtoday.com. Want to learn line dancing? Join the Monday night class at Holy Cross MCC (Pensacola, Florida). Just bring something for their Food Pantry. Last month, MCC Newcastle (England) enjoyed an outing to Beamish Wild Birds of Prey Conservation Centre, which included a private guided tour of the birds and the gardens, as well as time for cream tea. Locust Pie, anyone? The Sparkle Chef Cook Off at Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York) featured dishes made with foods mentioned in the Bible. Last month, the couples at Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Reading, and York, Pennsylvania) gathered at the pastor's home for a pool party and cookout. A group from MCC Winston-Salem (North Carolina) went kayaking at Oak Hollow Lake. They took a break for a sack lunch and then got back out on the water. Last month, taking advantage of one of the two Free Fishing days offered in Michigan when licenses are not required, Reconciliation MCC (Grand Rapids) headed to a cottage owned by some of their members for a day of fishing, food and fun. Let's go camping! Journey MCC (Birmingham, England) hosted a weekend at Common End Farm in Derbyshire this month and invited nearby MCCs to join them. There was a bit of worship and one or two theological activities for those who were interested, but the main idea was simply to get away, relax and be in each other's company. Soul Connections, a group at MCC Austin (Texas) for those 45+, had an Independence Day Picnic on 2 July and then went to view the fireworks together. Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Reading, and York, Pennsylvania) hosted a Drag Bingo this month at their Mountville location. Divine Peace MCC (Pontiac, Michigan) will be attending A Night of Dueling Pianos together on 5 August. |
LEARNING TIMES Rev. Andy Braunston and Rev. Jane Clarke will be teaching the Introduction to Sexuality Studies course in Manchester, England, 8-11 August. The course, compulsory for those training for ordained ministry, is useful for anyone who wants to understand more about Christianity and human sexuality. The cost is just £85. For more information, click here. A Women's Spiritual Study Group has formed at Spirit of Hope MCC (Kansas City, Missouri). They met for the first time last month. Last month, MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California) hosted a forum on the Stonewall Riot and its Repercussions. MCC of Greater Dallas (Texas) began offering Creating a Life that Matters this month. Discernment is the theme of a new study group at aChurch4Me? MCC (Chicago, Illinois). They are meeting at the pastor's home and exploring the Divine Presence in work, shadows, being, and choices. |
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