Professional Documents
Culture Documents
July 2, 2007
Welcome to General Conference! Whether this is your first time, or like me, your 20th General Conference (or more!)
I guarantee it will be a life-changing, ministry-enhancing experience.
Where else in the world can you gather with brothers and sisters from dozens of countries, from small
towns and world-class cities to worship the God of love and liberation, learn, be inspired and motivated in a place of
divine hospitality and community?
Recently at the Board of Elders meeting, Dr. Mary Hunt shared with us the saying of a group of progressive,
spiritual pioneers, who said,
“Together, we are a genius!” That is how I feel about MCC. There isn’t any challenge we can’t face, there
isn’t any foe we can’t love and thereby “defeat;” there isn’t any thing or any one that can take away our joy in being
MCC, our joy in being together as the people of God, LGBT, straight allies, children, friends and family.
We have more children and teens at this conference than ever in our history. When you see them, smile at them,
tell them you love them and are proud of them! We have fabulous workshop presenters, dynamic plenaries, and a
wonderful day of tribute to Rev. Elder Don Eastman, who is retiring as Vice-Moderator, and who will be honored by our
Founder, Rev. Troy Perry, and many others.
For the very first time, we will have daily Bible study in three languages and five locations, lead by our
Elders. Health screenings, a celebrity golf tournament, and a “dive in movie” are just part of the unique mix that is
General Conference.
The Business sessions as well will be powerful, engaging steps in the “forward movement” that I see all
around MCC. It is, after all, God’s business, and God’s movement. Have fun, this week, soak it all in so that you can take
it back home with you, where it is needed the most!
Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches
W E L C O M E
July 2, 2007
As the executive director of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), it is my distinct privilege to welcome you to General
Conference 2007 in Scottsdale, Arizona. I have anticipated this gathering of our community since the last moment of
General Conference in Calgary in 2005. There is nothing more exciting or more empowering in my personal ministry
than the encouragement that I receive from being with each of you as we worship and learn together.
There is a quote that I think about when I think about all of the members and friends and alliance partners of
Metropolitan Community Churches. It is inspired by Jewish writings. It says:
“Separately, we are as fragile as reeds and as easily broken.
But together, we are as strong as reeds tied in a bundle.”
I think of this when I read about your many individual and collective ministries throughout the world. No matter where
an MCCer is in the world, that person can be reassured that other MCCers are present in spirit. People outside of
MCC notice the strength that comes from this spiritual solidarity and it influences them in positive ways. You are truly a
light set on a hill for many people.
I hope you are blessed beyond measure by your participation in General Conference. Please know that the
Conference Co-Leaders, Carlos Chavez and Jennifer Justice and our team leaders, employees and volunteers as well as
myself stand ready to assist you in any way.
Executive Director
Metropolitan Community Churches
W E L C O M E
July 2, 2007
Dear Saints:
What a joy to be at the 23rd General Conference of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches.
I want to thank all of you who continue to fight the good fight that God has commanded us to be a part of. I am
thankful for all the Churches who continue to make a difference in the lives of individuals worldwide.
This Church has always been in a state of change. Like I have always said to people, “God calls us not to settle
into cement, but to be flexible in the way we carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ into all the world.”
I want to thank God for the incredible work of our Boards, Commissions, Committees and all of our local
Churches who make up the Metropolitan Community Churches worldwide.
I thank God for the words of Jesus when He gave us the great commission: “Go therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have
commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19-20
In Christ,
Founder
Metropolitan Community Churches
S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S
Conference Highlights
Health Screening
July 2 – 6, Check Schedule for Times and Locations
Look for Rev. Karen Ziegler and a team of health care professionals as they provide health screenings for conference
participants. You'll have the opportunity to test your own blood sugar and blood pressure. The healthcare professionals
will step through a questionnaire with you and offer suggestions for a healthy diet and exercise program.
Schedule of Events B1
Theological Cafés
July 2 – 6, Check Schedule for Times and Locations
The sessions will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the lunch hour. The topic for Tuesday will be
What do you think about what I think about Jesus? Facilitated by Rev. Robert Griffin. Wednesday session focus topic is
What's all the fuss about Baptism? Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Mona West and Thursday gathering will focus on Do theological
labels really work anymore? Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Jim Burns.
Bible Study
This year we're trying something new with daily Bible Study groups starting on July 3rd. Discussions will be held in
designated rooms throughout the conference site. Our Moderator, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, has selected facilitators
to host the Bible Studies each morning. When you're planning your day, remember to include some time to hear, share,
and grow with friends old and new.
Youth Program
July 2 – 6
The amazing role that MCC’s young people played in our previous General Conference was largely due to the work of
Cindy Acker from MCC of the Redwood Empire in Guerneville, California. She will once again be working with our young
people as they continue to advance in becoming a larger part of MCC’s future.
HIV/AIDS Breakfast
July 5, 7:00 a – 8:00 a
Grand Salons H & I
Join hosts Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski and Joshua Love for the HIV/AIDS breakfast. Rev. Elder Mitulski will hold the
space as we honor the Activist Years of MCC's AIDS Journey. Joshua will present the Rebirth and Reinvention of MCC's
Global HIV/AIDS Ministry. The AIDS Activism and Ministry Award will be presented during the breakfast.
Our featured guest speaker is the Rev. Freda Smith.
MCC Karaoke
Nightly, July 2 – 6
Cazadores Lounge
Join us nightly at the Cazadores Lounge for fun, fellowship and Karaoke!
B2 Schedule of Events
Human Rights Breakfast
July 4, 7:00 a – 8:00 a
Grand Salons H & I
Join us as we honor Human Rights Watch for thier global work in promoting human rights.
Hosted by Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski, Rev. Elder Nori Rost and Rev. Robert Griffin
and MCC’s Office of Clergy Development.
Celebration Music
Sharing with us during General Conference will be amazing and talented music participants from across MCC! New
to the music fabric of conference is "Celebration Music." Celebration Music is exciting music from some of our
wonderfully gifted music ministries, and is designed to ignite our hearts and move us into the spirit of worship. Ten
minutes prior to each service, Celebration Music happens! Come to enjoy inspiring music and to worship with
the following Celebration Music participants: Elevation, Marshall-Grant Ministries, Tony Azias and Lloyd Ziel, Sandi
Baker, Orgena Rose, Marsha McFee, The Anointing, and Jason and deMarco. Come and be blessed!
Schedule of Events B3
S P E C I A L F E A T U R E
Call Me Troy
Call Me Troy is the new film documentary about the life and times of one of the Gay community's most visible and
tenacious advocates for change, The Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry.
His southern up-bringing and close ties to his family church instilled an early bond with God and religion. Troy
was ministering to his own congregation in rural Georgia at the age of 15, and was told early on by his Evangelical
Aunt that “God is going to use you mightily in the faith, but not in the church you think…” With that, his mission
seemed certain, this journey however, wouldn’t be an easy one.
Realizing as a young man that he was gay, Troy tried coming to terms with his sexuality; thus beginning a most
difficult conflict between his devotion to God, his role as a husband and father, and his natural sexual inclinations.
Divorced from his wife and living in an urban paradise filled with temptation, Troy succumbed to his natural
tendencies while trying to maintain a balance between his love of God, and his new found freedom. In the years
that followed, a devastating break-up with a man Troy fell deeply in love with, compounded by mixed messages about his
calling to preach and his realization that as a gay man, he was not welcome in traditional houses of worship, Troy
found himself overwhelmed with feelings of despair.
It was here, at his lowest point in life, that God spoke and told Troy that He loved him as He loves all His creatures.
Troy realized that if this were true, God must love Gay people too! With this message came the realization for a need
of a sanctuary where the gay community could worship without the fear of being ostracized for being who they were.
On a Sunday morning in October 1968, in the living room of his Huntington Park home, the Metropolitan
Community Church was born. Rev. Troy Perry found his new calling, and created a place where Gays and Lesbians could
seek spirituality for themselves. Since MCC’s formation, it has grown to over 300 congregations in 22 countries.
For years, Rev. Troy Perry has been an Activist for equal rights and protections for Gay Men and Lesbians the
world over as well as providing a place for all people (Gay and Straight) to worship and to be of service. Call Me Troy
celebrates Rev. Perry’s life and his legacy. This film is a nostalgic reminder of where we come from for some, and an
astounding story of our roots for others.
B4 Schedule of Events
About the Director:
Schedule of Events B5
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
C O N F E R E N C E S C H E D U L E
7:00 a – 12:00 p
Fundraising Golf Tournament, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Stadium Golf Course
7:00 a – 8:00 a
Buffet Breakfast available for purchase
Grand Salons H and I
7:00 a – 10:00 p
Chapel, Salon 10
8:00 a – 11:00 p
Resource Expo and Music Showcase, East Foyer
8:00 a – 5:30 p
Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible School
8:00 a – 5:30 p
Youth Program
9:00 a – 5:00 p
Video Production Room, Salon 2
8:00 a – 5:00 p
Oral History Project, Salon 4
10:30 a – 12:00 p
Lay Ministry Council’s “What Does a Lay Delegate Do?”, McDowell Room A
10:30 a – 12:00 p
Business Meeting 101 for Clergy, McDowell Room B
12:00 p – 1:30 p
Buffet Lunch available for purchase, Grand Salons H and I
B6 Schedule of Events
1:30 p – 3:00 p
Region 2 Business Meeting to Elect Regional Elder, Grand Salon G
1:30 p – 3:00 p
Regional Gatherings:
Region 2: Grand Salon G
Region 3: Grand Salon F
Region 7: McDowell Rooms A and B
3:30 p – 5:00 p
Regional Gatherings:
Region 1: McDowell Rooms A and B
Region 4: Sonoran Room
Region 5: Grand Salon G
Region 6: Grand Salon F
5:00 p – 6:30 p
Buffet Dinner available for purchase, Grand Salons H and I
6:30 p – 8:30 p
Opening Worship, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
Grand Salons A to G
8:30 p
Opening Reception, East Foyer
10:00 p – 11:00 p
Affinity Groups:
Asian Pacific Islander, Salon 10
Charismatic MCCers’, Salon 2
Clergy Spouses, Salon 3
Conociendo Ministerios Hispanos, Salon 1
Disability Forum, Salon 4
HIV Spirit Space, Salon 9
People of Leather Among You, McDowell Rooms
The Progressive Church, Salon 7
Young Adult Social, Salon 8
10:00 p
MCC Karaoke, Cazadores Lounge
Schedule of Events B7
C O N F E R E N C E S C H E D U L E
7:00 a – 8:00 a
Health Screening, Salon 3
7:00 a – 8:00 a
Buffet Breakfast available for purchase, Grand Salons H and I
7:00 a – 10:00 p
Chapel, Salon 10
8:00 a – 11:00 p
Resource Expo and Music Showcase, East Foyer
8:00 a – 5:30 p
Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible School
8:00 a – 5:30 p
Youth Program
8:00 a – 8:45 a
Morning Gathering Communion Service, Rev. Carol Trissell, Grand Salons A to G
9:00 a – 10:00 a
Bible Study:
Bible Study Blue – McDowell Rooms
Bible Study Green – Grand Salon G
Bible Study Red – Grand Salon F
Bible Study Yellow – Grand Salon H
Estudio Bíblico en Español – Salon 8
9:00 a – 5:00 p
Video Production Room, Salon 2
10:30 a – 12:00 p
Business Forums, Grand Salons A to G
10:30 a – 12:00 p
Health Screening, Salon 3
B8 Schedule of Events
12:00 p – 1:00 p
Buffet Lunch available for purchase, Grand Salons H and I
12:00 p – 1:00 p
Theological Café, Sonoran Room
1:00 p – 2:30 p
Business Meeting, Grand Salons A to G
1:30 p – 3:00 p
First Freedom First, Donna Red Wing, McDowell Rooms
2:45 p – 4:30 p
Business Meeting, Grand Salons A to G
3:00 p – 3:30 p
Health Screening, Salon 3
4:45 p – 5:30 p
Board of Pensions Meeting, Grand Salons A to G
International Meetings, Sonoran Room
5:30 p – 7:00 p
Buffet Dinner available for purchase, Grand Salons H and I
7:00 p – 9:00 p
Evening Worship, Rev. Lynice Pinkard, Grand Salons A to G
9:30 p – 10:30 p
Affinity Groups:
Bisexual, Salon 2
Cancer Survivors, Salon 7
First Nations/Aboriginal People, Salon 3
Intentional Interim Pastors, Salon 8
Men in Ministry, Salon 10
Trans-Inclusive, Salon 4
Women in Ministry, Salon 9
9:30 p
MCC Karaoke, Cazadores Lounge
Schedule of Events B9
C O N F E R E N C E S C H E D U L E
7:00 a – 8:00 a
Health Screening, Salon 3
7:00 a – 8:00 a
Oral History Project, Salon 4
7:00 a – 8:00 a
Human Rights Breakfast
Grand Salons H and I
7:00 a – 10:00 p
Chapel, Salon 10
8:00 a – 11:00 p
Resource Expo and Music Showcase, East Foyer
8:00 a – 5:30 p
Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible School
8:00 a – 5:30 p
Youth Program
8:00 a – 8:45 a
Morning Gathering Communion Service, Jeff Lutes, Grand Salons A to G
9:00 a – 10:00 a
Bible Study:
Bible Study Blue – McDowell Rooms
Bible Study Green – Grand Salon G
Bible Study Red – Grand Salon F
Bible Study Yellow – Grand Salon H
Estudio Bíblico en Español – Salon 8
10:30 a – 12:00 p
Plenary: A Conversation about Jesus and Justice
Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Jay Bakker, Bishop Yvette Flunder
Hosted by Rev. Paul G. Fairley
Grand Salons A to G
12:00 p – 1:30 p
Buffet Lunch available for purchase, Grand Salons H and I
12:00 p – 1:30 p
Theological Café, Sonoran Room
1:30 p – 3:00 p
Workshops
3:00 p – 3:30 p
Health Screening, Salon 3
5:00 p – 6:00 p
Buffet Dinner available for purchase, Grand Salons H and I (plus North Foyer and Hacienda Trellis)
6:00 p – 7:30 p
Evening Worship, Florin Buhuceanu, Grand Salons A to G
7:30 p – 9:00 p
Awards Ceremony Reception - East Foyer
9:00 p – 10:30 p
Awards Ceremony: Stars, Sequins and Satisfaction Guaranteed, Grand Salons A to G
10:30 p
MCC Karaoke, Cazadores Lounge
7:00 a – 8:00 a
Health Screening, Salon 3
7:00 a – 8:00 a
HIV/AIDS Breakfast
Buffet breakfast available for purchase, Grand Salons H and I
7:00 a – 10:00 p
Chapel, Salon 10
8:00 a – 11:00 p
Resource Expo and Music Showcase, East Foyer
8:00 a – 5:30 p
Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible School
8:00 a – 5:30 p
Youth Program
8:00 a – 8:45 a
Morning Gathering Communion Service, Rev. Nokuthula Dhladhla, Grand Salons A to G
9:00 a – 10:00 a
Bible Study:
Bible Study Blue – McDowell Rooms
Bible Study Green – Grand Salon G
Bible Study Red – Grand Salon F
Bible Study Yellow – Grand Salon H
Estudio Bíblico en Español – Salon 8
9:00 a – 5:00 p
Video Production Room, Salon 2
12:00 p – 1:30 p
Bishop Carlton Pearson & “The Gospel of Inclusion”
accompanied by David Smith and Marquis D. Hunt
(Limited Seating Available)
Buffet Lunch available for purchase
Grand Salon H and I
12:00 p – 1:30 p
Theological Café, Sonoran Room
1:30 p – 3:00 p
Workshops:
AIDS and the "Kairotic Moment": The Sacred Partnership of Healing and Social Justice
Joshua Love
Salon H
3:00 p – 3:30 p
Health Screening, Salon 3
AIDS and the "Kairotic Moment": The Sacred Partnership of Healing and Social Justice
Joshua Love
Salon H
5:00 p – 6:30 p
Buffet Dinner available for purchase, Grand Salons H and I
7:00 p – 9:00 p
Evening Worship, Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski,
Special Guests, Bishop Carlton Pearson accompanied by David Smith and Marquis D. Hunt
Grand Salons A to G
10:00 p
MCC Karaoke, Cazadores Lounge
10:00 p
Affinity Group Gathering
Servicemembers and Veterans Group
Salon 8
ECUMENICAL/INTERFAITH DAY
7:00 a – 8:00 a
Health Screening, Salon 3
7:00 a – 8:00 a
Oral History Project, Salon 4
7:00 a – 8:00 a
Theological Education Breakfast (Limited Seating Available)
Buffet Breakfast available for purchase
Grand Salons H and I
7:00 a – 10:00 p
Chapel, Salon 10
8:00 a – 11:00 p
Resource Expo and Music Showcase, East Foyer
8:00 a – 5:30 p
Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible School
8:00 a – 5:30 p
Youth Program
8:00 a – 9:00 a
Bible Study:
Bible Study Blue – McDowell Rooms
Bible Study Green – Grand Salon G
Bible Study Red – Grand Salon F
Bible Study Yellow – Grand Salon D
Estudio Bíblico en Español – Salon 8
9:00 a – 10:00 a
Plenary: The Fellowship of Those Who Suffer
Peggy Campolo
Grand Salons A to G
10:30 a – 12:00 p
An MCC Tribute to Don Eastman
Grand Salons A to G
12:00 p – 1:30 p
People of African Descent Lunch, Sonoran Room
12:00 p – 1:30 p
Buffet Lunch available for purchase
Grand Salons H and I
1:30 p – 3:00 p
Workshops:
3:30 p – 5:00 p
Workshops:
5:00 p – 6:30 p
Buffet Dinner available for purchase
Grand Salons H and I
7:30 p – 9:00 p
Evening Worship, Rev. Elder Don Eastman
Grand Salons A to G
9:00 p – 11:00 p
Closing/Rev. Elder Don Eastman Reception
East Foyer
9:30 p – 11:00 p
Dive-In Movie (at the South Pool): Lilo and Stitch
P L E N A R I E S
Title:
A Conversation about Jesus and Justice
July 4, 2007 - 10:30a to 12:00p
Grand Salons A - G
Description:
Imagine, if you will, a living room setting, with Rev. Paul Fairely (former General Conference Coordinator, staff clergy at
MCC Toronto), as our “talk show host” leading a conversation with three very diverse Christian religious leaders,
our Moderator, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Bishop Yvette Flunder, UCC pastor and leader, Founder of The Fellowship and
Jay Bakker, Founder of Revolution NYC and son of Tammy Faye Messner. There will be lively discussion on the
religious scene today, on the relationship between “Jesus” and “Justice,” and time for audience questions and
participation – Not to be missed!!!
Participants:
Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Jay Bakker
Hosted by:
Rev. Paul G. Fairley
Jay Bakker
Jay Bakker is a 30 year-old pastor who grew up witnessing both the good and bad of the church. His parents are Jim
and Tammy Faye, ministers-turned-TV-hosts who helped start both the Trinity Broadcasting Network and the 700
Club in the 1970’s, and later founded the PTL (Praise The Lord) Club. At the height of their popularity, they pastored the
largest church in the country – until their lives were changed by one of the biggest scandals in American history.
For the first time, Jay was exposed to the dark underbelly of religion; an experience that would stay with him to this day.
After witnessing firsthand the excommunicative treatment his family received from the church, Jay wanted
nothing to do with God. And so began a new life filled with substances easily abused and nonstop partying created to
mask the pain and suffering caused by this surreal rejection. Eventually, Jay was able to conquer his demons and
made a personal decision to find out who God really was. What he discovered floored him – God wasn’t some judgmental,
condemning deity sitting on a throne waving an angry fist in the direction of sinners – rather, he was an understanding
God offering his gift of love and grace with no strings attached. For the first time Jay wasn’t being driven to Christ out of
fear; he was being drawn to Christ through love.
As a result of this discovery, Jay started a church for those who feel rejected by traditional approaches to
Christianity; this church is called Revolution. The idea behind Revolution is to show all people the unconditional love
and grace of Jesus without any reservations due to their lifestyles or background, past or future. In the desire to
bypass geographical boundaries, all Services are recorded and posted on the Revolution Church website RevolutionChurch.com
to create an “online church for people who have given up on church.” The website currently receives 10,000 hits/day
and the Revolution Podcast gets 7,000 hits/month.
In addition to pastoring Revolution, Jay travels the country speaking to churches and organizations, encouraging
them to reach out to the lost and hurting. His goal is to return to the grassroots of Christianity founded on inclusion, love
and grace; his heart is helping people realize that God loves them no matter what.
Bishop Flunder has received many awards for her work in the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with the elderly and youth.
Description:
“I want to do more than live with HIV- I want to thrive with HIV"- Rev. Elder Hong Tan will present some personal views
on what HIV means for us and the public health impact into the 21st century. He will share how he worked with
people with HIV from Kenya, Uganda, Beijing with the Living Well Programme. And how a warm Spring night in a recently
opened lesbian bar in Beijing with Christian writings from the 7th Century caves, known asthe Jesus Sutras- poses
questions for us.
Presenter:
Rev. Elder Hong Tan
Hong was born in Singapore and is passionate about empowerment leading as a Trustee of 6 HIV charities including Body
Positive, the Black HIV/AIDS Network and developed with MCC North London, a meals programme that fed over 200
people with HIV and their families. He developed the Living Well Programme for people with HIV which supports people
to self manage and live well- to thrive with HIV. This Programme as an award-winning finalist in national Health Service
Journal Award for partnership working. His background is as a research biochemist in cancer research for over 9 years.
In his spare time, he continues to grow roses, watches football and is a reluctant Beijing Opera dancer.
Description:
When it comes to being ecumenical, GLBT people have a distinct advantage. We are far ahead of the mostly straight
churches and denominations in terms of worshipping and doing Kingdomwork together. Peggy has stories to
tell about where and why this happening and she will discuss ways in which we not only can spread among ourselves
this gift God has given us - the joy of being together in Christ - but also share it with our sisters and brothers who
happen to be straight.
Presenter:
Peggy Campolo
Description
At the World Council of Churches Assembly in Brazil, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson was invited to lead a morning Bible Study
Group. Our entire MCC team in Brazil was so impressed with the format they used (over 1000 people a day got to
participate in small groups with a common curriculum) that we will be replicating this experience for our General
Conference. The Regional Elders will be leading us in Bible study with a curriculum written both in Spanish and in
English. Imagine; time at conference to not only do our business but also to study God’s word for us today, together!
Curriculum Author
Rev. Vickie Miller is currently Minister of Congregational Care at Church of the
Trinity MCC in Sarasota, FL Ordained in November 2006.
Did Clergy Candidacy under Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson Completing
Master of Divinity at Florida Center for Theological Studies. Has a Masters of
Counselor Education degree from University of South Florida. Prior to ordination,
served as a lay minister in MCC in various capacities including as a church
Board Member, Deacon, coordinated church education programs, and served
on Pastoral Search Committees.
Workshops at a Glance
1:30 p to 3:00 p
First Freedom First, Donna Red Wing
McDowell Rooms
AIDS and the “Kairotic Moment”: The Sacred Partnership of Healing and Social Justice
(Interpretado en Español / simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish)
Joshua Love
Salon H
Title:
First Freedom First
McDowell Rooms – 1:30 p to 3:00 p
Description:
Solid research and analysis, cutting edge technology, grassroots and web-roots advocacy, a commitment to religious liberty
and the democratic process unite in an exciting, thought-provoking presentation of America's First Freedom and
our opportunity, as a LGBT community to strengthen religious liberty and the integrity and vitality of our democracy and
to reinforce a case for equality that is based on America's first freedom.
Presenter:
Donna Red Wing
Title:
Marriage and Family Equality
1:30 p to 3:00 p
Repeated 3:30 p – 5:00 p
Salon G
Description:
Marriage Equality is a hot topic around the world and many countries are responding in both positive and negative ways.
Its biggest opponents have been people of faith, particularly the Christian tradition. Globally, Metropolitan Community
Churches, globally have been extremely active in bringing about change in some of these countries and have helped to
bring about a coalition of progressive communities of faith to speak out in support of marriage and family equality for
God’s LGBTQI peoples.
This workshop will examine what the objections are to Marriage and Family Equality, both within and outside
the LGBTQI community. It will give an update on where we are globally and help those who wish to strategically work
for Marriage and Family Equality by building coalitions between different religious traditions and other progressive
Christian communities to offer an alternative voice of faith.
Presenter:
Rev. Neil Thomas
Title:
Bury the Chains: Decolonizing Scripture and Theology,
Re-forming African American Spirituality
1:30 p to 3:00 p
Repeated 3:30 p – 5:00 p
McDowell Rooms
Description:
Narrow evangelical interpretations of scripture and theology, conceived in the context of Euro-Protestant tradition, have
been incorporated into the belief systems of Black people and treated as “good news.” Furthermore, old-time Black
religion of the most repressive and accommodating kind can be observed in contemporary beliefs and practices of African
Americans. Biblical themes that deny, distort, and ravage the intrinsic value of humanity and creation often go
unquestioned in the belief statements, ritual practices and orientations of African Americans at the dawn of the twenty-
first century. If, indeed, the Bible as a foundational document counsels equity, justice, love, freedom, dignity, peace
and community as highest values, then these values should be reflected in belief structures and spiritual practices of
African Americans and should contribute to their well-being and to the well-being of all humankind and creation.
Presenter:
Rev. Lynice Pinkard
Title:
The Human Rights Church
(Interpretado en Español / simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish)
1:30 p to 3:00 p
Repeated 3:30 p – 5:00 p
Salon H
Description:
Working for human rights is an ethical imperative for all followers of Christ. MCC is nurturing a new generation of spiritual
activists to work for social and environmental justice and peace in the world. This workshop will explore the ethics
of doing global justice and human rights work, share about some of what MCC is already doing, and provide resources
for organizing a social justice ministry in the local church.
Presenter:
Rev. Elder Diane Fisher
Title:
What is the Emerging Church
(Interpretado en Español / simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish)
1:30 p to 3:00 p
Repeated 3:30 p – 5:00 p
Salon F
Description:
Trying to nail down exactly what the Northern American/UK/Pacific Rim Movement called the Emerging Church is a
little like nailing jelly to a wall. Join Rev Chris Dowd as he attempts to discuss a grab bag of ideas, values and concepts
that make up the Emerging Church.
Chris also explores the gifts that the Emerging Church brings to the table of the Universal Church. The workshop
ends with a 30-minute Emerging Worship Experience based on the Stations of the Cross.
Presenter:
Rev. Chris Dowd
Title:
Achieving Sustainable Holistic Growth
(Interpretado en Español / simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish)
1:30 p to 3:00 p
Repeated 3:30 p – 5:00 p
Salon F
Description:
What is your church’s strategy for moving newcomers from initial interest to fully-formed followers of Jesus? Do
you have a specific strategy? Is it working? Most church growth experts say sustainable growth is impossible without
such a strategy.
In this workshop, we will look at different “spiritual formation” models used by several leading churches, then
consider how those models might be adapted to an MCC setting. Specifically, Rev. Jeff Miner will share how these
models have been adapted to his congregation, Jesus MCC, Indianapolis, which has experienced explosive growth over
the past decade. (Attendance at Jesus MCC has grown from 45 to 450; weekly giving has grown from $500 to $8,500.)
This will NOT be a pie-in-the-sky theoretical discussion. You will leave this workshop armed with specific
practical strategies to enhance your own congregation’s spiritual formation process – and fuel holistic growth for years
to come.
Presenter:
Rev. Jeff Miner
Title:
AIDS and the "Kairotic Movement":
The Sacred Partnership of Healing and Social Justice
(Interpretado en Español / simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish)
1:30 p to 3:00 p
Repeated 3:30 p – 5:00 p
Salon H
Description:
Metropolitan Community Churches, at our heart, hold a sacred balance between healing and justice. Wherever
these two elements converge in the world, it is likely that our calling from God will be put to good use. AIDS is not the
only social justice work we do. Yet, in a critical sense, if we had not been first-responders, saturated to a person by
AIDS, then we might never have matured into the passionate advocates we are today.
After 25 years of service to people living with HIV/AIDS, Metropolitan Community Churches received a renewed
call from God. This era of rebirth expands our vision to one of global awareness. While our hands do not yet reach
into every community affected by AIDS, our prayers and our love, assuredly, do. Through the combination of local church
ministries, regional initiatives, and global outreach, Metropolitan Community Church es Global HIV/AIDS Ministry
serves as a voice of ethics in public healthcare and research, a provider of respite and care to those affected by this
disease, and as educators on the cutting edge of wellness.
In this time, we emerge into the global AIDS pandemic as survivors, as advocates, as spiritual leaders, and as
learned voices for ethics and equity in the care and treatment of all human beings. In all the many ways that God
has blessed us as a people with healing and restoration from HIV/AIDS, we go forward to serve others who now stand in
the fire of this pandemic.
This workshop dialogue will bring together a panel of people to share about next steps in the partnership
between healing and social justice. It is a time of co-creation and visioning for the future of our work in the global
HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Title:
Hope for Our Bodies: Living Longer, Feeling Better
1:30 p to 3:00 p
Repeated 3:30 p – 5:00 p
Salon G
Description:
Aging is a natural process. Still, many of us are caught off-guard by the changes in our bodies as we age. Here's the good
news. Abundant evidence from medical science now shows that there are specific things we can do to feel better
and live longer. In this workshop, we will review this evidence and become familiar with recommendations about how to
slow and even reverse some of the most disturbing consequences of physical age.
We may have a tendency to regard our own health struggles as personal failure. The truth is that obesity, diabetes,
heart disease, anxiety, and depression, among other things, are actually public health issues. There is a global
epidemic of preventable chronic diseases. These issues are political as well as personal, and they have everything to do
with our spirituality and with the healing of the planet.
Using a lecture format but also experiential and interactive exercises, we will explore the medical literature and
learn about how to use diet, exercise, and complementary approaches to prevent diseases such as type II diabetes,
hypertension, arthritis, coronary artery disease, depression, and osteoporosis. We will look at the connections between
corporate interests and the development of some of these diseases.
During the conference, health screening and counseling will be offered by UFMCC health professionals so you
can assess your own risk of disease and make a plan to optimize your health, as well as consider how you can help
make your own community more conscious and aware of these issues. (If you are a health professional yourself and
want to help in this effort, please email karen.ziegler@duke.edu.)
Presenter:
Rev. Karen Ziegler
Title:
Thinking About Tomorrow: Creating a Legacy for Ministry
Through Planned Giving
1:30 p to 3:00 p
Repeated 3:30 p – 5:00 p
McDowell Rooms
Description:
Over the years, many of our churches have been blessed by generous gifts such as wills/bequests, real estate or life
insurance benefits. This workshop will introduce you to even greater possibilities through intentional planned giving strategies.
Valuable information and insights on planned giving will be presented by David Ratcliffe, Director of the
prestigious Merrill Lynch Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management. He is a leading expert in planned giving,
especially for the LGBT community, and was instrumental in establishing the Sunshine Cathedral Foundation, now
in its eighth year of fundraising and investing.
The Rt. Rev. Grant Lynn Ford, who as Senior Pastor of the Sunshine Cathedral MCC for the past twenty years
has advocated a culture of abundance and generosity, will share experiences of successful approaches with major donors
and planned giving.
Rev. Elder Don Eastman, MCC’s Vice Moderator and senior specialist in church development, will explore how
excellence in holistic stewardship provides a context for your church to realize greater planned giving opportunities.
This workshop is about ideas you can take home with you and put into practice…now! It is also about finding
new connections in a network for support and success in building your church’s future.
Presenter:
Rev. Elder Don Eastman, Right Rev. Grant Lynn Ford and David E. Ratcliffe
David Ratcliffe
David Ratcliffe is Director of The Merrill Lynch Center for Philanthropy and
Nonprofit Management ("The Center"), a division of Merrill Lynch Trust Company
and Merrill Lynch Bank and Trust, FSB. The Center is nationally recognized as
a leading provider of philanthropic strategies, nonprofit investment management
and administration services as well as donor development, board and staff
consulting and individual philanthropic planning.
In his capacity, David oversees product development, implementation,
delivery and consulting of philanthropic financial planning services to professionals
and clients of Merrill Lynch throughout the United States. He also consults
directly with affluent clients of the firm involved in creating substantial current
and deferred gifts as well as private family foundations and supporting
organizations, and supports planned giving consultative services to Merrill
Lynch client nonprofit organizations. David also oversees the delivery of the
Merrill Lynch Community Charitable Fund, an innovative donor advised fund
solution for private clients.
Title:
Breaking Growth Barriers
(Interpretado en Español / simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish)
1:30 p to 3:00 p
Repeated 3:30 p – 5:00 p
Salon H
Description:
Every church faces a growth barrier. While some churches seem to break through other churches seem to grow to a
certain size and then decrease in attendance only to grow over time to the same level. Many churches repeat this
scenario many times over. Breaking the growth barriers is not about working harder or being more faithful, it is about
learning how to be church and community in new ways. Come and learn about the predictable plateaus. Develop
an understanding of each size and what strategies are needed to break through to the next level.
Presenter:
Rev. Elder Arlene J. Ackerman
Title:
Increasing Market Awareness of Your Church
Would Jesus Discriminate? Campaign
1:30 p to 3:00 p
Repeated 3:30 p – 5:00 p
Salon F
Description:
This workshop is designed to support churches as they increase market awareness of their ministries. The Would
Jesus Discriminate? Campaign is presented as an example of a “step by step” community engagement and marketing
strategy. This Campaign is based on Rogers’ five stage model for the diffusion of innovation The stages are:
Knowledge – consumers learning about the existence and function of the innovation
Confirmation – consumers indicating the ultimate acceptance (or rejection) of the innovation
Jesus MCC has now completed three phases of the campaign and All God’s Children in Minneapolis has completed the
first phase. A 16 percent shift in positive consumer attitudes towards LGBT people was demonstrated in Indianapolis.
The survey data from the WJD Campaign is consistent with our conviction that, if we really want to change the
minds of people who believe it is o.k. to discriminate against gay people, we must talk about Jesus and his life in a
way that is specific enough to help them see that there is an alternative way to interpret what we have been taught that
the Bible says about homosexuality. The Bible does not mention homosexuality as we know it today.
If we want to stop religious discrimination, we have to get to the core beliefs and the specific issues that underpin
this prejudice. We have to reveal that there is a viable alternative to the traditional negative biblical interpretation. I
believe that people are basically loving (as illustrated by their response to questions on our survey) and when released
of the moral bracketing with which they have been conditioned, they will discard negative teachings of their past.
In just one campaign in one city, we saw a 16 percent improvement in positive perception of gay and lesbian people.
The purpose of the Indianapolis Campaign was to explore whether public opinion can be influenced by an
intense, multifaceted, faith-based campaign in a major metropolitan area. Approximately 1.5 million people live in the
Indianapolis metropolitan statistical area.
Our Indianapolis Campaign began on May 28 – the day of the Indianapolis 500 Race (the world’s largest
single-day sporting event) – and ran for approximately 6 weeks.
Title:
Music for Worship: Ancient Promise, Presents Challenge, Future Hope
1:30 p to 3:00 p
Repeated 3:30 p – 5:00 p
McDowell Rooms
Description:
Our music of praise honors God in reflecting God's nature as Creator. We have been made in God's image, destined for
creativity and hard-wired to create and respond to music. This workshop will begin with fundamental questions.
Why is music so powerful and effective in expressing the ineffable? Should our experience of music in worship be passive
or active? Does our music speak to first-time visitors who may never have sung in church? If we are to incorporate
the music and poetry of all the Christian ages in worship, are we being elitist? If we are to choose one of the musics of
today to express our worship, do we exclude seekers from other generations and cultures? How can we endue our
worship music with creativity and wonder? We will then move to ways to choose best practices for each indigenous
worshipping community. How do we analyze and describe what is happening now in our music of worship? How do
we create change and enable effective leadership while nurturing the members and staff who currently serve in music
ministry? How do we recruit and retain music leaders in our congregations? How do we create congregational singing
that is vibrant in an age where community singing is becoming rare? How do we encourage music ensembles and choirs
to their highest level of creativity and service? How do we include emerging expressions of worship music without
dumbing down or neglecting the subtle and beautiful music and poetry of the Christian past and of the world-wide church?
Bring your curiosity, sense of wonder, singing voice, burning questions, and brief examples of what works.
Presenter:
Bob Crocker and Nicole Highhouse
Bob Crocker
Bob Crocker has been involved in Metropolitan Community Church since 1978.
He has been the music director of City of Angels MCC in Los Angeles since 2003.
Bob has 27 years of professional experience in church music, having served
churches and synagogues in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Among
the other congregations he has served are Metropolitan Community Church of
New York, Metropolitan
Community Church of San Francisco, and Unitarian Universalist
Church of Berkeley.
Bob teaches middle school bands, choruses, orchestra, and musical
theater at Brentwood School in Los Angeles. He has taught music on every
level from kindergarten to college. Bob has a Master of Music degree in choral
conducting from San Francisco State University. He lives in the Eagle Rock
neighborhood of LA with Bill Gallimore, Jim Mitulski, their four cats and their
many books.
Nicole Highhouse
Elevation Band Leader
Elevation Band
www.myspace.com/elevationbnd
n.highhouse@comcast.net
2400 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232
503-281-8868
Title:
The Resource Connection:
The World of Virtual Communication and Education
(Interpretado en Español / simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish)
1:30 p to 3:00 p
Repeated 3:30 p – 5:00 p
Salon G
Description:
In the last two years, the MCC Resource Team has worked hard to listen to your resource needs and find ways to meet
them. This workshop will focus on the considerable resources that are now available to you with particular attention
on TAP, our Virtual University. You will get an opportunity to experience this new technology in the workshop as well as
learn more about the educational opportunities that it affords.
If you want your congregation to have access to training and connection with others at an affordable price,
make sure you attend this workshop! If you would like to return to your church with the latest resources available to
you, make sure you attend this workshop!
Presenters:
Rev. Elder Lillie Brock
Kathy Beasley
Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner
Joshua Love
Melanie Martinez
Valarie Parson
Joshua Love
Joshua Love, Metropolitan Community Churches’ Program Director for HIV/AIDS
and the Drug Literacy Program, is a passionate advocate for LGBT health,
HIV/AIDS awareness, and drug use and addictions awareness. He travels to
communities around the United States and now to Africa to share a message
of hope and spiritual renewal. He is a survivor of crystal meth addiction and
HIV who brings his personal experiences to the development of community
dialogues. He filmed and produced a documentary on MCC’s mission work in
Zimbabwe at the Mother of Peace Orphanage, We Who Are One Body: A Spiritual
Walk With AIDS. This film is part of the MCC Resource Survival kit. The
International Association of Physicians for AIDS Care (IAPAC) recently published
an article by Joshua which has been distributed to more than 12,000 physicians
and Walgreen’s Specialty Pharmacies.
Joshua completed his Bachelor of Science in Human Services at
Skidmore College and is a student at Episcopal Divinity School seeking a M.Div.
Melanie Martinez
Melanie Martinez joined the staff of Metropolitan Community Churches as the
Executive Assistant to Rev. Elder Lillie Brock in 2003. After serving both Region 7
and Region 5, Melanie accepted the position as part-time Website Project
Manager in December 2004 and began MCC's transition to a new website
presence in January 2005. After guiding MCC through a search of database and
website options, Melanie brought to MCC a new website look and feel, as well
as a fully integrated database-driven portal for self-sufficiency in events management,
customer information management, fundraising management and more. Melanie
is a student at Perkins Divinity School at Southern Methodist University.
Melanie remained part-time support for Region 7 in her first year as
Website Project Manager. In 2006, Melanie transitioned to full-time Website
and Database Administrator while continuing to work with the Resource Team
and Virtual Church Team, both headed by Rev. Elder Lillie Brock. In her capacity
with the Resource Team, Melanie serves as technology consultant, web-media
developer and print-media developer. She also formed the Transgender Resource Team and manages projects to their
attention. In 2007, Melanie has formed the Worship Resource Team which will take on the task of providing well-
rounded worship resources for our global denomination.
Melanie has just completed her third year of seminary at Perkins School of Theology (May, 2007) in
anticipation of a future in theological studies and evangelism. Her passions include gender studies (focused on transgender
influences on Christian theological discussion) and music.
Valarie Parson
Valarie has more than 18 years of Information Technology Infrastructure
Support experience for nonprofit organizations. She has worked as an
Applications Software Consultant for healthcare organizations across North
America and Canada. Valarie has had the opportunity to author training guides
and knowledgebase documentation, and develop Website layout, navigation,
and application processing for Intranet sites.
Her educational accomplishments include the following:
■ Associates in Applied Sciences – Business Computer Programming
■ Bachelors of Science – E/Business
■ Masters of Business Administration – Health Care Management (HCM)
Valarie lives in Orlando, FL with her partner of 7 years, Kathy Beasley.
She says, “The most life-changing book that I’ve read (aside from the Bible)
is Conversations with God: an uncommon dialogue, by Neale Donald Walsch.”
Her favorite quote from that book is: “Mine is always your highest thought, your
clearest word, and your grandest feeling. Anything less is from another source.”
Kathy Beasley
TAP System Administrator
Metropolitan Community Churches, Region 7
http://www.mccchurch.org
TAP@mccchurch.net
Melanie Martinez
Director, MCC Online Services
MCC Webmaster
www.mccchurch.org
MelanieMartinez@MCCchurch.net
214-288-8219
Joshua L. Love
MCC Global HIV/AIDS and Drug Literacy Program Director
Virtual Church planning team
Metropolitan Community Churches
www.mccchurch.org/HIV
JoshuaLove@MCCchurch.net
213-321-3975
Valarie Parson
Database Administrator, Administrative Team Leader
Metropolitan Community Churches
www.mccchurch.org
ValarieParson@MCCchurch.net
P.O. Box 1374 Abilene, TX 79602
office: 214-269-3527
Workshops and Resources C33
A F F I N I T Y G R O U P S
A N D G A T H E R I N G S
Regional Gatherings
Come together with others from your region to meet and network. Get to know more about your Regional Elder
and important happenings from throughout your region.
3:30 p to 5:00 p
Meet and network with other conference attendees to chat about similar interests in specific areas.
Bisexual – Salon 2
Trans-Inclusive – Salon 4
Resource Team Goal: To develop, package and deliver quality resources to local churches that equip them for
growth, spiritual development and service.
Rev. Elder Lillie Brock brings expertise and experience in development, packaging and delivery of resources.
Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd brings expertise and experience in developing music and worship resources as well as
programs for lay ministry certification.
Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner deals directly with churches to meet their resource needs, serves as editor of the Resource
Connextion E-Letter, and acts as an interventionist.
Kathy Beasley manages the TAP program, our online education program.
Joshua Love is the MCC expert in developing HIV/AIDS and Drug Literacy Resources.
Melanie Martinez provides support in her role as Director of Online Services and Webmaster for MCC.
Valarie Parson provides support in her role as Database Administrator and Administrative Team Lead for MCC, as well
as to the TAP program specifically.
Be sure to pick up your MCC Resource Survival Kit at the Registration Desk or at the Resource Table located in the
Resource Expo and Music Showcase. Your Resource Kit is full of information about denominational resources available
to you and your local church, to help you do ministry! The Kit includes:
MCC Initiatives
Initiatives are programs with dedicated denominational staff and resources directed to a particular time
and place in the life of a local church. Three Initiative Programs offered through the denomination are described
by the following pieces:
MCC Church Planting Initiative Postcard
MCC Church Revitalization Initiative Brochure
MCC Transitional Ministry Initiative
TAP Postcard
TAP is the MCC telecommunication learning program that allows individuals in the local church to TRAIN,
ACCESS and PREPARE by taking classes from expert instructors around the world, with other local
MCC members around the world, in the comfort of your own home or office! This postcard provides
information on how to access TAP.
RE:source CD
This CD includes Administrative Resources and Ministry Tools developed, written, and produced by MCC, for
use in our local churches. Resources included on this CD include:
Stop by the MCC Resource Table in the Expo anytime during conference to:
If you have questions about a specific program, people will be available at the table
on the following schedule to help:
Offered in Portuguese,
German, French,
Spanish, and English
TA P : T R A I N , A C C E S S & P R E PA R E
Worship D1
Monday, July 2, 2007
Evening Worship
7:00 p – 9:00 p
Rev. Lynice Pinkard
Offering designated to Church Planting
Evening Worship
6:00 p – 7:30 p
Florin Buhuceanu – MCC, Eastern European Coordinator
Offering designated to Global Social Justice
D2 Worship
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Evening Worship
7:00 p – 9:00 p
Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski – MCC, Region 2 Elder
Offering designated to Global HIV/AIDS
Worship D3
Y O U R 2 0 0 7 G E N E R A L C O N F E R E N C E
Worship Team
D4 Worship
Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong
Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong is currently the minister of ‘Ohana Metropolitan
Community Church of Honolulu. Rev. Kwong is also the Executive Director of
the Counseling & Spiritual Care Center of Hawai‘i and a member of the American
Association of Pastoral Counselors. Prior to moving to Hawai‘i, Jonipher was
the interim pastor of Resurrection Beach Metropolitan Community Church in
Costa Mesa, California. He has founded two young adult groups, MCC-LA’s The
Tribe and RBMCC’s Tribe OC.
Born and raised in the Philippines, but ethnically Chinese, Rev. Kwong
grew up in an ecumenical background. He says, “What I valued about my
upbringing is my exposure to just about every Protestant denomination under
the sun--from Evangelical to United Methodist, Episcopalian to Calvary Chapel.
I was christened at a Gospel church and baptized as a Mennonite. My appreciation
of the interfaith world was deepened in seminary, when I encountered Hare
Krishna, Buddhist, and Wiccan colleagues. I became truly amazed at how
grand the Great Mystery is.”
Rev. Kwong obtained his Master of Divinity and his Doctor of Ministry degrees from Claremont School of
Theology. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Prior
to getting 'the call,' Rev. Kwong worked in the film industry for three years, followed by two years as a Graphics
Specialist at McKinsey & Company.
Joshua Love
Joshua, Metropolitan Community Churches’ Program Director for HIV/AIDS and
the Drug Literacy Program, is a passionate advocate for LGBT health, HIV/AIDS
awareness, and drug use and addictions awareness. He travels to communities
around the United States and now to Africa to share a message of hope and
spiritual renewal. He is a survivor of crystal meth addiction and HIV who brings
his personal experiences to the development of community dialogues. He shot
and produced a documentary film on MCC’s mission work in Zimbabwe at the
Mother of Peace Orphanage, We Who Are One Body:A Spiritual Walk With AIDS.
He completed his Bachelor of Science in Human Services at Skidmore College
and has served at the local and national level with Metropolitan Community
Churches. He has participated and worked in LGBT community development
and wellness for more than 15 years. Joshua’s combination of personal narrative
and community dialogue bring light to a set of challenging social and
spiritual topics.
Worship D5
Y O U R 2 0 0 7 G E N E R A L C O N F E R E N C E
Music Team
D6 Worship
Stephanie Lynne Smith
Born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, Stephanie Smith is an active pianist,
conductor, clinician, vocal coach, worship leader and chamber musician in
the San Francisco Bay Area. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Music
degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, studying with Alvin Chow
and Larry Graham, and a Master of Music degree in chamber music from the
San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Paul Hersh. Her
professional experience of more than a decade includes performing in
master classes for Menahem Pressler and Emmanuel Ax, working with
renowned composers such as Alden Jenks, David Garner and David Conte, and
providing accompaniment for such luminaries as Sharon McNight, B.D. Wong
and Tony Award winner Alan Cumming.
After accompanying the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco Chorus
for two years, Stephanie was appointed Artistic Director and Conductor in
2002. She directs LGCSF in multiple performances annually and regularly
collaborates with other organizations including the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. An exciting highlight of her career
with LGCSF came in July, 2004, when she led the Chorus at the quadrennial Festival of GALA Choruses in Montreal
before an audience of 3,500. Stephanie looks forward to taking both LGCSF and the MCCSF music department to the
GALA Festival in Miami 2008.
Stephanie is proud to be the founding music director of New Spirit Community Church in Berkeley, CA and
firmly believes that Spirit is freely flowing in the world today. After 3 years at New Spirit, Stephanie received a clear call
to leave the church, in spite of the fact that there was nothing "wrong". She took two months off before another call
came to serve as music director at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, a small, gay-friendly parish in San Francisco. Six months
later, she was "perfectly happy", minding her own business when the Spirit troubled the waters and moved her from
a nice, quiet parish on the hill to the charismatic, urban ministry of MCC San Francisco. Almost 2 years later, Stephanie
feels God's presence firmly guiding her and gives thanks every day for the opportunity to serve this amazing congregation.
In addition to her work at LGCSF and MCCSF, Stephanie is a co-founder of Gay, Lesbian and Allied Musicians (GLAM)
Youth Choir, serves as Vice-Chair of the GLAM Steering Committee, is President of the Board of the Jon Sims Center
for the Arts, and teaches grades K-5th grade classroom music at Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. She is honored to be
on the music team for MCC General Conference and absolutely loves working with Candy, Orgena and Wayne.
Orgena Rose
With a powerful voice as comfortable with soul gospel as it is with opera,
singer/songwriter, performer and vocal coach, Orgena Rose is a dynamic talent
whose passion is inspiring others to be God's Love and Light. In addition to
traveling around the country giving concerts and leading vocal workshops for
many MCC and other spiritual gatherings, Orgena has also performed in many
professional venues. Highlights of her career include: performing in Ragtime on
Broadway, touring in Jelly's Last Jam and other shows nationally and
internationally, soloist at Carnegie Hall, appearances on the Rosie O'Donnell
show, the Today Show, the Tony Awards and two PBS specials, The Making of
Ragtime and Breaking All the Rules where she sang back up for Patti Labelle;
numerous commercials and the upcoming BBC made for TV movie, Pandemic.
Her new CD titled, It's All About Love, a collection of original songs that will
inspire the heart, lift the spirit and heal the soul is due to be out in January.
Worship D7
In addition to singing, Orgena has been a vocal, dance, and drama teacher, director and music director for more
than 12 years at schools and organizations such as the Westminster Conservatory of Music, Mercer County Performing
Arts High School, Arizona Theatre Company, and the Arizona School for the Arts as an Artist in Residence for the Phoenix
Theatre. She has served as a music director and worship coordinator for MCC district, regional and PAD conferences
in addition to being a soloist at the 2002 and 2005 General Conferences. She offers vocal coaching and workshops to
individuals and groups across the country. More information can be found at www.orgenarose.com.
Wayne Davis
Wayne Davis has been involved in Music and Worship ministry since an early age.
On his journey he has served in a variety of areas both as a staff member and
lay ministry. He has served many Dallas area churches as a Minister of
Music/Worship including directing adult & children’s choirs, handbells, praise
teams, audio/visual teams, pastoral assistant and much more. Wayne has served
as Music or Worship staff for three MCC Churches including, MCC of Oak Cliff
(now Promise MCC), Cathedral of Hope MCC and MCC of Greater Dallas.
Currently he is an active ministry leader at MCC of Greater Dallas serving in areas
of music, worship, décor, praise team and as lay delegate. Wayne’s diverse
experience of ministry has afforded him unique opportunities and experiences.
He excels in the areas of administration, logistics, planning and implementation.
Wayne served as a member of the Worship Team for the 2006
Scottsdale Regional Conference and this is his first General Conference to serve
in leadership. Wayne takes ministry seriously, but with a fun-loving attitude, and
comes to ministry with a servant’s heart and a sweet spirit. Wayne’s life story would not be complete if we did not recognize
his community service. Wayne, in addition to his work with MCC, is also a very active member of the local Dallas
LGBTQ community planning conferences, contests, fundraisers and serving in many charitable organizations including
Leather Knights, Discipline Corps, Dallas Bears and Texas Bear Round-Up and the United Court of the Lone Star Empire.
Currently, Wayne holds the title of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor XXXII of Dallas and all Northeast Texas with
the Dallas Chapter of the International Court System. All of the mentioned organizations provide life sustaining and
desperately needed funds for local HIV/AIDS charities. Wayne believes his community service is as paramount as his
spiritual service and challenges others to join in the good work.
Wayne is excited about the work of MCC and comes expecting great things, ready to share and celebrate.
D8 Worship
B U S I N E S S M E E T I N G
8:00 a - 8:00 p
Registration is open for the General Conference and for the Business Meeting
(separate sign in to register for the business meeting and to receive voting cards)
10:30 a - 12:00 p
Workshop: Business Meeting 101 for Clergy (and anyone else, too)
Come and get a sneak preview of what to expect at the General Conference business meeting.
Business Meeting E1
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
10:30 a - 12:00 p
Business Forums:
Grand Salons A - G
1:00 p - 2:30 p
Business Meeting
■ Seating of Delegates
■ Consider Amendments to the Conference Procedures Manual
■ Report of the Moderator
■ Report of the Executive Director
2:30 p – 2:45 p
Break
E2 Business Meeting
2:45 p - 4:30 p
Business Meeting
4:45 p - 5:30 p
International Meeting
for Clergy and Lay Delegates from outside the United States
Business Meeting E3
M E T R O P O L I TA N C O M M U N I T Y C H U R C H E S
Metropolitan Community Church is a denomination and a movement, which is reflected in our organization and structure.
We are a church and have a “blended,” ecumenical polity that includes elements of the Congregational,
Presbyterian (representative) and Episcopal systems.
The governance of our denomination is vested in the lay delegates and clergy of MCC, who vote at Regional
and General Conferences. The General Conference establishes the by-laws and structures that provide a framework
for our organization and for local churches. Each local church has its own by-laws, based on a common model, that sets
forth the particulars of how that church will be governed. Our churches are governed by a congregational meeting,
which elects a Board and the pastor.
The General Conference elects the Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches. The Moderator is the
spiritual leader of and chief spokesperson for the denomination and who leads the Board of Elders. Regional Elders
are elected by the Regional delegates, and serve fulltime in their ministry. The Board of Elders has ecclesial oversight of
local churches, and oversight of MCC programs and ministries, and, with the Executive Director, is responsible for
implementation of the Strategic Plan passed by the General Conference.
In order to undergird our global movement, the Board of Elders appoints a Board of Administration. These
Board members are volunteers, and are the corporate officers of MCC, oversee the finances and budget (with input
from the Elders), and personnel policies. The BOA, in turn, with the advice and consent of the Moderator, hires our
Executive Director, who is our Chief of Operations and who oversees finances and operations. In this way, we have a
non-profit structure that complements our ecclesial structure.
The Leadership Team, (Moderator, Executive Director, Chairs of the BOA and the Vice Moderator)
empowered by both Boards, oversees what is a “circle of mutual accountability” between the two Boards, the Moderator
and the Executive Director.
The Board of Elders and BOA cooperate and collaborate on matters of by-laws and governance, according
to established procedures.
The Lay delegates at the General Conference also elect the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Lay Ministry Council,
and other members are appointed by the Board of Elders. The Lay Ministry Council serves the laity of MCC by
assisting in the development of Lay leadership and ministry resources, providing workshops, and offering advice and
support to the leadership of MCC around issues of concern to the laity.
The Board of Elders also makes appointments to the U.S. Board of Pensions, the Moderator’s Nominating
Committee, and other Teams and Committees that serve MCC.
Our Elders, Executive Director and staff work in offices in various centers throughout the world. Our
Business Office/ED’s office is in Abilene, Texas, our Moderator’s office is in Sarasota, Florida, and our Office of Public
Relations is in West Hollywood, California.
E4 Business Meeting
DONORS & SPONSORS
DONORS & SPONSORS
D O N O R S A N D S P O N S O R S
The MCC Founder’s Circle, which began in 2002, supports the continuing ministry of Retired Rev. Elder Troy Perry. Early
in 1968, before the Stonewall Riots, Rev. Elder Troy Perry assembled people interested in the practice of Christian
religion in a way that was fully inclusive and that created safe spaces for LGBT people of faith to gather in community for
worship and service. Rev. Elder Troy Perry is continuing to work with global HIV/AIDS intervention, World Pride and
seminaries. He served as trustee on the board of the Chicago Theological Seminary. Founder’s Circle donations range from
$61 to $1199 per year, typically paid in monthly or quarterly installments by credit card or electronic check.
Participate on-line at www.MCCchurch.org/FoundersCircle
Arlene Ackerman
Michael Albrecht
Mia Andersen
Thomas Artist, Jr.
Joe R. Baker
Jennifer Banks
Patricia Beaver
Jeff Bert
Mark G. Bidwell
David Bieniek
James Birkitt, Jr.
Penny Bolin
G.G. Brafford
Adrian Buganey
Stephanie Burns
Stephen J Buski
Debra J Byers
Jane Carl
Therese Colbum
Edgard Danielsen-Morales
Christy Ebner
The MCC Legacy League, which began in 2005, supports the development of formal training and education alliances with
seminaries and institutions of higher learning that offer non-discriminatory admission to LGBT students of faith. The
League also funds Interim Pastoral Ministry training and placements as well as continuing education for pastoral leaders,
sabbatical studies, ecumenical and interfaith alliances. There are also scholarship programs to seminaries and that
directly support students. Legacy League donations range from $1200 to $4999 per annum typically paid in monthly or
quarterly installments.
Timothy Anderson
Marvin N Bagwell
Jeff Bert
Debra J Byers
David Chaparro
Carol Cockrell
Michael Cole
Judy Dale
Dee Dale
David Dishman
Donald Eastman
David S. Farrell
Diane Fisher
Samuel Ramirez Garcia
John Gill
Allan C Hauth
Sir Robin R. Hixson
Candy Holmes
Phyllis Hunt
David Johnson
Charles G. Kanavel
At General Conference, it is our distinct pleasure to honor the Founder’s 500 members for their visionary contributions
to the capital campaign to acquire property in West Hollywood, California. The property was acquired for $3,850,000
with more than 60 percent of the down payment provided by Founder’s 500 donors.
The property served both the Fellowship and MCC LA in wonderful ways for many years and was sold on
April 27, 2007 for $12,350,000. Part of the MCC share of proceeds from the sale have served to establish the MCC
Endowment Fund.
Both MCC LA and the Fellowship retired the remaining mortgage on the property and MCC LA is now involved in
a property search. The provisions of sale made it possible for MCC LA to remain in the property for one year during
this search process. Please take a moment to thank the Founder’s 500 members for their faithfulness to our movement
and ministry and their willingness to serve as visionary “architects” of our future. The gifts of 500 truly multiplied
with the oversight of our leadership and today we have the foundation for the next generation of MCC. We want to lift up
the names of the MCC LA Board (including Moderator Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson who was the MCC LA Senior Pastor at
the time of the purchase), the MCC General Council and Rev. Elder Troy Perry and Rev. David Farrell for their tireless
efforts to tour the globe and tell the story of this investment in 1995-1996.
The MCC Faithful 100 Campaign began at the installation of Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson at the Washington National Cathedral
in 2006. It bridges the projected gap between tithe assessments from local churches and the global annual operating
budget of Metropolitan Community Churches from 2006 through 2011. In some regions, religious oppression and cultural
bias limits access to the life changing message of Jesus Christ for all people and LGBT people are particularly
vulnerable to attack in those places. The cost of operation of support programs in these places exceeds the capacity of
local churches in North America to provide through tithe assessments. Faithful 100 donors guarantee that the
mission and ministry of MCC can advance in those areas of emerging opportunity in the world by pledging $5000 per
annum (minimum) for three to five years. Participate on-line at www.MCCchurch.org/Faithful100
Onetta Brooks
Pat Bumgardner
Diane Fisher
Mary Jane Gibney
Mark Infusino
Al Leach
David Reesman
Barbara Sagat
Sharon Stover
Paula Schoenwether
Ann Solitro
Fran Vassilaros
Nancy Wilson
Unlisted Private Donors
A Better Answer
www.abetteranswer.com
American Airlines
www.aa.com
Merrill Lynch
www.ml.com
Navratilova Inc.
www.martinanavratilova.com
Board of Elders
Stephen Harte
Secretary
Marsha Warren
Treasurer
Marvin Bagwell
Board Member
Barb Crabtree
Board Member
John Vespa
Board Member
Mel Johnson
Chair
Bryan Parker
Vice-Chair
Shawn Henderson
Council Member
Jan Miels
Council Member
Marsha Steven-Pino
Council Member
Randy Williams
Council Member
Kathy Beasley
Confidential Executive Assistant, Region 7
Jim Birkitt
Director of Communications
Florin Buhuceanu
Eastern European Coordinator, Region 5
Franklin Calvin
Support Staff
Carlos Chavez
Director of Global Community Building and Strategic Implementation
Ritchie Crownfield
Executive Liaison and Confidential Assistant to Elder, Region 2
Judy Dale
Special Assistant, Communication and Lay Resources
Christy Ebner
HIV/AIDS Ministry and Drug Literacy Program Assistant and Conferences Associate
Vickey Gibbs
Confidential Assistant to the Regional Elder, Region 6
Bill Hooper
Support Staff
Tessa Lee
Confidential Executive Assistant, Region 4
Joshua Love
MCC Program Director of Global HIV/AIDS Ministry and Drug Literacy Program
Steve Marlowe
Accounting Staff
Melanie Martinez
Website Manager, Online Resource Publications, Database Administration
Valarie Parson
Administrative Team Leader
Stedney Phillips
Regional Executive Assistant, Region 1
Gelson Piber
Coordinator of Church Planting in Brazil, Pastor of ICM Niterói
Joseph Rattan
Design Communications Coordinator, Professional Volunteer
Enrique Zenteño
Assistant, Region 6
Frank Zerilli
Confidential Assistant to the Founder and MCC Archivist
DonEastman
The Sixth of July
July 6, 2007
Congretational Hymn
led by Danny Ray
Personal Tribute
Lupe Valdez, Sheriff of Dallas County
Personal Tribute
Rev. Brent Hawkes, Pastor, MCC Toronto, Canada
Introduction
Rev. Rev. Charles Tigard
Family Testimony
Sue and Tom Walker
A Special Invitation
Rev. Tony Freeman and Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
Closing Prayer
Ms. Judy Dale