2007 Conf Binder Cover

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES GENERAL CONFERENCE 2007 July 2 - 6, 2007 Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION CONTENT PAGE

A. Welcome MCC Statement of Vision, Purpose and Direction A2 General Information A4 Hotel and Meeting Room Maps A6 Local Tourist Information A8 Featured Guests A10 Awards and Acknowledgements A17 Thanks You’s A19

B. Schedule Conference Highlights B1 Schedule of Events B6

C. Workshops and Resources Plenaries C1 Bible Study C6 Workshops At-a-Glance C7 Workshops Descriptions C9 Affinity Groups C34 Resources C36

D. Worship Worship Overview D2 Worship Team D4

E. Business Meeting Business Schedule E1 How We Are Organized E4

F. Donors and Sponsors MCC Founders Circle F1 MCC Legacy League F4 Founders 500 F6 Faithful 100 F7 Sponsors F8

G. Leadership and Staff Board of Elders G1 Board of Administration G6 Lay Ministry Council G8 Team MCC C9

H. Tribute To Don Eastman H1

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME

From the Moderator

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!

In Jesus name, and for Justice,

Rev. Elder Nancy L. Wilson

Moderator Metropolitan Community Churches

WELCOME

From the Executive Director

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.

Blessings and Peace,

Rev. Dr. Cindi Love

Executive Director Metropolitan Community Churches

WELCOME

From MCC’s Founder

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,

Rev. Dr. Troy D. Perry

Founder Metropolitan Community Churches

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Conference Highlights

Fundraising Golf Tournament July 2 7:00 a – 12:00 p, Fairmont Princess TPC Golf Course Join Col. Grethe Cammermeyer, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Rev. Dr. Cindi Love and other Golfers to raise money for MCC’s Children and Youth in a full tournament at the Scottsdale Princess’ award winning Tournament Players Club golf course, home of the PGA tour’s FBR Tournament.

Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible School July 2 – 6 We’re introducing a new concept for Conferences to address the growing number of youth in our church. Phyllis Grubb of Exodus MCC in Abilene, Texas will be leading our first ever General Conference Vacation Bible School for children ages 3 - 12. The program includes a full week of events that are sure to keep our MCC youngsters very busy.

Oral History Project As part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Metropolitan Community Churches on October 6, 2008, a historical timeline with narrative and oral histories is under development to share many of the important events in MCC's history as a movement, ministry and community. I'm pleased to invite you to participate in this historical project documenting the amazing impact of Metropolitan Community Churches over the past four decades. If you will be at General Conference, you can schedule your oral history interview on-site for incorporation into our virtual archives on-line at www.MCCchurch.org Your oral history will be taken either by recorder or in-person by MCC staff members Angel Collie and Rev. Karla Fleshman and a team of volunteers, and then transcribed by Frank Zerilli. These person-to-person interviews will take place on July 2, 2007, from 8 AM to 5 PM, and again during the breakfast hour on Wednesday, July 4, and again on Friday, July 6. During these hours, recorders will also be available for you to enter your responses to the interview questions. If you choose to record your interview, you will be asked to fill out a short form before you begin your name, address, telephone number and e-mail. This form will be numbered. When you begin recording your interview, state your name, address and telephone number before you begin to answer questions and tell your memories. State the number on your form and then you will begin. We hope to photograph or videograph as many individuals as possible during the person-to-person interviews.

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.

Ecumenical/Inter-Religious Listening Post July 6, 12:00 p - 1:30 p Buffet lunch available for purchase, Salon 8 Are you interesting in learning more about MCC's ecumenical and inter-religious work with other denominations and religious organizations? MCC's Ecumenical and Inter-religious Team met in March to kick off their work and has a lot of plans for growing MCC's work in linking with other people of faith all over the world. Team chair Stan Kimer and other team members will be on hard to share a brief presentation of the team's work and plans, and will answer your questions and discuss how you can get involved. Come for the whole time or just drop in for a few minutes, and before conference check out the new Ecumenical / Inter-religious section on the MCC web page: www.mccchurch.org/ecumenical

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.

Awards Ceremony and Reception: Stars, Sequins and Satisfaction Guaranteed July 4, 7:30 p – 10:30 p Grand Salons A to G Be sure to dress up for this fancy affair. We will honor outstanding members of our MCC community and many others. Be prepared to laugh and applaud, but most of all be ready to look fabulous on the Red Carpet.

Theological Education Breakfast July 6, 7:00 a – 8:00 a Grand Salons H & I The gathering for what’s happening in theological education. We will honor Rev. Dr. Bob Goss and Rev. Dr. Mona West for editing and contributing to the Queer Bible Commentary, as well as other contributors, unveil plans for our new network of alumni associations, and discuss the status of scholarship funds.

Hosted by Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski, Rev. Elder Nori Rost and Rev. Robert Griffin and MCC’s Office of Clergy Development.

Special Rate Buffet July 2 – 6 The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has graciously provided our MCC Conference attendees with a special low rate buffet for purchase for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meals will range in price from US$12 to US$15 with tax and gratuity included! Meal times will vary to accommodate our busy conference schedule. Check the detailed schedule section of your Program Book for times.

Resource Expo and Music Showcase July 2 - 6 Conference Center East Foyer Be sure to stop by our sponsors booths and ministry tables to learn more. Take a break from the conference schedule, and enjoy some music from various MCC music ministers and ministries. The Conference Expo will commence on Monday July 2nd at noon and continue until conference ends.

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 SPECIAL FEATURE

Call Me Troy

Tuesday, July 3 & Thursday, July 5 at 9:30 p Grand Salon H and I

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:

Scott Bloom began working professionally in Southern California 15 years ago as a freelance editor for Feature Documentaries, Situation Comedies, Film Trailers and Reality Television. In 2005, Scott began stretching as a Producer and Director by shooting and editing the award winning documentary Original Pride: The Satyrs Motorcycle Club, his first independently produced feature length film which premiered at Film Festivals and on television networks around the world. Call Me Troy is Scott's second documentary. It is his hope that the early struggles of the community depicted in this film, and one man's personal story of his civil rights journey, provide an historic foundation for textbook learning for generations to come. Scott resides in Los Angeles with his partner Larry and their dog Kody.

Schedule of Events B5 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Monday, July 2, 2007

CHILDREN & YOUTH DAY

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 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday July 3, 2007

CHURCH PLANTING DAY

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 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Wednesday July 4, 2007

GLOBAL SOCIAL JUSTICE 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 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

B10 Schedule of Events 9:00 a – 5:00 p Tribute Video Production Room, Salon 2

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

Bury The Chains: Decolonizing Scripture adn Theology, Re-forming African American Spirituality Rev. Lynice Pinkard McDowell Rooms

Marriage and Family Equality Rev. Neil Thomas Salon G

What is the “Emerging Church?” Rev. Chris Dowd Salon F

The Human Rights Church Rev. Elder Diane Fisher Salon H

3:00 p – 3:30 p Health Screening, Salon 3

Schedule of Events B11 3:30 p – 5:00 p Workshops:

Bury The Chains: Decolonizing Scripture adn Theology, Re-forming African American Spirituality Rev. Lynice Pinkard McDowell Rooms

Marriage and Family Equality Rev. Neil Thomas Salon G

What is the “Emerging Church?” Rev. Chris Dowd Salon F

The Human Rights Church Rev. Elder Diane Fisher Salon H

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

B12 Schedule of Events Schedule of Events B13 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Thursday July 5, 2007

HIV/ AIDS DAY

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 – 5:00 p Video Production Room, Salon 2

B14 Schedule of Events 10:30 a – 12:00 p Plenary: Thriving with HIV - Home of Red Ribbon, a Lesbian Bar and the 7th Century Jesus Sutras - What Does It Mean For MCC? Rev. Elder Hong Tan and Panel Grand Salons A to G

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:

Thinking About Tomorrow: Creating a Legacy for Ministry Through Planned Giving Rev. Elder Don Eastman, Rt. Rev. Grant Lynn Ford and David E. Ratcliffe McDowell Rooms

Hope for our Bodies: Living Longer, Feeling Better Rev. Karen Ziegler Salon G

Achieving Sustainable Holistic Growth Rev. Jeff Miner Salon F

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

Schedule of Events B15 3:30 p – 5:00 p Workshops:

Thinking About Tomorrow: Creating a Legacy for Ministry Through Planned Giving Rev. Elder Don Eastman, Rt. Rev. Grant Lynn Ford and David E. Ratcliffe McDowell Rooms

Hope for our Bodies: Living Longer, Feeling Better Rev. Karen Ziegler Salon G

Achieving Sustainable Holistic Growth Rev. Jeff Miner Salon F

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

B16 Schedule of Events Schedule of Events B17 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Friday, July 6, 2007

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

B18 Schedule of Events 9:00 a – 5:00 p Video Production Room, Salon 2

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:

Increasing Local Market Awareness of Your Church Would Jesus Discriminate? Campaign Rev. Dr. Cindi Love Salon F

The Resource Connection: The World of Virtual Communication and Education Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, Valarie Parson, Kathy Beasley, Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner, Joshua Love Salon G

Breaking the Growth Barriers Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman Salon H

Music For Worship: Ancient Promise, Present Challenge, Future Hope Bob Crocker & Nicole Highhouse McDowell Rooms

Schedule of Events B19 3:00 p – 3:30 p Health Screening, Salon 3

3:30 p – 5:00 p Workshops:

Increasing Local Market Awareness of Your Church Would Jesus Discriminate? Campaign Rev. Dr. Cindi Love Salon F

The Resource Connection: The World of Virtual Communication and Education Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, Valarie Parson, Kathy Beasley, Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner, Joshua Love Salon G

Breaking the Growth Barriers Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman Salon H

Music For Worship: Ancient Promise, Present Challenge, Future Hope Bob Crocker & Nicole Highhouse McDowell Rooms

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

B20 Schedule of Events WORKSHOPS & RESOURCES WORKSHOPS & RESOURCES WORKSHOPS AND RESOURCES

PLENARIES

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

About the Participants:

Rev. Paul G. Fairley Rev. Paul Fairley is Director of Worship & Engagement at MCC Toronto. He has served MCC Churches in local and denominational ministry since 1998, including the General Conferences in Toronto, Dallas and Calgary. In 2006, he accompanied Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson with MCC's delegation to the World Council of Churches' General Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brasil. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Paul is a graduate of The University of Toronto (B.A., Literary Studies, 1992) and Pacific School of Religion (M.Div., 2003). Paul's primary interests are church development and liturgy, along with almost anything science-fiction related. Find out more about Paul on LivingFusion.org or at www.paulfairley.ca.

Workshops and Resources C1 Rev. Elder Nancy L. Wilson Rev. Nancy Wilson joined MCC as Associate Pastor of MCC Boston in 1972 at 22 years of age. She served as Pastor of MCC Detroit from 1975 to 1979 and was elected Elder in 1976. She moved to Los Angeles in 1979 and became Clerk of the Board of Elders, a position she held for 10 years, seven of them full-time at UFMCC Headquarters. In 1986 she became Pastor of MCC Los Angeles where she served from 1986 to 2000. She became UFMCC’s first Chief Ecumenical Officer, a post she held for 23 years, representing UFMCC to the World Council of Churches as its official observer in Canberra, Australia (1991) Harare, Zimbabwe (1998) and Porto Alegre, Brazil (2006). She served as Vice-Moderator of the Board of Elders from 1993 to 2001. In 2001, she was elected Senior Pastor of Church of the Trinity MCC in Sarasota, Florida. In 2005, she was elected to the position of Moderator and was installed on October 29, 2005 at the Washington National Cathedral. She has her office in Sarasota, Florida. Rev. Wilson was involved in the move of the MCC LA church from the theater on Hill Street to its present location in West Hollywood with UFMCC Headquarters. She oversaw the rebuilding of that facility after the 1994 earthquake. Additionally, she started a Latin Ministry and a youth outreach program for which a Ford Foundation grant was obtained. Wilson was founder of Free Spirit MCC, an outreach to women incarcerated at California Institute for Women, and sponsored the first three UFMCC Conferences for “MCC Women in Ministry.” Her published works include: Our Tribe: Queer Folks, God, Jesus and the Bible (Alamo Press); with Fr. Malcolm Boyd, Amazing Grace; and her prayers and poems are included in Race and Prayer edited by Malcolm Boyd and Chester Talton (Morehouse Press). She is a popular preacher and speaker; has been honored with the first “Lazarus Award” from the Presbyterian Church and was invited to preach at the Earl Lectures at Pacific School of Religion in January 2002.

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.

C2 Workshops and Resources Bishop Yvette Flunder Bishop Flunder founded the City of Refuge Community Church UCC in 1991 in order to unite a gospel ministry with a social ministry. City of Refuge is a thriving inner-city congregation that celebrates the radically inclusive love of Jesus Christ. Preaching a message of action, the church has experienced steady numerical and spiritual growth and is now located in the south of Market area of San Francisco at 1025 Howard Street. A native San Franciscan, Bishop Flunder is a third generation preacher with roots in the Church of God in Christ. She was licensed in the COGIC and later ordained by the Bishop Walter Hawkins of Love Center Ministries where she served as Associate Pastor and administrator for the Oakland-based Love Center Church. In 1984 Bishop Flunder began performing and recording with “Walter Hawkins and the Family” and the Love Center Choir. Bishop Flunder is also an ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ and a graduate of the Ministry Studies and Master of Arts programs at the Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, California. She received a Doctor of Ministry degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo California. In June 2003 Bishop Flunder was consecrated Presiding Bishop of Refuge Ministries/The Fellowship 2000 a multi-denominational fellowship of 110 primarily African-American Christian leaders and laity representing 56 churches and faith-based organizations from all parts of the United States and Africa. Responding to the needs of the AIDS epidemic, Bishop Flunder and her staff opened Hazard-Ashley House and Walker House in Oakland and Restoration House in San Francisco through the Ark of Refuge, Inc., a non-profit agency which provides housing, direct services, education and training for persons affected by HIV/AIDS in the Bay Area, throughout the USA and in three countries in Africa. Restoration House is a dual-diagnosis residential facility for African-American women and the first of its kind in San Francisco. Walker House is licensed by the State of California as a Critical Care Facility. The Ark provides HIV/AIDS education and prevention services targeting the African American and African faith community. The Ark recently opened, in collaboration with AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the Magic Johnson Clinic to provide primary medical care services. The Ark also provides substance abuse intervention programs, transitional housing for homeless youth, mentorship programs and a computer lab and audio/video training for community youth. Bishop Flunder serves as CEO of the Ark of Refuge, Inc., board member of the National Sexuality Resource Center, and she is a member the Religion Council of the Human Rights Campaign. She also serves as chair of the Social Justice Commission for the World Bishop’s Council and as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Justice and Witness Ministry of the United Church of Christ. Bishop Flunder has served as past President of the Board of Directors for the Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ, as a board member of the Shanti Project, as chair of the San Francisco Inter-religious Coalition on AIDS, Chair of the Black Adoption Placement and Research Center, founding member of the African-American Interfaith Alliance on AIDS, member of the Alameda County Ryan White Consortium, a member of the San Francisco HIV/AIDS Planning and Prevention Council, a consultant to the Congressional Black Caucus Health Brain Trust, and as a member of the California Ryan White Working Group. Bishop Flunder is much sought after as a preacher, educator, conference speaker and singer. She has been invited to minister and serve throughout the nation and many points abroad. Published work can be found at http://www.sfrefuge.org/books.shtml

Bishop Flunder has received many awards for her work in the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with the elderly and youth.

Workshops and Resources C3 Title: Thriving with HIV - Home of Red Ribbon, a lesbian bar and the 7th century Jesus Sutras - what does it mean for MCC? July 5, 2007 - 10:30 a to 12:00 p Grand Salons A - G

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

About the Presenter: Hong Tan is the first Sexual Health Programme Director for the National Health Service in London which covers over £500million of health services. He led the development of London's HIV strategy whilst the Lead Commissioner for HIV services and has over 20 years of commissioning experience in health and social services. He advises the UK's Department of Health and is a member of its National Sexual Health Programme Board, the UK's Health Protection Agency (Communicable Disease Control) Board for Chlamydia Screening Programme and has been asked to join the Government's Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health/HIV. He was also the first Asian Elder in MCC for over 10 years and prior to this, the first indigenous European District Co-ordinator. Founding MCC North London, he pastored this for 10 years.

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.

C4 Workshops and Resources Title: The Fellowship of Those Who Suffer July 6, 2007 - 9:00 a to 10:00 a Grand Salons A - G

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

About the Presenter: Peggy Campolo, an advisory member of the Council of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, is a highly-visible advocate for the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people within the church. She is a member of PFLAG and Evangelicals Concerned and belongs to Central Baptist Church in Wayne, Pennsylvania, one of two “Welcoming and Affirming” American Baptist congregations in the Commonwealth. A graduate of Eastern University, Mrs. Campolo is a writer and editor. She contributed to a book edited by Walker Wink entitled Homosexuality and Christian Faith—Questions of Conscience for the Churches. Mrs. Campolo has been an advocate for justice for her LGBT sisters and brothers since 1994. She is a highly sought-after speaker at conferences, churches and colleges. She and her husband, Tony reside in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of two grown children and have four grandchildren.

Workshops and Resources C5 BIBLE STUDY

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.

Bible Study Leaders Bible study will be lead by MCC’s Regional Elders. Participants are assigned to specific bible study groups based on the color dot assigned to you at conference registration. We respectfully ask that you attend only the bible study assigned to your color dot group.

Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman Rev. Elder Lillie Brock Rev. Elder Diane Fisher Rev. Elder Darlene Garner Rev. Elder Ken Martin Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd

C6 Workshops and Resources WORKSHOPS

Workshops at a Glance

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

1:30 p to 3:00 p First Freedom First, Donna Red Wing McDowell Rooms

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

1:30 p to 3:00 p and repeated from 3:30 p to 5:00 p

Bury the Chains: Decolonizing Scripture and Theology, Re-forming African American Spirituality Rev. Lynice Pinkard McDowell Rooms

Marriage and Family Equality Rev. Neil Thomas Salon G

What is the Emerging Church (Interpretado en Español / simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish) Rev. Chris Dowd Salon F

The Human Rights Church (Interpretado en Español / simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish) Rev. Elder Diane Fisher Salon H

Thursday, July 5, 2007

1:30 p to 3:00 p and repeated from 3:30 p to 5:00 p

Thinking About Tomorrow: Creating a Legacy for Ministry Through Planned Giving Rev. Elder Don Eastman, The Right Rev. Grant Lynn Ford and David E. Ratcliffe McDowell Rooms

Workshops and Resources C7 Hope for Our Bodies; Living Longer, Feeling Better Rev. Karen Ziegler Salon G

Achieving Sustainable Holistic Growth (Interpretado en Español / simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish) Rev. Jeff Miner Salon F

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

Friday, July 6, 2007

1:30p to 3:00p and repeated from 3:30 p to 5:00 p

The Resource Connection: The World of Virtual Communication and Education (Interpretado en Español / simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish) Rev. Elder Lillie Brock, Valarie Parson, Kathy Beasley, Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner, Joshua Love Salon G

Increasing Local Market Awareness of Your Church Would Jesus Discriminate? Campaign Rev. Dr. Cindi Love Salon F

Breaking the Growth Barriers (Interpretado en Español / simultaneous interpretation available in Spanish) Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman Salon H

Music For Worship: Ancient Promise, Present Challenge, Future Hope Bob Crocker and Nicole Highhouse McDowell Rooms

C8 Workshops and Resources WORKSHOP DETAILS

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

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

About the Presenter: Donna Red Wing is the Senior Advisor for Program & Development to The Interfaith Alliance in Washington, DC. She is also the Director for First Freedom First. In a 2004 Des Moines Register article, columnist Rob Borsellino wrote, “You've got activist Donna Red Wing - called the "Most Dangerous Woman in America" by the Christian Coalition - stumping for Howard Dean,” when describing her work as a Dean for President and national staff person. In 1999, while the National Field Director for The Human Rights Campaign, Red Wing was the first recipient of the Walter Cronkite Award for Faith and Freedom. She served as chair of the Regional Selection Committee, and member of the National Selection Committee, of Leadership for a Changing World, a program of the Ford Foundation in partnership with the Advocacy Institute and the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University. She was the Democratic candidate for Colorado House District 25 in 2004. Red Wing served as the National Field Director for GLAAD and as the Policy Director at the Gill Foundation, where she managed the National Faith Leadership Project. She was Executive Director of the Lesbian Community Project, in Portland, Oregon, from 1989 until 1993 and worked against Ballot Measure 9, and was named the “Woman of the Year” award from the Advocate Magazine. Red Wing served on the Boards of Directors of The Advocacy Institute and The Mautner Project in Washington, DC. She is a 2004 Policy Leadership Fellow with the Bighorn Center and has completed leadership training at the Center for Creative Leadership in Colorado Springs. Red Wing received her B.A. in Fine Art from Assumption College and her M.A. from Clark University, both in Massachusetts. Donna Red Wing lives in the mountains of Colorado with her partner of 21 years, Sumitra, with their wire-haired dachshund, Doc Watson and Cinnamon, a golden Aussie. Her son Julian Dylan Russell is a photographer in Boston.

Workshops and Resources C9 Presenter Contact Information: Donna Red Wing Senior Advisor for Program & Development The Interfaith Alliance www.firstfreedomfirst.org, www.interfaithalliance.org [email protected] 1212 New York Avenue, NW, 7th Floor Washington, DC 20005 Office: 303-670-5013 or 202-639-6370, x105 Cell: 303-903-3621

C10 Workshops and Resources Wednesday, July 4, 2007

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

About the Presenter: Rev. Neil Thomas is currently the Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church, Los Angeles, the founding church of Metropolitan Community Churches, an international movement of churches reaching in and beyond the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, and inter-sex community. A part of the denomination for 26 years, Reverend Thomas has served in numerous positions including Chair, Board of Ordained Ministries (European District); Member, Elder’s Task Force on Education, Member, European District Committee; Member, Board of Samaritan College in Europe; Supervising Pastor; and Ecumenical Officer. As a native of Bournemouth, England, Reverend Thomas grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In later years, he worshipped in a number of different churches including the Church of England and Baptist traditions. He attended St John’s Theological College (Church of England), La Saint Union (Roman Catholic) and King Alfred’s College, and graduated with a BA (M. Div [USA equiv]). He is currently enrolled in a Doctorate program at San Francisco Theological Seminary. Rev. Thomas served as the Senior Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church, Bournemouth following his ordination, serving in this capacity for 12 years. He was instrumental in founding churches in Southampton, Brighton, Dorchester, and Torquay, (England). In 2002 he answered a call to ministry in Los Angeles where he currently serves as Senior Pastor. Well known for his social activism he has been instrumental in feeding programs for the homeless, night and day shelters, safer sex initiatives, establishing relations with police and LGBTQ communities, Over the Rainbow, (a drop in center offering counseling, support and information), LGBTQ youth services, as well as challenging laws that continue discrimination and intolerance. He also served as Chaplain to the Sanctuary (an HIV/AIDS hospice), five drug and alcohol rehab houses, Women’s Refuge and the Mayor of Bournemouth. He also served as Chair of Relate (Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch) – a relationship counseling organization.

Workshops and Resources C11 In 1998 he was honored by an invitation from HRH Queen Elizabeth II to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his work in the Bournemouth community. Rev. Thomas is a contributing author of Daring to Speak Love’s Name, and From Queer to Eternity. He has also been featured in a number of journals relating to queer theology and ministry to the LGBTQ community. As Senior Pastor of MCCLA, Rev. Thomas is building a strong community of faith that is firmly rooted in the call to be ministers in the world. He believes that God is calling us all to make a difference and to reach the world, one life at a time. Rev. Thomas currently serves as President of California Faith for Equality, an interfaith coalition that is building a strong voice in bringing about Marriage Equality in California, President of the Los Angeles LGBTQI Clergy Council and serves Metropolitan Community Churches on the California Council of Churches.

Presenter Contact Information: Rev. Neil G Thomas Senior Pastor Metropolitan Community Church Los Angeles 8714 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 854 9110 310 854 9119 (Fax) [email protected] www.mccla.org

C12 Workshops and Resources Wednesday, July 4, 2007

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

About the Presenter: Lynice Pinkard was born in Santa Barbara, CA to the late Rev. Daniel Pinkard and Marquita Kinkard. She grew up in Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri and finished high school at Skyline High School in Oakland, California. As a result of her rich heritage in the A. M. E. church and the witness of her parents’ commitment to social justice and community service, very early in her life, Lynice developed a keen awareness of and sensitivity to the ways in which disparities of power and forms of oppression affect the quality of the lives of many people in America and around the world. For the past twenty years, Rev. Pinkard has dedicated her life to the work of ministry: pastoring, community organizing and engagement, writing, advocacy, counseling and healing. Lynice received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampton University, and holds Master of Divinity and Master of Arts degrees from the Pacific School of Religion, as well as a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from California State University, Hayward. Much of her research and scholarship has focused on the intersection of gender, racial, and spiritual identity, and she has paid particular attention to issues of homo-negativity in Black church and community contexts, to the psycho-social impact of internalized homophobia on African-American l/g/b/t/qs, and to ways that African-American l/g/g/b/t/qs can achieve an integration of positive spiritual and sexual identities. Lynice Pinkard is a practicing family therapist and Program Development Specialist for the San Francisco Department of Public Health. She also serves as Associate Pastor of First Congregational Church of Oakland. Rev. Pinkard was a founding elder and former Associate Pastor of City of Refuge United Church of Christ.

Workshops and Resources C13 Presenter Contact Information: Lynice Pinkard Reverend First Congregational Church of Oakland www.firstoakland.org [email protected] 2501 Harrison Street Oakland, CA 94612 510-393-2992

C14 Workshops and Resources Wednesday, July 4, 2007

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

About the Presenter: Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, the Regional Elder for Region 5 has been a member of MCC for twenty plus years. She has been involved denominationally as the Chair of the Women’s Secretariat and Canada’s Ecumenical and Interfaith Liaison, and locally, she pastored Free To Be, MCC in Belleville for ten years. She served as a District Coordinator for Eastern Canada and the Northeast District before being elected to serve in region 5. During her time as an elder she has worked to strengthen local churches, support pastors, and to stand in solidarity with and work in Eastern Europe with the LGBTQ communities. She sits on the denomination’s Global Justice Team, the Ecumenical and Interfaith Team and is the liaison elder to MCC’s Disability Forum and the Women in Ministry conference. Her greatest joys are her daughter Karli, her partner Judi, her puppy Nikki. Her passion is making a difference in the world.

Presenter Contact Information: Rev. Elder Diane Fisher Regional Elder MCC Region 5 [email protected] 530 Salem St. Wilmington, MA 01887 (978) 447-1794

Workshops and Resources C15 Wednesday, July 4, 2007

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

About the Presenter: Rev. Chris Dowd began a Church with a difference in Birmingham, UK. Inspired by a mix of post modernism and Celtic Christianity, Journey Metropolitan Community Church was formed with the intention of reaching out to those uninspired by the standard offerings of Church. Three years on and with over 40 members Journey has become a thriving congregation with innovative and exciting worship, social programmes and activities. Chris has been an enthusiastic of both the environmental movement and the fair trade movement. Chris has encouraged Journey to set up a fair trade stall in the Church and also to only use Fair Trade and environmentally responsible products in the Church. He will be encouraging you to offset your carbon emissions generated by your flight to conference and visit the Region 4 Fair Trade Stall. Chris lives in Birmingham with his partner Will and their two dogs Honey and Beatrix. When he is not working for the Church he runs his own management consultancy which works in Housing and Social Care.

Presenter Contact Information: Rev. Chris Dowd Journey MCC www.mccbirmingham.com [email protected] 17 Shaws Passage Birmingham B5 5JG

C16 Workshops and Resources Thursday, July 5, 2007

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

About the Presenter: Rev. Jeff Miner has served for ten years as Senior Pastor of Jesus Metropolitan Community Church in Indianapolis. He also currently serves as Chair of MCC’s Board of Administration. He is author of a prominent book on homosexuality and the Bible entitled The Children Are Free: Re-examining the Biblical Evidence on Homosexuality and the Bible. Jeff’s church launched the first Would Jesus Discriminate? Campaign in Indianapolis resulting in a 16 percent positive shift in attitudes towards LGBT people. Jeff is a graduate of Harvard Law School, Bob Jones University, and MCC's former Samaritan Process. He lives with his spouse of 16 years, David Zier.

Presenter Contact Information: Rev. Jeff Miner Senior Pastor Jesus Metropolitan Community Church www.jesusmcc.org [email protected] 2950 E. 55th Place, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220 317-722-0000

Workshops and Resources C17 Thursday, July 5, 2007

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.

C18 Workshops and Resources Presenter: Joshua L. Love

About the Presenter: 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. He has participated and worked in LGBT community development and wellness for more than 15 years and as a lay leader in MCC of the Rockies in Denver.

Presenter Contact Information: Joshua L. Love MCC Global HIV/AIDS and Drug Literacy Program Director Virtual Church planning team Metropolitan Community Churches www.mccchurch.org/HIV [email protected] 213-321-3975

Workshops and Resources C19 Thursday, July 5, 2006

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 [email protected].)

Presenter: Rev. Karen Ziegler

About the Presenter: Rev. Karen Ziegler (MSN DMin) attended her first MCC worship service in 1972. She served as Worship Coordinator of MCC New York from 1978 to1979 and Senior Pastor from 1979 to1988. She worked for the People With AIDS Coalition and the AIDS Resource Center and then returned to school to study nursing, eventually practicing in the areas of hospice, geriatrics, and neuro-oncology. She currently teaches at Duke University School of Medicine and is a Family Nurse Practitioner at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center. This year she completed a Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. A preaching prize was established in her honor at Union Theological Seminary. It is awarded annually to the student who "represents the highest ideals of feminism and liberation theology in the present day by articulating a new a vision for a more just church and world for all God's people." She gives UFMCC all the credit for nurturing her passion for this vision, and it continues to form her work every day. She lives in Durham, NC with Randa McNamara, her partner of 20 years.

C20 Workshops and Resources Presenter Contact Information: Rev. Karen Ziegler, RN FNP MSN DMin Family Nurse Practitioner Duke Diet and Fitness Center, Duke School of Medicine [email protected] 919-683-2553

Workshops and Resources C21 Thursday, July 5, 2006

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

About the Presenters:

C22 Workshops and Resources Rev. Eastman worked professionally for nine years in the voluntary public health field with the American Lung Association in Wisconsin and Iowa where he served first as a program director and then as an executive. He resigned as the Vice President of the American Lung Association in Iowa to accept the pastorate of MCC in Dallas. As a dedicated student of church life and growth, Rev. Eastman has been one of MCC’s most passionate advocates for ministry excellence in local churches. In 1995, he created the Strategic Growth Initiative, which provided training programs, consultation services and other resources to support thousands of local leaders in building healthier churches. Upon completion of his current term as MCC’s Vice Moderator in 2007, Rev. Eastman will continue his work to support local church leaders through the new Ministry Excellence Center, a chartered ministry of the Sunshine Cathedral MCC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in association with Metropolitan Community Churches.

Rt. Rev. Grant Lynn Ford The Rt. Rev. Grant Lynn Ford has been the pastor of Sunshine Cathedral MCC for over two decades. Under his leadership Sunshine Cathedral has grown exponentially to become one of the largest churches in the UFMCC, now with two worship sites: Fort Lauderdale and Jamaica. Pastor Ford is the writer of more than 40 hymns and he is the editor of Spirit & Truth magazine. He also serves as Rector of Light University, which offers adult learning in South Florida and soon on the web, and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Florida Center for Theological Studies. Before coming to Fort Lauderdale, he had been the pastor of Holy Covenant MCC in the suburbs of Chicago, the abbot of the Poor Servants of Jesus, an ecumenical order, the publisher of GayLife,“the Midwest Gay Newsleader,” a radio and television Gospel Music personality, and a Minister of Music on the staffs of large Pentecostal churches in Oregon, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Pastor Ford was first ordained in the Assemblies of God and later consecrated as a bishop in the Old Catholic tradition; his credentials were ultimately transferred to MCC. He is a graduate of Bible Standard College in Eugene, OR (now known as Eugene Bible College). He is a Life Member of both the Hymn Society of the U.S. and Canada and the International New Thought Alliance.

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.

Workshops and Resources C23 David joined Merrill Lynch Trust Company in July 1994 as the Regional Director of Merrill Lynch Trust Company in South Florida. Prior to working at Merrill Lynch, David was Senior Vice President in the Trust and Investment Management Group for SunTrust Bank. At Merrill Lynch, David served as the South Florida Trust Manager and the National Manager of a team of Philanthropic Consultants located in strategic Merrill Lynch Trust Company markets throughout the United States. The Philanthropic Consultants represent the products and services of The Center accessible through Merrill Lynch. David is designated as a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy. He was awarded his BA degree from Wake Forest University. In addition, he received his Trust Certification from the Florida Trust School, University of South Florida and was later appointed Director of the School. Other professional merits include certifications from the Wharton School of Business and Miami University School of Law and American College and Regis University. His civic and community involvement currently includes leadership positions with the Planned Giving Advisory Council of Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the New York Public Library; the LGBT Community Center of Greater New York; Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund; Fire Island Pines Arts Project Board and Pines Community House Capital Campaign Committee; Sunshine Cathedral Foundation, Inc.

Presenter Contact Information: Rev. Elder Don Eastman Vice Moderator Metropolitan Community Churches [email protected]

Rt. Rev. Grant Lynn Ford Canon Pastor Sunshine Cathedral Fort Lauderdale & Jamaica www.sunshinecathedral.org [email protected] 1480 SW 9th Ave. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315

(954) 462 2004 David E. Ratcliffe Director Merrill Lynch Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management www.askmerrill.com [email protected] 2 WFC, 38th Floor New York, New York 10281 212-236-3590

C24 Workshops and Resources Friday, July 6, 2007

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

About the Presenter: Rev. Elder Arlene J. Ackerman has been an active member of Metropolitan Community Church (UFMCC) since 1974. Since becoming MCC clergy in 1977 she has served as a pastor, associate pastor and interim pastor serving congregations in California, Oregon and Minnesota. She has also worked as a church growth consultant and for twelve years as a District Coordinator until she was elected Elder in 2002. Since 1982 Arlene has been an ardent student of church growth and development. And, for the past 30 years as MCC clergy has either intentionally served in churches of different sizes, lead churches through transitional sized and/or provided resources and consultation for churches going through transitional change. Arlene lives in Landisville, Pennsylvania with Jacquie, her spouse of twenty–seven years, and their eighteen-year-old daughter Amanda.

Presenter Contact Information: Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman PO Box 276 Landisville, PA 17538 Phones: Office - 717 898-3713 Fax: 717-898-3714 Cell: 717-368-2352 not available during office hours

Workshops and Resources C25 Friday, July 6, 2007

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

Persuasion – consumers becoming convinced of the value of the innovation

Decision – consumers committing to the adoption of the innovation

Implementation – consumers putting it to use

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.

C26 Workshops and Resources Presenter: Rev. Dr. Cindi Love

About the Presenter: Rev. Dr. Cindi Love is a charismatic corporate executive who grew up in one of the ten most conservative cities in America (Abilene, Texas) in a “literalist” evangelical church. Until 1980, she aspired to be a good wife and mother and readily accepted the prohibitions against women participating in leadership in her church. Then her world shifted dramatically and in less than four years, she founded a company that became #73 on the INC 500 Fastest Growing Private Businesses in North America in 1990. MIT and the Young Entrepreneur’s Organization named her one of the top 50 entrepreneurs in North America in 1990. She founded one of the largest Apple computer sales agencies in the United States, served on two commissions by appointment of the Texas Legislature and the list goes on. In 2003, she was ordained as a minister of the Gospel by Metropolitan Community Churches and appointed to the MCC Board of Administration. She served as the Senior Pastor of MCC of Greater Dallas for one year and was then called to the role of Executive Director of MCC. She serves as one of the ten religious voices on the Human Rights Campaign Faith and Religion Council in Washington D.C.. She also serves as an advocate for adults who are chronically disabled and, when time permits, serves as guest preacher for churches. Her favorite sermon title? You guessed it. Would Jesus Discriminate? Ask her what her greatest achievement has been and she will say, “I have three. Discovering my relationship to the Holy. Giving birth to Joshua and Hannah” (now ages 33 and 30) and marrying Sue (her life-partner of 27 years).

Presenter Contact Information: Rev. Dr. Cindi Love Executive Director Metropolitan Community Churches www.mccchurch.org [email protected] PO Box 1374, Abilene, TX 79604 310-861-4658

Workshops and Resources C27 Friday, July 6, 2007

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

About the Presenters:

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.

C28 Workshops and Resources Nicole Highhouse Nicole Highhouse has been attending MCC Portland for more than five years. Two years ago she and a handful of others created the Elevation Band to support MCC Portland's Elevation service—an outreach to younger adults. Though the band and its ministry are the main focus and joy of her life, she works in software sales, tinkers in web design (such as the MCC Portland website) and travels whenever the opportunity arises.

Presenter Contact Information: Bob Crocker City of Angels MCC [email protected]

Nicole Highhouse Elevation Band Leader Elevation Band www.myspace.com/elevationbnd [email protected] 2400 NE Broadway Portland, OR 97232 503-281-8868

Workshops and Resources C29 Friday, July 6, 2007

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

About the Presenters:

Rev. Elder Lillie Brock Lillie Brock was ordained into professional ministry in June, 2000. After her ordination, she became the Pastor of Congregational Life and later, the Pastor of National Ministry at the Cathedral of Hope MCC in Dallas, TX. Since January of 2003, Lillie has been serving in her role as the Elder for Region 8 and presently in the newly formed Region 7. Lillie has also spent much of her career as a business owner. She is the co-author of “The Secret to Getting through Life’s Difficult Changes” which features the Change CycleTM model that has been used by organizations around the world. Since 1986, Lillie has been a business owner, company executive, author and speaker. She has held different kinds of leadership positions for the last 20 years and believes that being a good leader requires humility, being a life-long learner and deep respect for those you lead. Lillie lives with her partner Juley and their ten year old daughter, Savannah in Dallas, TX.

C30 Workshops and Resources Kathy Beasley Kathy's professional career includes 10 years of decorated military service. Kathy brings more than 10 years of Information Technology systems support management combined with human capital management, change management and customer expectation building for both public sector and nonprofit organizations, to her experience. In addition, Kathy has also served as a Radiology/Digital Imaging System Administrator for a regional based healthcare organization in Central Florida. Currently, she works as the Executive Assistant to the MCC Region 7 Elder and the administrator of MCC’s online education forum – TAP (Training Access Preparation). She is also a Formation Student at the Florida Center for Theological Studies. Her educational accomplishments include being awarded the Bachelor of Science in Business Management & Masters of Arts in Organizational Management. Kathy resides in beautiful Orlando, FL with her life and business partner of 7 years, Valarie Parson and their three dogs Bandit, Rascal & Harley.

Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner was ordained in 2001 by MCC. Sharon’s pastoral experience includes working in a number of positions over seven years at The Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, TX where she served as Pastor of Congregational Care upon her departure in 2003. She served as Associate Pastor of Congregational Care at Promise MCC in Dallas, TX for approximately one year prior to coming to work for the denomination part-time as Resource Specialist and part of the Region 7 staff in January of 2006. Sharon completed an interim appointment at Resurrection MCC earlier this year where she served as Director of Worship on a part-time basis, and now is happy to have only one job, working full-time for the denomination on the Region 7 staff team where she serves as Resource Specialist. Sharon resides in Houston, TX where she is a member of Resurrection MCC.

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.

Workshops and Resources C31 He has participated and worked in LGBT community development and wellness for more than 15 years and as a lay leader in MCC of the Rockies in Denver.

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.”

C32 Workshops and Resources Presenter Contact Information:

Rev. Dr. Sharon Bezner Resource Specialist Metropolitan Community Churches www.mccchurch.org [email protected] 214-306-6402

Rev. Elder Lillie Brock Metropolitan Community Churches Region 7 Elder serving Western Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories), and the U.S. States of Colorado, Florida, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas (Northern) www.mccchurch.org/reg7 [email protected] 27355 Villa Creek Rd, Ste. 290 Farmers Branch, TX 75234 Office: 214-306-6399 Cell: 214-287-3351

Kathy Beasley TAP System Administrator Metropolitan Community Churches, Region 7 http://www.mccchurch.org [email protected]

Melanie Martinez Director, MCC Online Services MCC Webmaster www.mccchurch.org [email protected] 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 [email protected] 213-321-3975

Valarie Parson Database Administrator, Administrative Team Leader Metropolitan Community Churches www.mccchurch.org [email protected] P.O. Box 1374 Abilene, TX 79602 office: 214-269-3527 Workshops and Resources C33 AFFINITY GROUPS AND GATHERINGS

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.

Monday, July 2, 2007 1:30 p – 3:00 p

Region 2 – Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski – Grand Salon G

Region 3 – Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman – Grand Salon F

Region 7 – Rev. Elder Lillie Brock – McDowell Rooms

3:30 p to 5:00 p

Region 1 – Rev. Elder Ken Martin – McDowell Rooms

Region 4 – Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd – Sonoran Room

Region 5 – Rev. Elder Diane Fisher – Grand Salon G

Region 6 – Rev. Elder Darlene Garner – Grand Salon F

C34 Workshops and Resources Affinity Groups

Meet and network with other conference attendees to chat about similar interests in specific areas.

Monday, July 2, 2007 10:00 p

Asian Pacific Islanders – Salon 10

Charismatic MCCers – Salon 2

Clergy Spouses – Salon 3

Conociendo Ministerios Hispanos – Salon 1

HIV Spirit Space – Salon 9

People of Leather Among You (PLAY) – McDowell Rooms

Disability Forum – Salon 4

The Progressive Church – Salon 7

Young Adult Social – Salon 8

Tuesday, July 3, 2007 9:30 p

Bisexual – Salon 2

Cancer Survivors – Salon 7

Cigar Aficionados – Cazadores Lounge

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

Thursday July 5, 2007 10:00 p

Servicemembers and Veterans – Salon 8

Workshops and Resources C35 RESOURCE TEAM

Resource Team Goal: To develop, package and deliver quality resources to local churches that equip them for growth, spiritual development and service.

Your Resource Team

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.

Bryan Parker represents the Lay Ministry Council.

C36 Workshops and Resources RESOURCE SURVIVAL KIT

Metropolitan Community Churches Resource Survival Kit

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:

Tools for Social Transformation Case This two-disc set includes: Rev. Troy Perry: Pastor of Hope, Prophet of Inclusion DVD We Who Are One Body: A Spiritual Walk With AIDS DVD Would Jesus Discriminate Informational CD

Spiritual Gift Inventory A complimentary copy of the new Spiritual Gifts Inventory written by the authors of Creating a Life That Matters, produced and distributed by MCC, and now for sale through the denomination.

Creating a Life That Matters (CLM) Information Brochure A trifold brochure describing the new adult spiritual curriculum written by three MCC ordained clergy, which is produced, distributed, and sold by MCC.

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.

TAP Business Card TAP is going international! And, our Moderator is teaching the first international TAP class, available in French, German, Portuguese, Spanish and English. Details are located on the TAP Business Card.

Workshops and Resources C37 MCC Certification Program Postcard Certification is conferred by the denomination after completing intensive training with experts and demonstrating competency. MCC currently offers certification in two programs: Change Cycle and Creating A Life That Matters. Information about certification can be found on this postcard.

Teen Curriculum Postcard MCC has a new Teen Curriculum! Written just for us! Find information about this new curriculum here.

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:

items to list (?)

MCC RESOURCE TABLE

Stop by the MCC Resource Table in the Expo anytime during conference to:

■ see hardcopies of Resources.

■ sign up as a Resource Volunteer.

■ Learn more about our Resources!

If you have questions about a specific program, people will be available at the table on the following schedule to help:

Tuesday, July 3: CLM Wednesday, July 4: CRI Thursday, July 5: TAP Friday, July 6: All Others

C38 Workshops and Resources MINISTRY TOOLS

Becoming a Vibrant Church Keys to a Vibrant Church include creating family-like dynamics that exist within a relatively small group of people for the purpose of connecting with others both spiritually and socially; gathering around a common cause with an identity that tracks closely with the issues that are most important to those involved; and developing a congregation by designing systems and structure that build efficiency, visibility, stability, and growth. This Church Vibrancy Kit includes articles, actions, devotions and eletters on mission/outreach, education, financial health and congregational care as well as a bibliography and PowerPoint presentation. Church Vibrancy Assessment Tool – This tool assists congregations in determining what areas of ministry need attention in order to bring them to a place of vibrancy.

God’s French Fries This comprehensive tithing program includes a kick-off sermon, support materials, and follow-up strategies specifically for use in MCC churches large or small. Included is a program map that provides the big picture; sample letters, releases, and thank yous for your program; and administrative pages to print out and create a binder just for your event. You will also find that each letter, form, card, and sign is already formatted with graphics and ready for printing...just add your name, your church name, and your dates! Membership Class Support Materials – Included are a PowerPoint presentation of talking points that review the History of MCC; a Fun Facts Quiz; and a list of available multimedia support, one of which is included in your Resource Survival Kit: Rev. Troy Perry: Pastor of Hope, Prophet of Inclusion.

Workshops and Resources C39 ADMINISTRATIVE RESOURCES

Board of Directors Handbook This comprehensive manual provides policies, procedures, and information on topics every local church deals with including bylaws, church membership, committees, lay delegates, pastors, finances, vacancies, officers, Board of Directors, congregational meetings, and denominational history and structure.

Pastoral Performance Evaluation This document provides assistance with conducting pastoral evaluations and includes guidelines for effective reviews, a sample rating tool and directions for utilizing the rating tool.

How To Create a Personnel Handbook A draft document, this personnel handbook is a thorough compilation of personnel issues dealt with in the local church.

Risk Management Guide This document, prepared by our denominational attorneys Robert Brockman and Neal Meyers, provides a risk management overview and includes information on the topics of negligence, premises and auto liability; clergy and staff interaction with members; employment; financial misconduct; defamation; fiduciary responsibility of elders; and provides sample forms including applications; references; releases; hold harmless, and agreement not to sue; parental consent; building rental; and background check forms. SignToday atUp the Resource Table in the Expo Hall Writing Pastoral Contracts

A document prepared by Judy Dale, former International Class chair of our Board of Administration, which assists 2020 Vision: in writing pastoral contracts. Key Questions About Giving God Our Best MCC's Future A customer service survey for churches Taught by developed by Rev. Jon Haack. Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson

Offered in Portuguese, German, French, Spanish, and English

To find more information on MCC programs: www.mccchurch.org 866-HOPE-MCC

TAP: TRAIN, ACCESS & PREPARE

C40 Workshops and Resources WORSHIP WORSHIP WORSHIP

Worship D1 Monday, July 2, 2007

Evening Opening Worship with Communion 6:30 p – 8:30 p Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson – MCC Moderator Offering designated to Children and Youth Ministries

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Morning Devotion and Communion 8:00 a – 8:45 a Rev. Carol Trissell – MCC of Greater St. Louis Offering designated to Emerging Church Ministries

Evening Worship 7:00 p – 9:00 p Rev. Lynice Pinkard Offering designated to Church Planting

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Morning Devotion and Communion 8:00 a – 8:45 a Jeff Lutes – SoulForce, Executive Director Offering designated to Conferences and Training

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

Morning Devotion and Communion 8:00 a – 8:45 a Rev. Nokuthula Dhladhla – Hope and Unity MCC, Johannesburg, South Africa Offering designated to Excellence in Ministry

Evening Worship 7:00 p – 9:00 p Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski – MCC, Region 2 Elder Offering designated to Global HIV/AIDS

Friday, July 6, 2007

Evening Closing Worship 7:00 p – 9:00 p Rev. Elder Don Eastman – MCC, Vice Moderator Offering designated to Ecumenical and Interfaith

Worship D3 YOUR 2007 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Worship Team

Rev. Kharma Amos Rev. Kharma Amos received her Master's of Divinity Degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, PA; she is currently a student in the Doctor of Ministry program at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. Kharma has been affiliated with MCC churches in Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia since 1991, and was Ordained into the Ministry of Metropolitan Community Churches in May, 2002. Kharma was called to serve MCC NOVA as Interim Pastor in September of 2002, and has been serving as fulltime Pastor of MCC NOVA since August of 2003. A native of Missouri/Oklahoma, Kharma currently resides in Fairfax, Virginia with her partner of 8 years, Kala Payne, their two dogs (Sarah and Jessie), and cat, Winston. In addition to her passionate interest in progressive spirituality, MCC’s broad array of social justice activities, and queer theory, Kharma is an avid lover of music, reading, Birkenstocks, and the Vicar of Dibley. She is committed to lifelong learning, laughing every day, and trying not to take herself too seriously.

Rev. Dr. Edgard Danielsen-Morales Rev. Dr. Edgard Danielsen-Morales is currently the Associate Pastor at MCC New York. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Edgard’s spiritual journey began in the Baptist and Charismatic traditions. Because of his sexual orientation, his church stripped him of his lay ministry, and any future possibility to enter in the ordination process. Edgard’s journey brought him to Reencuentro, the first theological reflection group for and by LGBT people in Puerto Rico, and to the National Ecumenical Movement of Puerto Rico. The experience with these two organizations opened his eyes to the ecumenical and interfaith world, its challenges and promise. In 1996 Edgard found his spiritual home in MCC where he reclaimed his call to the pastoral ministry. He was ordained in 2002 and began his pastoral work at ICM Cristo Sanador. After being called by MCC NY in 2004, he left behind his home church, and his position as a tenured Professor of Chemistry at the University, and moved to NYC where he lives with William, his partner of 16 years. Edgard´s work in the wider community of MCC is in the areas of preaching, and education and training of clergy candidates and laity. He has passion for Latin America that shows through his commitment to leadership development in our churches in Latin America.

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 YOUR 2007 GENERAL CONFERENCE

Music Team

Rev. Candy Holmes Rev. Candy Holmes brings to MCC rich perspectives and insights stemming from her spiritually diverse and musical life experience. From her Baptist, Pentecostal, and Interfaith background, she has honed gifts of musical direction, administration, preaching, and healing. Additionally, Candy has been a leader in weaving music with social justice and ecumenical endeavors in the local community and nationally. Today, Candy is engaged in multi-faceted ministry. When called upon musically, she guest directs, conducts music clinics, and assists churches to enhance their music ministries. She has guest conducted choirs for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Capital Campaign Dinner with President Bill Clinton, the HRC Millennium March Equality Rocks Concert with George Michaels, Janet Reno at the World Aids Day Memorial (U.S. Justice Department), the Mothers Against Drunk Driving International Conference, National Cathedral Concerts, the MCC World Jubilee, MCC Regional and mini conferences, MCC People of African Descent Conferences, and various MCC churches. She has also worked along side such music notables as Chaka Khan and Roberta Flack, and MCC music evangelists Rev. Delores Berry and Marsha Stevens. Candy’s other passions include conference planning, healing ministry, and diversity planning all of which she is actively engaged in within and outside MCC. She has been the Chair for the People of African Descent Conference for two successive sessions and has served in varying leadership roles with the Conference for 10 years. Candy has participated in successfully organizing various MCC and ecumenical conferences. Candy is from Washington, DC and has been in MCC since 1988. While a member of MCC DC, she served as the music director for the MCC DC Gospel Choir. During that time, the choir recorded the highly acclaimed CD “Something Inside So Strong,” which was nominated for a GLAMA award. Under her direction, the choir served as musical evangelists spreading the awe-inspiring news of God’s unconditional love for all at various conferences, and at ecumenical and community events. Whether you find Candy preaching or leading a healing service, chairing the People of African Descent Conference, participating on the People of African Descent Advisory Council, or leading the General Conference Music Team; you will find her happily working out her mission and motto – “Be the change you want to see.” Candy is pursuing her Masters of Divinity degree and completing her 30th year as a civilian employee serving at the Government Accountability Office as an IT Manager. She is a member of Christ the Liberator, MCC and resides in Laurel, Maryland (USA) with her partner, Debra Rose.

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.

First Line Volunteers Sandi Baker Ben Keim Rev. Delores Berry Kathleen McGuire Cheryl Bragg Steven Marlowe Goldie Brown Norma Sharpe Steven Couch Marsha Stevens-Pino Michael Diaz Roland Stringfellow Rev. Wanda Floyd Justin Vaughn

D8 Worship BUSINESS MEETING

Monday, July 2, 2007

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)

Location: Conference Center, East Foyer Desk

10:30 a - 12:00 p

Workshop: What Does a Lay Delegate Do? This workshop is highly recommended for first time Lay Delegates as a great orientation to the world of MCC conferences, structure, business meetings and bylaws. During this interactive workshop participants will learn more about what to expect during the business meeting at General Conference and how to enhance their role as Lay Delegate by serving as a conduit of news, resources and information to and from the local church and Fellowship.

Facilitated by the Lay Ministry Council The Lay Ministry Council (LMC) is a group of elected and appointed laypersons authorized by the General Conference to foster excellence in lay ministry through collaboration in the assessment of needs and development of resources. The current LMC members are from Australia, Canada and the USA and consist of: Mel Johnson, Chair; Bryan Parker, Vice Chair; Judy Dale, HQ Staff Member; Shawn Henderson, Member; Jan Miels, Member; Marsha Stevens-Pino, Member; and Randi Williams, Member. Contact the Lay Ministry Council at [email protected].

Location: McDowell Room A

Workshop: Business Meeting 101 for Clergy (and anyone else, too)

Facilitated by Rev. Elder Darlene Garner Where does one sit? How does one cast a vote? How does one get to speak? What are we going to talk about? What else do I need to know to be prepared for the business meeting?

Come and get a sneak preview of what to expect at the General Conference business meeting.

Location: McDowell Room B

Business Meeting E1 Tuesday, July 3, 2007

10:30 a - 12:00 p

Business Forums:

Grand Salons A - G

■ Report of the Moderator’s Nominating Committee ■ Report of the Lay Ministry Council Nominating Committee ■ Bylaw Amendment Proposals

Moderated by Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson No binding decisions can be made during the forum. The forum is a time for questions, answers, and sharing points of view.

1:00 p - 2:30 p

Business Meeting

Location: Grand Salons A - G

Business Meeting Agenda, Part 1

■ 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

Location: Grand Salons A - G

Business Meeting Agenda, Part 2

■ Report of the Moderator’s Nominating Committee ■ Report of the Lay Ministry Council and the Lay Ministry Council Nominating Committee ■ Election of the Chair of the Lay Ministry Council ■ Consider Motion from the Board of Elders and Board of Administration that, beginning January 2008, the amount to be remitted by local churches as a tithe shall be thirteen percent (13%) through December 2010 and then be decreased by one percent (1%) per triennium. ■ Consider MCC Bylaw Amendment Proposals ■ Consider Actions Arising from the Regional Gatherings ■ Consider Motions of Courtesy and Appreciation ■ Adjournment of the Business Meeting

4:45 p - 5:30 p

Meeting of the Board of Pensions (USA) For Clergy and Lay Delegates from the United States

Location: Grand Salons A - G

International Meeting for Clergy and Lay Delegates from outside the United States

Location: Sonoran Room

Business Meeting E3 METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES

How We Are Organized

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 DONORS AND SPONSORS

Founders Circle Members

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

Donors and Sponsors F1 Peggy Esperanza Katherine F. Figgins Lucie Forget Bruce Fournier Darlene Garner David Glasgow Donald Green Kim Habermann Mark Hahn Allan C Hauth Shila Hayden John Mark Hild Sylvia Hodgins C.W. Hogan Arnold T Holmberg Candy Holmes William B. Hooper Norma Horner Jack Hubbs Verla Johnson Robert Jones Steven A. Jordan Julie Krueger Tracey L Kennedy Stan Kimer Mike King Victoria S. Kolakowski Adam Kratt Michael LaMontagne, Charlene Lawrence

F2 Donors and Sponsors Marina Laws John Magisano Connie Mangin Kenneth T. Martin Debbie Martin Michael Martin Kathleen C. McAlister Connie Meadows David C.H. Mundy Russell Murphy William Nation Betty Nelson Jane Nelson Frodo Okulam Bryan R Parker Sherry Poepsel Renae Phillips Kelly Revels Orgena Rose Shila Hayden Curtis L Smith Warren Smith Steven W Swafford Neil G. Thomas Deborah Vedder Wendell J Wendell Casey J Williams Kathy Zalewski

Donors and Sponsors F3 Legacy League Members

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.

Participate on-line at www.MCCchurch.org/LegacyLeague

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

F4 Donors and Sponsors Maria Lau Cindi Herndon Love Debbie Martin Cheryl Meyer Eleanor Nealy Kathy Olejniczak Beth O'Neal Janet Pierce Jane Pierce Robert W. Pope Orgena Rose Jerry Small Warren L Smith David Sorey Rodney Staples Scott Strickler Michael Tan Steven M. Torrence Marsha Warren Gerry Wright

Donors and Sponsors F5 Founders 500

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.

F6 Donors and Sponsors Faithful 100

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

Donors and Sponsors F7 SPONSORS

A Better Answer www.abetteranswer.com

American Airlines www.aa.com

Chicago Theological Seminary www.ctschicago.edu

Claremont School of Theology www.cst.edu

Human Rights Campaign www.hrc.org

Merrill Lynch www.ml.com

Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams www.mitchellgold.com

Navratilova Inc. www.martinanavratilova.com

Prepaid Legal Services Inc. www.pplmatthews.com

Wellness Inside and Out www.thewellnessfilter.com

F8 Donors and Sponsors LEADERSHIP & STAFF LEADERSHIP & STAFF MCC LEADERSHIP AND STAFF

Board of Elders

Rev. Elder Nancy L. Wilson Moderator

Rev. Elder Don Eastman Vice-Moderator

Rev. Elder Ken Martin Regional Elder for Region 1

Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski Regional Elder for Region 2

Rev. Elder Arlene J. Ackerman Regional Elder for Region 3

MCC Leadership and Staff G1 Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd Regional Elder for Region 4

Rev. Elder Diane Fisher Regional Elder for Region 5

Rev. Elder Darlene Garner Regional Elder for Region 6

Rev. Elder Lillie Brock Regional Elder for Region 7

G2 MCC Leadership and Staff Board of Elders Biographies

Rev. Elder Nancy L. Wilson Rev. Nancy Wilson joined MCC as Associate Pastor of MCC Boston in 1972 at 22 years of age. She served as Pastor of MCC Detroit from 1975 to 1979 and was elected Elder in 1976. She moved to Los Angeles in 1979 and became Clerk of the Board of Elders, a position she held for 10 years, seven of them full-time at UFMCC Headquarters. In 1986 she became Pastor of MCC Los Angeles where she served from 1986 to 2000. She became UFMCC’s first Chief Ecumenical Officer, a post she held for 23 years, representing UFMCC to the World Council of Churches as its official observer in Canberra, Australia (1991) Harare, Zimbabwe (1998) and Porto Alegre, Brazil (2006). She served as Vice-Moderator of the Board of Elders from 1993 to 2001. In 2001, she was elected Senior Pastor of Church of the Trinity MCC in Sarasota, Florida. In 2005, she was elected to the position of Moderator and was installed on October 29, 2005 at the Washington National Cathedral. She has her office in Sarasota, Florida. Rev. Wilson was involved in the move of the MCC LA church from the theater on Hill Street to its present location in West Hollywood with UFMCC Headquarters. She oversaw the rebuilding of that facility after the 1994 earthquake. Additionally, she started a Latin Ministry and a youth outreach program for which a Ford Foundation grant was obtained. Wilson was founder of Free Spirit MCC, an outreach to women incarcerated at California Institute for Women, and sponsored the first three UFMCC Conferences for “MCC Women in Ministry.” Her published works include: Our Tribe: Queer Folks, God, Jesus and the Bible (Alamo Press); with Fr. Malcolm Boyd, Amazing Grace; and her prayers and poems are included in Race and Prayer edited by Malcolm Boyd and Chester Talton (Morehouse Press). She is a popular preacher and speaker; has been honored with the first “Lazarus Award” from the Presbyterian Church and was invited to preach at the Earl Lectures at Pacific School of Religion in January 2002.

Rev. Elder Don Eastman Rev. Elder Don Eastman serves as the Vice Moderator of the Board of Elders for Metropolitan Community Churches. In his 20 years of full-time service as an Elder he has also served as the Second Vice Moderator and Treasurer of the denomination. He also served as Director of the UFMCC HIV/AIDS Ministry from 1987 to 1996. He was a founding board member and the first chairperson of the AIDS National Interfaith Network from 1988 to 1992. Rev. Eastman is a graduate of Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri and was ordained originally in the Assemblies of God in Wisconsin, where he was the Pastor of a church for six years. He has also served as Pastor of Metropolitan Community Churches in Des Moines, Iowa and Dallas, Texas. During his nine years as Pastor in Dallas the congregation grew to become the largest MCC in the Fellowship. Rev. Eastman worked professionally for nine years in the voluntary public health field with the American Lung Association in Wisconsin and Iowa where he served first as a program director and then as an executive. He resigned as the Vice President of the American Lung Association in Iowa to accept the pastorate of MCC in Dallas. As a dedicated student of church life and growth, Rev. Eastman has been one of MCC’s most passionate advocates for ministry excellence in local churches. In 1995, he created the Strategic Growth Initiative, which provided training programs, consultation services and other resources to support thousands of local leaders in building healthier churches. Upon completion of his current term as MCC’s Vice Moderator in 2007, Rev. Eastman will continue his work to support local church leaders through the new Ministry Excellence Center, a chartered ministry of the Sunshine Cathedral MCC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in association with Metropolitan Community Churches.

MCC Leadership and Staff G3 Rev. Elder Ken Martin Rev. Ken Martin was licensed to preach by the Southern Baptist Convention at age 18 and pastored a small mission church during his freshman year of college. He entered Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in the fall of 1970 and during his last semester was asked to leave the seminary and not allowed to graduate. While in seminary, I was Assistant to the Pastor of St. Mark's UCC across the Ohio River in New Albany, Indiana. In 1972, Ken found a copy of The Lord is My Shepherd and He Knows I'm Gay, drove to Chicago and found Good Shepherd Parish, MCC. After five years in Chicago, he moved to Los Angeles where he served as pastor of MCC in the Valley, North Hollywood 1982- 1989. During the years 1978-1981 he completed two years of doctoral studies at the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality in San Francisco. Elder Martin developed Healing Your Divine Gay Child, co-developed Creating a Life that Matters (CLM) . He also served as the HIV Educator and Counselor for the HIV Early Intervention Center in West Hollywood during his residence in California. He will be coordinating the HIV/AIDS and Drug Literacy Portfolios following General Conference.

Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski has been an MCC minister for 23 years, serving congregations in New York City, San Francisco (including 15 years as pastor of MCC San Francisco), Guerneville CA and Glendale CA. He has served on the denominational operations team for four years, and is currently the Elder serving Region 2. His portfolio includes HIV/AIDS, Theological Education, Ecumenical and Seminary Relations, Church Revitalization: Interim Pastoral Training and Placement. He has a BA in religion from Columbia University, a Masters of .Div. from Pacific School of Religion, where he also a member of the Board of Trustees, an honorary Doctor of Sacred Theology from Starr King School for the Ministry. Elder Mitulski was a Merrill Fellow at the Harvard Divinity School. Elder Mitulski is coordinating Clergy Development and Leadership, Interim Ministry and Seminary Alliances.

Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman During General Conference, Rev. Elder Arlene J. Ackerman celebrates her 30th year of Metropolitan Community Church (UFMCC) ministry. Since 1977, she has served as a pastor, associate pastor and interim pastor serving congregations in California, Oregon and Minnesota. She also served as District Coordinator for 12 years until she was elected Elder in 2002. Best known for her work in Church Growth and Leadership Development, Elder Ackerman served on the Strategic Growth Initiative Team for UFMCC and now chairs the UFMCC Church Planting Initiative in addition to her Elder portfolio assignments, Breaking the Growth Barriers, Church Development, Congregational Conflict Intervention. Prior to serving as clergy, Arlene was the founder/director of a state and federally funded crisis intervention, drug abuse prevention and treatment agency. She worked for the Council of Churches in northern California doing youth and young adult programming. She started her career in the United Church of Christ One Year Voluntary Service Program as a program director in Harford, Connecticut.

G4 MCC Leadership and Staff Rev. Elder Glenna T. Shepherd Rev. Glenna Shepherd was elected to serve Region 4 in 2006. Prior to her election she served MCC Portland (Oregon) as Senior Pastor. She served as interim Pastor of MCC Tampa from 2002-2003 and Minister of Worship and Music at Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, Texas from 2001-2002. She was Interim Pastor of all God’s Children MCC from 2000-2001 and Pastor of Christ Covenant MCC in Decatur, Georgia. She served as the Director of Homeless Ministries for the Christian Council of Metro Atlanta from 1991-1993, Assistant Director of Prison Ministries with Women from 1990-1991 in Atlanta, Emergency Services Coordinator of the Atlanta Urban Ministry, Assistant Pastor/Director of Music Ministries at the Berkmar United Methodist Church in Lilbaum, Georgia from 1989-1990. She is a Candidate for the Doctor of Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion at Berkeley, California. She holds the Master of Divinity at Chandler School of Theology of Emory University, the Master of Music of University of Tennessee and the Bachelor of Music at University of Tennessee. Rev. Shepherd will be coordinating the Worship Resources portfolio following General Conference.

Rev. Elder Diane Fisher Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, the Elder serving Region 5 has been a member of MCC for more than twenty years. She has been involved denominationally as the Chair of the Women’s Secretariat and Canada’s Ecumenical and Interfaith Liaison, and locally, she pastored Free to Be, MCC in Belleville for ten years. She served as a District Coordinator for Eastern Canada and the Northeast District before being elected to serve in region 5. She is the liaison elder to MCC’s Disability Forum and the Women in Ministry conference. Rev. Fisher is the portfolio facilitator of Ecumenism and Interfaith Work, International Human Rights and Global Justice.

Elder Darlene Garner Darlene Garner first entered MCC in 1976 and has served as a Church Treasurer, Lay Delegate, and Assistant District Coordinator before being credentialed as MCC clergy in 1988. She was the Associate Pastor of MCC in Philadelphia, PA; Pastor of MCC in Baltimore, MD; and Senior Pastor of MCC of Northern Virginia. She has been the convener of MCC’s Conferences for African-American Leaders since 1998. Garner has been a member of the Board of Elders since 1993 and is now the Elder for Region 6, (the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America). Garner is a long-time community activist, having served as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on Sexual Minorities; member of the Philadelphia Human Relations Commission; founding co-chair of the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays; Chair of the first International Conference for Gay and Lesbian People of Color; AIDS chaplain and activist. She is the facilitator of the portfolios for assessment of Organizational Structures and Systems, Bylaws, Judiciary, Mid-Sized Churches, Multicultural and Multilingual Ministry, Church Administration and Risk Management,

Rev. Elder Lillie Brock Rev. Brock holds the BA from Carson Newman College in Psychology and English and a Special Masters Certificate from University of Hawaii in Linguistics. She has twenty years of successful business start-ups and was the co-founder and owner of an international training business. She is the creator of the Change Cycle Model, Co-Author of “The Secret to Getting Through Life’s Difficult Changes, Co-Author with the National Association of People with AIDS of “Caring, Commitment and Choices” (Award Winning Book). She served as the Pastor of National (Internet) Ministry and Congregational Life at the Cathedral of Hope MCC. She serves as Chair of the Church Revitalization Initiative and Virtual Church Program for MCC. She is the Team Lead of the Resource Portfolio, Member of the BOA Finance Portfolio for Revenue Stream Generation. She serves as Member of the Interim Pastor Program, Lead of the Cross Functional Strategic Plan Review Team and Liaison with Large Church Pastors. She is co-lead of the Strategic Planning and Execution Team for the Fellowship.

MCC Leadership and Staff G5 Board of Administration

Rev. Jeff Miner Chair

Stephen Harte Secretary

Marsha Warren Treasurer

Marvin Bagwell Board Member

Barb Crabtree Board Member

G6 MCC Leadership and Staff Julie Krueger Board Member

John Vespa Board Member

MCC Leadership and Staff G7 Lay Ministry Council

Mel Johnson Chair

Bryan Parker Vice-Chair

Shawn Henderson Council Member

Jan Miels Council Member

Marsha Steven-Pino Council Member

Randy Williams Council Member

G8 MCC Leadership and Staff Team MCC

Kathy Beasley Confidential Executive Assistant, Region 7

Rev. Sharon Bezner Resource Specialist

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

MCC Leadership and Staff G9 Angel Collie Team Facilitator

Ritchie Crownfield Executive Liaison and Confidential Assistant to Elder, Region 2

Judy Dale Special Assistant, Communication and Lay Resources

Rev. Deb Dysert Pastoral Information and Nurture Coordinator (PINC), Region 5

Christy Ebner HIV/AIDS Ministry and Drug Literacy Program Assistant and Conferences Associate

Rev. Karla Fleshman Church Planting Program Specialist

G10 MCC Leadership and Staff Rev. Thomas Friedhoff German Development Worker, Region 4

Vickey Gibbs Confidential Assistant to the Regional Elder, Region 6

Rev. Jennifer Glass Administrative Assistant, Region 3

Rev. Robert Griffin Special Assistant to the Moderator of MCC Program Director, MCC Clergy Development Team

Rev. Hector Gutierrez Program Coordinator, Region 6

Bill Hooper Support Staff

MCC Leadership and Staff G11 Jennifer Justice Director of Global Community Building and Strategic Implementation

Tessa Lee Confidential Executive Assistant, Region 4

Rev. Dr. Cindi Love Executive Director

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

G12 MCC Leadership and Staff Connie Meadows Assistant to the Moderator

Rev. Carolyn Mobley Program Director - Unfinished World, Unfinished Calling

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

MCC Leadership and Staff G13 Rev. Elder Nori Rost Program Specialist for Clergy Development

Enrique Zenteño Assistant, Region 6

Frank Zerilli Confidential Assistant to the Founder and MCC Archivist

G14 MCC Leadership and Staff TRIBUTE TRIBUTE TOA TH E LIFE’S Tribute WORK OF DonEastman

The Sixth of July

Two Thousand and Seven

A Tribute to Don Eastman H1 PROGRAM

A Tribute to Rev. Elder Don Eastman

July 6, 2007

Opening Prayer and Introduction Rev. Tony Freeman and Rev. Nancy Wilson

Congretational Hymn led by Danny Ray

Testimonies and Musical Tributes

Testimony and Musical Tribute: “I Love the Lord” Rev. Dan Koeshall

Personal Tribute Lupe Valdez, Sheriff of Dallas County

Excerpts from Tribute DVD Rev. Jim Merritt and friends

Personal Tribute Rev. Brent Hawkes, Pastor, MCC Toronto, Canada

Musical Tribute: “Bring Him Home” Orgena Rose

Introducing the Center for Excellence in Ministry Rt. Rev. Grant Ford

Musical Tribute: “Jesus, The Tempest is Raging” Conference Choir and Justin Vaughn, soloist

H2 A Tribute to Don Eastman Special Presentations:

From the Board of Elders: Rev. Darlene Garner and Rev, Diane Fisher

From Latin America: Rev. Darlene Garner and Rev. Hector Gutierrez

From the Tribute team: Rev. Elder Jean White

From and Board of Administration Rev. Dr. Cindi Love

The Founder’s Award

Introduction Rev. Rev. Charles Tigard

Award Presentation and Personal Tribute Rev Elder Troy Perry

Family Testimony Sue and Tom Walker

Musical Tribute: “We’ve All Made A Difference” Tim Searcy

A Special Invitation Rev. Tony Freeman and Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson

Closing Prayer Ms. Judy Dale

Closing Hymn and Postlude Danny Ray

A Tribute to Don Eastman H3 H4 A Tribute to Don Eastman