the MCC IMPACT
www.HopeandHelpCenter.org
Here are the latest NEWS UPDATES from MCC congregations around the globe~
ON CHURCHES AND PEOPLE
Rev. Elder Don Eastman is featured in an episode of Sharing the Light discussing the integration of sexuality and spirituality. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTOsRSflKO4&feature=channel_page
Father John McNeil preached at New Spirit Community Church MCC/UCC/DOC (Berkeley, California) and read from his book Sex as God Intended at Pacific School of Religion recently. He enjoys speaking at MCC churches.
Peterson Toscano performed his new show Transfigurations ~ Transgressing Gender in the Bible at MCC Los Angeles (California). He portrays transgender Bible characters, those who do not fit in the gender binary and who are in the center of some the Bible's most important stories. www.petersontoscano.com
Inspirit with Jumoke Fashola on BBC London Radio featured Rev. Jide Macaulay debating others about the week's biggest religious, moral and ethical issues. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p002jrj9
Rev. Lea Brown will be the special guest at MCC Wichita Falls (Texas), her former pastorate, 2-3 May. Many events are planned for the weekend.
Rev. Elder Troy Perry is appearing as one of the featured interviews on the four-part BBC special, Alan Wicker's Journey of a Lifetime. The series features updates with some of the most fascinating interviews conducted by Alan Wicker during his 50-year career. It is currently airing in the UK and Europe and will be broadcast later in North America.
During the Rally on Tally, a day of promoting equality at the Florida state capitol, Rev. Ruth and Elizabeth Forbell-Jensen were featured on the news coverage on channel 12. Other MCCers there included Rev. Carol Chambers, Dennis Pierce, Terri Rawlings, and David Schuler from Joy MCC (Orlando).
The Elders Nominating Committee has announced the nomination of Rev. Elder Darlene Garner for Elder in Region 6 and Rev. Elder Lillie Brock for Elder in Region 7. The Regions will be voting during their various gatherings.
Folks from MCC Bournemouth (England) will travel by train and tube to join the congregation of MCC South London for worship on 10 May.
Rev. Dr. Tyrone Sweeting has a weekly blog at www.myspace.com/practically_spiritual.
There was a fantastic article about Open Door MCC (Boyds, Maryland) and their Friday night Bingos, which are very family oriented and well supported by the community at large. The article also tells of other church programs. Click here to read the article.
Everyone at SunCoast Cathedral MCC (Venice, Florida) brought back their prayer rocks on 5 April and planted them on their property. Their building permits have finally been issued and the foundation is now poured.
Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Chambers will be one of the honorees at the Houston (Texas) chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America's 40th year celebration in July.
Congratulations to the Ministry Appreciation Award recipients at MCC Lubbock (Texas): Bob Compton, the Mern Crawford Pioneer Award; Tommy Kirk, the Mattie Tippit Pillar Award; Mary Ann Lawson, the Michael Thomas Joy in the Journey Award; Angie Taylor, the Jean Nichols Solid Rock Award; and Marge Washam, the Ron McArthur Servant's Heart Award.
Rev. Dr. Mona West led a workshop on prayer at Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) earlier this month.
Requests for study groups in Baguio, Cebu, and Davao, Philippines, have kept Rev. Ceejay Agbayani busy training the next generation of MCC leaders there.
Rev. Bernie Barbour will participate in a teleconference, Diversity and End of Life Care, sponsored by Baptist St. Anthony's Hospice.
Harrison White is playing Herod in Jesus Christ, Superstar. His friends from MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California) will be attending the 2 May performance.
Mitchell Gold led a discussion about his book Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Trauma of Growing up Gay in America at a bookstore in Charleston, South Carolina. www.crisisbook.org
Uke Euphoria! MCC of Greater Dallas (Texas) hosted a three day Ukulele Festival & Music Camp, featuring some of the top performers and teachers.
As part of the Church Revitalization Program (CRI) MCC Seattle (Washington) receives $300 (USD) each month to help support their new pastor's salary.
MCC of Greater St. Louis (Missouri) will celebrate their building dedication the weekend of 13-14 June.
Over $31,000 (USD) in cash and pledges was received as the annual miracle offering to lower the church's mortgage at All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota).
At least six couples will be wed in a joint service at MCC of the Quad Cities (Davenport, Iowa) on 3 May. Others have opted for individual weddings at other times now that marriage is legal in Iowa.
Under the direction of Daniel Arrendondo the choir of MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks (Texas) made a video for a contest on the Ellen Degeneres show.
Christ Chapel MCC (Santa Ana, California) has upgraded their building to make it more accessible by ADA guidelines.
Playing Possum, a play by James Hartman, a member of The Big Easy MCC (New Orleans, Louisiana), has begun a four week run at a local dinner theater. http://www.brisketandbroadway.com
The Miracle Sunday offering at First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia) raised $10,500 (USD) for their ministry.
CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND YOUNG ADULTS
More than 200 gay and straight teens attended the Kansas City Gay Pride Youth Royalty Court and the GLSEN/GSA National Day of Silence Rally which was hosted by Spirit of Hope MCC (Kansas City, Missouri).
The Rainbow Sunday School children of MCC San Diego (California) enjoyed a trip to the Nature Interpretive Center.
What a witness! The Children's Ministry of MCC Topeka (Kansas) had a float in the city's St. Patrick's Day parade. The children loved waving to the large crowds.
Amanda Ackerman, daughter of Rev. Elder Arlene and Jacquie Ackerman, was accepted into Temple University's Tyler School of Fine Art for the fall semester as a junior.
MCC Toronto (Canada) is hiring a permanent Children's Church teacher.
Kornerstone Kids from Cornerstone MCC (Mobile, Alabama) will enjoy Spring Fling 2009 with a trip to the country for a day of fishing, wagon rides, and other activities. Last Sunday they took their Sunday Social Hour outdoors to a local city park for a picnic lunch with games and fun for all ages.
MCC of the Rockies (Denver, Colorado) is hoping to divide their children into two groups so that the older students may focus on a lesson.
MINISTRY IDEAS TO USE
B4 what? Divine Peace MCC (Pontiac, Michigan) has reinstituted their Bingo nights for the community, which is a great fundraiser for the church.
MCC Illiana (Lake Station, Indiana) dined on homemade traditional Irish stew at their St. Patrick's Day Dance last month.
Monthly MCC of the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) observes Ministry Monday. All of the ministry teams gather for greeting and prayer, followed by time for the individual team meetings, and ending with a quick assembly for any announcements from the teams.
A different twist! Instead of just having a Chili Cook-off at Agape MCC (Ft. Worth, Texas), they add a Brownie Bake-off to the event!
MCC Manchester (England) offers a Sacred Space service fortnightly. Each one follows a different format, but offers time for quiet, gentle music, reflective prayers, meditation, and enjoyment of God's presence. Sometimes there is Holy Communion, sacramental anointing, a reflection, or concentrated prayers, but always time to sit quietly and listen to Christ's voice.
Fourth Friday Fellowship at Resurrection Beach MCC (Costa Mesa, California) provides an opportunity for social interaction, information gathering, spiritual uplifting with music and prayer, and, of course, food! Last month they went to the photography/art gallery of one of their members and also enjoyed the movie Jesus Camp.
St. John's MCC (Raleigh, North Carolina) has added PayPal as a way to donate to the church, which allows people to use their credit cards when they can't be present.
Calling all campers! FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) has instituted a new camping ministry. They will plan several events throughout the year for those with RVs, fifth wheels, trailers, pop-ups, or tents, or who like to camp in cabins.
The men of MCC London (Canada) hosted a candlelit Italian dinner for the women, complete with entertainment. The women reciprocated with Mexican fare and a dinner theater. Both nights were full of laughter and great community spirit.
Imago Dei MCC (Glen Mills, Pennsylvania) is offering a seminar on Managing God's Money Wisely. The session on 26 April will focus on real estate.
A Church for All MCC (Sacramento, California) will host their second Soul Series: A Blending of the Secular and Sacred, a special Sunday during which artists and speakers from the community both inspire and entertain.
Breakfast time! On a recent Saturday evening the folks at Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York) gathered for a breakfast food pot luck ... in their pajamas ... and then enjoyed playing games.
New Light MCC (Hagerstown, Maryland) has a special afternoon evangelical service on the first Sunday of each month.
Next Saturday at Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas) they will enjoy an afternoon workshop on The Five Languages of Love and Their Dialects, followed by a barbeque dinner and a showing of Milk.
Join in! MCC Richmond (Virginia) has established a bulletin board (not live chat) forum, where people can post, receive notification of replies, and return to follow discussions. http://mccrichmond.org/forum/
The Sign Language Ministry of MCC Amarillo (Texas) presented three performances of Jesus Christ Superstar earlier this month.
On the 26th MCC Melbourne (Australia) has invited the entire community to a presentation of For the Bible Tells Me So, followed by an afternoon tea and discussion time.
MCC Las Vegas (Nevada) enjoyed a performance by Victorious!
Team work! A generous member of Joy MCC (Orlando, Florida) donated all the sod needed to redo the front lawn of the church, so a large group readied the ground and spread the sod without anyone's back suffering!
The Animal Ministry of Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana) will present a workshop next Sunday for new pet parents or those considering adoption.
How are we doing? Open Arms MCC (Pahoa, Hawai'i) has a suggestion box in the back of the sanctuary so that folks may share ideas, needs, or praises.
On 30 May MCC San Antonio (Texas) will host a seminar facilitated by Rev. Elder Darlene Garner on spiritual and practical training for board members. The $40 (USD) registration deadline is 15 May. VickeyGibbs@MCCchurch.net
This you've gotta see! Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers will make a guest appearance during the Drag and Variety show at MCC Louisville (Kentucky) on 16 May ... and you'll never guess who Dolly really is!
The Blue Angels of Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia) are playing softball every Friday through next month.
MCC Sydney (Australia) offers their traditional service on Sunday mornings and the lively Crave service in the evenings.
MCC of Corpus Christi (Texas) held their Annual Awards Banquet last weekend as a fun time to celebrate all the wonderful things God is doing in their midst. The suggested donation for the event was $52 (USD) or $1 per week for the year.
First MCC of Kansas (Wichita) launched a second service this month. Based on Micah 6:08, the Saturday evening service begins at 6:08 pm and lasts 36 minutes.
If the Persons in Distress Fund of Healing Spirit MCC (Rochester, Minnesota) has a $300 (USD) cushion, then each quarter $75 is sent to a local agency such as Paws & Claws or the Professional AIDS Network.
On 2 May Pikes Peak MCC (Colorado Springs, Colorado) is having an evening of art, live music, and refreshments at a local gallery. Art pieces will be for sale as well as items in a silent auction.
For the Economic Stimulus Program at Gentle Shepherd MCC (Phoenix, Arizona) they are listing congregants and the names of their businesses in the church bulletin so that they can support one another and, hopefully, guarantee one another's jobs!
Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois) had their Spring Dance and Services Auction last weekend. Among the items up for bid were having a church member come over and clean your carpets, help you set up a budget, polish your car and detail the interior, photograph a special event, bake pastries of your choice, or alter clothes.
River of Life Community Outreach of Pasco is hosting a dance on 10 May to benefit Spirit of Life MCC (New Port Richey, Florida). They will also collect tennis shoes for Charlie's Angels Youth Camp during the event.
Calling all dogs! The monthly dog walks have resumed at MCC Newcastle upon Tyne (England). No dog? You are still welcome to join in the fun.
Outward Bound is a new ministry at MCC Baltimore (Maryland). They are organizing a social outing once a month following worship. This month they went bowling.
On 4 May Velicity Metropolis is hosting a Bingo night at a local restaurant with the proceeds of the Bingo card sales going to aChurch4Me? MCC (Chicago, Illinois).
On the Sunday after Easter MCC Charleston (South Carolina) celebrated Holy Humor Sunday ... the joke is on the Devil, because Jesus Christ arose!
MCC Omaha (Nebraska) will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a special dinner at the church.
MCC Fredricksburg (Virginia) offered a light lunch for those attending a presentation about MCC denominationally facilitated by Lay Delegate Rhonda Russell Caville.
Mind Out, a mental health organization, presented a play at River of Life MCC (Dorchester, England), which was followed by a discussion and refreshment time.
New Life MCC at Hampton Roads (Virginia) is hosting a reunion for all CLM graduates.
Life Touch Portraits made a donation to the food pantry at MCC Knoxville (Tennessee) as part of producing a pictorial directory for the congregation.
MCC of the Chesapeake (Annapolis, Maryland) sold flowers, strawberry, and tomato plants as a fundraiser.
The theme of the monthly bingo night at King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida) for 28 April is Mother Goosed. Makes you want to go see Jack and Jill, Wee Willie Winkie, and all the others!!!
The men of Water of Life MCC (Tucson, Arizona) participated in a potluck with the Primetimers.
TRANSITIONS
Rev. Julie Two Suess, who has been on staff at First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia) has moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to work with Sunrise Assisted Living Programs.
Rev. Elder Ken Martin will install Rev. Gavin Ward as pastor of MCC Sydney (Australia) on 17 May.
Rev. Charles Tigard is the new interim pastor at MCC of the Spirit (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania).
Rev. Kurt Krieger was elected to become the senior pastor of Spirit of Hope MCC (Kansas City, Missouri) upon the retirement of Rev. John Barbone in September. kurt_krieger2002@yahoo.com
In order to determine the response to a possible morning service, Living Springs MCC (Bath, England) will try a morning time several times over the summer months.
Rev. Dr. Rob Apgar-Taylor resigned as pastor of Open Door MCC (Boyds, Maryland). Following six years of ministry there, his last Sunday was 1 March.
Congratulations to Rev. Gayle Davis who was ordained at MCC New York (New York).
Rev. Robert Barker is the new interim at Gospel of Jesus Christ MCC (Midland, Michigan).
After 11 years Rev. Amanda McCullough has stepped down as pastor of St. Jude's MCC (Wilmington, North Carolina).
Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner has assumed the position of Regional Church Liaison for Regions 7/2. She will assist churches through team facilitation, communications, and pulpit fills, as well as revitalizing TAP (Training, Access, Preparation), MCC's online courses.
Jose "Art" Ventayen is the new interim pastoral leader for MCC Philippines ~ Makati.
Rev. Ray Neal will be installed as pastor of MCC Seattle (Washington) by Rev. Elder Ken Martin on 10 May.
Rev. Dave Lafary will assume the duties of Pastor of Congregational Life at MCC of Greater St. Louis (Missouri) in May. For the last 17 years, he has served as campus minister for the Wesley Foundation at Western Illinois University.
Christos MCC (Toronto, Canada) voted unanimously to close. Their final service was last Sunday night.
Rev. Margaret Walker will be on sabbatical May through July. Each month there will be a different "pastor" at Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas): Melanie Martinez, Rev. Connie Mangin, and Rev. Dr. Cindi Love.
SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER
Bill Eknes-Tucker, suffered a heart attack last month. He is the partner of Rev. Paul Eknes-Tucker. ptucker@agcmcc.org
Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas was in a bike accident, breaking his right arm in several places and shattering his elbow. He has now had surgery and is resting at home. revneil@mccla.org
Tom Herfort, a member of the Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) choir and former member of the Board of Directors, passed. His memorial service was 3 April.
A memorial service for Deacon Emeritus Jean Paylor was held at Joy MCC (Orlando, Florida) on 4 April.
Melanie Martinez's grandmother, aunt, and uncle were among those who lost all of their property in the recent tornado outbreaks in the US. They reside in Arkansas and are physically safe.
The nativity stained glass window at Church of Our Savior MCC (Boynton Beach, Florida) was destroyed when vandals broke into their building. pastor@churchofoursaviormcc.org .
