The MCC newsletter reporting from congregations all over the world...

In this issue

• Rev Elder Jeri Ann Harvey Remembered
• Spotlight on Local Churches & Leaders
• Congratulations to our Graduates
• Children, Youth & Young Adults
• MCC Youth Mission Trip Fundraising
• More Cruises
• Transitions
• Supporting One Another
• Breaking News 

Rev. Elder Jeri Ann Harvey Remembered

 
The final Memorial Service for Rev. Elder Jeri Ann Harvey, the first female pastor of the mother church and our first First Nations Elder, was held at 1:30 on Saturday, September 13, at MCC Toronto (Canada).  Her partner Rev. Elder Gill Story and many MCC leaders were present.  In lieu of flowers, Rev. Storey requested that donations be made to the MCC work in Jamaica.  Please make the check out to MCC, note it for "Sunshine Cathedral Jamaica", and mail it to PO Box 1374, Abilene, TX 79604, USA.  Also, MCC Richmond (Virginia) set up a fund to honor Rev. Jeri Ann and to help Rev. Gill. They lived on Rev. Jeri Ann's pension in Spain while Rev. Gill cared for her partner full-time.  Now there were many expenses, including the cremation, and no income.  Although someone has paid her airfare to Toronto, there are additional costs for her to be there.  All of this totals almost $10,000 (USD).  If you or your church would like to assist, send a check marked Harvey Fund to MCCR, 2501 Park Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220-2624.

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Spotlight on Local Churches & Leaders

Exciting news!  Five individuals from Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa met with Rev. Elders Jim Mitulski and Glenna Shepherd in Pretoria, South Africa, for the first ever REVM Africa (Readiness to Enter Vocational Ministry).  While there, Rev. Mitulski preached at Hope and Unity MCC (Johannesburg, South Africa), where they worship in Zulu, Xhosa, and English, and Rev. Shepherd brought the message at Glorious Light MCC (Pretoria, South Africa).

Shelter is a new coffee table book of photographs and narratives by Lucky Stephen Michaels about the homeless LBGT youth at Sylvia's Place, a ministry of MCC New York (New York). This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Praise and Worship Team from MCC San Francisco (California) went on tour!  They performed in concert at Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia), Trinity MCC (Gainesville, Florida), MCC Tampa (Florida), and MCC Miami (Florida) before performing at the GALA chorus contest.  During the festivities, Carolyn Edison and Stephanie Lynne Smith starred as "Fifi and Fanny" to co-host the World's Greatest No-Talent Show.

Kathy Beasley was featured in an article in the Orlando Sentinel about being Black and gay.  Of course, she mentioned Joy MCC (Orlando,Florida)! http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-blackgay1608may16,0,5658785.story

MCC leads the way!  Hilde Raastad, co-president of the European Forum of LGBT Christian Groups (28 groups in 20 countries), contacted MCC for advice on formulating social justice action alerts, after participating in our writing government officials in Moldova.  Of course, Rev.Jim Birkitt was happy to oblige!
 
At the recent meeting of the Board of Pensions (USA) the following were elected as officers:  Chuck Phelan, president; Rev. Wes Mullins, vice president; Rev. Mark Bidwell, secretary; and Bob Pope, treasurer.  Rev. Carolyn Mobley and Hank Huber are the other Board members.  Rev. Dr. Cindi Love was named the plan administrator.  Bill Hooper was thanked for staff support.

To Have and To Hold - The Making Of Same Sex Marriage in South Africa features several MCCers.  Sharon Cox and Diane Holdsworth, Good Hope MCC (Cape Town), were one of the seven couples forming the Equality Project's case for the legalisation.  Janine Preesman, Glorious Light MCC (Pretoria), was the first religious marriage officer to be designated under the Civil Union Act.  Rev. Nokuthula Dhladhla and Rev. Paul Mokgethi, Hope and Unity MCC (Johannesburg), conducted the first legal ceremony.  Rev. Jide Macaulay, House of Rainbow MCC (Nigeria), is quoted in a section on LGBT Rights in Africa.

Rev. Elijah Neely was the guest speaker for MCC Lubbock's (Texas) WTSAW  (West Texas Spiritual Awareness Weekend).

Great outreach!  ICM Nuevo Espíritu (Santiago, Chile) is supporting two new groups: one in Osorno, 12 hours south, led by Teresa Espinoza, and the other in Concepcion, the second largest city, led by Andres Solis. 

Shaun Popp was named Music Teacher of the Year in the Jefferson County, Kentucky, school system and is president-elect of the Music Teachers Association.  He is choir director at MCC Louisville.

Andy Ansell,chair of the board at All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota) and Lonny McLaughlin are one of three couples competing to win Lavender Magazine's "Win a Wedding" contest.
 
The Core Team of Region 4 met in Hamburg, Germany.  Present were Rev. Chris Dowd (Birmingham, England), Rev. Sharon Ferguson (London, England), Jochen Geweche (Stuttgart, Germany), Lewis Reay (Edinburgh, Scotland), Thierry Sereno (Montpellier, France), Franka Strietzel (Hamburg, Germany), Rev. Jake Tatton (Scottish Highlands & Islands), and Laurence Vergez (Copenhagen, Denmark). Also present were Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd and staff members Rev. Thomas Friedhoff and Katie Harris.  

Rev. Tessie Mandeville is writing an "Issues in Faith" column for the online magazine The Life Poetic .  

Rev. Vicky Kowlakowski of MCC San Jose (California) was featured on NBC 11's nightly news.  If elected, she will become the first transgender judge in the US.  http://video.nbc11.com/player/?id=256575#videoid=255736 .

Traveling the globe!  Rev. Pat Bumgardner and Rev. Elder Ken Martin traveled to Lahore, Pakistan, to visit with a group there who has corresponded with MCC for over a year.  Rev. Ken also visited our two MCC in the Philippines congregations.
 
Five members of ICM Sao Paulo (Brazil) participated in the first ever State of Sao Paulo Conference on LGBT Issues with government and other organizational participants.  Representing MCC were Dário Neto, Edmar Lessa, Ricardo Medeiros, Lula Ramirez, and Cristiano Valério, pastor.  State Deputy Carlos Giannazi recognized the contribution of MCC during his opening address, proclaiming MCC to be a revolutionary church!  The conference elected both Lula and Dário as official delegates to the National Conference on LGBT Issues.

We're All Angels, the documentary about Jason & deMarco, is available on Showtime.  www.myspace.com/wereallangels

Rev. Elder Troy Perry was the guest at Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) preceding the showing of Call Me Troy as the finale of the Ft. Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.

Rev. Candy Holmes, Rev. Jeffrey Jordan, Rev. Kathy Martin, and Rev. Elder Darlene Garner represented MCC at the Third Annual Black Church Summit sponsored by the Black Justice Coalition in the US. 

Safe Harbor MCC (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) hosted Bishop John Shelby Spong for a presentation at the Bella Rosa Arts Centre and worship with their congregation.

A sermon on Ruth and Naomi by Rev. Sue Yarber was selected for publication in The Progressive Christian Magazine. 

Rev. Delores Berry was included Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia by gospel legends Mavis Staples and Edwin Hawkins.  The book features musicians of African descent who have made significant contributions to the field. She is hailed as "one of the leaders of a new wave of openly gay gospel singers".

Rev. Wayne Lindsey was interviewed on KLAS in Las Vegas, Nevada, about the effect that faith has on health and healing.
Prayers for Bobby, a book about a young gay man, who committed suicide, and his fundamentalist family was made into a Lifetime movie, starring Sigourney Weaver, and filmed at MCC Detroit (Michigan).  Several congregants had roles or worked as extras.  The production company bought two new air conditioners for the church and gave them a new banner that was used in a Pride Parade scene.

Rev. Boon Lin Ngeo and Rev. Pat Bumgardner traveled to Malaysia again to work with groups in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and establish an MCC.

The Celebration Choir from MCC San Diego (California) and the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus sang the US National Anthem at a San Diego Padres baseball game.

MCC of the Quad Cities (Davenport, Iowa) was featured in a wonderful article on the front page of the Quad Cities Times. 
http://qctimes.com/articles/2008/05/06/features/salute/ 

Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson preached at the opening worship service of The European Forum of Gay and Lesbian Christian Groups.  While in the UK, she was able to visit MCC Bournemouth, Brightwaves MCC (Brighton), MCC Edinburgh, Journey MCC (Birmingham), and MCC Newcastle, as well as preach at a combined service for MCC East London, North London, MCC South London, and Trinity United Reform Church. 

Rev. Mike Ellard was interviewed on Comcast Cable in San Jose, California, along with two other ministers with very different theological viewpoints.

Rev. Rick Sosbe, pastor of Celebration MCC (Naples, Florida) was the guest preacher recently at Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida).

Rev. Martha Daniels, pastor of MCC Windsor (Canada), was featured in a newspaper article about the comprehensive LGBT survey she is doing there.   http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html

Rev. Jide Macaulay represented MCC at the hearing of the Bauchi 18, men on trial for homosexuality in Nigeria.  He met lawyer Ralf Monye, who said the legal team is dropping the case due to loss of major clients.

Rev. Greg Smith and Kim have opened a Bed & Breakfast in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  www.manorhousecambodia.com

Rev. Ruth Jensen-Forbell and Sondra Best were featured in stories on the front page of the Lifestyle section of the Sunday Florida Times-Union.

Participants at the Region 1 Gathering in Seattle, Washington, collected $600 (USD) for the Asia Pacific Initiative.  MCC Seattle received an additional $463 at their service that weekend.

Julie Alexander's book Discovering Joy for the Journey has been released and is available on Amazon.com .  Her website is
http://www.discoveringjoy.org/ . 

MCC San Francisco (California) co-sponsored the showing of Call Me Troy during the LBGT Film Festival there.

Anne Barr, founder of the Decatur Women's Sports League and a member of Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia), was featured in The Life Poetic's May issue.

Marshall-Grant Ministries is now on YouTube and available for concerts in North America.  http://www.youtube.com/MGMinistry This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Rev. Angie Thinnes addressed new recruits at the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy as part of their diversity training, the first time LGBT issues were included.

Gary Denton was featured in The Telegraph of Alton, Illinois, as was his church MCC of Greater St. Louis (Missouri).  
http://www.thetelegraph.com/articles/river .

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Congratulations to Our Graduates

Josie Byzek graduated with a Master of Arts in Religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary.  She is a leader in the MCC Disability Forum and active at MCC of the Spirit (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania).  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text44724 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Children, Youth & Young Adults

MCC of the Blue Ridge (Roanoke, Virginia) launched their Youth Ministry with a Meet and Greet.  Over thirty youth and adults attended the event coordinated by Bill Core, Joyce Phillips, and Lisa Casicato. 

You don't have to be near the ocean to have a Beach Party!  That was the theme of the Vacation Bible School at MCC Lubbock (Texas) where they "surfed through the Scriptures"! 

To celebrate Children's Day in Mexico annually ICM Casa de Luz (Monterrey) hosts a party for more than 150 children who live in the orphanage, Albergue del Cristo Roto. "Friends of Jesus" included Bible story-telling, singing, games, and prizes.  Pedro Martinez coordinated the event.

The Agape Angyls, the youth group at Agape MCC (Ft. Worth, Texas) hosted a showing of For the Bible Tells Me So followed by a discussion time.

At Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana) they have installed a new playground for the children.  And, yes, they put in all the equipment themselves!

MCC of the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) hosted a VBS using the curriculum Son Harvest.

Teach On! was a training day at Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) giving new volunteers tools and inspiration needed for the children's ministry.

Fourteen children at MCC Corpus Christi (Texas) participated in their VBS under the leadership of Annette Berdan.

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MCC Youth Mission Trip Fundraising

FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) gathered for a picnic, coming out stories, Mexican bingo, karaoke, and a drag show to raise money for Leni and Adam's trip.

Cindy Acker and Paul Gilger presented a concert at MCC of the Redwood Empire (Guerneville, California) to benefit the mission trip.

At MCC Newcastle (England) Abby Brown raised over £300 by cutting off her hair as part of her effort to go on the Dominican Republic trip.  

The Rainbow Sunday School at MCC San Diego (California) held a bake sale with half of the proceeds going to Jennifer Raptis' trip costs.  The children raised $1353.68!!!  (USD)

In addition to raising over $2000 (USD) for Amanda Ackerman and others to participate, Vision of Hope MCC (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) sent paper and toy supplies for the picnic for the 70 children at the orphanage.

As one way to raise funds to send Adam and Leni, FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) held a prom, netting over $1800 (USD).

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Creative Ministry Ideas!

MCC Good Shepherd (Granville, Australia) holds a monthly Mandala Makers workshop.

Over twenty congregants and numerous dogs participated in the 2nd annual walkathon to raise money for Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois).

MCC of the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) has instituted a theater company, which will generate two major productions each year, evenings of one-acts, performance art, monologues, and musical revues.

The Birdcage is MCC Richmond's (Virginia) monthly transgender support group  addressing all aspects of crossdressing and issues related to being transgender.  

The evening services of ICM Casa de Luz (Monterrey, Mexico) are broadcast live on the Internet every Sunday at 7:15 and Friday at 8:15 PM (Mexico Central Daylight Saving Time).  To connect, go to http://www.voces-cristianas.net/ , double click Chat, and select the user Mani.

New Spirit MCC (Cincinnati, Ohio) spent a week fasting and praying for healing, forgiveness, and closure, so that they could conquer issues impeding their spiritual growth and for a breakthrough and vision for the church.

Rev. Joe McMurray and the Board host a Newcomer Gathering in his home for those who have recently visited Trinity MCC (Gainesville, Florida).  

A short version of some Sunday sermons at MCC Bournemouth (England) are posted on their website's reflection page with a discussion group. www.MCCBournemouth.co.uk/reflection Reflection questions are sent and participants can respond with their own thoughts.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Living Springs MCC (Bath, England) gave a recent Community Tithe to the Bath Area Drugs Advisory Service.

Great feedback!  MCC Detroit (Michigan) had over 20 first time visitors in the three weeks following Pride.  Each visitor received an MCCD coffee mug, information about the church, and a stamped, addressed survey about their experience.  More than 50% of surveys have been returned.

Folks from MCC Newcastle (England) gather monthly with their dogs for a walk and a time of fellowship.  Recently they were joined by the Dorotheans, the group of mature LGBT folks who share in Tea with Dorothy, another ministry of MCCN.

Many US churches encouraged congregants to tithe on their government Economic Stimulus Package checks.  The theme that FirstCoast (St. Augustine, Florida) used was perfect.  Every Saint Provides to fund their various ministries.  MCC Key West (Florida) let "George Bush's money" build their pastoral transition fund!  Folks at MCC San Diego (California) pledged over $6500 (USD) and MCC Austin (Texas) raised enough to purchase a new grand piano for their sanctuary.

Yummy!  Imago Dei (Glen Mills, Pennsylvania) presented a Paula Deen Potluck, a time of "down home" food and fellowship!

MCC Richmond (Virginia) is one of 50 churches featured in a new book from Beacon Press, Sundays in America: A Yearlong Road Trip in Search of Christian Faith, by Suzanee Strempek Shea.  They were the only church in their state and the only MCC in the book.  Ms. Shea wrote that MCCR had "the most touching communion service I have ever witnessed." 

Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas) invited ten other churches to join them for a showing of Anyone and Everyone, a documentary about parents from various walks of life and religious backgrounds and how they reacted when one of their children came out.  A dessert fellowship followed the viewing and discussion.

The Emmerson Drummers, a West African group, played during worship at First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia).

The CRAVE Team from MCC Sydney (Australia) went to All Saints' MCC (Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand) to train them in doing a CRAVE service did a weekend with MCC Melbourne (Australia) in August.  www.myspace.com/crave05 

Harvest MCC (Denton, Texas) has begun a COAT ministry.  Do they collect coats?  No, it's their Care and Outreach Action Team which calls folks, makes hospital visits, mentors new members, sends notes, and takes food to ill or grieving families.

Christ Chapel MCC (Santa Ana, California) has established a Sunday Forum Series which meets monthly after worship. Upcoming topics include inclusivity, power dynamics, would Jesus discriminate, stewardship, and HIV and me.

The Rainbow Service on Saturday nights at MCC Las Vegas (Nevada) celebrates queer spirituality from diverse traditions.

An outing!  The folks from MCC Manchester (England) gathered at Elen's house in Rhyl and from there enjoyed some of the other beautiful places in North Wales. 

The first annual Self-Righteous Revival Revue was a great success! The fun and performances by the Royal Sovereign Imperial Court of the Central Texas Empire raised $535 (USD) to benefit Central Texas MCC from the Heart (Waco).

Celebration MCC (Naples, Florida) raised nearly $1000 (USD) by holding a garage/rummage sale.

Action and fun combined!  Folks from MCC Boston (Massachusetts) gathered to write a personal letter to each of their state legislators to support An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes and then they stayed for games and refreshments.

MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California) served a Father's Day Summer Barbeque to honor all their dads.

MCC Melbourne (Australia) hosted a Trivia Night featuring the Best of British Comedy.  They even showed DVDs as an activity on two previous nights which would give players an advantage!

Church of Our Savior MCC (Boynton Beach, Florida) posts the Sunday bulletin on their website for folks who can't come to church.

MCC Albuquerque (New Mexico) provides free funeral and burial services upon the death of abandoned infants.  Rev. Judy Maynard serves as the Chaplain of The Littlest Angels and presides at the funerals.  www.thelittlestangels.org . 

New Life MCC (Hampton Roads, Virginia) held a photo shoot one Sunday after worship to create new pictures for their website and brochures. 

Lala Gittoes from the Pacific Leprosy Foundation spoke recently at MCC Auckland (Aotearoa/New Zealand). 

New Creation MCC (Columbus, Ohio) maintains a presence at the monthly Gallery Hop in the arts district.

Raise money and get exercise!  MCC Austin (Texas) held a bowling event.  Folks collected pledges from family and friends based on the number of pins knocked down or on total points.  

MCC of the Rockies (Denver, Colorado) raises money by staffing a concession booth during the Outlaws games.

MCC Topeka (Kansas) had an information table at the entrance to Walmart.  Stephanie Mott, Kelly Watson, and Marion Townsend shared about God's love and their church while giving out homemade cookies.
 
To stay connected while he was on sabbatical, Rev. Paul Whiting sent video messages to MCC of the Palm Beaches (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) from various locations in Mexico and England.

For their monthly potluck, the folks at Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois) used the theme We Remember Our Fathers.  People brought dishes that their dads would have made when grilling out.

New Spirit MCC (Cincinnati, Ohio) held Redemption - a car wash!  Think of it as a metaphor for salvation, "plunging dingy cars beneath a cleansing flood, removing all their guilty stains"!

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More Cruises

MCC San Diego (San Diego, California) folks will embark on a Pacific Coastal Cruise aboard the Celebrity Mercury, October 13 - 22. This one-way cruise includes the ports of Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, Astoria, San Francisco, Monterey, and San Diego. Airfare from San Diego to Vancouver is included.  Interior cabins begin at $1249 (USD).  Contact Patti Kennedy at 629.448.4064.
 
On October 27 members and friends of MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks (Austin, Texas) will board the Carnival Ecstasy for their fourth cruising fundraiser. Departing Galveston, they will sail to Cozumel, Quintana Roo, and Progresso, Yucatan, returning on November 1.  Tickets begin at $625 per person.  Go to www.Signature-Journeys.com and click on MCC Austin '08.
 
Holy Cross MCC (Pensacola, Florida) is hosting a seven day cruise to the western Caribbean aboard the Norwegian Spirit.  Sailing December 7 from New Orleans, they will visit Roatan, Honduras; Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.  Prices begin at $711 (USD).  http://holycrossmcc.com/cruise/
 
Rev. Delores Berry will join the King of Peace MCC cruise next October.  She will present a concert one morning and participate in a worship service led by Rev. Candace Shultis.

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Transitions

New Pastors

• Rev. Jonathan Jones, MCC Edinburgh (Scotland
• Rev. Terry Steed, MCC Charleston (South Carolina)
• Rev. Pressley Sutherland, Good Hope MCC (Cape Town, South Africa)
• Rev. Karen Thompson, MCC Austin (Texas)

New Interim Pastors

• Rev. Elder Dr. Charlie Arehart, MCC Washington, DC
• Rev. Sharon Ferguson, MCC North London (England)
• Rev. Leanna Hamilton, New Hope MCC (Santa Rosa, California)
• Rev. Lisa Heilig, Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida)
• Rev. William Knight, Water of Life MCC (Tucson, Arizona)
• Rev. Venson Phil Matthews, Imani MCC (Durham, North Carolina)

New Staff Positions

• Rev. Carol Chambers, assistant pastor for music, Joy MCC (Orlando, Florida)
• Doug Gazlay, creative music consultant, First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia)
• Mark Brown, worship arts minister, Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana)
• Reverend Tim Agar, associate pastor, MCC of Northern Virginia (Fairfax)

MCC of Greater St. Louis (Missouri) voted to purchase a 22,000 sq. ft. office/warehouse in the heart of the Soulard neighborhood.  Plans for renovation include a state of the art "green" worship space, with additional areas for education, meeting rooms, and offices.  They have begun a capital campaign to raise the necessary $1,325,000 (USD).  Present for the closing were Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell, board members Denise Spear and Jenny Wilton, and building planning chair MaryLou Suter.   http://www.mccgsl.org/Pages/Page1.aspx

Congratulations to Janine Preesman who was approved for ordination!  She has been the pastor of Glorious Light MCC (Pretoria, South Africa) for the last ten years.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Direct support to our ministry sites in Brazil is now being provided by a team: Rev. Hector Gutiérrez, Cristiano Valério, and Filipe Alves.

MCC Sacramento (California) held their last worship service.  Rev. Elder Ken Martin issued a statement praising the legacy of the congregation and its founding and long-time former pastor Rev. Elder Freda Smith.

Welcome to Rev. Michael Nzuki Kimindu ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) of Nairobi, Kenya, formerly of the Anglican Church of Kenya, and Rev. Maxwell Master of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, from the Presbyterian Church of Zimbabwe. Their ordinations have been transferred to MCC!  

Rev. Kermie Wohlenhaus completed her tenure as interim at MCC East London (England).  

Sharon Cox, Cape Town, South Africa, has joined the MCC staff as our African development specialist.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Supporting One Another

Rev. Nokuthula Dhladhla, co-pastor of Hope and Unity MCC (Johannesburg, South Africa), had a large benign tumor pressing against her spine, confining her to a wheelchair.  Surgery was successful. She has now taken 10 steps holding onto a rail.  Praise God! However, there are still medical costs. MCC Bournemouth (England) is collecting funds to assist her. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    MCC New York (New York) has been paying for many of her medical expenses and donations can also be sent to them.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) held a prayer and laying on of hands service for her.
 
Bobby Smith, a founding member of MCC Tampa (Florida), passed away, leaving his wife of 60 years, Kay Thompson.  Rev. Phyllis Hunt and Rev. Lee Carlton officiated at the funeral.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
A memorial service for John Fowler, long-time lay leader, was held at MCC Detroit (Michigan).  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    (Note: this is not Rev. John Fowler of Australia.)
 
The father of Rev. Emma Chattin entered the Church Triumphant following a battle with bone cancer.  He was also a clergyperson.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text53306 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
At a church picnic Rev. Kevin Kinsel fell and broke his shoulder in three places, while chasing some of the children with a bucket of ice water after they got him with water balloons!  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Rev. Sky Anderson had major surgery. As he is recuperating, please keep him, his wife Faye and their four special-needs kids (Francisco, Lysa, Timmy, and Jonathan) in your prayers.
 
Rev. Prentice Minner passed into God's arms.  A remembrance service was held at A Church for All MCC (Sacramento, California) with Rev. Charles Cooper officiating.
 
Following a stay in the hospital, Rev. Debbie Coggin had to rest at home for two months due to high blood pressure and high blood sugar.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  
 
Rev. Jim Norwood passed away the end of June.  He had been active in the old South Central District, on the staff of MCC Dallas, and pastor of MCC in Ft. Worth, TX as well as a member of Promise MCC in Dallas, Texas.
 
The mother of Rev. Axel Schwaigert, pastor of Salz der Erde MCC and a member of the MCC Theologies Team, died suddenly and unexpectedly the end of July.   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  
 
Rev. Karha Us, spouse of Rev. Jill Farnum, had two stents placed in her cardiac artery.  She is feeling better and resting at home.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Breaking News

When storm clouds begin to stir on the horizon, flood waters rise above the barriers, the winds shift, as wild fires burn out of control, MCC has instituted a means to help keep us informed and connected.  The new Disaster Relief Blog page allows us to share updates, prayer requests and praise reports from our affected communities and post them to the web as soon as we are made aware.  The link for this page is: http://mccdisasterrelief.wordpress.com/ . 
 
In case you have been concerned about those affected by the latest bands of storms and Hurricane Ike, you will be able to read the postings from our people, churches and communities.  Finally, please continue to hold them in our hearts and prayers as recovery and rebuilding occurs.

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