Bi-Monthly Newsletter of UFMCC | 2024 May 15 | View as Webpage

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May Calendar

Visit our Resource Bank for educational and seasonal resources.

Join the PAD Conference 'Family Reunion' on July 26 to 28 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Early Bird Registration EXTENDED!

PAD Family Reunion! The last PAD gathering was in 2017 and it is about time to have another to gather the MCC siblings to the Motor City!

MCC Detroit has the unique opportunity to co-host North America’s longest running Black Pride celebration in Detroit, entitled “Hotter Than July.” This year’s Black Pride will have a gospel theme to it featuring the artist B Slade featuring special guest Bishop Yvette Flunder.

We have a fantastic time planned for you and worked to keep costs affordable. We are honored to have our Moderator the Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston and her spouse Orgena Rose travel to be with us. Won't you join them as well? Plan to join us in the Motor City for the 2024 PAD: The Next Generation Conference and Reunion!

Plan to join us in the Motor City for the 2024 PAD: The Next Generation Conference and Reunion!

Schedule: July 26-28, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church - Detroit, Michigan, USA

*in US Dollars.

Questions, Concerns, Clarifications Regarding PAD Conference?

If you have any questions regarding the upcoming PAD Conference and its related events, you may email PAD-TNG@MCCchurch.net.

We look forward in hearing your thoughts, ideas, and feedback.

Bridging Christian Faith and SOGIESC Rights in Cagayan De Oro, Philippines

Faith Seeking Equality and Common Good was concluded recently at the space of Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) Diocese of Cagayan De Oro. This is the second leg of the program; the first one was at Quezon City in Metro Manila.

Organized by Open Table MCC and Humanis (Hivos), under the Free To Be Me Project, the event brought together members of the LGBTQIA+ community and representatives from various church denominations in a spirit of unity and understanding.

The workshop was attended by a combination of members, lay, and clergy from Iglesia FIlipina Independiente and United Church of Christ in the Philippines from Cagayan De Oro, Libertad, and nearby cities; as well as participants from IFI Surigao, IFI Dinagat Island, and Manticao Pride.

Keynote speakers, including religious leaders and LGBTQIA+ activists, shared their perspectives and experiences, challenging traditional interpretations and advocating for a more inclusive understanding of faith.

One of the event’s highlights was the participation of representatives from various Christian denominations, demonstrating a growing openness within religious communities to engage with LGBTQIA+ issues. Open Table MCC, a church community under the Metropolitan Community Church denomination known for its welcoming embrace of the LGBTQIA+ community, played a pivotal role in facilitating these dialogues.

MCC Networks Welcomes Tuula Helppi and Rev. Cathy Porter-Proctor As New Network Co-Leaders

Congratulations to Tuula Helppi who has been appointed to serve as Network Co-Leader for our European Network. She will be ministering with Co-Leader Jochen Gewecke to facilitate support, communication, celebration, and embodiment of MCC Core Values among our congregations throughout Europe. You can reach her at EuropeNetwork@MCCChurch.net.

Congratulations to Rev. Cathy Porter-Proctor who has been appointed to serve as Co-Leader of the East Central USA Network. She will be facilitating Network Ministry for our congregations in Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Western Pennsylvania. You can contact Rev. Cathy at EastCentralUSANetwork@MCCchurch.net.

Are you a leader in an Affiliated Church, Emerging Church or Spiritual Community and would like to connect with others in your geographic area for support, communication, celebration or embodiment of MCC’s Core Values? Then contact the Network Co-Leader for your area:

Additional Network Co-Leaders are still being sought to help encourage local MCC leaders, ensure effective communication, celebrate ministry successes, and facilitate the embodiment of MCC’s core values. Contact RevDexterBrecht@MCCChurch.net to find out more about serving in this ministry role.

Congregations in Transition

Revs.Tomas Holloway, Melinda Lundy, and Angie Scott-Kees have been appointed to serve as the Transitional Ministry Leaders of MCC Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA.

MCC Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA is choosing to be led by their Board of Directors for through 2024 following the resignation of their Pastor; Rev. Tory Topjian.

MCC of the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach, FL, USA is now receiving applications for the position of Senior Pastor. Visit the job openings tab at insidemcc.org for more information about this ministry opportunity.

Applications continue to be received for the position of Senior Pastor of Resurrection MCC, Houston, TX, USA. Visit the job openings tab at insidemcc.org or resurrectionmcc.org for more information about this ministry opportunity.

The appointment and agreement with Rev. Geoff Iverson to serve as Interim Pastor of MCC Sydney, Sydney, NSW, AU has been extended for an additional year.

Transitional Leadership is being sought for the following congregations:

Imago Dei MCC, Aston, PA, USA

MCC of the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach, FL, USA

Open Arms MCC, Pahoa, HI, USA

Vision of Hope MCC, Mountville, PA, USA

If you are interested in serving as a Gap, Interim or Provisional Pastor for one of these congregations, or as a possible vocation please contact: RevCathyAlexander@MCCchurch.net or RevDexterBrecht@MCCchurch.net.

2024 Governing Board Nominating Committee Application

If you feel called to serve on the MCC Governing Board Nominating Committee, you may submit your application now.

Members of the Governing Board Nominating Committee (GBNC) must have the following skills, talents, time available, and call a commitment to the continuing success of MCC around the world, and willingness to commit a significant amount of time to the process, among other skills and capabilities.

Deadline for submission of applications is on 24 May 2024 (5pm USA EDT / 9:00pm UTC).

Call For MCC Theologies Submissions

Send in your wonderful work so current and future generations may benefit!

We accept sermons, liturgies, Christian Education materials, essays, books, academic papers, and spiritual teachings and reflections - in written, audio, or video format.

Call for Papers on Liberation Theology of MCC

The DARE Forum - a global gathering of scholars and activists rooted in Liberation Theology will be convening a Global Forum in January 2025 in Zimbabwe, Africa. They have issued a Call for Papers at the links below. Please consider submitting an abstract (in English), and please share with those you know whose ministry is rooted in Liberation Theology.

DARE covers all costs, except visas. In other words, DARE covers airfares, accommodation, meals and airport transfer. The deadline for submitting abstracts is 14th June 2024.

More information about DARE can be found here. You may also contact Dr. Graham McGeoch at graham@fuv.edu.br.

Anti-Racism Training for Clergy and Leaders

Convergence and MCC Flourish Program are collaborating to offer MCC Clergy and Leaders a course on Anti-Racism. The main focus of this course is based on racism

within the USA. This course covers multiple topics and for Clergy to receive CEU’s there will be a follow-up session along with the opportunity for those in LEAD to receive credit.

MCC’s Flourish Program is sponsoring this course at a hugely discounted rate. Please

register via the button (below). Scholarships are available.

Gender and Sexuality Course

Join our comprehensive Gender and Sexuality Course which delves into the fascinating and diverse tapestry of the human experience. Explore the concepts of sex, gender, and sexuality, and how they affect our human lives. Let's challenge the stereotypes, embrace inclusivity, and gain insights on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

This course fulfills the Ministry Action Plan requirements, and is open to anyone who is interested. The course will have Rev. Dr. Francisco Danielsen-Morales as the instructor.

Schedule: June 7, June 14, June 21, and June 28; 4PM to 6PM ET

Please contact Rev. Cathy Alexander via email for more information (link below).

Queer History Course

Dive into our Queer History Course and learn about the often-hidden stories of queer lives, struggles, and triumphs across different cultures and time periods. Explore the lives of trailblazing activists, artists, and everyday people who shaped the LGBTQ+ community, from Stonewall and beyond.

This course fulfills the Ministry Action Plan requirements, and is open to anyone who is interested. The course will have Rev. Dr. Kelby Accardi-Harrison as the instructor.

Preliminary Meeting: June 1; 11AM-12PM CST (1 hour)

Class Meetings: June 22, July 13, July 27; 11AM-1PM CST (2 hours each)

Please contact Rev. Cathy Alexander via email for more information (link below).

Latino/a/e/as/xs Survey

Metropolitan Community Churches is looking to be more dedicated to seeking, forming, instructing, and empowering Latino ministry within our local congregations.

Las Iglesias de la Comunidad Metropolitana buscan estar más dedicadas a buscar, formar, instruir y empoderar el ministerio Latino dentro de nuestras congregaciones locales.

MCC Kinship Groups

Kinship Groups offer a safe spaces of connecting with other people of similar struggles and challenges. We have groups for Trans, PAD, API, God-Talk, and Latinx.

If you have any questions, are interested in a particular Kinship group, or interested in forming another Kinship group, you may email Rev. Hector Gutierrez.

Living Well With Differences 2024 Course

This course helps participants learn how to recognize and understand the signs of potential tensions and sources of conflict earlier and respond with confidence. We will explore what conflict ‘looks’ like in our faith communities, explore different approaches and responses that can help develop your skills in transforming relationships and navigating tricky conversations.

The Europe, Africa, and Australia cohort starts on the 12th of June.

SunCoast MCC 6-Night Fundraiser Cruise

Join SunCoast MCC and other MCCers for a six-night fundraiser cruise.

Prices start at US$638!

Schedule: September 30 to October 6, 2024; Departs from Tampa.

Contact MCC members: Dan Mullins 1-407-731-7704 or Lorna Hunter 1-941-220-984

Assessments: 18766 John J. Williams Hwy | #382 | Rehoboth Beach | DE 19971 | USA

Board of Pensions: PO Box 9917 | Wichita Falls | TX 76308 | USA

Other: 2775 NW 49^th Ave | Ste: 205-327 | Ocala | FL 34482 | USA

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