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Current
Edition
Released: 15 August 2008
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IN THIS
ISSUE:
PRIDE CELEBRATION!
Pride is
celebrated in a variety months around the world. Here are highlights of
ways MCC congregations reached out to their communities during this
festive time.
Jay
Bakker will be the special guest of St. John's MCC (Raleigh, North Carolina)
for the North Carolina Pride celebrations in September in both
Raleigh and Durham. He will preach at St. John's MCC and participate in numerous Pride events. http://gaynewsbits.com/2008/08/12/jay-bakker-out-and-about-in-north-carolina/
MCC Windsor (Canada) was very
involved with their city's Pride, including the release of their
historic needs assessment survey of the LGBT community in Windsor-Essex
County. The survey, funded by a grant from the Ontario Trillium
Foundation (which rarely makes grants to churches), was the first to
examine the needs of the LGBT population in that area.
Gentle Shepherd MCC (Tallahassee, Florida) was
a co-sponsor of their city's week-long Pride events. They passed
out bottles of water at the festival.
Rev. Nathan Meckley began his tenure as pastor of MCC Portland (Oregon) at Pride and was interviewed
in Just Out. http://www.justout.com/news_nw_meckley.aspx
Their parade contingent was led by Elevation. They distributed 50 cases of water to
thirsty revelers, along with literature about the church and stickers by
Pat Schwiebert claiming, "God Made Me Queer!"
MCC Paducah (Kentucky) hosted the first-ever Pride Picnic this
year. There was great turnout -- it was the only such
event in the western part of the state. Justin
Ryan performed and folks enjoyed food, games, prizes, and
music.
Millions of people waving rainbow flags and wearing lavish Carnival
costumes paraded in Sao Paulo, Brazil, South America's largest
city, to celebrate gay pride and demand an end to homophobia and
sexism. The crowd was estimated at five million, with at least a
half million visitors for the week long event. ICM Sao Paulo participated in parade, the Cultural Gay
Fair, Gay Day, and other events.
A
photo of MCC Los
Angeles' (California) Pride float was carried in
the Los Angeles Times.
New Spirit MCC (Cincinnati, Ohio) partnered with
the Human Rights Campaign and Crossport, a trans group, to provide
an educational forum during Pride. The church hosted the
community's Pride Worship Service, led by Rev. Melody
Wolder , and served as "cool space" for those who needed to get out
of the heat during the festival. They also staffed a booth to
promote the church.
MCC San Diego (California) sold festival passes and Pride
pins. A portion of the sales supported the church's activities
during July's Pride events.
Cape Town, South Africa, celebrates Pride in February and March.
Good Hope MCC had a float in the parade
proclaiming "Would Jesus Discriminate?" and participated in an
Interfaith Service. Rev Kevin Light, one of the
church's designated Marriage Officials, and Labyrinth, a spirituality
movement for people who self-identify as spiritual but not
religious, hosted the God Is Gay
breakfast. Activities during the week included films, a High Tea, a
cruise, plays, and more. The last of the 26 events on the
Pride calendar was the Pride Worship Service at Good Hope MCC.
During Pride, MCC of Greater St. Louis
(Missouri) handed out over 100 copies of the CD The Bible:
Good News for Gays? , a nine-week sermon series analyzing both
the "clobber" passages and the more affirming passages of the
Bible. Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell was
named Co-Grand Marshall of the parade and MCCGSL's choir was
featured on the festival's main stage.
Rev. Dwayne Morgan, pastor of MCC
Bournemouth (England), will be a guest of MCC Manchester
during their city's Pride Weekend in August. He will join them
in staffing their festival stall and will preach at their
Sunday service.
Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Pennsylvania) hosted three
nationally-known comedians (Vickie Shaw, Sabrina Matthews, and Jennie
McNulty) for an evening of comedy following Lancaster's first Pride
celebration. Proceeds went to their new nonprofit to assist the
LGBT community. They also hosted a site for children
during the festival.
At the annual Stonewall Service at MCC
Melbourne (Australia), the Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus
performed. The speaker was Demetra Giannakopoulos, co-convener of
the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby. The night
before, they held a Stonewall Dinner -- and everyone dressed
in their best outfits from 1969! They wore their "Would Jesus
Discriminate?" t-shirts in the Pride march!
Rev. Marge Ragona was the speaker for the Interfaith Pride
Service in Birmingham, Alabama, the U.S. city in which the mayor refused
a permit for the Gay Pride parade. It doesn't happen only in
Moldova!
MCC/ICM Los Angeles (California) had only their early worship
service on Pride Sunday so that they could participate in the Interfaith
Service which was held at the intersection of La Cienega and Santa
Monica Blvd., shutting down the streets to celebrate.
Folks from FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine,
Florida) participated in the Gay Days events in Orlando at Disneyworld
and are looking forward to Ancient City Pride the end of
September.
The float for Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New
York) featured wedding pictures of couples who have been legally
married.
MCC Key West (Florida) partnered with community organizations
to offer three seminars during Pride: Empowering Youth with PFLAG
and the high school Gay Straight Alliance, Marriage Equality with
the local ACLU, and Current Issues with Equality Florida.
Rev. Mark Pridmore, pastor of Eternal Joy
MCC, officiated at the 2nd annual mass wedding at the conclusion of
the parade in Dayton, Ohio. Church members passed out water,
rainbow bracelets, and doggie treats.
The 6:24 Band of MCC Austin (Texas) was
featured on the church's float in their parade.
Mary Moore received the Lester Childers Della Reeves Community
Service Award from Tennessee Valley Pride. This was the first year
this award was presented in Chattanooga and honored The Rock MCC's HIV/AIDS ministry to
their community.
Angels of Hope MCC (Appleton and Green Bay, Wisconsin) marched
in the parades in Milwaukee and Green Bay, led the Interfaith
Service in Green Bay, participated in Pride Alive, and hosted a
showing of For the Bible Tells Me So.
Church of Our Savior MCC (Boynton Beach, Florida)
staffed a booth throughout the weekend of Pridefest, held
at the end of March.
Eight MCCs joined together for Capital Pride in Washington,
DC. They became an official Pride sponsor, which placed
the MCC name and logo on prominent display. By marching together in
their "Would Jesus Discriminate?" t-shirts, they became the largest
contingent in the two-mile parade. At their festival
booth, they handed out information about Holy
Redeemer MCC (College Park, Maryland), MCC of the Chesapeake
(Annapolis, Maryland), MCC Fredricksburg (Virginia), MCC of
Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Virginia), MCC Washington, DC,
New Covenant MCC (Laurel, Maryland), New
Light MCC (Hagerstown, Maryland), and Open Door MCC (Boyds,
Maryland).
As always, MCC Bournemouth (England)
participated in Bourne Free. They had an entry in the parade
and an information stall in the gardens, and hosted the Community
Pride Service!
MCC Illiana (Lake Station, Indiana) participated in the first
Northwest Indiana Pride Parade in Gary with 15 entries from Indiana and
Illinois. They wore their "Would Jesus Discriminate?" t-shirts and
handed out over 400 WJD bumper stickers. They also sponsored a
kick-off gathering the night before.
Each Saturday evening in June, the New Port Ritchie, Florida, library
featured a film for REEL Pride Fest. Spirit of
Life MCC participated and promoted their church, along
with other Pride activities.
MCC Brisbane (Australia) hosted their annual Stonewall
Service. The guest speaker was Shelley Argent OAM, the national
spokesperson for PFLAG and recipient of the Medal of the Order of
Australia for raising awareness of issues of acceptance, tolerance and
equality for LGBT people.
New Covenant MCC (Laurel, Maryland) had a booth at both the
Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland, Pride festivals. They are
conveniently located between the two larger cities.
MCC of the Quad Cities (Iowa) was one of 10 organizations
sponsoring the first-ever Pride Fest in their area. Events
included a picnic with live music, booths, children's activities
and an invitation to the straight community to bring their families and
join in the fun. Next year they hope to begin an annual
Pride parade.
Like many MCC congregations, Jesus MCC
(Indianapolis, Indiana) marched in their city's Pride parade and had a
booth at the festival. Of course, they wore their "Would Jesus
Discriminate?" t-shirts!
Rev. Axel Schwaigert, pastor of MCC
Stuttgart (Germany), was the guest preacher at the Pride service
at MCC Boston (Massachusetts). Music
was provided by the Boston church choir. Congregants also
participated in Pride activities in Rhode Island to promote their
church.
MCC San Jose (California) marched in their city's parade
and led an ecumenical worship service at the festival.
Imago Dei MCC (Glen Mills, Pennsylvania) wore their "Would
Jesus Discriminate?" t-shirts and passed out "Gay By God" stickers at
the Equality Forum gathering in Philadelphia in the face of opposition
by ultra conservatives. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETccNR-k_K4
MCC Louisville (Kentucky) debuted their "Would Jesus
Discriminate?" t-shirts and banner at the Kentuckiana parade. The
church's contingent was featured on two TV stations and in the
newspaper. At the festival they signed up folks for their email
list, and offered an option of just receiving action alerts to
promote MCC's justice work.
Peninsula MCC (San Mateo, California) participated in both the
Trans March and Dyke March in San Francisco. They gathered at the
Millbrae BART Station to wish those boarding the trains a Happy San
Francisco Pride Day and to hand out information about PMCC.
Rev. Martha Daniels participated in a panel at the Canadian
Mental Health Association's Mental Health Mondays: "Why Pride? Mental
Health and LGBT Pride."
All the MCC congregations along Florida's west
coast marched together in the parade in St. Petersburg. They
had a joint float and banner as the kick-off of their "Would Jesus
Discriminate?" campaign. The 50 marchers all wore matching WJD
t-shirts and carried the banners for Celebration
MCC (Naples), Church of the Trinity MCC
(Sarasota), King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg), MCC Tampa,
St. John the Apostle MCC (Ft. Myers), and SunCoast Cathedral
MCC (Venice). There were cheerleaders, singing, and bead
throwing -- and along the parade route they heard people in
the crowd yell, "Thank you, MCC. Thank you for being
here."
MCC Seattle (Washington)handed out beads with
their church's information during the parade in their city. Some
marched carrying the church's banner; others rode in a car
decorated with rainbow-colored balloons. The
church hosted a song service and Communion before the parade
began.
MCC Elizabethtown (Kentucky) hosted a special worship
service for Pride.
Performing Same-Sex Weddings since 1971 was the theme of MCC San Francisco’s (California) float in their
parade, with their special guest Rev. Elder Troy Perry. They
carried photos and other mementos of Holy Unions and Weddings through
the years. Before the parade, they celebrated Holy
Communion.
New Life MCC (Hampton Roads, Virginia) participated in the
Hampton Roads Black Pride celebration in July.
MCC-DC's (Washington, DC) entry in the Pride parade included
their new interim pastor, Rev. Elder Dr. Charlie
Arehart.
MCC Toronto (Canada) holds a special service every year as an
official event during their city's Pride. This year's featured the
MCCT choir with Alana Bridgewater and Sterling Jarvis, stars from We
Will Rock You. They rent chairs, sound equipment, and
radios, and create banners, flower arrangements, and everything
needed for the hundreds who join them for this special service.
Justin Ryan was the special guest of MCC
Knoxville (Tennessee) for Pride. He performed during the
Celebrating Our Religious Diversity event and presented a concert at the
church. The church choir and Karen
Reynolds also performed at the festival.
Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois) and achurch4me MCC(Chicago, Illinois) had a booth
together at the festival and invited nearby MCCs to join them for one
large contingent in the Chicagoland parade. Heartland Community MCC (Springfield,
Illinois) accepted the invitation and participated with them in
the parade and festival.
MCC Baltimore (Maryland) held a special Pride service and
participated in the parade, block party, and festival.
MCC Baton Rouge (Louisiana) hosted the Pride
service, a game night with Drag Bingo, and a Pride film festival, which
included a screening of For the Bible Tells Me
So.
Living Springs MCC (Bath, England) hosted the Pride
service for the city of Bath.
Harbor MCC (Galveston, Texas) has been busily
preparing for their city's upcoming Pride festival.
First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia) moved their morning worship to
10 AM on July 6, so that their congregation could march
in the Pride parade.
Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) had an award-winning float
in this year's Pride parade!
New Creation MCC (Columbus, Ohio) was instrumental in planning the spiritual
aspects of Pride in central Ohio.
MCC Detroit (Michigan) was hired to pass out 15,000 bags at
Motor City Pride, which, of course, included information about their
church! Rev. Mark G. Bidwell, Rev. Kevin
Kinsel and Rev. Deb Dysert were joined
by the Mayor of Ferndale to marry nine couples before 200 people in
front of City Hall. Each couple received flowers, pictures,
programs, and a cake top to take home.
All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota) had their
traditional store and marched in the Pride parade. Their praise team and
band were featured on the stage at the festival and rocked the park!
MCC of the Chesapeake (Annapolis, Maryland) was one of the
predominant sponsors for their region's Pride in July. Rev. WayneSchwandt was chair of the event.
MCC of the Rockies (Denver, Colorado) hosted a special Friday
night Pride service, complete with coming out stories bySue Bonini, Kyle
Burrell, Michael C de Baca, and
Samson Tesfaye. Back Pew led the congregation
in praise music.
Over 200 folks gathered on the grounds of MCC
Topeka (Kansas) for the Pride picnic. They enjoyed great food
hot off the grill, entertainment, vendors, exhibitors, children's
activities, raffles, a best hat contest, and prizes. The event was
covered by Channel 49 TV News.
The singing men of Una Voce flipped pancakes to raise money and feed
folks at King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg,
Florida) on Pride day.
Healing Spirit MCC (Rochester, Minnesota) sold desserts from
their booth at Pride.
MCC Omaha (Nebraska) participated in their 23rd parade
appearance, the longest of any organization after the Imperial Court of
Nebraska. They received an impressive list of awards for their
floats and entries. Their Praise Band was featured at the festival
and Susie Brenner also performed.
Pikes Peak MCC (Colorado Springs, Colorado) recently observed
Pride. At one event, their new pastor Rev. Wes
Mullins took part in a friendly face-off against the director of
the Pride Center -- in a pool of lube! At least the money went
to charity! They wore their new t-shirts proclaiming "Love
changes everything" for the marriage demonstration, parade and festival.
They also hosted a Brenner/Beckstead concert and a special Pride
service at the church.
In New York City, Pride is celebrated during the entire month of
June. Folks at MCC New York participated in
parades, health fairs, tea dances, seminars, concerts, interfaith
services, runs, and AIDS vigils. They also hosted the
Stonewall Sunday and Pride Sunday services for the community.
Albuquerque PRIDE was voted the best outdoor
festival and parade by Alibi Magazine and is the 20th most
attended event the State of New Mexico. MCC
Albuquerque was there, reaching out to the entire community with
God's unconditional love, especially in countering the protesters
holding signs filled with hateful accusations. Rev. Judy Maynard also officiated at commitment
ceremonies at the church's booth.
Singing a New Song: From Pride to Gratitude was the sermon theme for
Pride month at achurch4me? MCC (Chicago,
Illinois).
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NEW MCC HIV MINISTRY BLOG
ONLINE!
The MCC Global HIV/AIDS Ministry, under the leadership of Joshua
Love, has launched a new online blog.
This new blog is a place to share MCC's long history with HIV/AIDS,
highlight the latest HIV news, focus on efforts in local communities,
and reflect the voices of people living with and affected by HIV
(PLHIV).
Since the earliest days of the pandemic, MCC has made significant
contributions to global AIDS efforts. Today, we remain committed to
working for an end to AIDS, developing compassionate relationships with
PLHIV, and carrying out ethical justice work that addresses the root
causes of vulnerability to HIV infection.
To share news of your local and regional efforts or press releases
from local, national, and international organizations, e-mail them to Joshua Love.
He will post your prayers and updates to the blog (within all legal and
ethical standards required by law and MCC policies) at www.MCCGHAM.org as a sign of your
solidarity and support with all who are working on the frontlines.
Visit the New MCC Global HIV/AIDS Blog at www.MCCGHAM.org and click on the
right side menu to become a subscriber now. It is free and an excellent
way to stay up on the latest movement in the ministry.
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UPCOMING MCC EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 4-7, 2008 - Join Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson and MCCers
from across North America, along with our friends and allies from more
than 25 Christian groups and denominations, in New Orleans during
September 4-7, 2008, for the Many Stories, One Voice Conference. We hope
to see you at this groundbreaking conference.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2008 - A Memorial Service for Rev. Elder Jeri Ann
Harvey will be held at MCC Toronto (Canada) at 1:30 PM on September 13.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
SEPTEMBER 21-24, 2008 - Last opportunity this year!
Certification Training for Creating a Life That Matters will take place
in Honolulu, Hawaii. To learn more, CLICK
HERE.
SEPTEMBER 25-28, 2008 - You're invited to MCC Region 1
Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii, during September 25-28.
Workshops! Great worship! Fellowship and networking!
OCTOBER 2008 - October marks MCC's 40th anniversary! You'll soon be
hearing details of ways we'll observe this milestone -- including this
year's Fellowship Sunday Offering, designated for children, youth, and
young adults. Your church can lead the way by being among the first to
commit to receive a special 40th Anniversary Fellowship Sunday Offering.
To add your church to the list of participating churches, CLICK HERE to let
Rev. Nancy Wilson know of your church's participation.
FEBRUARY 2009 - Make plans now to attend the MCC Men's
Retreat in Dallas, Texas in February of 2009. The conference
theme: All Men Are Brothers.
MAY 21-24, 2009 - The Regional Conference for MCC Regions 6 and 7
will take place in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. You'll find details online
by CLICKING
HERE.
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