MCC Easter Offering - A Letter from the Global Justice Institute's Executive Director

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2012 PACESETTER CHURCHES   Churches Participating in MCC's Easter Offering for Global Justice     1.   Agape MCC (Fort Worth, Texas) - Rev. David Wynn, Sr., Pastor    2.   All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota) - Rev. Kevin Downer, Interim Pastor    3.   Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) - Rev. Charles Tigard, Pastor   4.   City of Refuge Tijuana Church (Mexico) - Rev. Tony Manriquez, Pastor    5.   First MCC (Atlanta, Georgia) - Rev. Paul Graetz, Pastor    6.   FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) - Rev. Ruth Jensen-Forbell, Pastor   7.   Heartland Community MCC (Springfield, Illinois) - Rev. Dr. Tony Thieman-Somora, Pastor    8.   Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois) - Rev. Dr. Danny Spears, Pastor    9.   Holy Cross MCC (Pensacola, Florida) - Open Pulpit    10. Imago Dei MCC (Pennsylvania) - Rev. Janice Bowker, Interim Pastor    11. Joy MCC (Orlando, Florida) - Rev. Lisa Heilig, Interim Pastor    12. King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida) - Rev. Dr. Candace Shultis, Pastor   13. LAI Sanctuary of Praise (New York, New York) - Elder Stacey Latimer, Pastor    14. Living Springs MCC (Bath, England) - Rev. Kieren Bourne, Pastor   15. MCC Albuquerque (New Mexico) - Rev. Judith Maynard, Pastor     16. MCC Baltimore (Maryland) - Rev. Y. M. Dozier, Interim Pastor   17. MCC Baton Rouge (Louisiana) - Rev. Keith Mozingo, Pastor    18. MCC Boston (Massachusetts) - Open Pulpit    19. MCC Brighton (England) - Rev. Catherine Dearlove, Interim Pastor    20. MCC Charlotte (North Carolina) - Rev. Catherine Houchins, Pastor   21. MCC Christ the Liberator (Highland Park, New Jersey) - Rev. Dr. Tom Bohache, Pastor   22. MCC Corpus Christi (Texas) - Open Pulpit   23. MCC Elizabethtown (Kentucky) - Rev. Cathy Porter, Pastor   24. MCC Governing Board, Senior Leadership Team and Staff   25. MCC Knoxville (Tennessee) - Rev. Jill Sizemore, Pastor   26. MCC Los Angeles (California) - Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas, Pastor   27. MCC Lubbock (Texas) - Rev. Renae Phillips, Pastor   28. MCC New Orleans (Louisiana) - Rev. Rick Sosbe, Pastor    29. MCC Newcastle (Newcastle Upon Tyne, England) - Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, Pastor   30. MCC NOVA (Fairfax, Virginia) - Open Pulpit   31. MCC Ocala (Florida) - Rev. Vicki Miller, Interim Pastor   32. MCC of Greater St. Louis (Missouri) - Rev. Dr. Carol Trissel, Pastor   33. MCC of New York (New York) - Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Pastor   34. MCC of Paducah (Kentucky) - Rev. Lillian Ferguson, Pastor   35. MCC of San Antonio (Texas) - Rev. Mick Hinson, Pastor   36. MCC of the Blue Ridge (Roanoke, Virginia) - Rev. Joe Cobb, Pastor   37. MCC of the Spirit (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) - Rev. Lori Rivera, Pastor   38. MCC of Topeka (Kansas) - Rev. Carol Trissell, Consulting Pastor   39. MCC of Winston-Salem (North Carolina) - Rev. Ron LaRocque, Pastor   40. MCC Rehoboth (Delaware) - Rev. K'Lynne McKinley, Pastor   41. MCC Richmond (Virginia) - Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline, Pastor   42. MCC Sacred Journey (Hendersonville, North Carolina) - Rev. Jane Nelson, Pastor   43. MCC San Diego (California) - Rev. Dan Koeshall, Pastor   44. New Creation MCC (Columbus, Ohio) - Rev. Margaret Hawk, Pastor   45. New Spirit MCC (Cincinnati, Ohio) - Open Pulpit   46. Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York) - Rev. Jim Mulcahy, Pastor   47. Open Circle at The Villages MCC (Florida) - Rev. Carol Rawlings-Chambers, Pastor   48. Open Door MCC (Boyds, Maryland) - Rev. Miller Hoffman, Pastor   49. Peninsula MCC (San Mateo, California) - Rev. Terri Echelbarger, Pastor   50. Resurrection Beach MCC (Costa Mesa, California) - Ty Bradley, Interim Pastoral Leader   51. Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) - Rev. Janice Ladd, Executive Pastor   52. River of Life MCC (Dorchester, England) - Rev Catherine Dearlove, Pastor   53. River of Life MCC (Kennewick, Washington) - Rev. Janet Pierce, Pastor   54. St. John the Apostle MCC (Fort Myers, Florida) - Rev. Steve Filizzi, Pastor   55. St. Jude's MCC (Wilmington, North Carolina) - Rev. John McLaughlin, Pastor   56. SunCoast Cathedral MCC (Venice, Florida) - Rev. Dr. Sherry Kennedy, Pastor   57. Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) - Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins, Pastor   58. Trinity MCC (Arlington, Texas) - Curtis Smith, Pastoral Leader   59. Trinity MCC of Gainesville (Florida) - Rev. Dr. Jim Merritt, Pastor   60. Valley Ministries MCC (Stockton, California) - Rev. Terri Miller, Pastor   61. Wichita Falls MCC (Texas) - Rev. Mel Martinez, Pastor   The Global Justice Institute A Joint Program of Metropolitan Community Churches and The Fellowship _______________________________________  "BELIEVE... in Justice!    "The Spirit of God is upon me, because God has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. God has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of our God's favor."   -- Luke 4:18-19 ______________________________________      A Message from The Rev. Pat Bumgardner Executive Director       Dear MCC Friends:    Has your church made the decision to receive a special, designated Easter Offering for Global Justice this year?    (To see if your church has signed-up, look at the alphabetical list of churches in the left-hand column.)    Your congregation's participation in the 2012 Easter Offering for Global Justice Campaign will give the Global Justice Institute a healthy birth and a strong start!    The Global Justice Institute is a joint endeavor of Metropolitan Community Churches and The Fellowship -- and is an effective "umbrella organization" for our international social justice programs. I wholly agree with Bishop Yvette Flunder, who said, "I support the Easter Offering Campaign because justice work is Jesus' work!" LGBT Christian Leadership Development Retreat Did you know that by receiving a special Easter Offering for Global Justice, your congregation will be supporting our fledgling -- but vibrant! -- work in China?    Earlier this year, the Global Justice Institute sponsored the historic, first ever LGBT Christian Leadership Development Retreat in Xiamen, China.   Twenty people, representing the four major geographical areas of China, attended this retreat, which was led by The Rev. Boon Lin Ngeo. Participants were trained in the latest in theological thought about LGBT people, spiritual faith and social justice.   These 20 individuals are starting new online groups and non-governmental organizations to support our people across China. The Global Justice Institute's investment of $4500 USD has meant that change is in the making as these young activists carry our shared message that LGBT rights are human rights.    This is but one example -- and it's just the beginning. Young, spiritually motivated LGBT people around the globe are hungry for a Word of Life that will support their longings for freedom and equality.  From Uganda, Rwanda, Pakistan, and Jamaica, to Russia, Romania, China, and Moldova, the Global Justice Institute operates as your heart and your hands on the ground bringing hope, solidarity, and support.   Here's how your church can sign-up... to participate in the 2012 Easter Offering for Global Justice and be listed as a 2012 Pacesetter Church. Write to Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson at Easter@MCCchurch.net and let her know that your church will receive a special, designated 2012 Easter offering or receive funds in an alternative way. When you write to Rev. Wilson, be sure to include the following information: church name, city, province or state, country, pastor's name, and the date your church will receive its Easter offering. _____________________________________   If your church has not yet responded, won't  you make the decision today to join in this year's  MCC Easter Offering for Global Justice Campaign? ______________________________________   Together, we have a God-given opportunity to mid-wife this new Institute and to nurture its growth in these early stages of its life.   On behalf of faith-inspired justice,     Rev. Pat   The Rev. Pat Bumgardner Executive Director The Global Justice Institute Easter@MCCchurch.net     P.S.  If for any reason your church cannot participate on Easter Sunday, why not participate another way? Some churches are designating offerings from Good Friday services, Sunrise services or Easter concerts, or funds from yard sales, bake sales, and the sale of Easter lilies, and through the use of special collection jars. Why not participate through one of these creative, alternative ways?     P.P.S.  Won't you write to Rev. Wilson today at Easter@MCCchurch.net and let her know your congregation will participate in this year's Easter Offerings for Global Justice? When you do so, we'll add your name and your church to our 2012 Pacesetters List, recognizing those who are "setting the pace" on behalf of MCC's global justice work.

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MCC General Conference 2013 Promotional Rate Ending Soon!

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General Conference XXV 1-5 July 2013 Chicago, Illinois, USA        Then the world might BELIEVE that you, in fact, sent me. - John 17:23     Promotional Rate Ending Soon!   There is only one more month to register for General Conference at the low promotional rate. After 30 April 2012, the registration rate will increase, so register today by visiting our website: http://believe.mccchurch.org.   Prefer not to register online? You can contact Jennifer Justice at Conferences@MCCchurch.net to pay by check and mail-in registration form.    Don't have a pastor or lay delegate yet but want to take advantage of the low promotional rate? You can! Register using a name like "MCC Church Name Pastor" or "MCC Church Name Lay Delegate." When you elect your pastor or lay delegate(s), email the name change to Jennifer Justice (Conferences@MCCchurch.net). It is as simple as that!    Reserve Your Hotel Room!       Already registered for General Conference? Be sure to get a head start by reserving your hotel room at our host hotel, the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park. The rate is a low USD $125 (+ taxes) per night for up to four people in a room.  CLICK HERE for more information and to reserve your room.  Updates and Questions   Stay posted to the General Conference site at http://believe.MCCchurch.org for updates leading up to conference.    You can also contact Jennifer Justice: Conferences@MCCchurch.net 1-213-447-2953

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MCC Headline News - WEBSITE BACK UP, First MCC Chaplain in Australia, Moderator's schedule, & more!

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IN THIS ISSUE NEWS BRIEFS                                                                                MODERATOR'S SCHEDULE EMERGING MINISTRIES                                                              GOVERNING BOARD CORNER  MCC-ERS IN THE NEWS                                                                            UPCOMING EVENTS                                                                                                           GENERAL CONFERENCE                                                                                                                           CORRECTIONS WEBSITE WORKING AGAIN   The MCC website was down for a week, and we are pleased to announce it is back up today! Technical issues have been resolved. We'll be working through emails and messages this week to make updates. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.   NEWS BRIEFS We have made the move! MCC's new mailing address is: PO Box 50488   Sarasota, FL 34232                  USA Click here for an open letter to MCC from Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott, her response to all the greetings she received from MCCers for her 80th birthday.   EMERGING MINISTRIES      It is with great joy we announce our new MCC mission in Cuba, a reality since January 2012, largely thanks to the efforts of Pastor Audel Jimenez!  Rev. Hector Gutierrez (MCC Staff), Carmen Llanos (deacon) and Raquel Benitez (MCC Governing Board) plan to visit the mission in Ciego de Avila in May.     MCC-ERS IN THE NEWS First MCC Chaplain in Australia: Rev. Joy Etwell Rev. Joy Etwell receiving her "Commendation for Service" after the Victorian bushfires of 2009. Pictured here with the CEO of VICSES and the Victorian Deputy Premier.   The Victoria State Emergency Services (VICSES) in Australia is a volunteer-based emergency service. The organization, which has around 5500 volunteers, has a wide range of roles including planning for and responding to floods, severe storms, earthquakes, tsunami, and road rescue, as well as search and rescue. The VICSES also provides a support role to other emergency service agencies, including the Country Fire Authority and the Victoria Police.   Rev. Joy Etwell joined VICSES as a volunteer in 2002 while living in country Victoria. On returning to Melbourne in 2007, Joy was offered a job as a Clinical Officer providing psychological support to volunteers. She was awarded a "VICSES - Commendation for Service" for her work in the Marysville district following the bushfires in 2009. Joy has been appointed as the VICSES Chaplains Coordinator. Her role, along with working as a chaplain herself, involves being responsible for the administration of the chaplaincy and coordinating the Chaplains during significant incidents to work with the Peers to provide support to VICSES members directly impacted and those tasked to work in the area.   MODERATOR'S SCHEDULE Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson will be going to Brazil, 30 March-9 April.  She will be spending Palm Sunday (1 April) in Rio de Janeiro and Easter Sunday (8 April) in Sao Paolo.  She will be conducting workshops, attending a retreat, meeting with government officials and helping celebrate 10 years of MCC in Brazil!   GOVERNING BOARD CORNER Moderator to address MCC live via a live webcast on Tuesday, 27 March 2012, at 1:00pm EDT (5:00pm GMT) to update everyone on the major outcomes of the recent meeting of the Governing Board. Click here to access the live broadcast. [Sign in as Guest.] No password needed. UPCOMING EVENTS CLM Train the Trainer 21-24 May 2012 Omaha, Nebraska (USA) Young Adult Gathering 17-21 July 2012  Dallas, Texas (USA) 2012 REVM Retreat 9-16 August 2012  Berkeley, California (USA) 2012 Clergy Retreat 27-30 August 2012  Delray Beach, Florida (USA)  2013 GENERAL CONFERENCE MCC General Conference XXV 1-5 July 2013 Chicago, Illinois (USA)   Click here to register. The promotional rate deadline is just a month away.   http://believe.mccchurch.org   CORRECTIONS NBJC is a national civil and transgender (LGBT) people rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered individuals.   Gail Evans and Rev. Jean Hart were together 19 years, not 14. Their 19th anniversary was 1 March 2012, two days after Jean died.

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