2011 Fellowship Sunday Offering

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Tearing Down Walls. Building Up Hope.   2011 Fellowship Sunday Pacesetters   1.   Church of the Trinity MCC        (Sarasota, Florida) - Rev.        Charles Tigard, Pastor   2.   Emerald City MCC (Seattle,        Washington) - Rev. Ray Neal,        Pastor   3.   Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas)        - Rev. Margaret Walker, Pastor   4.   FirstCoast MCC (St.        Augustine, Florida) - Rev. Ruth        Jensen-Forbell, Pastor   5.   Gentle Shepherd MCC        (Phoenix, Arizona) - Rev. Gale        Rawson   6.   Holy Covenant MCC        (Brookfield, Illinois) - Rev.        Danny Spears, Pastor   7.   Holy Cross MCC (Pensacola,        Florida) - Rev. Sandy O'Steen,        Pastor   8.   Imago Dei MCC (Glen Mills,       Pennsylvania) - Rev. Janice        Bowker, Intentional Interim        Pastor   9.   King of Peace MCC (St.        Petersburg, Florida) - Rev. Dr.        Candace Shultis, Pastor   10. Living Springs MCC (Bath,        England) - Rev. Kieren Bourne,        Pastor   11. MCC Elizabethtown        (Kentucky) - Rev. Cathy Porter,        Pastor   12. MCC Los Angeles        (California) - Rev. Dr. Neil        Thomas, Pastor   13. MCC of Baton Rouge        (Louisiana) - Rev. Keith        Mozingo, Pastor   14. MCC of New York (New        York) - Rev. Pat Bumgardner,        Pastor   15. MCC of the Blue Ridge        (Roanoke, Virginia) - Rev. Joe        Cobb, Pastor   16. MCC of the Spirit        (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) -        Rev. Lori Rivera, Pastor   17. MCC of Topeka (Kansas) -        Rev. Dr. Ty Sweeting, Pastor   18. MCC of Winston-Salem        (North Carolina) - Rev. Ron        LaRocque, Pastor   19. MCC Portland (Oregon) -        Rev. Nathan Meckley, Pastor   20. MCC Pueblo (Colorado) -        Rev. John Mark Hild, Pastor   21. MCC Richmond (Virginia) -        Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline,        Pastor   22. New Spirit MCC (Cincinnati,        Ohio) - Open Pulpit   23. Open Circle at The Villages        MCC (Oxford, Florida) - Rev.        Carol Rawlings-Chambers,        Pastor   24. Resurrection MCC (Houston,        Texas) - Rev. Elder Lillie Brock,        Consulting Pastor   25. River of Life MCC        (Dorchester, England) - Rev.        Catherine Dearlove, Pastor   26. River of Life MCC        (Kennewick, Washington) -        Rev. Janet Pierce, Pastor   27. SunCoast Cathedral MCC        (Venice, Florida) - Rev. Dr.        Sherry Kennedy, Pastor   28. Trinity MCC (Gainesville,        Florida) - Rev. Jim Merritt,        Pastor   29. Water of Life MCC (Tucson,        Arizona) - Rev. Dr. Charlie        Arehart, Pastor      From the Office of the Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches   __________________________________   Together, Let's  Finish MCC's Unfinished Business! __________________________________     Dear MCC Friend:   During the month of October, we'll celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the founding of Metropolitan Community Churches!   And we'll observe a great anniversary tradition within MCC as local congregations around the globe join hearts and hands to receive a special offering for designated Fellowship Sunday projects.   Today, I'm pleased to announce that the 2011 Fellowship Sunday Offering Campaign will support one project with one purpose: To finish MCC's unfinished business.   Let me explain...     MCC Is At A Crossroads   MCC is at a crossroads in our global identity and vision -- we must build a strong, clear, international platform that is infused with MCC values, is affordable and which will support growth around the world for at least the next several decades. At MCC's last General Conference, we adopted a new organizational structure that we are now living into, one that mirrors the local church.   But there was one piece of unfinished business coming out of that General Conference.   This unfinished business is summed up in one question: What systems and structures will most effectively support MCC's emerging international work for the future?   To address this question, we created an International Task Force that is now six months into its work, engaging MCCers around the world who are opening their hearts and spiritual imagination. They are committed to help us re-shape MCC for a global vision that incorporates the work of starting and growing churches alongside the biblical work of justice. We need a vision that honors cultural differences, with mutual accountability, autonomy and connection at its core.   The Task Force has faithfully done their work "virtually" until now. But next year, it is so important that they meet face-to-face, along with a consultant to enhance the proposal they will bring to the Governing Board, and which the Board will bring to the Conference. They will need to meet with key MCC leaders and test their ideas.   We have set aside some funds for this work in our budget, but it will not carry the day. We need at least an additional $25,000 USD to complete the process that will bring forth the new ideas to galvanize and energize our people at General Conference 2013.   Accordingly, our 2011 Fellowship Sunday Offering Campaign has just one project -- to finish MCC's unfinished business by providing adequate support to complete the work of the International Task Force before General Conference 2013.     Let's Finish MCC's Unfinished Business!   I am counting on your congregation to help us fulfill MCC's God-given destiny through the support of these amazing folks on our International Task Force.   Will your church participate in the 2011 Fellowship Sunday Offering Campaign by receiving a special, designated offering during October?   If so, please write to me at FellowshipSunday@MCCchurch.net and let me know you'll participate in this year's Fellowship Sunday Offering Campaign to support the important work of MCC's International Task Force.   I hope to hear from your church this week!   Grace and peace,        Nancy   Rev. Dr. Nancy L. Wilson MCC Moderator FellowshipSunday@MCCchurch.net       P.S. When you write to me at FellowshipSunday@MCCchurch.net, we'll add your church to the 2011 Fellowship Sunday Pacesetters list -- churches that are leading the way in support of MCC's emerging international work.   It would mean so much to me to hear from your church.

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MCC Pays Tribute to Canadian NDP Leader Jack Layton

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MCC Pays Tribute to Canadian NDP Leader Jack Layton       Canada mourned the loss of a great leader this past weekend...and celebrated his life in unique ways, mostly thanks to Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes and MCC Toronto. Jack Layton, Leader of the New Democratic Party, lost his second battle with cancer last week.   Rev. Hawkes, a longtime friend, presided over the state funeral; he was dressed in red academic robes as a sign of respect to those of different religious traditions. "People saw the public Jack, but what they didn't realize was how deeply spiritual he was," he said. Jack once told him that he lived every day of his life as an act of worship. Olivia Chow, Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, Jack Layton   Photo courtesy of Brian Tao, Luxography http://luxography.ca/ Toronto singer Lorraine Segato sang Rise Up, the 1983 hit she had with The Parachute Club, with the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto. The crowds, both inside and outside the Roy Thomson Hall, were clapping and dancing along.   Layton's unwavering determination to stand up for the disadvantaged earned him the respect of fellow politicians and citizens of all political stripes. Layton, and his wife Olivia Chow, championed several causes for a more inclusive and generous Canada, including gay and lesbian rights, HIV/AIDS funding, housing the homeless, fighting violence against women, gender equality, and many environmental causes.   "You can wait forever for perfect conditions, or you can make the best of what you've got now," Mike Layton said, recalling his father's words. "He made the most of each moment." May we focus on such a perspective!   And from Jack Layton's final letter to Canadians: My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world.     To watch an interview with Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes the day before the funeral, click here.   To watch Rev. Hawkes' tribute, click here. (You will need to scroll about halfway down the page for this video clip.)   Here is a sampling of articles to give you more information about Jack Layton and Rev. Hawkes: Jack Layton: Pro Gay Politician's Actual Final Letter to Canadians N. B. Native to Preside Over Layton's Funeral Thousands Gather to Celebrate Layton's Life Final Tribute to Jack Layton Celebrates His Message of Hope, Optimism (MCC does not endorse any political party or necessarily agree with the opinions stated in these articles.)

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MCC Update about U. S. East coast (Hurricane Irene)

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An Update about the U. S. East Coast (Hurricane Irene)     Dear Friends,   The last few days have seen the East coast of the United States pummeled by hurricane Irene, and many of you have asked how our churches fared. All of our churches are reporting they have weathered the storm well. There has been minor flooding for some churches, and the same is true for the members. People are safe with no reports of injuries to date. We pray for those who lost their lives as a result of Irene and for their families and friends. The clean-up will take a lot of time for many areas, and we pray for those who lost their homes and businesses. Thank you to all the pastors and churches who kept us informed as the storm raged. May your churches and all your members be secure and well in the coming days.   God Bless,       Rev. Elder Diane Fisher MCC Office of Outreach

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MCC Headline News - 26 August 2011

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Headline News Tearing Down Walls. Building Up Hope. Registration Deadline: Monday, 29 August 2011 Are you under the age of 35 and interested in learning about the various paths of service within MCC? We are excited to host our first ever Young Adult Leadership Mentoring Retreat! All registration, housing and meal costs for this retreat are covered by donations from past Leadership Mentoring Retreat graduates.    Participants are expected to cover their own travel costs. However, we have more exciting news to share! A generous donor has offered 3 - $100 (USD) scholarships for 3 new applicants to go toward the cost of their travel. Please indicate your need with your application. The registration deadline is fast approaching! For more information and to register, click here. Governing Board Announcement   MCC's Governing Board has accepted John Hassell's letter of resignation from the Governing Board. We extend our sincerest thanks to John for his service to MCC over the past year. We wish him well on his next endeavors. John was elected by the 2010 General Conference XXIV in Acapulco, Mexico, for a six-year term of office.   Pursuant to UFMCC Bylaw, Article V.C.3.e - GOVERNING BOARD: Vacancies: "In the event of a vacancy on the Governing Board, the Governing Board may appoint someone who meets the qualifications to fill the vacancy until the next General Conference, when an election shall be held to fill the unexpired term."    To that end, the Governing Board will appoint a Lay Person to fill a two-year term until the 2013 General Conference XXV in Chicago, IL (USA). At such time, the General Conference will elect a Lay Person to complete the remaining three years on this unexpired term, ending at 2016 General Conference XXVI.   We are seeking an interested Lay person who meets the qualifications stated in UFMCC Bylaw, Article V.C.3.a - GOVERNING BOARD: QUALIFICATIONS: "Members of the Governing Board must be members in good standing within the Fellowship who, in the sole discretion of the UFMCC, have spiritual quality and leadership, are mature, have sound judgment, and have a proven record of accomplishment. Consideration will be given to elect members with diverse perspectives, core competencies, and complementary skills consistent with the required functions and responsibilities of the Governing Board."   We have implemented the following process to fill this vacated seat by our October 2011 Governing Board meeting: If you are interested or know a Lay Person who should apply for this position to serve MCC, please contact Rev. Onetta Brooks for an application ASAP. Applications are due by 5:00pm US Eastern time (9:00pm GMT), Monday, 12 September 2011. The Governing Board will review all applications received. The Governing Board will pre-select candidates and conduct interviews with candidate(s). The Governing Board will select and appoint a Lay Person to serve by our October Governing Board meeting. The Governing Board will send out an announcement to introduce our new Governing Board member following our October meeting. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Rev. Onetta Brooks at RevOnettaBrooks@MCCchurch.net.   We look forward to receiving your application!   Thank you, MCC Governing Board   Current GB: Rev. Robert Griffin, Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson, Bryan Parker, Raquel Benitez, Rev. Tony Freeman, Liz Bisordi, Rev. Onetta Brooks, Rev. Candace Shultis   Opportunity to Serve on the Board of Pensions, USA   Our MCC clergy are the lifeblood of our community. The MCC Pension Plan is one way we show them we care about their future. The Board of Pensions is an active board which not only oversees the clergy pension plan, but strives to improve and expand it as well.   We have 1 opening on our National Board, which carries a four-year term. The current opening is a non-clergy position. Investment knowledge, marketing, communication and/or technological skills would perfectly complement our Board make up. Please contact us for more information. The successful candidate will be appointed by the Governing Board and Moderator.   Our deadline to receive resumes/references is 5 October 2011. Please send to Devon Avery, President, UFMCC BOP: dhavery@att.net.   Current BOP: Jeremiah Nelson, Rev. Mark Bidwell, Rev. Carolyn Mobley, Rev. Wes Mullins, Chuck Phelan, Bill Hooper (Administrator), Devon Avery, Rev. Tom Emmett (Not shown: Hank Hueber)   Making Headlines! Young Adult Leadership Mentoring Retreat - Scholarships Available Governing Board Announcement Opportunity to Serve on the Board of Pensions, USA Corrections from Previous Edition of Headline News Hymn for Somalia Upcoming Events Corrections from the Previous Edition of Headline News In the Governing Board and Senior Leadership Team meetings summary, we were missing the following information:   1) Look for the Senior Leadership Team's report in the next issue of Headline News.   2) The Governing Board webpage can be accessed here.   3) The Governing Board can be reached at GoverningBoard@MCCchurch.net.   Hymn for Somalia If your church supports... ...you have permission to use this hymn, which they released yesterday. Click here for more information.   Upcoming MCC Events   26-27 August Programming Summit    28-31 October Young Adult Leadership Mentoring Retreat Registration Deadline: 29 August   12-14 September OFLD Clergy Retreat Registration Deadline: 30 August     9-10 September Stewardship Summit CANCELLED   23-24 September Size Summit   11-12 November Worship Summit Registration Deadline: 18 October   A list of future MCC events will be available soon.

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