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

In this Issue:

• Justice and Social Action News
• International Day Against Homophobia Reports
• MCC Is Going Green!
• Would Jesus Discriminate? Campaign Updates
• Ecumenical and Interfaith News
• MCC's HIV and AIDS Ministries

and more ...

• Conferences, Classes and Retreats
• Church / Pastoral Anniversaries + Resources 

But first, these Reminders!

Thanks to everyone... who's sent suggestions for MCC's new newsletter name. We're still receiving ideas and invite you to share yours. We're looking for a newsletter name that communicates energy and vitality. That looks to the future. That reflects MCC's international ministry, the breadth of MCC's unique calling in our world, and our commitment to diversity.

So... If you have an idea you think would be the perfect name for MCC's newsletter, send your submission to Judy Dale, ATF editor, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Send as many names as you wish! If your submission is selected, we'll include your name and your local church when the announcement is made in September.

Also... just a reminder that this is another issue filled with lots of news and reports that didn't make it into past issues, but which deserve to be recognized and shared!   
 

Justice and Social Action! 

Metropolitan Community Churches organized a coalition of over 120 international clergy to send a letter to Uganda's president condemning government-sanctioned attacks on LGBT people in that country. Among the notables signing were Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, Rev. Dr. Janie Spahr, Rev. Troy Plummer, and Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, along with MCC Board of Elders, Rev. Pat Bumgardner, and clergy from MCC and many other denominations.

SunCoast Cathedral MCC (Venice, Florida) saves Box Top$ for Education coupons for Charlotte Harbor School; the school uses them to purchase much needed school supplies.

In anticipation of protesters at the local showing of the movie For The Bible Tells Me So, the Helping Hands Ministry of MCC of the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) trained Silent Witnesses, who make LGBT events safe for the community. They used large rainbow umbrellas to shield movie goers from the protesters.

The Community Kitchen of Good Hope MCC (Cape Town, South Africa) distributes food to the homeless each month as a community outreach, making a difference in the lives of people in Greenpoint and Zonnebloem.

Rev. Jennifer Paty , pastor of Northern Lights MCC (Augusta, Maine) and a retired Command Master Chief in the US Navy, briefed Congressional staff concerning the US Armed Forces' ban on military service by LGBT people. She was joined by MCCer Rev. Paul Dodd, a retired Colonel, who also spoke at a rally on the Capitol grounds.

MCC Sydney (Australia) joined in a community vigil following vicious homophobic attacks on Oxford Street. The Lord Mayor and Police Minister supported the vigil.

The Center for the Healing of Racism presented Dialogue: Racism on two Saturdays at Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas). MCCR offered this free all-day seminar to their entire community.

Rev. Robert Griffin, Rev. Pat Bumgardner, and Ken Reeves, former mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts, were among MCCers present in Jamaica in May for a special weekend highlighting the LGBT movement for liberation and justice. In many ways, this is their Stonewall. On Friday evening MCC led a vigil to commemorate the dead and to reaffirm our commitment to fight for the living. The next morning MCC hosted a prayer breakfast for spiritual and political leaders in Jamaica who believe in peace and unity, followed by a pilgrimage through the streets to lay a wreathe in remembrance of those we have loved and lost to anti-LGBT violence. The weekend ended with a worship service on Pentecost to celebrate God's love for all people.

New Life MCC of Hampton Roads  (Virginia) observed African American History Month by having individuals share pictures and stories of the many ways their families worshiped. They also enjoyed special praise stepping and African dancing.

Media wiz Ann Canas, a member of MCC/ICM Los Angeles  (California), wanted Senator Barack Obama to know that when he references religion while discussing why he doesn't support gay marriage, he sends a subtle message that being gay and being Christian are mutually exclusive. Her open letter to the U.S. presidential candidate was posted on Advocate.com.

Golfers at Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) gathered used clubs, golf balls, tees, and gloves to send to the troops in Iraq.

MCC Toronto (Canada) sponsors a support group for LGBT refugees.

Congregants at MCC New York (New York) marched in the inclusive St. Patrick's Day for All Parade in Queens, carrying a banner which read "God made us queer."

The Outreach Program at Holy Cross MCC (Pensacola, Florida) assembled 100 bags of razors, candy, cookies, canned meats, socks, gloves, and matches and distributed them to the homeless.

Rev. Michael Cooper testified before the Massachusetts Judiciary Committee in support of a bill that would add gender identity and expression to the state's non-discrimination law.

During Poverty and Homelessness Awareness Week in the UK, MCC North London and Trinity United Reformed Church in Camden Town held an Open House at their joint Cold Weather Shelter.

Imago Dei MCC (Glenn Mills, Pennsylvania) co-hosted a community seminar, Ethical Will Writing and Financial Planning for the LGBT Community.

Rev. Phyllis Hunt and 12 congregants represented MCC Tampa (Florida) at the Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality's Nehemiah Action, a county forum on homelessness and accessible, affordable health care. More than a thousand people, representing 20 local church and community groups, gathered to propose legislative and community action initiatives for funding identification systems and voice mailboxes for 1400 homeless people, along with a plan to improve dental care access for 15,000 children and adults living in poverty.

MCC Omaha (Nebraska) collected clothing and toiletry items for the Youth Emergency Services. The program assists street youth ages 13-23.

Mark your calendar! The Human Rights Campaign's Religion and Faith Program will host the second Clergy Call for Justice and Equality May 4-5, 2009. More than 30 US MCC clergy participated last year, along with religious leaders of other denominations and faiths. Mark the dates on your calendar for 2009!

Bess Watts is president of the Rochester-Finger Lakes (New York) Chapter of Pride at Work, a constituency group of the AFL-CIO (workers' unions in the US).

Rev. Jide Macaulay again made headlines in Nigeria following his two-hour TV interview on Inspire Africa, Nigeria's equivalent to Oprah in the US. A major newspaper article misrepresented Rev. Macaulay's views and carried sensational falsehoods to inflame readers against the gay community. To add insult to injury, the reporter never even spoke with Rev. Macaulay before the article went into print. This is an all-too-prevalent form of gay-bashing in Nigeria and has forced Jide to arrange for additional security. You can make a difference -- to speak up and add your comments.

MCC San Diego (California) presented $863.27 (USD) to the Uptown Faith Community Services Center for their work with the homeless.

MCC Seattle (Washington) held their annual Yon Hashoah Service to remember all the victims of the Holocaust.

Jay Bakker, pastor of Revolution and a speaker at MCC's last General Conference, and Rev. Kristen Klein-Cechettini, director of life development at Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas), were among the speakers at a press conference when Joel Osteen and the congregation of Lakewood, the largest church in the US, refused to participate in a picnic with LGBT families. The proposed event was part of American Family Outing's visits to six US mega-churches.

The Indy Rainbow Chamber of Commerce presented the Inaugural LGBT Wedding Expo, which was hosted by Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana). The 20+ vendors included churches, caterers, florists, photographers, counselors, DJs, bridal shops, and gift shops. It was the first such event in the US not on the east or west coast.

MCC San Francisco (California) collected over $1100 (USD) to provide bag lunches and hot meals for the homeless; they did it by collecting spare change.

Rev. Beth Goudy , Jessica Mitchell, and John Schaaf from MCC of the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) joined other activists at the state capitol to lobby against an anti-marriage/civil unions constitutional amendment. Rev. Beth was featured in an article in The Morning Call newspaper.

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International Day Against Homophobia 

The International Day Against Homophobia is observed on May 17 every year. If your congregation did not participate this year, make plans to do so in 2009! http://www.homophobiaday.org 

MCC Sydney (Australia) held a rally and protest march in their local suburb, taking the message of homophobia to their neighbors, rather than gathering in the city centre. Rev. Karl Hand and Gavin Ward, a formation student at MCC Good Shepherd (Granville, Australia), spoke at the rally preceding a peaceful march to Petersham Park for a celebration picnic.

MCC Bournemouth (England) worked with the NHS (National Health Service) and Dorset Police LAGLO (Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers) in hosting an information stall in the town centre square. A rainbow flag was flown from the town hall over the weekend. Lollipops saying "Homophobia Sucks" and leaflets of Homosexuality: Not a Sickness, Not a Sin were distributed.

MCC Newcastle upon Tyne (England) joined others from northeast England with bells, whistles, drums, and noisemakers at Gray's Monument for "the one minute of big noise." 

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We're going Green! 

Cornerstone MCC (Mobile, Alabama) recycles aluminum cans and has replaced Styrofoam with earth-friendly products.

MCC Louisville (Kentucky) viewed The 11th Hour, a documentary on saving our planet, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. During the discussion time, decisions were made to make the church greener and participants committed to doing likewise in their homes.

Open Arms MCC (Pahoa, Hawaii) celebrated Earth Day with a discussion and contest, the prize being two energy-efficient light bulbs. Afterwards they gathered for picnic and picked up trash at the park when they finished. They have also begun bringing items to the church to be recycled, adding to their Building Fund.

Go to http://www.earthday.net/ , click on Ecological Footprint, and take the short survey to find our how many earths it would take to support your lifestyle.

MCC Good Shepherd (Granville, Australia) is collecting money for a new LCD screen so that they can eliminate the paper of worship bulletins.

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"Would Jesus Discriminate?" Campaign Updates

MCC Knoxville (Tennessee) is planning to begin their campaign later this year.

The churches in Florida are working together to launch Would Jesus Discriminate? in their state.

Would Jesus Discriminate? The 21st Century Question is the title of the provocative new book by MCC's own Rev. Dr. Cindi Love. Harry Knox, Director of HRC's Religion & Faith Program wrote, "Dr. Love's pastoral nature and keen sense of what moves people...have already made her a powerful spokesperson. Through her eyes, you will see a Jesus who does not exclude and a hope for Christian community worldwide."

The Mardi Gras parade in Sydney, Australia, had a strong religious focus this year, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. A multi-denominational group of ministers marched as 100 Revs, while parishioners of MCC Sydney dressed as angels bore signs reading "Would Jesus Discriminate?" Not only did hundreds of thousands of parade-goers read the signs, but so did the newspaper's 1.2 million weekend readers.

For more information on this growing international campaign or to get involved, visit http://www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.com/.

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Ecumenical and Interfaith News

Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) hosted a free screening of For the Bible Tells Me So followed by a reception with clergy from several faith traditions present.

Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson keynoted A Place at the Table, the 2008 Ecumenical Evangelical Women's Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, June 27-29. Another presenter was Dr. Virginia Ramey Mollenkott. 

Rev. Terri Miller and minister of music Sharon Henry from Valley Ministries MCC (Stockton, California) were joined by Rev. Steve Kindle of First Christian Church and Clergy United to speak at University of the Pacific during their "It Takes a Rainbow" Conference. Their panel presentation reflected on a commitment to inclusiveness of all faith traditions. They also presented the workshop, "Being Gay, Being Christian, and Coming Out as Both."

MCC/ICM Los Angeles (California) joined with other LGBT faith groups to fill baskets for the residents at Triangle Square Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing. The baskets contained dish soap, kitchen cleaners, dish towels, soap, shampoo, bath towels, toothpaste and brushes, denture cleaner, socks, and grocery store gift certificates.

The MCC Topeka (Kansas) choir and drumming circle were invited to perform at the Manhattan United Church of Christ.

MCCers in Colorado were among the group of interfaith religious leaders who asked the state legislature to sign a "pledge of respect" to elevate the tone of debates on immigration. Their letter stated that they believed all people should discuss their differences in a spirit of civility, reason, and humility.

Bringing a food item each Sunday is considered a spiritual practice at Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia). The items are donated to the Decatur Cooperative Ministries to stock the food bank for homeless and hungry people.

MCC Baltimore (Maryland) hosted The Interfaith Fairness Coalition of Maryland's Conversations on Forgiveness for the LGBT community and allies around such topics as Forgiving Ourselves, Our Families, Our Faiths, and the World.

Rev. Robin White participated in a vigil at the Presbyterian USA headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, in support of Rev. Dr. Janie Spahr and her right to conduct same-sex commitment ceremonies.

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HIV and AIDS Ministries 

For the second year, Rev. Jane Carl chaired the International AIDS Vigil in Canton, Ohio. They have a memorial wall on which people write and this year added an interpretive dance to the service.

Yummy! Gentle Shepherd MCC (Tallahassee, Florida) sponsored a Low Country Boil to benefit Big Bend Cares, an agency providing services to HIV/AIDS clients in an eight county area. When the huge pot of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes was devoured, they enjoyed roasting marshmallows around a bonfire.

"Go and spin no more!" is the motto of this year's team fielded by MCC Austin (Texas) for the Hill Country Ride for AIDS.

Four years ago MCC Lubbock (Texas) partnered with Planned Parenthood to open the Ryan White Pantry. During that time, they served 50-60 clients monthly and spent of $70,000 (USD) on food and hygiene products. Over 25 MCCers have worked at the pantry over the years and they have involved others in their ministry, including the Quaker Friends and Asbury United Methodist Church. The South Plaines Community Action Association has assumed responsibility now for the pantry.

MCC Binghamton (New York) fixed a chicken and biscuit dinner to share with neighbors of MCC New York whose lives are affected by HIV and AIDS. There are other local churches who prepare dinners, too, but when it is MCC's turn, 50% of their membership joins not only in the preparation, but more importantly in sitting at the tables, eating, sharing, laughing, and listening.

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Conferences, Classes, and Retreats

SunCoast Cathedral MCC (Venice, Florida) and Tidwell Hospice and Palliative Care presented an all day seminar Dealing with the Losses We Face in Life to 56 people in their community. They presented four additional workshops and another series, which culminated with Rev. Dr. Sherry L. Kennedy, Rev. Lori E. Rivera, and Rev. D. Dirk Davenport assisting congregants in planning their own funeral or memorial service.

MCC Region 5 held a Regional Gathering at Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana). Rev. Jeff Miner led a seminar on ways to transform newcomers to full spiritual actualization. He shared several spiritual formation models, then described how Jesus MCC is adapting those models to the MCC context.

MCC Philippines (Quezon City) had their second annual retreat. The theme this year was MCCQC: Let Your Light Shine.

MCC Region 1 hosted a wonderful gathering at MCC Seattle (Washington). MCCers from Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington participated.

MCC Key West (Florida) is offering Buffering Stress to Maintain Good Health, a weekly class taught by a local psychologist.

More than 45 MCCers from the UK gathered in an Edwardian manor house in North Wales for a weekend of spiritual and physical refreshment, workshops and seminars on worship, and a tea with Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd.

The MCC Region 2 Conference will be July 17-20 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center.  Rev. Elders Nancy Wilson and Ken Martin will be featured guests.

MCC Edinburgh (Scotland) held their annual church retreat June 20-22.

Christ Chapel MCC (Santa Ana, California) went on a camping trip near San Juan Capistrano.

Recent Mid-Week Reflections at Imago Dei MCC (Glenn Mills, Pennsylvania) focused on Becoming Christ's Hands.

Cornerstone MCC (Mobile, Alabama) spent two months studying Eight Essentials for a Healthy and Thriving Congregation.

Sixteen people from England, Germany, and Scotland gathered at Journey MCC (Birmingham, England) to be trained in Creating a Life that Matters. They were impressed that material by European authors was already included and the willingness of MCC to allow them to tweak it a bit to make it more culturally appropriate in their countries. Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner and Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd taught the course.

Students are invited to apply for LEADD Camp 2008. A group of high school students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds across the US will be selected to participate in Leadership Education Advancing Democracy and Diversity, a one-week gathering to learn about religious liberty, diversity, and the Constitution. The event will be July 27 – August 3 in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with all expenses covered.

MCC San Diego (California) has begun an Adult Sunday School Class. Their first study is Rick Warren's 40 Days of Purpose.

The Institute for Spiritual Growth at First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia) recently offered Acts: the Birth of the Church and Discover Spiritual Healing in Your Life.

Each month MCC Sydney (Australia) hosts Quorum for the community. The themes for this year's discussions, led by experts in the field, include: health, legal, business, press, multicultural, drag, sports, music, community, and arts.

Both the women and men of MCC San Francisco (California) went on retreats. Both groups used the theme Healing Ourselves... Healing the World.

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Church and Pastoral Anniversaries

MCC North London (England) and Trinity United Reformed Church (Camden Town) jointly celebrated their 10 years of building sharing. Folks who had moved to other locations in the UK, Europe, and the US returned to share in the weekend celebration of the journey on which the two congregations have been. Featured guests were Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd, who preached for the churches' worship services on Sunday, Rev. Elder Hong Tan, and lesbian comedienne Claire Summerskill.

MCC San Jose (California) held a special service to honor Rev. Sky Anderson's 30 years of ordination, as well as Rev. Michael Patrick Ellard's five years of ordained ministry.

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MCC Resoures

MCC of Greater St. Louis offered The Bible: Good News for Gays?, a nine-week sermon series exploring both the "clobber" passages and the more affirming passages of the Bible. For a copy of the CD, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . A $10 (USD) donation would be appreciated to cover costs. You may also listen online at http://www.mccgsl.org/.

Dawson Berry has just opened a website for pictures of MCCs and local church events at http://www.mccphotoclubs.blogspot.com/. Anyone may submit photos to him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for posting. Please include your name, the name of your church, a description of the picture/event, and the approximate date.

The perfect fundraiser! Your church can partner with Chi Rho Press and receive 10% of the sales from people who list your church on the order form.  When you place an online order, put your church's name and address in the "Special Instructions and Comments" box on the check out page. Chi Rho Press will then send 10% of the total order, including shipping and handling, to your church. Spread the word to your congregation! Adam DeBaugh ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is also available to come to your church with a traveling bookstore. Again, 10% of the total sales are returned to your church. 

To address a major issue in the US, Rev. Dr. Weldon Gaddy, executive director of The Interfaith Alliance, and Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, have just released a new book First Freedom First: A Citizen's Guide to Protecting Religious Liberty and the Separation of Church and State. It is available through http://www.beacon.org/ or http://www.amazon.com/.

Autism and Faith: A Journey into Community is a resource available through the Autism and Faith Task Force in New Jersey. This publication grew out of the efforts and concerns of families and congregations who were looking for ways to include children and adults with autism in faith communities. With articles by family members, theologians, pastors, rabbis, people with autism, and professionals, the booklet contains facts about autism, pastoral care, religious education, strategies for supporting families, tips for lay people, and a listing of religious and public resources. Copies are $5 (USD) and order forms may be obtained by calling 732-235-9317 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Editor:

Judy Dale, Editor
MCC Communications Department
Metropolitan Community Churches
P.O. Box 1374
Abilene, Texas 79604
E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: www.mccchuch.org