Metropolitan Community Churches Tearing Down Walls.  Building Up Hope. A Season of Gratitude September 28, 2009   As we approach October, and MCC's 41st anniversary, on behalf of the Board of Elders, I am inviting all our churches, all our pastors, members and friends of MCC to take the month of October and allow it to become our "Season of Gratitude." There is nothing like  a spiritual "attitude of gratitude" to turn the tables on everything from the roller coaster news about the economy, protracted struggles for civil rights, or those challenging situations faced by every local church, no matter how large or small! I am taking a cue from MCC Las Vegas, where they entered into a special "Season of Prayer," recently, which energized and revitalized their ministry. Sometimes, it is the simple things, the basic things, like prayer, that call us to our roots, and to our destiny as the people of God. In these times of great challenge, of a National March on Washington in the US; of continued homophobic violence in Jamaica, and in many places; when the HIV infection among young people in the Ukraine and in Washington, DC is reaching unprecedented proportions; and when the question, "Would Jesus Discriminate?" is still very controversial, I am grateful for Metropolitan Community Churches!  If, as the Psalmist says, "God dwells in the praises of the people," then let us draw near to God as we praise the Creator of the Universe for the miracle of MCC. I want to encourage you, as individuals, and as churches, to focus on, to "stand on" gratitude this October, especially gratitude for the privilege of serving the God of Jesus Christ through the vehicle we call "MCC." Imagine how we will be unified and blessed as we join together in this moment!  Click the image below to view a special video message from the MCC Moderator,  Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson! Join us in MCC's 2009 Season of Gratitude!  What Are You Grateful For? Click the above icon to let us know and we will share your responses.  I am grateful: -     For the thrill of being able to preach a radically inclusive gospel that I believe in as passionately today as I did 37 years ago when I found MCC. -     For our Founder, Rev. Troy Perry, who continues to preach that gospel and carry the banner of liberation, true to his original vision -     For being able to "tear down walls and build up hope" as the Human Rights Church, in more and more places around the world, where there is such hunger for liberation -     For fellow Elders and leaders in MCC who are bold, devoted and brilliant -     For the wave of a new generation of leaders that are emerging every day, dreaming new dreams, starting new churches and ministries. . . -     For increasing numbers of families with children who are finding a spiritual home in Metropolitan Community Churches -     For our emerging partnership with The Fellowship, and Bishop Yvette Flunder and her partner, Mother Shirley, and a new day of collaboration in this work that is bigger than any one church! -     For my partner of 32 years, Paula Schoenwether, whose support and love for MCC touches me every day -     For pastors and lay leaders who risk so much to serve in our local churches, and on our global staff -     For every new person who will come through the doors of a Metropolitan Community Church this October, 2009! I will lift up these prayers of gratitude daily in October. Blessings and Happy Anniversary MCC! + Nancy   Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson Moderator Metropolitan Community Churches