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From the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches
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New UFMCC Restructuring Newsletter
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Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches
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October 26, 2001
To Be Launched Next Week
See Story #6 Below
INDEX:
, life partner of Enez Cooper and member of Metropolitan Community Church of New York, died on October 14 of injuries received in the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Renee was an employee of Cantor Fitzgerald, and was in Tower 1 at the time of the attacks. Though critically burned she escaped the building prior to its collapse, and had been hospitalized at Cornell-Presbyterian.
1. MCC Member Renee Barrett Dies Of Sept. 11 Attack Injuries
2. Check Out The New Website On Canadian Marriage Effort
3. Montreal To Be Site of Gay Games VII In 2006
4. Falwell Redux: There He Goes Again!
5. New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani To Appear In "Queer As Folk"
6. Coming Soon! New UFMCC Transition Newsletter
7. MCC Hosts First Mexican Conference on LGBT History
8. UFMCC E-Mail of the Week
9. News Around The Fellowship
10. Unsubscribe Information
1. MCC Member Renee Barrett Dies Of Sept. 11 Attack Injuries
Renee Barrett
She is survived by her partner Enez, her 18-year-old son, Eddie, who lived with them, her biological brother, and several extended family members.
A Memorial Service for Renee Barrett will be held at Metropolitan Community Church of New York {446 West 36th Street} on Sunday, November 4 at 2 PM. Condolences to Enez and Renee's son, Eddie, may be sent to MCCNewYork@aol.com For additional information, contact MCCNY at 212-629-7440.
2. New Website On Canadian Marriage Effort
Kevin Bourassa and Joe Varnell, who were married earlier this year at Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (Canada) by Rev. Brent Hawkes, will go to court next month in their ongoing effort to have same-sex marriages legally recognized in Canada. To keep up with the progress of their case, you can visit their new website at www.equalmarriage.ca
Kevin and Joe are writing a book about their experience, titled "Just Married: Gay Marriage and the Expansion of Human Rights," which is about the MCC Toronto weddings. The book will be published by Doubleday in Canada, and by the University of Wisconsin Press in the United States, and is scheduled for release in May 2002. A book and media tour will take place in the Spring of 2002.
3. Montreal Is Site of Gay Games VII In 2006
Montreal, Canada has been selected to host the Gay Games VII in 2006. Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles had also made bids to host the 2006 Games. This is the first time the games will be held in North America since New York City hosted the Gay Games in 1994.
"We are proud to name Montreal as host for the Gay Games VII in 2006," said Gene Dermody, co-president of The Federation of Gay Games.
The Gay Games were conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and were first held in San Francisco in 1982 with 1,350 participants. Subsequent Gay Games were held in San Francisco (1986; 3,500 participants), Vancouver (1990; 7,000 participants), New York (1994; 11,000 participants), and Amsterdam (1998; 14,000 participants). About 14,000 participants are expected to travel to Sydney, Australia in 2002 for Gay Games VI.
4. Falwell Redux: There He Goes Again
Although TV preacher Jerry Falwell claims to have apologized for his infamous remarks about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he sent a fund-raising letter to donors this week recasting his statements in a positive light and depicting him as a victim of the news media "wolf pack" and "liberal lies."
"It seems that Satan has launched a hail of fiery darts at dad recently," writes son Jonathan Falwell. "He needs to know you still support him." The mailing includes a request for a $50 or $100 "Vote of Confidence" donation. Falwell's critics noted that attempting to capitalize on his comments following terrorist attacks on the U.S. was a new low for the televangelist. "This is truly outrageous," said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. "Falwell has gone from apologizing for his hateful remarks to trying to cash in on them."
Just two days after thousands of innocent people were killed in separate attacks on New York and Washington. Falwell blamed the attacks on feminists, gays, and civil liberties activists. International outrage and criticism followed his comments. Falwell initially tried to explain away the remarks, saying they were taken out of context. He admitted one week later the remarks were "stupid" and "indefensible."
5. New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani To Appear In Queer As Folk
New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani has agreed to appear in drag in an upcoming episode of "Queer As Folk." It's part of a fundraising effort for the September 11 Fund to help gay and lesbian families affected by the terrorist attack on New York. The idea came during a dinner organized by Empire State Pride Agenda, the New York state gay lobbying group. Giuliani was a guest speaker, and Pride Agenda was auctioning off a walk-on role in "Queer As Folk." This year the mayor and gay police, fire and EMT workers were honored. The show's executive producers of the Toronto-based series were in New York for the dinner. Pride Agenda raised $100,000 at the event. Howard Koeppel, one half of the gay couple who is currently housing the mayor, suggested Giuliani should do a drag role if donors could cough up another $100,000. The mayor stunned everyone by responding "If it means more money for relief funds, sure."
6. Coming Soon! New UFMCC Transition Newsletter
Wondering what's happening with UFMCC's transition and restructuring? Lots of new and exciting things will soon be taking place within the UFMCC movement. And very soon all of the latest transition news will be available to you on a regular basis. UFMCC is preparing to launch a brand-new monthly e-mail newsletter that will contain all the latest news on UFMCC restructuring. Look for the very first issue within the next two weeks.
7. MCC Hosts First Mexican Conference on LGBT History
ICM Monterrey (Mexico), where Rev. David Pettitt is Senior Pastor, recently held the first-ever National Mexican Conference On LGBT History. The conference was a major success with more than 32 scholarly papers presented. A "First Prize" of 30,000 pesos was offered.
A representative from the Governor's Office attended and officially opened the conference and the President of the State University and members of the Philosophy Faculty also participated.
According to Rev. Pettitt: "We were really out there! This was quite an emotional experience by the time the conference came to a close."
Pettitt is traveling to Mexico City this week to personally award Agros Communication for their work in presenting gay issues in a positive way. He adds, "And to think this entire conference was organized by our MCC church!"
8. UFMCC E-Mail Of The Week
The following e-mail arrived at UFMCC headquarters this week -- yet another reminder of the ways our churches and ministries touch and inspire lives. The following e-mail was received from a still-closeted gay male who is finding strength and help from UFMCC:
"Dear Friends at MCC:
I read a newsgroup ad concerning the Rev. Falwell's sad comments made a couple weeks ago, this was from Rev. Troy D. Perry, Office of Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches.
I am not an openly gay person, but I am gay. I was married, years ago, and have a child... As I grew up and went through my teenage years and early twenties I thought if I was married and had a home, child, and lead the "morally correct" (as in Mr. Falwell's thinking) way of life that I would learn to be happy. Happiness cannot be learned. You are either happy, or you are unhappy -- and you have the choice to do something about that. I certainly don't feel there is anything wrong with a heterosexual lifestyle. But I do know that I tried to live it and I knew it was not the way to bring three persons (man, wife, and child) together and lead happy, productive lives when one of these persons involved was so unhappy with the lifestyle (heterosexual) he had chosen. And I wonder how many others there are out there who have made wrong choices because of people like Mr. Falwell? I realized after a period of time that I had made a wrong decision, and did something about it. I wanted Rev. Perry to know we are out here and support him. And I thank him for getting involved. He must be a wonderful man. Thank you Reverend Troy D. Perry."
9. News Around The Fellowship
-- Looking for church resources for ministry in the aftermath of September 11? Check out "Preaching and Pastoral Care In A Time of Terror" at www.psr.edu/page.cfm?l=237.
-- Did you know that October is designated internationally as "Pastor Appreciation Month"?
-- MCC North London (England) has started a new ministry "Another Name," to build links to the transgender community in London. They can be contacted by e-mail at info@mccnorthlondon.com
-- US Residents: Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour (in most of the United States) at 2 AM on Oct. 28 for Daylight Savings Time -- or before you go to bed on Saturday night, Oct. 27.
-- MCC Albuquerque (New Mexico) served as the host of Albuquerque's National Coming Out Day Fiesta. The church also celebrated that one-year anniversary in their new building.
-- Exciting news! Jane Warner, Deputy CEO for UFMCC, is making arrangements to send a direct mail letter with news about UFMCC to more than 100,000 people this fall. The names will be selected from lists of people who have expressed interest in LGBT groups and/or social justice issues. These letters will introduce UFMCC ministry to tens of thousands of people... help to connect people with local MCC congregations... and serve as a basis for a denominational fundraising program.
-- MCC Melbourne (Australia) hosted a spiritual weekend retreat for women of all faiths, sexualities and ages. The event was facilitated by Rev Heather Creighton and Jan Miels.
-- The following materials have now been posted on the UFMCC Intranet:
(Click here to access UFMCC IntraNet Main Menu)Minutes of June- July, 2001 Board of Elders Meeting
Minutes of March, 2001 Board of Elders Meeting
Minutes of General Council Meeting - June, 2001
Minutes of General Council Meeting - March, 2001-- Going to the Schuller Institute for Leadership Development? Haven't bought your registration tickets yet? Good.....because the Northwest District has five available discount tickets for purchase at $79 each. If you are interested, e-mail Rev. Debbie Martin, Northwest District Coordinator at NWDDCDEB@aol.com Don't delay, get your tickets today!
-- A weekend retreat, "Our Story Too: LGBT Christians Reclaim the Bible," will be offered February 8-10, 2002, at The Leaven Center in mid-Michigan. The facilitators -- Jacki Belile, Ninure Saunders, and Kelly Sprinkle -- will provide ways for LGBT people to take a fresh look at the Bible in a setting where our questions, experiences, and relationships are honored and affirmed. For more information about The Leaven Center, visit the web site at www.leaven.org where a registration form is available, or send e-mail to leavencenter@leaven.org
-- Christian love and sympathy are extended to Chuck Harvey, whose mother, Shirley, died of cancer following a one-month stay at the Hopewell House Hospice in Portland, OR. She was 79 years old.
-- The Rev. Justin Tanis, UFMCC Director of Clergy Development, will be the guest speaker at the November's Lavender Lunch at the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. The luncheon is on Nov. 15. For more information, contact Pacific School of Religion at clgs@psr.edu
-- The Human Rights Campaign honored Rev. Teena Carpenter with its Equality Award, citing her "outstanding leadership and service to the Lesbian and Gay Community." Rev. Carpenter has been pastor of MCC of Greater St. Louis (MO) for the past three years. Under her direction, the church's involvement with social justice issues has grown and the overall generosity of the congregation has made a significant impact in the community.
-- Rev. Elder Jean White is back in St. Thomas's Hospital (England). She was rushed to the emergency doctor in the middle of the night and will be on intensive antibiotics by drip for the next few days. Please remember Jean and her partner, Mary, in your prayers
-- MCC of Sioux Falls Vision of Hope (South Dakota) is searching for a part-time pastor who is willing and ready to dedicate herself/ himself to the spiritual leadership and growth of their congregation. The candidate called will need to be flexible to grow into a full-time position as the church grows. Through a congregational survey, our specific areas of need are in providing strong and meaningful worship and fellowship; teaching ministry; community outreach; and growth through involvement. For more information on the application process, write to mccvisions@yahoo.com
-- Rev. Dana Cagle was presented with certificate for completing 100 hours classroom work on Congregational Life and Renewal. The Certificate was presented by the Institute for Continuing Ministry Studies in Southern California during worship services at MCC Los Angeles. Rev. Cagle previously received a similar certificate in Preaching.
-- Congratulations to Sunshine Cathedral MCC (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and Rev. Grant Ford, senior pastor. Dedication ceremonies for their new church campus are taking place this weekend with participation by Rev. Elder Troy Perry.
-- MCC of the Living Spring, (Eureka Springs, AR), celebrated their 14th anniversary recently. A group from the church also participated in the Carroll County Relay For Life Cancer Walk. The MCCLS team theme was "The Rainbow Trout/Fishing For a Cure." Team shirts were embroidered with a logo which included the Christian fish symbol with a rainbow running through it, below the church name. The team was fourth in Carroll County in funds raised.
-- UFMCC this week released a new Advent Resource Kit with worship and ministry materials for Advent. Copies are free upon request to UFMCCHQ@aol.com
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