Find out all about the 2010 General Conference!!!

Metropolitan Community Churches                                                                 Tearing Down Walls.  Building Up Hope.

GENERAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!    EARLY BIRD RATES AVAILABLE!   REGISTER TODAY! Featured Event!  PRE-CONFERENCE INSTITUTE Clergy/Lay Leadership Institute  Presented by Diana Butler Bass   LEARN MORE! Travel Advisory   For U.S. citizens, a valid, U.S. Passport is required to travel to Mexico. Click here to find more information about obtaining a passport. If you do not currently have a valid U.S. Passport, it is recommended to begin the application process no later than six months prior to the conference if at all possible. Click here for information about visas for attendees traveling to Mexico from outside the U.S. Become A GC 2010 Conference Sponsor Today!   Click the image below to find out how...   Get the Word Out! By clicking the "forward email" link at the bottom of the page, you can forward this newsletter to your friends & family and invite them to join you for an amazing experience in Acapulco for the MCC 2010 General Conference! See YOU in Acalpulco for GC 2010!  Se Habla Español?   METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH = IGLESIA DE LA COMUNIDAD METROPOLITANA Are YOU in the Loop? If you received a copy of this newsletter from a friend and you want up to the minute General Conference news and information, get in the loop by clicking the button below and joining our mailing list! Hotel Accommodations Our home for the 2010 General Conference will be the beautifulFairmont Acapulco Princess. This award winning resort is located on the Pacific coast of Mexico in Acapulco.  Situated on 480 lush, tropical acres, this is one of the premier resorts in the world, encompassing 1017 rooms and suites, two challenging 18-hole golf courses, eight tennis courts, four swimming pools, a variety of restaurants and bars, a fitness center, a children's center and a willow stream spa.   We have secured a great, low rate of US$125 (+tax) per night for up to four people in a room.   Room Reservation Update    The Fairmont Acapulco Princess hotel, the site of all General Conference activities, has revised its required deposit for hotel room bookings.  As of today, the hotel will only require a one night deposit to reserve a room.  We are grateful to the Fairmont Acapulco Hotel for accommodating our guests and hope this change will allow you to consider reserving your room early.  Visit the websitefor more information! Call to reserve your room now!  To reserve your room call 1 (800) 441-1414 (from the US or Canada) or (506) 863-6301.  Be sure to mention our group name UFMCC 2010 General Conference to lock in our group rate.   Be sure to check out the featured event section of upcoming editions of imagination where you will find up to the moment inside information about other institutes, events, worship and special guests as the details become available!   On behalf of the MCC General Conference 2010 planning team, please pray and hold the vision for this conference with us as we join our hearts and spirits together in the work of preparation that will only be complete when we gather together in Acapulco to imagine!   See you there!  With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine. (Eph. 3:20)   November is General Conference Month! We are very excited about the upcoming General Conference happening 28 June to 2 July 2010 in Acapulco, Mexico. We want to make sure that word gets out about this exciting week-long event where you will have an opportunity to connect with MCC's global network of churches, members, friends, allies and partners. Throughout the month of November we will be asking our local churches to help us promote this event and we will be announcing exciting new promotions to help you make it to Acapulco. Be sure to look out for these promotions throughout November.  Visit our website to find out more about General Conference.http://GeneralConference.MCCchurch.org  Register for General Conference in the month of November and register to WINFREE AIR TRAVEL TO ACAPULCO! In celebration of November being General Conference 2010 Month, anyone who registers for conference during the month of November will be entered to win a free ticket to Acapulco for General Conference. Click Here to find out more about the conference and to register to win. Registration News & Information Register Early and Save! We are excited to be able to offer several payment options for General Conference Registration.  Early registration pricing is lower and we encourage participants to reduce their total conference costs by taking advantage of the early registration options. The registration options are described below. As you review them, please make special note of the associated dates as some of the options are available for only a limited time. New Monthly Payment Plan! Back by popular demand!  We have decided to bring back the highly requested Installment Payment Plan in order to provide you with affordable monthly payments for over a period of eight months.  The 8-month payment plan, beginning inNovember 2009, will offer a monthly installment payment of $56.25 USD.  An initial payment will be required to set up the payment plan.  The initial payment of $56.25 USD should be made on or before 30 November 2009 to qualify for the plan.  Each payment will be due the last day of each month with the final payment due 30 June 2010.    Visit www.regonline.com/gc2010pp8  for more information or to register. Save 30% Register Early and Save 30% off Registration Early Bird Registration is NOW OPEN and can save you 30% off the cost of your conference registration.  We have created a sliding scale rate based on World Council of Churches pricing. Please see the rate chart on our General Conference website for applicable fees CLICK HERE.  Offer Expires: The Early Bird Rate expires 30 April 2010, so be sure to register early!  Free Registration! - Yes, Free Registration!   We are also introducing an incentive program to help your church reduce its costs.    For every 10 individuals registered from one church your 11th registrant will be free. More information on this incentive program is available on the General Conference Website at http://generalconference.mccchurch.org.   The Fellowship and Bishop Yvette Flunder will not be holding their own annual conference, and instead, will confer with us by joining in on our activities, workshops, worship and so much more. We will have a special plenary, "IMAGINING PARTNERSHIP," in which we explore the emerging relationship between MCC and the Fellowship on a local and global level.  Click Here to read the complete letter from Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson. PLANNING TO ARRIVE EARLY? Plan to come to Acapulco early and take advantage of the pre-conference institutes, workshops and learning opportunities. General Conference 2010 will feature the following pre-conference activities: Interim Pastor Training The successful growth and development of our churches depends on a foundation of effective leadership strategies laid during times of transition. Key strategies include: the ability to block and eliminate unhealthy attitudes and behaviors in our churches; the establishment and support healthy relational behaviors and decision making; the education of congregations in the development of healthy practices around change, conflict management, and communication. That is the ministry of the Intentional Interim Pastor. Click here for more information.   We will be offering CLM training during General Conference's pre-conference time. Creating a Life that Matters is all about relationships: intentional, authentic relationships - with the Sacred, our Self, and our Passion.  CLM transforms lives and inspires people to more directed, clear, passionate involvement in their life and in the life of the planet, through the support of their local MCC.  If you are interested in being trained as a CLM facilitator, then please plan on coming early and taking part in this training session.  Certification is required to teach the CLM Program in a local church/community and participants who attend one of these sessions and demonstrate competency in facilitation of the curriculum will receive certification to teach this transformational course.   CLM Training will take place 23-26 June 2010. More information coming soon, check your email or visit our website for more information. http://generalconference.mccchurch.net.  Arrive Early & Attend the Pre-Conference Institutes!    Featured Event   This General Conference will open with a pre-conference clergy/lay leader institute featuring Diana Butler Bass.  On 27 June she will share with MCC clergy and lay leaders the ways in which intentional spiritual practice can transform the lives of progressive Christian congregations.  Diana is the author of seven books including A People's History of Christianity: the Other Side of the Story (Harper One, 2009). Her best-selling Christianity for the Rest of Us (2006) was named as one of the best religion books of the year by Publishers Weeklyand Christian Century, won the Book of the Year Award from the Academy of Parish Clergy.  She holds a Ph.D. in religious studies from Duke University and regularly consults with religious organizations, leads conferences for religious leaders, and teaches and preaches in a variety of venues.  This free, one-day institute will include a plenary and discussion session with Dr. Butler Bass. Please remember to support our General Conference Sponsors

MCC Tampa Celebrates Anniversary with Ray Boltz Concert

Don't Miss IT!!!  MCC of Tampa is celebrating their anniversary in a big way this weekend.  On Sunday, October 4th, at 6:30 p.m., Ray Boltz will present a concert at MCC of Tampa.  Ray Boltz has a message for all of us:  "In September 2008, Christan recording artist Ray Boltz came our in an interview with the Washington blade.  It went on to become the most read article in the history of the newspaper.  Many people felt that Ray would never record or tour again, but thanks to the MCC Church and gay Christians everywhere," (quote from his new CD--TRUE) Ray has a new CD and is touring.  All are invited to this concert and anniversary celebration for an evening you will not want to miss.

Posting from the Strategic Plan Review Team

Dear MCC Members and Friends,   The members of the Strategic Plan Review Team have been charged with the responsibility of reviewing the Strategic Plan which was overwhelmingly passed at our 2005 General Conference.  This communication is to alert you, the members of MCC of the up-coming review and invite you to participate in a number of surveys to be conducted in the near future.  The results of these surveys will guide the members of this team in their work. The Strategic Plan passed by General Conference was developed by a team led by Rev. Elder Lillie Brock and was created from the input that was taken from surveys completed by you - our MCC friends, leaders, pastors and congregants.  As we prepare for our General Conference of 2010, the Strategic Plan Review Team needs to review the accomplishments achieved since 2005 in accordance with the Strategic Plan, as we establish priorities for the future. In this spirit, please note the following timeline when we will be looking to you for feedback: Later this month we will be sending out a survey to test Statements of Purpose, Vision and Core Values and we have scheduled a two week response period. At the beginning of 2010, we will be sending out a survey to test our Strategic Priorities.  Beginning 15 February through 1 April 2010 the team will be making contact with members of our various constituent groups to test the resultant revisions to the Strategic Plan. Please take a few moments to review the Strategic Plan approved by General Conference in 2005.  Faithfully,     Rev. Elder Lillie Brock

Rev. Elder nancy Wilson endorses National Equality March

Tearing Down Walls. Building Up Hope. MCC Action Alert! MCC Leader Endorses National (U.S.) Equality March! A C T I O N S T E P S Here are the steps you can take today: 1. Get the latest information by visiting the National Equality March's website. 2. While at the website, read about accommodations, airfares, and how to attend on a budget. 3. Sign-up to endorse the National Equality March. If you're willing to serve as a volunteer, or to help organize locally, indicate that, as well. 4. Begin to promote the March in your community. Make posters. Include info on your website. Insert announcements in your bulletins and newsletters. Make public announcements on a regular basis. 5. If you will be attending the March, write to Rev. Nancy Wilson and let me know you will be joining us in Washington, DC. I will keep you informed of plans for the March and the MCC events that will take place in Washington. Public Statement from Metropolitan Community Churches To All U.S. based Activists MCC Leader Endorses Oct. 9-11, 2009, National Equality March in Washington, DC "I'm marching in the National Equality March because of its one single demand: 'Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states.' We must accept no less and we must work until it is achieved," says MCC's Rev. Nancy L. Wilson, Moderator. Remarks by Rev. Nancy L. Wilson Office of the Moderator Dear Friend of Equality: On Sunday, October 11, 2009, I'll be marching in the National Equality March in Washington, DC, along with tens of thousands of supporters of justice and equality. I hope you'll join me for this historic event in the ongoing struggle to achieve equality under the law for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens within the United States. Let me share with you why I, along with the entire MCC Board of Elders, am supporting the National Equality March in Washington, DC. I'm marching in the National Equality March... because MCC has a history of being at every March on Washington to take a public stand for LGBT equality under the law. I'm marching in the National Equality March... because it offers an opportunity for a new generation of LGBT youth and supporters who have never marched to become involved in the vital work of justice. I'm marching in the National Equality March... because I believe it is important for people of faith to have a visible presence before our government's leaders in the White House, the Congress, and the Supreme Court. I'm marching in the National Equality March... because of its one single demand: "Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states." I agree with the March's organizers -- we must accept no less and we must work until it is achieved. I'm marching in the National Equality March... because its theme touches the key issues facing our LGBT communities: repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, immigration reform that recognizes same-sex couples and includes our LGBT families, an Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that ends workplace discrimination for everyone, hate crimes legislation that includes LGBT people, and the equal right to adopt children and raise our families without government restrictions. I'm marching in the National Equality March... because this is one March in which we're not forced to choose between whether to address national issues or to support state and local organizing. The March's organizers are mobilizing grassroots support in all 435 local congressional districts and carrying our voices to the federal government. I'm marching in the National Equality March... because we must hold the President accountable for his campaign promises. Justice must never be postponed; equality must not be delayed. The time is right for this National Equality March. It will take place during National Coming Out Day, the anniversary of Matthew Shepard's murder, and the 30th anniversary of the first March on Washington for LGBT rights. This March will achieve what every past March on Washington has accomplished: It will make voices heard at the federal government, give national visibility to the LGBT equality movement, and birth a new generation of activists with a passion for justice and equality. That's why I and the full Board of Elders of Metropolitan Community Churches encourage you to join us in Washington, DC, in October. Together, let us march on Washington... and demand equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. Together, let us march on Washington... to hold our government officials accountable and to work for the realization of full equality for all people as envisioned inn our country's founding documents. Together, let us march on Washington... and together, let's make history during October 10-12, 2009! The Reverend Nancy L. Wilson Moderator Metropolitan Community Churches

The Latest on Transition from Rev. Elder Wilson

Metropolitan Community Churches Tearing Down Walls. Building Up Hope. In This Issue of The Latest Thank You! In Our Prayers In The News! Stay Tuned Staff Reductions Cluster Teams Thank You! Give thanks for a very generous donor who gave a gift of over $20,000 this week to MCC! In Our Prayers Please continue to pray for Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair of our Global Justice Team, who is in Pakistan this week, bringing funds we have raised for education to a group of lesbians who are seeking to live independently; and for Rev. Boon Lin Ngeo, who with Rev. Pat visited queer Christian and activist groups in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and our church-in-formation in Kuala Lumpur. In The News! Rev. Nancy had the joy this week of speaking on the radio program moderated by Rev. Fernando Frontan from ICM in Monterrey, Mexico - this broadcast reaches people in Spanish speaking countries all over the world! Stay Tuned... A new MCC Staff Organization Chart that will be featured on our website in the next few weeks. A lot more information about General Conference in Acapulco!! The Structure Review Team's invitation to participate in their surveys as we move forward in faith! Friends and Family: MCC has officially endorsed the National Equality March, set for October 10th in Washington, DC. I will be there, and participating in interfaith events along with many from MCC's. There will be ways congregations can participate in their own cities, stay tuned for more information. Staff Reductions In accordance with our goal to stay within budget this year, and manage during this economy, we have taken additional steps, the last, we hope, this year, to cut expenses through staff reductions. We are also reorganizing staff to absorb, as best we can, the lost positions. We are pleased that Judy Dale has graciously offered to volunteer to continue to edit The MCC IMPACT for us, which will be published once, instead of twice per month. Thank you Judy! Her ability to capture the the stories and the efforts of the people in our local churches and communities serve as a point of inspiration for many. Judy Dale served as Great Lakes DC for many years, as Chair of the BOA, and as the special assistant for ommunication and lay Resources since 2006. Please express your gratitude toJudy at: JudyDale13@aol.com. Jim Birkitt has worked in support of the mission and ministries of MCC for many years, through many changes and he has served as the director of communications & public relations for 9 years. During this time, he has assisted Rev. Perry in the fight for Marriage Equality in California, and has dedicated himself to bringing to life the stories from struggle and justice of many MCCers around the world. We take this opportunity to wish Jim well in all of his future ministry endeavors. Please take a moment to express your thanks to Jim at: JimBirkitt@aol.com. Joe Rattan has served as our director of graphic design & publications/strategic brand management since 2007. The results of his creative efforts can be found on numerous MCC publications and conference materials. We want to thank Joe for sharing his gifts and talents with us and invite you to express your thanks and well wishes to Joe at: JRattan@JosephRattandesign.com. Rev. Thomas Friedhoff, has served as our German Development worker. Dring his time with the organization, his efforts have been instrumental to development of ministry and we thank Thomas for his faithful service to Region 4 and the MCC churches in Germany. We are grateful for all of the ways in which these individuals have served and will continue to be a part of the work of MCC around the world. Cluster Teams Thanks to all who have volunteered, thus far, to be Cluster leaders for our Regions, to assist with care and connection! You are already making a difference, and we appreciate your service!! Canada Cluster: Rev. Deana Dudley (pastordeana@aol.com) New England Cluster: Brianna Johnston (briannajjohnston@yahoo.com) Mid-Atlantic US Cluster: Rev. Jim Mulcahy (mulcahyj@citlink.net) Central Eastern US Cluster: Rev. Susan Deitrick (swdeitrick@neo.rr.com) and Judy Dale (JudyDale13@aol.com) South Eastern US Cluster: Rev. Belva Boone (pastor@stjohnsmcc.org) Tennessee and Georgia US Cluster: Rev. Paul Graetz (revtpaul@aol.com) Central US West Cluster: Rev. Gordon McCoy (grmchitown@aol.com) Northern Central US Cluster: Rev. Wendy Woodruff (pastor@milmcc.org) Michigan Cluster: Ann Cox (coxie331@aol.com) & Rev. Lin Stoner (revlin@aol.com) Kansas and Missouri US Cluster: Terry Curry tcurry@gmail.com Nebraska and Colorado US Cluster: Linda Beckstead Linda@brennerbeckstead.com Northwest Texas and Oklahoma US Cluster: Rev. Connie Mangin cjmangin@swbell.net Northeast Texas US Cluster: Leonard Dacy ldacy@sbcglobal.net North Florida US Cluster: Elizabeth Jensen-Forbell peaceliz@aol.com Central Florida US Cluster: Rev. Carol Chambers revcarol@joymcc.com South Florida US Cluster: Rev. Robert Griffin rogertg@aol.com Central Eastern US Cluster: Rev. Joe Cobb (namastejoe@gmail.com) Southern California/Nevada US Cluster: Rev. Dr. Shore-Goss (revbobshoregoss@sbcglobal.net) Arizona/New Mexico/El Paso US Cluster: Rev. Judy Maynard (revjudym@mccabq.com) Southern Texas US Cluster: Rev. Mick Hinson (mccsapastor@sbcglobal.net) Spanish Cluster: Rev. Hector Gutierrez (HectorGutierrez@mccchurch.net) Portuguese Cluster: Rev. Cristiano Valerio (pr.cristiano@uol.com.br) Western Europe and Africa Cluster: Eastern Europe Cluster: Florin Buhuceanu (florinbuhuceanu@mccchurch.net) Asia/Pacific Cluster: TBA Pacific/Northwest US Cluster: Kimberly Brown (ksbpnw@gmail.com) Valley/Bay Area US Cluster: Rev. Sky Anderson saplus6@earthlink.net Southern/Coastal US Cluster: Rev. Keith Mozingo mccbr@aol.com Western Europe: Rev. Kieren Bourne kowhai45@hotmail.com; Rev. Janice Bowker RevJaniceBowker@aol.com; Jochen Gewecke Jochen@gewecke.net Africa: Sharon Cox (health@triangle.org.za) The Board of Elders will be meeting in Austin Texas August 17 though 21, to continue to work through the transitions, focusing on the new ways of working together. We will also be meeting with Barb Crabtree talking about program, staff, communications and budget for 2010. We will be working on General Conference, and meeting with our Office of Leadership Development Staff as well. Please keep us in your prayers as we meet, pray, worship, and work together. Grace & Peace, + Nancy Rev. Nancy Wilson MCC Moderator