This New Year is well underway. COVID is still with us globally and still impacting how we do church. Let’s continue sharing those incredible virtual events you are offering. Send info on February and March virtual events that are open beyond your congregation to [email protected]
Thank you for helping CONNECT MCC!
SPECIAL VIRTUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE
Voting will open at 8:00 am EST/ 1:00 pm GMT 26 Jan 2021
and closes at 8:00 am EST /1:00 pm GMT 27 Jan 2021
Eligible registered Lay Delegates and Clergy should have received an email with instructions and their ballot link. Please follow the steps to cast your ballot. Should you have any issues, please contact [email protected].
Prayer for the Affirmation of New Elders
Creator God, you made each of us in your own image.
You offered each of us the gift of the Holy Spirit,
as we follow in the footsteps of Christ.
Let your Spirit be evident in us now
as we call upon a new Council of Elders to serve and lead us.
Bless us in our discernment and vote of affirmation.
We give thanks that these individuals are willing to serve,
inspire and guide us at such a time as this.
We pray for Metropolitan Community Churches around the world,
as we work together to bring hope,
build inclusive communities, strive for justice
and allow space for the Holy Spirit to transform each one of us,
so that we may transform the world.
In your many names, we pray. Amen.
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston
Celebrate History in February
The USA celebrates Black History Month in February whereas it is October in the UK.
In the United Kingdom, February is LGBTQ+ History Month. PRIDE Month and LGBTQ+ History Month are celebrated at different times around the globe.
How are you sharing the history? Share your events, posts, and worship materials with [email protected]
UPCOMING
MONDAY, February 1
TREASURER’S WEBINAR
7pm EST / midnight GMT
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/608197048?pwd=elRnQ3hWTjFObTdmL293bkNBak1qQT09
Meeting ID: 608 197 048 Passcode: 646569
This webinar will offer helpful information on the role of Treasurer on the Board of Directors, monthly Assessments, and, for USA churches only, the Board of Pensions. Representatives from the Board of Pensions will answer questions about this important fund and the 2021 rate increase.
Persons living outside of the USA will be able to hear the pertinent information and leave the meeting before the USA Board of Pensions discussion.
If you have a question you would like answered, please submit it to your Church Support and Development Coordinator, Rebecca Wilson at [email protected].
TUESDAY, February 2
Sanctuary Online
Tuesdays
8pm EST/ (UTC-5) / 7pm CST
How the Great Religions Began
Sanctuary’s Zoom Room
www.sanctuaryonline.live
In this two-part series, Ken Martin will share from his lifetime of study about the Great Religions of the World. On February 2nd, Ken will focus on how they began. On February 9th, he will cover the beliefs of the Great Religions. What are their important similarities and differences? Are differing beliefs the root of conflicts between them? Join us in Sanctuary’s Zoom Room.
THURSDAY, February 4
Prayer Time with the Moderator
5pm EST / 10pm GMT
NEW LOCATION: https://www.facebook.com/RevElderCeciliaEggleston
Join the Moderator for a time of reflection and prayer.
SATURDAY, February 13
Sharing the Journey
MCC Spiritual Community
11am EST (UTC-5) / GMT 4pm
This is our English speaking Virtual gathering. If you speak English and are looking to create and build relationships with others, you are invited to attend. These gatherings offer you the freedom to talk about spiritual topics in a safe environment while making connections.
Email: [email protected] for the ZOOM link.
SUNDAY, February 14
Unsung ‘B’ in LGBTQI
February 14th
3:30 GMT / 12:30pm EST
Our Tribe MCC (Edinburgh, Scotland) invites you to join in a virtual meeting with author Carol Shepherd.
As well as writing and researching on bisexual intersectional identities, Carol is also a Sociology lecturer at Andover College, Hampshire, UK.
This session is part of celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month in the UK. For the Zoom link, please email: [email protected]
THURSDAY, February 16
It’s Tea Time”
5pm EST / 10 pm GMT
Grab a cuppa our favorite beverage and join the Community Development Team. Be prepared to be filled with encouragement, inspiration, and connection. Each month our time will be guided by a common theme and will include readings, music, videos and other sources of inspiration, as well as space to share our prayers and good news reports.
If you have questions, please contact Rebecca Wilson ([email protected]) or Rev. Lauren Bennett ([email protected]).
Join us via Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/248584328?pwd=NmRackdTN1luZ2kreHNISFJMWC9TZz09
Meeting ID: 248 584 328 Password: 469464
FRIDAY, February 19
Chaplain Connection Gatherings
Choice of 2 Times
Friday February 19, 2021 at 10 AM EST/ 3 PM GMT
or Monday February 22, 2021 at 5 PM EST/ 10 PM GMT.
Please join with other MCC Chaplains to discuss the trials and joys of being a chaplain and the unique perspective you have on ministry in these times. If you have questions please contact Rev Cathy Alexander at [email protected].
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97515395940?pwd=czlLTFlSSDdpYTJkcmhZZ0RQS0EvUT09
Meeting ID: 975 1539 5940 Passcode: 890406
THURSDAY, February 25
Readiness for Entering Vocational Ministry (REVM)
If you are discerning a call to vocational ministry or desire to learn more about it, please consider applying to attend REVM. It will be offered virtually on February 25, 26, 27. For more information please contact the Vocational Leadership Coordinator, Rev Cathy Alexander at [email protected]
SATURDAY, February 27
Sentieri – Gruppo Spirituale (Footpaths Spiritual Group)
9pm Italy time
(3pm EST, 2pm and Noon Pacific time)
Do you speak Italian? Would you like to connect with others who speak Italian in virtual space? This is NOT church. These gatherings offer you the freedom to talk about spiritual topics in a safe environment while making connections and building relationships. Email: [email protected] for the ZOOM link.
Sin Fronteras Comunidad Espiritual ICM
(Without Borders Spiritual Community)
7pm EST/ 4pm PST/ midnight GMT
If you speak Spanish and are looking to create and build relationships with others, you are invited to attend. These gatherings offer you the freedom to talk about spiritual topics in a safe environment while making connections. Email: [email protected] for the ZOOM link.
Late February – Date to be Confirmed
Blessing of Our Elders
This will be a virtual gathering to thank and bless the outgoing Council of Elders and install the new Elders.
More details will be announced.
NOTEWORTHY ITEMS
Mental Health and Wellness consultations/
Pastoral Support
In partnership with Leaderwise and the Thriving in Ministry Program, MCC is facilitating free consultations for clergy and pastoral leaders. During these months of developing new or revised ways of ministering, there may be those who need someone to talk to for just a bit of assistance or guidance. If this is you, please contact Rev Cathy Alexander at [email protected] for more information. All contact is confidential.
Metropolitan Community Churches and ShopRaise
https://shopraise.com/app/#/?orgId=587533
Your shopping for the holidays or anytime can benefit MCC! ShopRaise works with charitable organizations to provide supporters a simple way to shop and benefit their cause.
- Use the ShopRaise app to shop at home and on the go
- You don’t pay more and can still use great coupons and deals
- MCC Earns
- Over 1,000 familiar retailers
Have you visited the new VISITOR website yet?
Have you shared it on your social media?
Click on the link below to visit a landing page designed exclusively for you. It is your unique starting point to explore the “We’re Seeking You!” website and it contains all the information and links you may need.
https://visitmccchurch.com/announcement/
Please join us in helping the world to hear these three simple, yet powerful, words from MCC….We’re Seeking You!
OUR MAILING ADDRESS
Please share with your Treasurer and Clerk of the Board
2775 NW 49th Ave. Ste: 205-327
Ocala, FL 34482
USA