MCC Headline News – October, Vol. 1

Comments from Members

of the first

Leadership Mentoring Retreat

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“I had the honor of being a part of the first annual 2010 Leadership Mentoring Retreat Program offered through the Moderator’s office.

The program was attended by a diverse group of people from around the globe.  We explored models of leadership that gave us insight to our leadership style and offered us the opportunity to both affirm and shift our own models as we advance individual leadership within Metropolitan Community Churches.  It was a unique opportunity and has offered me ongoing mentoring within a small peer group as I commit to ever evaluating my on-going, long term career as Clergy within MCC.”

The Reverend Dr. Neil G Thomas

Senior Pastor, Metropolitan Community Church Los Angeles

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“The Leadership Mentoring Retreat was an incredibly valuable experience for me.  Having this focused time allowed me to reflect critically about my own leadership practices and to identify some practical areas of growth and development.  The leaders of the retreat provided excellent guidance and engaged us in honest exploration about the challenges of leadership in an MCC context.  And, time spent laughing, praying, and dreaming with MCC friends and colleagues is always soul-nurturing.”

Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos

Senior Pastor, MCC of Northern Virginia

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“The Leadership Mentoring Retreat provided me not only with the insights and tools to improve my leadership skills, but also clearly delineated the vision of UFMCC’s future across the globe for the next six years.   If you want to increase your own leadership abilities and nurture a strong connection to the world-wide network of leaders in UFMCC, this Retreat is for you.”

Nancy G. Maxwell

Board Member, MCC Topeka

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“This experience continues to prove itself to be one of the most valuable steps in my spiritual journey.  It was an opportunity to really identify how and where I see myself in the future of MCC. In the midst of connecting to a trusted group of peers, I came to better understand and embrace all the things that leadership has been and can be in an MCC model.  This was a soul enriching opportunity for me to discover more of the truth of who I am, and the difference that I can make with a group of people that I now call friends, colleagues and spiritual family.”

Kathy Beasley

MCC Director of Communications 

Applications are Now Being Accepted for the 2011 Leadership Mentoring Retreat

Apply Today! 

Dear Clergy and Laity in MCC: 

I am very excited to invite you to apply to attend the second MCC Leadership Mentoring Retreat in January of 2011.

We are dedicated to inspiring, calling forth and training global leaders for the future of MCC.

Help us as we make room for a new generation of emerging leadership in MCC by taking a moment to check out the description and application process.  See if this is something you know is yours to do, or if you know someone for whom the program is designed and submit your application or encourage someone else to apply.

Goals and Expectations

This retreat is designed for individuals interested in serving MCC beyond the local level, as a volunteer or as a fulltime vocation; as clergy or as lay leaders.  The retreat will be designed to include denominational leaders and staff and will provide registrants with an opportunity for discernment about vocation on a denominational or movement level with MCC.

Do you feel called to serve MCC beyond the local level, either as a volunteer or as a fulltime vocation as clergy or lay leader?  Have you wondered if you might be being called to be an Elder?  Or serve as part of the MCC Global Staff?  Or do you want to understand more about the relationship of local church ministry and denominational/movement goals?  Do you want to help shape MCC’s future?

If so, then maybe this retreat is for you.

This program also includes a small group experience, in which you will participate with colleagues and faculty in a “circle of trust,” as you design your own plan for improving your leadership skills and abilities. The expectation is that you will develop a plan, and that you will meet with your circle on a regular basis, as the group agrees, after the retreat, for a period of time to help you be accountable for your plan.

Anticipated Location/Costs/

Application Review

The retreat will be held at DaySpring Conference Center in Ellenton, Florida.  Applicants may plan to arrive either at the Sarasota airport and transportation to Ellenton will be arranged, or at the Tampa airport from which applicants may rent a car to drive to Ellenton.  Participants are expected to cover their travel, room and board costs.  Some small amount may be available for scholarships if needed.  Costs for food and lodging are $90 per night for a semi private room or $126 per night for a private room (count on 4 nights at DaySpring.  The retreat will be January 17-21, 2011).

How Do I Apply?   

If you are interested in applying to participate in this retreat, please click here to complete the online application.