We invited readers to submit ideas for a new name for Around the Fellowship since many people do not associate "the Fellowship" with MCC any longer, rather with Bishop Yvette Flunder's association of churches.  We had 57 potential titles suggested!!!  A committee comprised of the Moderator, the Executive Director, the Director of Communications, and the Editor selected the winning entry.  It was submitted by Dawson Berry of MCC Louisville (Kentucky), formerly of King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida).  The runners-up included entries from Tom Rossi, MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California); Jean Gralley, MCC NOVA (Fairfax, Virginia); Rev. Gordon McCoy, achurch4me? MCC (Chicago, Illinois); and Rev. Nori Kieran-Meredith, Heartland MCC, (San Bernardino, California).

In this issue

• Seminary Lectures in the Philippines
• Interview on the BBC
• Making a Way  
• Exciting Trip
• New LMC members needed
• Get involved
• Editor's Corner
• A bit about our policies
• Spotlight on Local Churches and Leaders
• Children, Youth and Young Adults
• Creative Ministry Ideas to use
• Transitions
• Supporting One Another

Seminary Lectures in the Philippines

Reaching out in amazing ways!  In September Rev. Elder Ken Martin presented a two day lecture series on sexuality and spirituality at Union Theological Seminary of the Philippines, which is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church.  This seminary has students from all over Asia and having them so open to MCC is critically important to our ministry in that part of the world.  They have already had two MCC students!

Interview on the BBC

Alan Whicker of the BBC interviewed Rev. Elder Troy Perry.  The show will broadcast in October and include excerpts of their 1973 interview with updates about what Rev. Perry and MCC have accomplished in the intervening 35 years. This will reach millions of viewers in the UK and be carried on the BBC on some cable and satellite systems.

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Making a Way

Did you know that for $100 (USD) a month a safe place could be rented for our brave LGBT folks in Moldova?  Or that for $300 per month, the same could be available in Malaysia?  And $40 a month provides internet service in Nigeria.  These are just a few of the many needs around our MCC world that individuals or churches could provide.  There are literally hundreds of ways you can help MCC tear down walls and build up hope around the world.  Is God asking you to help in ministry?  If so, contact our Development Director at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Exciting Trip

Rev. Elder Darlene Garner and Rev. Hector Gutierrez visited Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte in Brazil, and Buenos Aires, Argentina.  They facilitated a leadership institute for over 60 Brazilians, provided a REVM experience for 12 people, affiliated two new churches in Brazil (Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte), welcomed three new groups into the affiliation process, approved a new mission, and ordained Rev. Cristiano Valério (Brazil) and Rev. Victor Bracuto (Argentina).

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New LMC Members Needed

Is God calling you to serve on the MCC Lay Ministry Council, a group of lay leaders from around the world who focus on the needs of the laity (anyone who is not clergy) in MCC?  Members need to have access to the internet for communication and work,  be committed to the tasks undertaken, understand MCC's structure and governance, and have management and presentation skills. Please send the following information by October 31, 2008 to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The nominating committee will present their report to the Board of Elders who appoint the LMC members.

1. Your name, address, email, and phone
2. Your church's name and location
3. Your pastor's name and email
4. Your reason for wanting to serve on the LMC
5. Your MCC experience
6. Your knowledge, skills, and abilities which would make you a good candidate for the position

Get Involved!

Members of MCC San Antonio (Texas) have an Epiphany team which goes into a juvenile detention facility to minister to the youth there.  They want to secure notes of blessing and encouragement for these young men from around the world.  Notes need to be sent by 1 November to create a literal chain of prayers that encircles the gymnasium, dining hall, and sanctuary during the weekend - visual reminders of God's love for these teens - many of whom have been abandoned, abused, and forgotten by their families.  Send your prayer and encouragement note to Mariya Rodriguez at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

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Editor's Corner

On behalf of the entire team that works to produce this publication monthly, we thank you for all of the amazing things that you share with us. Your stories serve to inspire hope and transform lives, so if there is good news from your congregation and or community, please take a moment to share the story with us; so that we may review for potential inclusion in future issues.

To contact us, email the editor at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Please note that we reserve the right to edit for length and content.

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A Bit about Our Policies

You may have noticed that the last two editions were dated August and that this one is Part 1 for September.  But it's October, you say!  You, of course, are right!  We have had many problems in working out the distribution for Around the Fellowship, now the MCC IMPACT.  But we have finally found the solution!!!  Kathy Beasley is doing the layout of the material I gather and write.  You will receive Part 2 for this month next week.  By the end of November, you will have received both issues for October and for November.  Then we will be on schedule!   Because of this previous delay in releasing this publication, some news items may seem dated and others which I had promised would appear have had to be deleted.  For that, I am truly sorry.

You also need to be aware that we follow certain guidelines.  In each edition a church will only be mentioned once, which means that if you have had several exciting events, we can only report on one in the specific categories for that issue.  There are two exceptions.  we don't count entries in "Transitions" or in "Supporting One Another".  Occasionally, we may feature a specific event in many of our churches, such as upcoming sections on Fellowship Sunday or on our churches that had Blessings of the Animals.  Churches whose names appear in those special sections might also be mentioned in one of the regular sections of that edition.

Our goal is to have news from as many churches as possible.  I read hundreds of newsletters, e-newsletters, and entries on e-mail lists each week.  That is the source of most of the news we report.  Some of you, who don't have electronic news distribution lists, send me individual items.  Thank you!  I also visit church websites to try to find something interesting happening at churches that rarely, if ever, have appeared in this publication.  Sometimes, I am lucky and find a tidbit here or there.  Sometimes the websites are out of date or a church doesn't have one at all.  The final way I secure news is through regional publications or notes from various Elders and individuals.

If you haven't seen your church's name, then let me know what's happening with you!!!  We all want to know!!! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Spotlight on Local Churches and Leaders

Rev. Sharon Ferguson is the new chief executive of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement in England.

Our hero!  Rev. Neil Thomas was named one of 12 Gay Heroes in Los Angeles, who promote healthy living and healthy lifestyles.  Photo advertisements were placed in all of the local LGBT publications and as full-size bus stop advertisements!

ICM Sao Paulo (Brazil) hosted a visit by Archbishop Rev. Dom Ricardo Lorite and Bishop Rev. Peterson Salomao of the Evangelical Episcopal Church of Brasil, who are very supportive of MCC's ministry.

Rev. Phyllis Hunt is a featured columnist for Watermark, a local LBGT newspaper serving the Tampa-Orlando, Florida, area.  Her column is entitled Abundant Blessings. 

Yummy!  Rev. Mike Nickolas preached recently at Christ Chapel MCC (Santa Ana, California).  He brought samples of cookies from his God's Goodies Heavenly Dessert Company and donated 10% of his honorarium and the sales of his book Tugs of War to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd was interviewed on BBC radio in Scotland.  She shared her views on Christianity and spirituality, along with episodes from her own life. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007rv3z/comingup

Spirit Song MCC (Little Rock, Arkansas) now has groups meeting bi-monthly in Conway and Scott.  They are hoping to sell their building and secure a retreat center.

Jay Bakker, the son of Jim Bakker and the late Tammy Faye Bakker-Messner, was the guest preacher at St. John's MCC (Raleigh, North Carolina) and the featured guest at North Carolina Pride events.  He pastors Revolution Church and stars on the Sundance channel.

Rev. Mike Ellard served on the Honorary Board for the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band's 30th Anniversary Concert.

At the PAD (People of African Descent) Conference awards were presented to four outstanding MCCers. 
            Faithful Steward ~ Rev. Onetta Brooks
            Leadership with Distinction ~ Marsha Warren
            Trailblazer Award ~ Rev. Wanda Floyd
            Rosa Parks Award ~ Rev. Renee McCoy

Rev. Kerri Messner received an Academic Promise scholarship from Vancouver School of Theology, one of two full tuition scholarships awarded to first-year students. 

Jason & deMarco have created a Street Team to help them promote their 2009 tour with their live band.  http://www.fancorps.com/jasonanddemarco/signup

MCC Las Vegas (Nevada) held a two month Season of Prayer concerning the growth, expansion and extension of their ministry.

Global coverage!  CNN and CNN International repeatedly ran a news story about Rev. Jide Macaulay and House of Rainbow MCC (Lagos, Nigeria), describing how the congregation is offering hope in the midst of oppression and standing up to societal and governmental anti-gay pressures.

A picture of George Murphey, a former deacon and active member of MCC San Diego (California) appeared on a banner downtown announcing his induction into the Wall of Honor at the LGBT Center for his long respected and active work in the community.

Rev. Lori Rivera was a guest lecturer at the Bradenton Campus of Manatee Community College, teaching about the history, doctrines and worship styles of MCC in the Religion and Contemporary Society class. 

Rev. Martha Daniels, Rev. Brad Watson, Alan Yoshioka participated in a debate at Lakeshare-St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Tecumseh, Ontario, about the stance of the Presbyterian Church in Canada on homosexuality, which is that homosexual "practice" is contrary to the Gospel and incompatible with a Christian lifestyle. The debate is available for download at http://www.lakeshorestandrews.net/services/MP3Downloads2008.asp

Marcos Martins and the congregation of our church in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, hosted the ICM Leadership Weekend attended by over 60 MCCers from throughout Brazil.

Congratulations to Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski who has accepted the senior pastorate of New Life MCC/UCC/DOC (Berkley, California) effective 1 October.  Because of his resignation from the Board of Elders, churches in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa will be served by Rev. Elder Diane Fisher; those in Missouri and Kansas, Rev. Elder Lillie Brock; in Tennessee and Georgia, Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman; and Region 2 churches in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama will be served by Rev. Elder Ken Martin.

Tee hee hee!!!  On the front page of the Southwestern Baptist Seminary's website was the following headline.  "Pastor believes 'gay is a mark of God's diversity'.  Rev. Renee DuBose, the pastor of Our Hope Metropolitan Community Church..." was followed by a clickable link to the entire online story from a newspaper Athens, Georgia.  Southwestern is the world's largest seminary and is ultra-fundamentalist and anti-gay.  Their "robo" service snatched and posted the article because she was one of their graduates.

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, chair of MCC's Asia-Pacific Initiative, is the new Interfaith Organizer for California Faith for Equality, which seeks to educate religious communities on the importance of marriage equality for LGBT couples.  Rev. Neil Thomas is the chair and Rev. Mike Ellard is a member of the organization's board.  www.cafaithforequality.org

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Children, Youth and Young Adults

MCC NewCoast (Gosford, Australia) sponsors an LGBT Youth Support Group.
 
Harvest MCC (Denton, Texas) has begun a Sunday School class for their children and one for the adults, too!

A lesson for ALL of us!  The children at MCC Richmond (Virginia) decided that they wanted to take up an offering during Sunday School to help their church and to follow God's command to tithe.

New Hope MCC (Montgomery, Alabama) is beginning a Sunday School for their children.

Three more Texas churches used Beach Party: Surfing through the Scriptures as their Vacation Bible School theme:  MCC Corpus Christi, MCC San Antonio, and Resurrection MCC (Houston) which also provided VBS for the adults.

At MCC Albuquerque (New Mexico) the children focused on Walking with Jesus during this year's VBS.

New Covenant MCC (Columbia, Maryland) has a Children's Church once a month during worship where the kids enjoy Bible stories, crafts, and games. 

The week-long VBS at Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas) concluded with a swimming party. 

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Pakistan

from Rev. Elder Ken Martin

In Pakistan I visited a Christian ministry called Care-Pakistan. They have about 500 "straight members" but a specific outreach to the LGBT community through lesbian, gay and transgender subgroups with over 100 members living in several different cities.  I visited those in Lahore, Okara and Pattoki. They come together to worship at Christmas and Easter and, when safe and possible, for social and educational events.  Between gatherings, the leaders of Care-Pakistan visit them regularly.

The social, religious and political climate in Pakistan makes it impossible for LGBT people to come out or organize in any way publicly.  Even recently many whose orientation has been discovered have been imprisoned or killed.  They live in terror and no one I met has ever heard of a gay or lesbian couple living together.  They live with their parents until they enter an arranged marriage, against their private wishes.

Shahid and Aslam live in the small town of Pattoki.  Although they have been together for four years, they still live with their families, but spend so much time together that some townspeople have realized they are partners, subjecting them to constant harassment and threats. They have had rocks and bricks thrown at them, been knocked down and beaten with bamboo poles, and jailed for days at a time, even for just sitting together at the train station. When I asked what they wanted people outside Pakistan to know about their situation, Aslam said, "Tell them they have stoned me, beaten me, jailed me, but I cannot live without him for even one minute."

Hanifa is known as "The Brave Woman". She and her partner have been together 26 years. Both are widows and, even though they have never lived together, they have defied tradition by disclosing the relationship to their families.

Imran and Sajib have been together three years. Each lives with his family and is terrified that his family suspects.  When I asked what would happen if they found out, Sajib said, "My father would kill me." This is not hyperbole.  An article in the Lahore Post stated, "Honor killings are rampant in Pakistan's feudal-dominated rural and tribal areas."

The greatest ridicule and persecution is reserved for transgender people. Those I visited work only 3-4 months a year, when they are hired to dress and dance at wedding events, but become the objects of ridicule.  Unable to get other legitimate jobs and refusing to prostitute themselves, they live in squalor and barely survive the rest of the year.

Sumera asked for a private meeting and said, "I think I will be MCC's first woman pastor in Pakistan."  When I asked why, she said, "I have the God story now.  I will tell what you and Reverend Pat Bumgardner have taught me that everyone is welcome in the God house. This will be an amazing thing."

It is hard for us even to imagine how difficult it is for them to be Christian in an Islamic state and LGBT people in a violently homophobic society. Obviously, we have to proceed slowly, but they are passionately interested in a partnership with MCC and we will continue the conversation which has so successfully begun. The Asia Pacific Initiative Steering Team will continue to shape our strategy for the future.

This is truly an amazing new challenge for us. These stories are just the tip of the iceberg. Our opportunities to make incalculable differences in these faithful, courageous people's lives will be limited only by our resources.

Rev. Elder Ken Martin

Editor's Note: If you would like to make a donation to this endeavor, send a check to Stedney Phillips, 252 Temple Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA, made out to MCC with either "Asia Pacific Initiative" or "API" is in the memo line. That will ensure that 100% of your donation goes directly to this initiative.

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Creative Ministry Ideas to use

Rev. Jeff Miner, Chair of the Board of Administration, and Melody Merida were part of a contest to see how many free throws they could make in 60 seconds prior to an Indiana Fever (women's basketball) game!  Folks from Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana) collected pledges from others to sponsor them.  All the money raised went to their Playground Phase 2 fund. 

On Wednesday evenings at Church of the Trinity (Sarasota, Florida), they convert the sanctuary into a coffee house for Spirit Café.  Recent programs have included The Spiritual Practice of the Baha'i Faith and Spiritual Enlightenment in Autism.

New Beginnings at All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota) will help answer questions about the lives of transgender people and learn more about the transgender process. 

Pikes Peak MCC (Colorado Springs, Colorado) is fielding a volleyball team!

Community interaction!  Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois) folks joined with members of the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association to march in Brookfield's Fourth of July parade, a first for both groups.  And to be even more neighborly, they hosted an open house at the church to become more than "that cute little white building on the corner with the gorgeous yard and pretty rainbow flag"!

The Break the Barrier Fund at MCC Wichita Falls (Texas) is approaching $7000 (USD).  The money will help them fulfill their dream of hiring a full-time director of music and worship.

Church clerk Evelyn Sanders leads weekly Tai Chi classes at MCC Good Shepherd (Granville, Australia) and at Leichardt Baptist.

Church of Our Savior MCC (Boynton Beach, Florida) has formed a praise team to assist in worship leadership.

OUT! at the Circus was a most successful fundraiser for MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California).  The carnival atmosphere featured Zircon, the tantalizing aerial entertainers, plus acrobats, clowns, jugglers, fortune telling, specialty acts, raffle prizes, silent auction, carnival foods, drinks, and booths, including a "Dunk-the-Pastor" one! They presented awards to out actor Chad Allen, film-maker Scott Bloom (Call Me Troy), Brian Kraemer, and the LA Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Whew!  I'm worn out!  MCC of the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) offers a variety of activities.  In just a few weeks' time there was a seminar on LGBT Estate and Financial Planning, dance classes (line, waltz, two-step), a Newlywed game night, 20s/30s events, white water rafting, a picnic, a movie night, and the list goes on and on!

Divine Peace MCC (Pontiac, Michigan) hosted a Friendship Day.  They not only invited their friends to church, they invited them to get to know their best friend, Jesus Christ.

At Trinity MCC (Gainesville, Florida) Songs of the People provides an opportunity for congregants to submit favorite hymns to be sung at the beginning of worship each Sunday. 

Brightwaves MCC (Brighton, England) raised over £1200 with car boot sales, book and refreshment sales, a line-dancing evening, and a Beetle Drive.  Want to know more?   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Although usually an October event, MCC/ICM Los Angeles (California) had a Blessing of the Animals and open house, to which they invited people in their new neighborhood.

Something we can all do!  Several years ago as a Lenten discipline, Susan Chilvers sent a postcard every day to a friend who had a malignant brain tumor.  From there her postcard ministry grew.  Friends bring her extra cards from their trips and she knows where to find cheap ones.  For very little time and money each day, she now sends postcards to people who are sick, going through a hard time, she has missed seeing, need prayer, etc.  (You can also make postcards from used greeting cards.)

Good Hope MCC (Cape Town, South Africa) is beginning a senior ministry, contacting folks by phone and visit, who feel especially invisible.

Region 7 has revamped their four monthly e-newsletters.  They will contain the same themes of spiritual, resources, community, and Elder; however, now they will all focus on a specific theme for each month, such as fund-raising, music in worship, programming for children through young adults, and community outreach.  If you'd like to be added to their e-list, write This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Leah Ariel from Moldova visited Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Pennsylvania) where she shared about her experiences in her homophobic country.

Daniel Arredondo, minister of music at MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks (Texas), has begun an e-newsletter just for their music ministry participants, but to which anyone can subscribe.  http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101495372259 

What's your passion?  MCC Newcastle upon Tyne (England) has instituted a new program Angels of the North.   First in August and September they are focusing each Sunday on a different passion - justice, community, outreach, stewardship, wholeness, service, and spiritual growth.  Then they are going to have Spiritual Gift Parties, during which they will complete questionnaires to assist them in determining which areas are best suited for them in ministry.

The Congregation Revealed is a project at MCC New York (New York).  RichieTorres interviews members to reveal interesting and little known facts about their lives.  Congregants attend the monthly taping for an enjoyable evening!

A weekend of workshops, forums, and progressive, dynamic and inclusive worship services was brought to MCC Melbourne (Australia) by the Crave team from MCC Sydney.  The two day mini conference also included meals and afternoon tea.

Valley Ministries MCC (Stockton, California) observed Casual Days in August.  They wore shorts to church and had different themes each week: Flower, International, Heritage, Hawaiian, and Youth.

St. John the Apostle MCC (Ft. Meyers, Florida) hosted an Around the World Dinner & Dance.  The progressive dinner featured entrees from various countries.  Since the event was at the church, they moved from room to room for the various courses.

OUT!  MCC Windsor (Canada) has begun a social outreach, Last Saturday OUT, a potluck and social for the entire LGBT community there.

Congratulations to the ten members of MCC Lubbock (Texas) who graduated from the Creating a Life that Matters course!

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Transitions

Rev. Jeff Bert is the new associate pastor at MCC San Francisco (California), having previously been on staff at MCC of Greater St. Louis (Missouri). 

MCC Newcastle (Hamilton, Australia) is growing and has decided to meet twice a month for worship!  They gather on the 1st and 3rd Sunday at 10 am at the Wesley Uniting Church.

Rev. Elder Nori Rost has completed her interim tenure at Wichita Falls MCC (Texas).  Rev. Margaret Scales from Ecumenical Ministries was their visiting preacher through the end of September as they seek a new full-time pastor.

MCC NewCoast, previously meeting in Morisset, Australia, relocated to Gosford in July.  Their worship services are on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 10 am.

All Saints' MCC (Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand) held a special service to bid a fond farewell to Neil Hellewell who has left for a sabbatical in Mt. Isa, a town in Queensland, Australia.

Churches and clergy - when you move, be sure to send an address change to MCC!  Bill Hooper, P.O. Box 1374 Abilene, Texas 79604, USA, Tel. +1 310 861 4656, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , fax + 1 325 675 8977. 

Send website directory updates to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Lay Delegates, be sure your information is listed for your church!  

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Supporting One Another

Rev. Darlene Young lost her valiant battle for her life, following heart attacks, surgeries, and weeks in hospital.  Please keep her family, her partner Mun Lei, and all of Safe Harbour MCC (Halifax, Nova Scotia) in your prayers.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Following an awesome trip to San Francisco, Rev. Paul Fairley returned to Toronto to learn that his lung cancer has spread to his bones, specifically to his sacrum (tailbone), midway down his back bone, and his sternum/ribs, in addition to his adrenal gland.  He has chosen not to undergo additional chemotherapy.  He will, however, have one round of palliative radiation and use Aleve/Naproxen to manage the pain.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text77790 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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