4 Apr 2022

CONNECT with and through MCC!

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CONNECT

with Metropolitan Community Church

and Resourcespeople holding hands

April is Global Volunteer Month!

This is a great time to thank your volunteers recognizing both those volunteer leaders and team members who carry out the ministries and outreach of the church. This is also an opportunity to examine how you promote volunteer opportunities, welcome, orient and involve new volunteers. There might be more people ready to volunteer and get involved as COVID restrictions lift!
  • 44% of people are unsure how to get involved or where to find opportunities to volunteer
  • 87% of people will make time for a worthwhile volunteer opportunity
    • (according to pointsoflight.org)
  • Individuals between the ages of 35 and 54 are the most likely to volunteer their time according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • In 2020/21, 64 percent of people in England aged between 65 and 74 volunteered at least once matched by the 35-49 age group who have also been the most active in terms of volunteering, according to Statista.

MCC Volunteers

Emerge LogoTo All of MCC,

Blessings on your Holy Week and

Easter Celebrations!

IN THIS ISSUE

Scroll down for:
  • Events & Opportunities
  • Ongoing Events
  • We Want to Hear Your Voice
  • Resources

EVENTS and Opportunities

Kinship Groups Meet with the Commission on Pathways to Healing and Reconciliation

Saturday, 2 April 2022 – 11am EDT / 3pm GMT
The following Kinship Groups are invited to meet with Commissioners to listen to perspectives on where MCC stands on providing a race equitable culture. Everyone will sign in to the Zoom room then be directed to select the Kinship identity-specific group breakout room.
Trans / Non-Binary – meeting with Jakob Hero-Shaw and Ivana Warwick
First Nations – Indigenous – meeting with Clare Coughlin
North American Hispanic / LatinX – meeting with Juan Garcia
PAD – People of African Descent – meeting with Rev. Roland Stringfellow and Rev. Cathy Alexander
NOTE: this group meets at 12pm EDT / 4pm GMT

Meeting ID: 963 668 1482

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF SPIRITUALITY?

25 voices | 5 days | April 4-8, 2022
COURAGEOUS FAITH SUMMIT
How is our understanding of faith being reshaped, perhaps accelerated, by the pandemic? Do faith communities have a future and what kind of courage will that require? What kind of rituals will shape the future of spirituality? What are the big theological questions of our time? How do younger generations seek spirituality? Is there a future of courageous spirituality? If so, what does that look like?
In partnership with Homebrewed Christianity, we will be speaking directly to faith leaders around the world who are leaning into this question with deep thinking and creative innovations. These are BIG questions, but it’s time to rethink everything. Join us for this five-day summit and explore your own imagination as we create the future of spirituality together.
This event if FREE to attend as a LIVE EVENT. There is a fee for lifetime access.

Sanctuary Online every Tuesday from Sanctuary In The Woods

5pm Pacific / 6pm Mountain / 7pm Central / 8pm Eastern / midnight GMT
Sanctuary’s Zoom Room:  www.SanctuaryOnline.live
Lent 5 – April 5th – Sharing Our Saints
Lent 6 – April 12th – Seder Meal – Virtually at and with Sanctuary
Using an original Haggadah, we will share readings and prayers together in community. After our online session, we will each individually plan and partake in our own meal. If you plan to join, please request the Sanctuary Haggadah so you can follow along and participate in the places where we all read together.
Email us at [email protected]
If you prefer to simply listen to the readings, you do not need anything else!

Sentieri

9 aprile 2022 ore 21
Sentieri è un gruppo spirituale virtuale totalmente inclusivo in italiano. Ci incontriamo una volta al mese su Zoom per discutere di vari argomenti. Gli incontri sono aperti a chiunque voglia compiere un cammino spirituale (in senso ampio e non strettamente religioso) insieme ad altre persone, nel rispetto reciproco. Prossimo appuntamento: 9 aprile 2022 ore 21. Se sei interessato, invia una mail a [email protected] per ricevere il link per accedere al meeting.

Accepting Volunteers

MCC is in process of developing a partnership with Lutheran Volunteer Corps. You can learn more about them at LutheranVolunteerCorps.org.or check out this introductory Recruitment Flyer. The 2nd round of applications deadline is April 15th although applications are accepted until June 30th.

PAD Next Gen

People of African Descent – The Next Generation

Tuesday, 26 April 2022 – 7pm EDT
Saturday, 30 April 2022 – 12 pm EDT
If you identify as a person of African Descent (PAD), please join other PAD for a time of fellowship, connection and relationship building. The gathering calls will be on Tuesday, April 26 at 7pm EDT and on Saturday, April 30 at 12pm EST. The link for the calls is: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83199409411 If you would like to receive a reminder of the calls, please email Rev. Wanda Floyd at [email protected].

Sin Fronteras

El sábado 29 de abril a las 7 pm EDT
se reunirá la Comunidad Espiritual “Sin Fronteras”. Este es un grupo de personas como tú que se reúnen virtualmente para construir conexiones y relaciones en un espacio sagrado, para hablar y compartir en nuestro propio idioma. Si está interesado, envíe un correo electrónico a: [email protected] para obtener el enlace ZOOM.

Responding to the Call: Anti-Racist Organizing and Leadership for White Religious/Spiritual Leaders

4 Mondays online: April 25th, May 2nd, May 16th, and May 23rd 1:00-3:30PM EST / 5pm GMT
led by Evangeline Weiss and Chris Crass
Convening white spiritual leaders from a range of traditions to deepen our commitment to racial justice. Join to find community of support, consider everyday responsibilities and envision for your spiritual leadership for collective liberation and beyond.
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston has taken this course and recommends it.
  • Support anti-racist leadership and ministry, developing anti-racist resilience and courage;
  • Recognize how internalized white supremacy and patriarchy currently impact our leadership style and evolve an identity grounded in racial justice/feminist understanding and practice;
  • Learn specific practices for centering and remaining present to the chaotic and unfamiliar ways in which white supremacy and patriarchy manifests in ourselves and others; and
  • Re-Commit to specific opportunities for racial justice work inside and outside your faith community.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/responding-to-the-call-white-anti-racist-spiritual-leadership-tickets-277153221747

Thriving in MinistryAPPLY NOW for the next THRIVING IN MINISTRY COHORT

Training May 4, 5, 6, 2022
This is for USA Clergy only as it is funded by grant from the Lily Foundation.
Learn the ins and the outs of being a mentor and a mentee and the unique growth opportunities for you as an individual. Request an application or more information from[email protected]

AIDS Activism and American Christianity

AIDS, Activism, and American Christianity: A Conversation

Thursday, May 5, 2022 AT 8 PM EDT
Sponsored by the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network
Please join us for this conversation about Christian activism during the HIV/AIDS crisis, featuring three leaders who have been at the forefront of AIDS work since the 1980s. What challenges has the AIDS crisis presented, especially for leaders of religious communities that welcome queer people and people of color? How have progressive Christian leaders responded to the emerging and ongoing pandemic? And what work is left to be done?
REGISTER: bit.ly/lgbtqaidsactivism 

Kinship - connection - visibility - celebration - diversityHIV/AIDS Kinship Group

Saturday, 7 May 2022 – 11 am EDT
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 963 668 1482

Two-Part Spiritual Formation Series

from MCC of the Lehigh Valley and Rev. Elder Goudy
Christian Teaching on Alcohol
– Tuesday, 10 May 2022 – 6pm EDT / 10pm GMT
Christian Teaching on Gambling
– Tuesday, 17 May 2022 – 6pm EDT / 10pm GMT
Facilitated by Rev. Elder Goudy, the classes are free and open to the public, no registration is needed. The Zoom ID is 876 0624 8826

Beyond Pink & Blue

Beyond Pink and Blue: Trans+ Family Spiritual Care
Saturday, 14 May 2022 9:30-4:00 EST / 1:30-8:00 GMT
For more information and to register email [email protected]

Transforming Church Conflict

One and a Half Day Training – May 20-21, 2022
With Rev. Cameron Trimble
Though contrary to popular belief, conflict is not bad. Rather, it is essential and even holds a tremendous opportunity for personal and congregational growth when handled well. This on-demand course will walk you through how to handle conflict in healthy, balanced ways that open doors for community transformation.
https://faithlead.org/p/transformingconflict_march2022?inf_contact_key=cf16d07fa440459ac9b75dc65767c27dcc0558ed5d4c28cbfab114022b1ec50d

Crafting Spiritual Communities Beyond COVID

October 28-29, 2022 | 3D Interactive Virtual Conference
Our spiritual communities have forever changed these past few years.
COVID has luminated the best (and worst) aspects of our spirituality, perhaps forever changing how communities will gather, communicate, and offer support to their members and beyond. Spirituality, at its best, offers personal growth, inner peace, and indomitable hope. How will our spiritual communities meet these needs and communicate to the broader world that our faith based hubs are committed to such healing work? Some of the best progressive spiritual leaders of our time will help us envision a spiritual message and mission for the needs of our day rather simply recycling the ways and words of the past.
Sunshine Cathedral Lumination: The Visioning Conference will create a space for exploration, conversation, and crafting of visions of what our spiritual communities will look like after COVID.
Learn more and Register at https://sunshinecathedral.org/conference/.

We Want to Hear Your Voice

MCC Commission on General Conference:
Disability and Accessibility Stories

We welcome responses from anyone who identifies as disabled, or a person with disabilities, or experiences a long-term health condition that affects their access to church and General Conference.
https://forms.gle/1yGGWQij1RoVd4MVA

RESOURCES – We are Looking for PRIDE resources.

Got Resources you are willing to share? Send them to [email protected]

Wish MCC had resources on a topic? Having challenges finding something? Contact [email protected]

Ongoing Events

 

Lectionary Discussion Group for Preachers

Lenten Focus – Full to the Brim Series

Wednesdays 11am EST / 3pm GMT
Join in conversation with other preachers to share ideas and questions that will help shape your sermon. During Lent, this group will be utilizing the “Full to the Brim” theme resources from A Sanctified Art. Order yours today using the code MCCLENT for 15% off.

Full to the Brim: An Expansive Lent, Resources for Lent (Year C) — A Sanctified Art

Cup of tea with lemonTea Time with the Elders!

THIRD TUESDAY MONTHLY

5pm EST / 10pm GMT
Join us via Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/248584328?pwd=NmRackdTN1luZ2kreHNISFJMWC9TZz09
Meeting ID: 248 584 328
Password: 469464

 

Rev. Elder Cecilia EgglestonPrayer Time with the Moderator

Most THURSDAYS
at 5:15pm EST / 10:15pm GMT

https://www.facebook.com/RevElderCeciliaEggleston

Join the Moderator for a time of reflection and prayer on Facebook Live.

Clergy Connection CallMCC Clergy Connection Call

2nd Thursday Monthly
1pm EST / 6pm GMT
On Zoom – http://www.mccgsl.org/zoom
This is a peer-initiated, peer-led, focused monthly support group.

We Want to Hear Your Voice

MCC Commission on General Conference:
Disability and Accessibility Stories

We welcome responses from anyone who identifies as disabled, or a person with disabilities, or experiences a long-term health condition that affects their access to church and General Conference.
https://forms.gle/1yGGWQij1RoVd4MVA

RESOURCES – We are Looking for PRIDE resources.

Got Resources you are willing to share? Send them to [email protected]

Wish MCC had resources on a topic? Having challenges finding something? Contact [email protected]

 

Reminders

You can still Support Ukrainian LGBTQ+ refugees through MCC.
MCC will cover all costs associated with the administration of this fundraising campaign so that 100% of your donations will directly benefit the LGBTQ+ people of Ukraine, and their extended families. Thank you for your compassion and your generosity. https://www.mccchurch.org/help-ukraine/

2022 GC Be TransformedREGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Visit the General Conference website for more information about our first ONLINE ONLY Conference and to REGISTER. Workshop Resources will be available for 6 months following Conference to those who are registered.

RESOURCES

Worship Design Studio

Worship Series created for the 50-day Easter Season
– use 50Daze discount code for $50 off any of these!
Each of the available worship series has ideas and materials to help you create meaningful and engaging worship services with less stress and more ease, joy, and creativity! This discount code gives you an affordable solution – access to these materials to get you all the way through Pentecost!
(Discount available through April 24, 2022)
Our fully-scripted series include a variety of the following materials:
  • Full scripts for worship services in their entirety: everything from the Introit to the Benediction!
  • Visual and Media Arts document with tons of ideas for creative lighting, crafts, images for projection and publicity, and more!
  • Small group resources to boost your congregation’s engagement with one another beyond the walls of your church
  • Original music written specifically for the series, plus lots of suggestions for music in popular songbooks and sources that fit well with the series themes
  • Children’s time scripts and suggestions for engaging your young ones in worship
  • Sermon fodder to inspire your writing of the message. We don’t give you the entire sermon; that part is up to you! But, we do provide ideas to spark your creativity!
Titles available with special discount:
Learn more about the Annual Subscription – https://www.worshipdesignstudio.com/

MCC Resource Bank

for Clergy, Lay Delegates, Board Members, and Worship Planners. New resources are added all the time so check back often! https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Dv3gtp1MVF1KFXFzqXeHn5pCrZKqLRyo?usp=sharing

chapter, verse, and seasonChapter, Verse, and Season: A Lectionary Podcast from Yale Bible Study

Before holy week, we will have several episodes available on the appointed texts for Good Friday (April 8), Easter Vigil (April 10), and Easter Day (April 11).
Past Events from Yale Divinity
If you missed our recent webinar, Borders and Walls in the New Jerusalem and American History with Dr. Yii-Jan Lin, you missed a fascinating look at the use of walls in the Book of Revelation and the use of borders in American History. You can watch it at Borders and Walls in the New Jerusalem and American History.
We also have recordings of our online Yale Bible Studies on Genesis, Exodus, Mark, John, Philippians and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Watch them here.

SSOL logo on a laptopCheck out all the great classes and resources still available at Sacred Space Online Learning (SSOL) including MCC specific classes. Yes, we no longer have the OFLD (Office of Formation and Leadership Development) but SSOL classes are still available.
http://www.sacredspaceonlinelearning.com/

OUR MAILING ADDRESS

Please share with your Treasurer and Clerk of the Board
2775 NW 49th Ave. Ste: 205-327
Ocala, FL 34482
USA