A great idea!  Gentle Shepherd MCC (Phoenix, Arizona) and Water of Life MCC (Tucson, Arizona) enjoyed a pulpit exchange one Sunday. Rev. Elder John Gill preached in Tucson and Rev. William Knight brought the message in Phoenix.

A USA Today article about straight people attending gay churches and synagogues referenced MCC/ICM Los Angeles (California) and quoted Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson.

Shawn Thomas will be in concert at The Equality Center, sponsored by MCC United (Tulsa, Oklahoma), on 22 August. He and Ray Vester have performed recently at MCC Knoxville (Tennessee).

Rev. Elder Troy Perry was the special guest of Salz der Erde MCC(Stuttgart, Germany) and the Gay Pride Organization Team to talk about the beginnings of the Gay Rights movement.

Clergy jailed! Rev. Steve Urie was locked up by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, while raising bail for his release.

On 17 October From Broadway to Boynton will feature Larry McNear on the organ to raise money for Church of Our Savior MCC (Boynton Beach, Florida).

Roger Desouches has been a steward for London (England) Pride for the past nine years.

Rev. Terri Miller of Valley Ministries MCC (Stockton, California)serves on the San Joaquin County LGBT Roundtable for the Aged.

MCC of the Palm Beaches (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) has its own MCCPB Idol.  Jeffrey McKee won the show with a Rocky Horror medley.  The event raised $1962 (USD) for the church.

Rev. Paul Whiting was featured on Rainbow Radio Network in London (Ontario). He shared something of his story with music. The broadcast was then available on podcast. www.chrwradio.com

Rev. Edgard Francisco offered the opening prayers at the New York City service and vigil for the victims of the attack in Tel Aviv on LGBT youth. 

River of Life MCC (Dorchester, England) was just planted nine months ago and they are already paying their pastor part-time!

Marsha Stevens-Pino will be in concert at MCC in the Valley (North Hollywood, California) on 12 September.

The music ministry of Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana) performed The National Anthem at the opening of the Indiana Fever game on 15 August.

MCC gets around! Rev. Rich Hendricks, who lives in Iowa, was featured in an article in The Telegraph, a newspaper in the UK!  

Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas who received his green card to continue working in the US.

CHILDREN, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS 

For the very first time, the youth of Resurrection Beach MCC (Costa Mesa, California) took charge of a Sunday evening service. They presented music, read scripture, collected the offering, and lead family praise and prayer.

MCC San Antonio (Texas) held their largest Vacation Bible School ever with 105 children, youth, and adults attending!

Discovery Classes will begin next month for both children and adults on Sunday mornings at MCC of Greater St. Louis (Missouri). Then during the sermon at the 10:30 service, children 11 and younger will have a music time.

The teenagers at Appalachian MCC (St. Albans, West Virginia) are beginning a homeless ministry. Along with some of the adults, they will prepare food and gather necessities to distribute as they share the love of Christ.

The kids at Vision of Hope MCC (Mountville, Pennsylvania) enjoyed a pool party complete with hot dogs at the pastor's home.

MINISTRY IDEAS TO SHARE

Casa de Luz ICM (Monterrey, Mexico) hosted meetings forFamilies with LGBTQAI Children,Friends of GBTQAI, andFriends of LBTQAI throughout July and a photographic review of the sexual diversity in Monterrey this month.

Wichita Falls MCC (Texas) held a Power Point Pow Wow for those interested in learning how to prepare and facilitate presentations.

The Brooklyn Small Group, an extension of MCC New York (New York), enjoyed a day at Coney Island and a match between the Brooklyn Cyclones and the Staten Island Yankees.

Michele Balan, a finalist on the Last Comic Standing, will be performing at Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) on 12 September. Call 941-355-0847 for $25 (USD) tickets.

5 a side footie, anyone? MCC Newcastle upon Tyne (England) will be fielding a team for that as well as other activities during The Gaymes 2009, a free day of fun and sport on 6 September.

Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas) will offer a Season of Service workshops to get volunteers ready for ministry in such areas as youth, first impression, altar, and worship. 

Grillin' Out at the Drive-In! Christ Covenant MCC (Decatur, Georgia) is headed for the Starlight Drive-In on 29 August. Before the show, they will grill hot dogs and burgers to go with the other yummies they bring.

MCC Baltimore (Maryland) is also going to a drive-in. It's a fun evening socializing together on lawn chairs and a great way for the folks from the 9 and 11 am services to get to know one another.

There wouldn't be Pride in Western Kentucky if it weren't for MCC of Paducah. They will host 10 different events next month.

Fostering rescue pets is a ministry at SunCoast Cathedral MCC (Venice, Florida).

Open Hearts Gift Shop, Agape MCC (Ft. Worth, Texas), is going out into the community for various events to sell their wares and to share information about the church.

An emergency response team is being established at MCC Toronto (Ontario).  Medical professionals and those certified in First Aid and CPR met to organize.

Eternal Joy MCC (Dayton, Ohio) has begun a new Bible study group for those who live in the Clayton/Englewood/Trotwood area. They'll study the weekly sermon texts and do things socially. 

There was a special Blessing of Students and Educators at MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks (Texas) as they prepared to begin the new school year.

MCC Charleston (South Carolina) is planning a ministry fair during their potluck next month.

A Last Blast of Summer!  That's what MCC Richmond (Virginia) will be enjoying on 6 September at Pocahontas State Park ... swimming, eating, worshipping, hiking, and singing.

Come Back to Church Sunday is being planned for 13 September at MCC Albuquerque (New Mexico). 

D'Anna Chance, Angie Livesay, Dave Ploof, Eric Rogers, Tony Schmidt, Noel Tardy, and Shelly Torres-West of MCC of Greater Dallas graced The Feed Store Stage at Marshall's BBQ, singing for the lunch crowd on 9 August and introducing folks to Christian music in a non-church setting.

MCC Fredericksburg (Virginia) has established a blogspot at http://www.mccfredericksburg.blogspot.com/.

This isn't your usual 12 step program! Next month MCC of the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Pennsylvania) will begin Celebrate Recovery, a biblically based, Christ-centered, 12 step recovery program designed to help people set themselves free from hurts, habits and hang-ups.

All Arts Open Mic Night at MCC/ICM Los Angeles (California) will be 28 August.  Not only can participants sing or do a reading, they can also share a painting or other creative work.

Visit the Pets' Trading Post!  At MCC NOVA (Fairfax, Virginia) the pet ministry has collected donations of pet paraphernalia, all in excellent condition. Now others may select what they need or exchange for items they have.

All of the San Francisco Bay Area MCCs gathered for a day of frolicking, food, and fellowship hosted by MCC of the Redwood Empire (Guerneville, California). During the worship service, there were baptisms in the Russian River.

The Photo Club at MCC Louisville (Kentucky) took a trip to St. Meinred Monastery in Indiana.

It's time for a Spring Ball! MCC Melbourne (Australia) will host this annual event on 5 September at the Richmond Town Hall. The $40 (AD) price includes champagne, dinner, dancing, door prizes, and fabulous entertainment.

Declaration, a praise and worship band from Divine Peace MCC (Pontiac, Michigan), will be performing at Reconciliation MCC (Grand Rapids, Michigan) next Sunday.

Open Arms MCC (Pahoa, Hawai'i) had an All Church Hike to Shipman Beach for swimming, eating, and fun!

Rev. Dexter Brecht, Minister of Mobilization at First MCC of Atlanta (Georgia), hosted a Ministry Leadership Rally last week for all council of ministries, staff and board members, focusing on ideas for greater ministry impact, growing ministry teams, and making leadership more rewarding.

Church of Our Savior MCC (Boynton Beach, Florida) was blessed posthumously by Ed Burkhart through his partner Rick. They donated the money to replace the front doors of the church.

Twice a month starting in September, Imago Dei MCC (Glen Mills, Pennsylvania) will host a Vespers service followed by a Lectio Divina focusing on the Gospel of John.

How appropriate! At a specially called congregational meeting, MCC San Antonio (Texas) voted to purchase 1.73 acres of land located on Rainbow Drive!

MCC Brisbane (Australia) has relocated to 37 Cordelia St. in South Brisbane.

Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York) met their $2000 (USD) challenge grant, so now they have $4000 to use in repairing and enhancing their fellowship hall.

Journey MCC (Birmingham, England) has begun a new evening service called the post evangelical service.

Entrants in the Wichita Falls MCC (Texas) Chili Crock Pot Cookoff next month will pay $10 (USD) each. The winner of the taste test'n and judg'n will be announced during worship with a chili feast for everyone afterwards. Funds raised will go towards new flooring in the fellowship hall!

Beginning 13 September MCC San Jose (California) will gather for a prayer service at 10 am and their Sunday evening service at 6 pm in their new location.

Cherish Our Church, a group of volunteers at All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota), accomplished a lot during their last work session ... repaired roof ladders and fan stand, primed the bike rack, prepped sanctuary trim for painting, installed carpet tiles and non-slip stair tread, spot cleaned pew cushions, polished brass, painted radiators, cleaned windows and blinds, and weeded landscaping. Whew!

MCC of the Quad Cities (Davenport, Iowa) is surveying all of their congregants to determine what would be the best location for their next home, what type of building they want, how to do the fundraising, etc.

MCC El Paso (Texas) became "that Christian group" that spoke out in favor of the City Council's decision to promote domestic partnership benefits. Now they will be leading the opposition to a petition to require a citizens' vote on the matter.

Healing Spirit MCC (Rochester, Minnesota) participated in the 24^th Peace Lantern Floating Ceremony, just as is done in Hiroshima and Nagasaki each year, to remember the horror of what people are capable of doing to one another.

Rev. Elder Jean White and Rev. Andy Braunston addressed the hearing on Farzad's asylum appeal. Fourteen people from MCC Manchester (England) were there to support him. It will be 5-6 weeks before the judge's decision is issued.

Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas) has raised more than one-third of the amount needed to build a Habitat for Humanity home. To join their effort, send your contribution to MCC Habitat House, Box 7547, Abilene, TX 79608, USA.

For their community tithe this month, Living Springs MCC (Bath, England) collected£60.85 for the Drugs and Homeless Initiative in their city.

Not only do folks at King of Peace MCC (St. Petersburg, Florida) regularly bring baby food, canned meat, pasta, and other food items for distribution at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, this month they are additionally requesting feminine hygiene products, very necessary, but rarely remembered items.

With temperatures in the mid-90s (F), MCC Omaha (Nebraska) will spend some Saturdays distributing free ice cold bottled water outside the Lutheran Thrift Store and then atthe library, where the shelters do pickups.

It's Christmas time! MCC Sydney (Australia) celebrated Christmas in July complete with a tree, carols, and gifts for various charities. Additionally, they signed letters asking the Australian government to Close The Gap in relation to Aboriginal health care.

MCC Las Vegas (Nevada) has already met its goal of securing 12 laptops (one per month this year) for children in the world's 50 poorest countries. But they aren't stopping! They will continue to purchase as many more as they can.

Backpacks galore! New Life MCC of Hampton Roads (Norfolk, Virginia) collected and filled 150 backpacks with school supplies for children in need.  Peninsula MCC (San Mateo, California) did likewise for children at Puente de la Costa Sur.

The WJD Team from the churches in the Metroplex (Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas) will march in the North Texas State Fair Parade in Denton on the 22^nd.

To grieve the loss of the two young Israeli men at the Tel Aviv LGBT Community Center, aChurch4Me? MCC joined with Jewish congregations in Chicago, Illinois to remember the victims and pray for the wounded.

Safe Harbour MCC (Halifax, Nova Scotia) hosted the Interfaith Pride Worship Service with over 60 people attending, including Stephen McNeil, Leader of The Liberal Party of Nova Scotia. Words of welcome were given by faith leaders from MCC, United Church, Jewish Temple, Unitarian Universalists, Baptists, and Anglican Church.

MCC Seattle (Washington) has been invited to participate in the University District Ecumenical Campus project, which would involve several progressive Christian churches selling their individual properties to build a single multiple worship facility in the University District to open by 2014. 

A first for MCC! A few weeks ago Open Door MCC (Boyds, Maryland) celebrated the Rite of Blessing for their new intentional interim pastor with Rev. Elder Darlene Garner officiating along with both MCC and Baptist clergy! Rev. Jill McCrory is an ordained American Baptist minister and is working with MCC with the support of her church and regional organization.

MCC San Francisco has some amazing guest preachers lined up for the next few months. Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator of the Presbyterian Church USA, was there on 16 August; Bill McKinney, president of Pacific School of Religion, on 20 September; and Jewish leader Kerry Lobel, executive director of Puente de la Costa Sur and former ED for both MCC and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, on 4 October.

ICM en Argentinia (Buenos Aires) held their first interfaith service with a Jewish synagogue.

MCC of the Spirit (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) joined with others from Christian Churches United for a worship service aboard the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat. The offering went to HELP ministries to provide emergency services. Afterwards, they joined together for a picnic and a relaxing afternoon.

FirstCoast MCC (St. Augustine, Florida) will participate in the Family Faith Night at the Suns baseball game in Jacksonville, which includes a Christian concert by Big Daddy Weave and fireworks.

Rev.Edgard Danielsen-Morales was a co-organizer for Interfaith for HIV/AIDS: A Call to Take Action in 2009, a five day event in New York City promoting partnership between religious groups and community-based organizations. To show that they were "Stepping Up in Faith for HIV and AIDS" attendees brought new or gently used footwear to the press conference, which were then given to people living with the virus. Click here to read the article. 
 
Not only did Resurrection Beach MCC (Costa Mesa, California) contribute $500 (USD) to provide two scholarships for Strength for the Journey, a five day retreat for people with AIDS, but they also wrote 76 encouraging letters to be given to participants.

MCC of the Rockies (Denver) participated in AIDS Walk Colorado on the 15^th. Some folks completed the 5k walk and others the 5k run.

MCC Corpus Christi (Texas) collected school supplies for children who have a family member living with AIDS.

Rapid HIV testing is offered for the community every month at MCC Key West (Florida).

Central Texas MCC raised over $2200 (USD) for their Red Door Pantry, the only HIV/AIDS service provider in Waco, Texas.Click here to read the article from the Waco Tribune about Central Texas MCC's Red Door Pantry.

MCC Winston-Salem (North Carolina) has several small groups. Friends on the Road has been studying The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. The Thursday Shepherd Group just began a showing of the Bill Moyers' documentary Amazing Grace.

Eve is a new Bible study group beginning for women at Joy MCC (Orlando, Florida).

"When you change one thing, you change everything!" is the theme of the Chat and Chew on Wild Wednesdays at Harvest MCC (Denton, Texas) and is followed by a book study on Everything Must Change.

Many new folks from Pride attended We are Family, a month-long series at MCC North London celebrating and exploring Leather, BDSM, Trans, family, and other LGBT groups.

Heroes is the theme of this year's Chautauqua at Spirit of Hope MCC (Kansas City, Missouri). They are looking at male and female Biblical heroes, historical theological heroes, and personal spiritual heroes, as well as featuring art, music, and other activities during August.  

Beginning next month Pikes Peak MCC (Colorado Springs, Colorado) will initiate a course written by their pastor Rev. Wes Mullins, Meeting Scripture Again...For the First Time.

Road to Financial Freedom is the topic of a series of workshops by Crown Financial Ministries which will commence next month at MCC Lubbock (Texas).

Dressed for Battle is the theme of the small group Bible studies at MCC Bournemouth (England). They are examining the different gifts from God important to our Christian life as given in Ephesians 6.

On Wednesday evenings next month, the adult education program at MCC Topeka (Kansas) is launching a study of Bishop John Shelby Spong's Jesus for the Non-Religious.

Rev. Janice Bowker, Rev. Kieren Bourne, and Jochen Gewecke will serve as the Cluster Team Leads for the European churches and ministries, while Sharon Cox will coordinate the process in Africa.

Upcoming Gatherings:

Colorado/Nebraska ~ August 22-23 ~ Pikes Peak MCC (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Michigan/Windsor, Ontario ~ October 9-10 ~ Divine Peace MCC (Pontiac, Michigan)

Valley/Bay Area, California ~ October 23-25 ~ Peninsula MCC (San Mateo) and New Spirit Community Church MCC/UCC/DOC (Berkley)

Rev. Elder Dr. Charlie Arehart ~ 34^th anniversary of his ordination

Rev. Cathy Elliott ~ 30th anniversary of becoming MCC clergy

Rev. Danny Spears ~ 2^nd pastoral anniversary at Holy Covenant MCC (Brookfield, Illinois)

New Spirit Community Church MCC/UCC/DOC (Berkeley, California) ~ 9^th anniversary

Rev. Kharma Amos ~ 6^th pastoral anniversary at MCC NOVA (Fairfax, Virginia)

MCC of the Fox Valley (Elgin, Illinois) ~ 10^th anniversary

Rev. Dr. Nancy Horvath-Zurn ~ 5^th pastoral anniversary at Healing Spirit MCC (Rochester, Minnesota)

Can you help?  MCC Winston-Salem (North Carolina) is looking for photos showing their history for their 15^th anniversary celebration 12-13 September.

MCC Santa Rosa (California) celebrated their 24th anniversary with a buffet style, multi-cultural dinner of Chinese, Mexican, and Italian foods. There were door prizes, a silent auction, and surprise entertainment.  

MCC Seattle (Washington) will celebrate their 37^th anniversary on 23 August. They were the only welcoming-affirming-inclusive congregation in the Pacific Northwest in 1972.

Our Hope MCC (Athens, Georgia) will celebrate their 10th anniversary 22-23 August with a Justice Breakfast on Saturday where Rev. Elder Troy Perry will discuss his California lawsuit on same-sex marriage. That evening there's a showing of Call Me Troy along with a reception and book signing. Then Rev. Perry will preach on Sunday.

Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York) celebrated their 28^th anniversary with a church picnic.

This month MCC of the Chesapeake (Annapolis, Maryland) celebrated their 10^th year of totally sponsoring Pride for their community, which has grown from a picnic to a true festival, and next month they will observe their 11^th anniversary as a church.

Living Springs MCC (Bath, England) will celebrate their 20th anniversary 26-27 September.

The new provisional pastor for MCC of the Palm Beaches (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) is Rev. Patrick Rogers. He will begin on 13 September.

MCC Bournemouth (England) celebrated the 17 year music ministry of Martin Arthur, who wants to enter different ministry areas and allow other folks to use their musical gifts. Three have already begun to do so.

Rev. Michelle Carmody was installed as the associate pastor of MCC Seattle (Washington).

Recently approved for ordination were Joy Etwell and Penny Davis from Australia, Brain Hutchison from MCC San Francisco, Brenda Lee from achurch4me? MCC (Chicago, Illinois), and Keith Phillips from Jesus MCC (Indianapolis, Indiana).  Rev. Jorge Delgado from MCC Washington DC and Rev. David Morganseay residing in Fredericksburg, Virginia, had their credentials reinstated.

Rev. Vickie Miller has returned to the staff of Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) as minister of congregational life.

Victory Garden MCC (Clovis, New Mexico USA) elected Rev. Marty Luna-Wolfeas their pastor.

MCC Charlotte (North Carolina) has a new interim pastor, Rev. Catherine A. Houchins.

SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER

MCC staff member Bill Hooper had a stint placed in one of his arteries last week. BillHooper@MCCchurch.net

Rev. Bernie Barbour will undergo surgery for prostate cancer on 31 August. be.barbour@hotmail.com

RESOURCES

The DVD of Call Me Troy is available for $31.86 (USD) at http://www.frameline.org/cart/index.aspx.

Betty Jean Steinshouer has toured Canada and the US since 1988 with her one-woman shows of such characters as Willa Cather, Gloria Stein, Sarah Orne Jewett, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, and Constance Fenimore Woolson.  727-826-6217

In the US HIV/AIDS medications and 4000 other drugs may be available through ProRxHelp, a patient advocacy company for the Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs), which provide medicines to low income, uninsured people. They assist in helping people qualify by securing and filling out the paperwork correctly. www.prorxhelp.com