extracted text

Property of the Cenler

)

AN OUTREACH TO MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OFF AMIL Y OFF AITH MCC

May 1997

WEEKLY

PRAYER LIST

Sundays
9: 15 am Adult Ed.
11:00 am Worship Service

- Carol and Family, who
are dealing with AIDS
- MCC of Greater
Tulsa's pastoral search

Wednesdays
6:30 P.M. Bible Study
7:30 P.M. Choir

- Family of Faith's
. pastoral search

Thursdays
7:30 P.M. Co-Dependency
Group

MONTHLY

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Family of Faith MCC

WISH LIST
. A Pop Machine
Piano

Sound System Floor
Monitor
CD Player
Cards & Stamps

-

- - - -

5451-E South Mingo

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

1st Sunday of Month
Potluck
1st Frida_y_ofeach Month
SAFE HAVEN
(ages 18-30)
2nd Sunday of each Month
Board Meeting
(open to all)
10th of each Month
Newsletter Articles Due
2nd Tuesday, 7:00
Fund Raising Team
Meeting

Tulsa, OK

622-1441

RAIN TRAINING
by Suki

I am once again making a plea for more volunteers to take the
time to take the RAIN Training classes to be held May 2nd and May
3rd at the Saint Stephens United Methodist Church, 400 West New
Orleans, Broken Arrow. From Tulsa, go east on Highway 51 to 161st
exit, go sou th on 161 st to 101 st, tum left. Training will be from 6: 00
PM - 10:00 PM on Friday May 2nd and 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on
Saturday May 3rd. Training fee is $25.00, but some scholarships are
available. Everyone must pre-register by April 25, 1997. For more
information call the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network at 749-4195.
Our Rain Team has been an active part of this church since its'
beginning and because of members moving out of state or suffering
from bum-out, we are down to seven team members, just barely
enough to take on a new client. A healthy team should have about
fourteen members to avoid bum-out or being overactive with a client.
Please be reassured that no one is asked to do anything that they feel
uncomfortable doing. I cannot begin to express how strongly you are
needed in this area. There is about a six month waiting list for clients
wanting or needing a RAIN Team. The short time requested of you
weekly or bi-weekly makes a REALLY BIG DIFFERENCE in a client's
day, just knowing that someone cares. AND HUGS DON'T SPREAD
AIDS ...
Please pray about· this ministry and let God help you decide.
What better act of kindness can you give then join a RAIN Team and
share your love!
OTHER COMING EVENTS
The second Tulsa AIDS Mastery event for PLWA's, Caregivers, Family
and Friends of PLWA's will be May 16th - 18th. Call the RAIN office to
receive an AIDS Mastery brochure or call at 584-2325.

HIV/ AIDS Conference in Norman, Oklahoma, June 1st - June 3rd.
Another volunteer opportunity is helping out in the office. RAIN needs
daily half-day office volunteers. If you would like to volunteer call
Stephen or Kathy at the office, 749-4195.

NEW!/1!!
MOMS' SUPPORT GROUP
AT
THE PRIDE CENTER
7:00 - 9:00
Alternate

Tuesdays Evenings

Housemate Wanted
1111 31st & Memorial Area
Call Mary at 663-3153

1111

UNITYLAMBA
AL-ANON MEETING
AT
THE PRIDE CENTER
7:30 - 8:30
Monday Evenings

1111

1111

SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT CONFERENCE 1997 UPDATE
by Suki

The Gospel of Luke tells us when we hear the words of Christ
and act on them we are like those who build a house by digging deeply
to lay the foundation on solid rock. Then when the rains and floods
come, the house cannot be moved. Throughout our annual District
Conference we will celebrate our strong foundation in Christ and look
for ways to continue being wise builders in our congregations. Thus,
"Blessed Be The Rock" is our slogan for the 1997 conference.
Plans are moving right along for our upcoming annual District
Conference in Dallas, Texas, May 1st through May 4th. If you haven't
made up your mind yet (or even if you have), here are some of the
highlights.
They have a dynamic line-up of preachers that include our
District Coordinator preaching the opening service and our UFMCC
liaison elder, the Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, preaching the closing
service. In between, they will be challenged by Mr. Bernie Barbour,
Rev. Renae Phillips, and Rev. Ken Martin.
Individuals celebrating comm union and/ or leading the healing
service include: Ms. Vickey Gibbs, Rev. Sandy O'Steen, Rev. Barbara
Freeman, Rev. Angela Peace, and Mr. Courtney Craighead. The
closing service will include a co-celebration by our Global Outreach
guests: Rev. Judy Dahl, Mr. Pablo Navarro Hernandez, and Ms.
Margarita Sanchez.
At least 12 different workshops have been scheduled that will
challenge and empower us as a district. The Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
will be leading a workshop focusing on the "How To's" of ecumenical
work as well as how this can enhance the growth and ministry of the
local church.
We will be privileged to have both of the co-pastors of ICM Cristo
Sanador, San Juan, Puerto Rice joining us for the weekend. Pablo
Navarro Hernandez, a professor of anthropology and church dynamics consultant, will be leading a workshop that focuses on strategies
for enhancing communication in the local church. Margarita Sanchez,
president of the Interfaith Association in Puerto Rice will be facilitating a workshop on moving beyond the basics in building inclusive and
mulli-cultural congregations.

In terms of other Global Outreach emphasis, Rev. Judy Dahl will
be leading an open forum entitled, UFMCC Around the World: What's
Happening. And Ms. Gail Drinkwater will be debuting GO FISH on the
Country Store area, a new program designed to raise funds for global
outreach churches by marketing products from their geographic
areas in the United States.
For the very first time Children's Programming will be provided
during the evening and closing worship services, as well as during
workshop sessions. Ms. Bechy Torres-West, Harvest MCC, and Ms.
Mary Coile-Freeman, DCOL Chair from MCC of the Rock, have agreed
to coordinate this program.
Business sessions include passage of District SOP's, standards
for Teaching Churches and Supervising Clergy, and elections for both
the District Committee and the Nominating Committee.
Don't miss this exciting weekend of sharing and celebration. We
will be conducting District Conference 1997:
The Dallas Grand Hotel. (1-800-421-0011)
Cost :$75.00 (plus applicable taxes of 13%).
Registration after April 15 - $35.00.
Banquet (if registered for the conference) $23.00.
Banquet (if not registered for the conference) - $29.00.
Once a Lay delegate receives all available information for District
office about items that will come to the business floor (By-laws,
elections & positions,· budget, etc.)· they ·will check for a nonconflicting schedule time to hold a forum in order to give the
congregation informed data of all business issues by making and
distributing copies of all items and/or reading data sent from District
office during the forum discussion. This allows the congregation to
make enlightened decisions about how they want their Lay Delegate to
vote and represent them at conference.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT - because the Lay Delegate by policy
is bound to vote as their congregation decides (or at least the majority
of the congregation present at the forum - which is why it is very
important for a congregation to be aware of all possible information)
As a member, clergy are welcome to attend such meetings - but
it is a meeting led by the Lay Delegate to determine the church's laity
vote (note: clergy have their own separate vote). It is also a right for

laity to vote differently from their pastor's vote and visa-versa.
All of the above is also applicable in regard to an UFMCC General
Conference.
Please Note: At times District mails the information packet too late to
make a forum possible through no fault of your Lay Delegate. Also, at
times issues may change at conference, due to amendments, etc. - and a
congregation needs to trust that their Lay Delegate will make the best
decisions - with God's help - in regard to these changes which might effect
the original desired vote of the congregation)
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 17-26, 1997 General Conference - Sydney, Australia
UFMCC HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Fifteen years ago, when the UFMCC applied for membership in this
body, as well as the National Council of Churches, MCC had been
overwhelmingly rebuffed. However, during the recent February meeting of
the Sou them California Ecumenical Council, the Board of the Council
voted to admit Metropolitan Community Church as a full member.
This decision was made despite opposition from Orthodox Churches
who believe that MCC's acceptance of lesbian and gay sexuality is "not in
accordance with the traditional Christian understanding of the homosexual lifestyle as immoral." Council President Sally Welch stated that the
eighteen church bodies that make up the Council "would hate to lose the
Orthodox church, but I understand that they have to stand by their
position."
The Southern California council's decision followed an identical step
earlier this year by the Sacramento-based California Council of Churches,
in which this nineteen member body unanimously voted to accept MCC as
a full Member.
NEWFLASH
Rev. Judy Dahl, Administrator of Global Outreach, has requested
Ed Paul to return to the Philippines to provide pastoral leadership
development for our church in Manila. It is anticipated that he will be
there for a period of 6 - 12 months.

May
1997

- - ·.-.---.,....~--c-t_::1---,

Mon

Sun

:◄

...

1

Sat~

Fri

Thu

Wed

Tue

J

2

Co-Dependency Safe Haven
Support 7:30

5

6

¢~~0RSHIP
11:00
PotLuck!
;•

)11

12

13

,9WORSHIP
11:00

Fund Raising
Team Mtg
7:00

1 ••

~.:y

Board Mtg

21

1~5>20

22

WORSHIP

14
Bible Study
6:30

Newsletter 1 ❖::)
Articles Due

15

16

17

25

26

Co-Dependency
Support 7:30

Choir Practice
7:30

23
Bible Study
6:30

-~11:00

I

8
9
Co-Dependency
Support 7:30

Choir Practice
7:30

( ~-J

I

7
Bible Study
6:30

24
Co-Dependency
Support 7:30

Choir Practice
7:30

~5'~

~ ·'ft

~------1------.--------1-------+-------+-------+-----

! 18

19

20

\:I'~

~

Bible Study
6:30

WORSHIP
•·jll:00

25

.'

22

23

24

30

31

Co-Dependency
Support 7:30

Choir Practice
7:30
26

27

f1

f

21

WORSHIP
~11:00
~
.~:...-.._-

- •::;,-..I-:..-.._-~-:~

28
Bible Study
6:30
Choir Practice
7:30

29
Co-Dependency
Support 7:30

b.-

Family of Faith MCC
P. 0. Box 382
Jenks, OK 74037-0382

Address Correction Requested

Herlandof OKC
Pat Reeves
2312NW39th Street
OKLAHONA
CITY,
OK73112

NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
POST AGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 145
JENKS.OK



Property of the Cenler

)

AN OUTREACH TO MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OFF AMIL Y OFF AITH MCC

May 1997

WEEKLY

PRAYER LIST

Sundays
9: 15 am Adult Ed.
11:00 am Worship Service

- Carol and Family, who
are dealing with AIDS
- MCC of Greater
Tulsa's pastoral search

Wednesdays
6:30 P.M. Bible Study
7:30 P.M. Choir

- Family of Faith's
. pastoral search

Thursdays
7:30 P.M. Co-Dependency
Group

MONTHLY

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Family of Faith MCC

WISH LIST
. A Pop Machine
Piano

Sound System Floor
Monitor
CD Player
Cards & Stamps

-

- - - -

5451-E South Mingo

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

1st Sunday of Month
Potluck
1st Frida_y_ofeach Month
SAFE HAVEN
(ages 18-30)
2nd Sunday of each Month
Board Meeting
(open to all)
10th of each Month
Newsletter Articles Due
2nd Tuesday, 7:00
Fund Raising Team
Meeting

Tulsa, OK

622-1441

RAIN TRAINING
by Suki

I am once again making a plea for more volunteers to take the
time to take the RAIN Training classes to be held May 2nd and May
3rd at the Saint Stephens United Methodist Church, 400 West New
Orleans, Broken Arrow. From Tulsa, go east on Highway 51 to 161st
exit, go sou th on 161 st to 101 st, tum left. Training will be from 6: 00
PM - 10:00 PM on Friday May 2nd and 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on
Saturday May 3rd. Training fee is $25.00, but some scholarships are
available. Everyone must pre-register by April 25, 1997. For more
information call the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network at 749-4195.
Our Rain Team has been an active part of this church since its'
beginning and because of members moving out of state or suffering
from bum-out, we are down to seven team members, just barely
enough to take on a new client. A healthy team should have about
fourteen members to avoid bum-out or being overactive with a client.
Please be reassured that no one is asked to do anything that they feel
uncomfortable doing. I cannot begin to express how strongly you are
needed in this area. There is about a six month waiting list for clients
wanting or needing a RAIN Team. The short time requested of you
weekly or bi-weekly makes a REALLY BIG DIFFERENCE in a client's
day, just knowing that someone cares. AND HUGS DON'T SPREAD
AIDS ...
Please pray about· this ministry and let God help you decide.
What better act of kindness can you give then join a RAIN Team and
share your love!
OTHER COMING EVENTS
The second Tulsa AIDS Mastery event for PLWA's, Caregivers, Family
and Friends of PLWA's will be May 16th - 18th. Call the RAIN office to
receive an AIDS Mastery brochure or call at 584-2325.

HIV/ AIDS Conference in Norman, Oklahoma, June 1st - June 3rd.
Another volunteer opportunity is helping out in the office. RAIN needs
daily half-day office volunteers. If you would like to volunteer call
Stephen or Kathy at the office, 749-4195.

NEW!/1!!
MOMS' SUPPORT GROUP
AT
THE PRIDE CENTER
7:00 - 9:00
Alternate

Tuesdays Evenings

Housemate Wanted
1111 31st & Memorial Area
Call Mary at 663-3153

1111

UNITYLAMBA
AL-ANON MEETING
AT
THE PRIDE CENTER
7:30 - 8:30
Monday Evenings

1111

1111

SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT CONFERENCE 1997 UPDATE
by Suki

The Gospel of Luke tells us when we hear the words of Christ
and act on them we are like those who build a house by digging deeply
to lay the foundation on solid rock. Then when the rains and floods
come, the house cannot be moved. Throughout our annual District
Conference we will celebrate our strong foundation in Christ and look
for ways to continue being wise builders in our congregations. Thus,
"Blessed Be The Rock" is our slogan for the 1997 conference.
Plans are moving right along for our upcoming annual District
Conference in Dallas, Texas, May 1st through May 4th. If you haven't
made up your mind yet (or even if you have), here are some of the
highlights.
They have a dynamic line-up of preachers that include our
District Coordinator preaching the opening service and our UFMCC
liaison elder, the Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, preaching the closing
service. In between, they will be challenged by Mr. Bernie Barbour,
Rev. Renae Phillips, and Rev. Ken Martin.
Individuals celebrating comm union and/ or leading the healing
service include: Ms. Vickey Gibbs, Rev. Sandy O'Steen, Rev. Barbara
Freeman, Rev. Angela Peace, and Mr. Courtney Craighead. The
closing service will include a co-celebration by our Global Outreach
guests: Rev. Judy Dahl, Mr. Pablo Navarro Hernandez, and Ms.
Margarita Sanchez.
At least 12 different workshops have been scheduled that will
challenge and empower us as a district. The Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
will be leading a workshop focusing on the "How To's" of ecumenical
work as well as how this can enhance the growth and ministry of the
local church.
We will be privileged to have both of the co-pastors of ICM Cristo
Sanador, San Juan, Puerto Rice joining us for the weekend. Pablo
Navarro Hernandez, a professor of anthropology and church dynamics consultant, will be leading a workshop that focuses on strategies
for enhancing communication in the local church. Margarita Sanchez,
president of the Interfaith Association in Puerto Rice will be facilitating a workshop on moving beyond the basics in building inclusive and
mulli-cultural congregations.

In terms of other Global Outreach emphasis, Rev. Judy Dahl will
be leading an open forum entitled, UFMCC Around the World: What's
Happening. And Ms. Gail Drinkwater will be debuting GO FISH on the
Country Store area, a new program designed to raise funds for global
outreach churches by marketing products from their geographic
areas in the United States.
For the very first time Children's Programming will be provided
during the evening and closing worship services, as well as during
workshop sessions. Ms. Bechy Torres-West, Harvest MCC, and Ms.
Mary Coile-Freeman, DCOL Chair from MCC of the Rock, have agreed
to coordinate this program.
Business sessions include passage of District SOP's, standards
for Teaching Churches and Supervising Clergy, and elections for both
the District Committee and the Nominating Committee.
Don't miss this exciting weekend of sharing and celebration. We
will be conducting District Conference 1997:
The Dallas Grand Hotel. (1-800-421-0011)
Cost :$75.00 (plus applicable taxes of 13%).
Registration after April 15 - $35.00.
Banquet (if registered for the conference) $23.00.
Banquet (if not registered for the conference) - $29.00.
Once a Lay delegate receives all available information for District
office about items that will come to the business floor (By-laws,
elections & positions,· budget, etc.)· they ·will check for a nonconflicting schedule time to hold a forum in order to give the
congregation informed data of all business issues by making and
distributing copies of all items and/or reading data sent from District
office during the forum discussion. This allows the congregation to
make enlightened decisions about how they want their Lay Delegate to
vote and represent them at conference.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT - because the Lay Delegate by policy
is bound to vote as their congregation decides (or at least the majority
of the congregation present at the forum - which is why it is very
important for a congregation to be aware of all possible information)
As a member, clergy are welcome to attend such meetings - but
it is a meeting led by the Lay Delegate to determine the church's laity
vote (note: clergy have their own separate vote). It is also a right for

laity to vote differently from their pastor's vote and visa-versa.
All of the above is also applicable in regard to an UFMCC General
Conference.
Please Note: At times District mails the information packet too late to
make a forum possible through no fault of your Lay Delegate. Also, at
times issues may change at conference, due to amendments, etc. - and a
congregation needs to trust that their Lay Delegate will make the best
decisions - with God's help - in regard to these changes which might effect
the original desired vote of the congregation)
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 17-26, 1997 General Conference - Sydney, Australia
UFMCC HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Fifteen years ago, when the UFMCC applied for membership in this
body, as well as the National Council of Churches, MCC had been
overwhelmingly rebuffed. However, during the recent February meeting of
the Sou them California Ecumenical Council, the Board of the Council
voted to admit Metropolitan Community Church as a full member.
This decision was made despite opposition from Orthodox Churches
who believe that MCC's acceptance of lesbian and gay sexuality is "not in
accordance with the traditional Christian understanding of the homosexual lifestyle as immoral." Council President Sally Welch stated that the
eighteen church bodies that make up the Council "would hate to lose the
Orthodox church, but I understand that they have to stand by their
position."
The Southern California council's decision followed an identical step
earlier this year by the Sacramento-based California Council of Churches,
in which this nineteen member body unanimously voted to accept MCC as
a full Member.
NEWFLASH
Rev. Judy Dahl, Administrator of Global Outreach, has requested
Ed Paul to return to the Philippines to provide pastoral leadership
development for our church in Manila. It is anticipated that he will be
there for a period of 6 - 12 months.

May
1997

- - ·.-.---.,....~--c-t_::1---,

Mon

Sun

:◄

...

1

Sat~

Fri

Thu

Wed

Tue

J

2

Co-Dependency Safe Haven
Support 7:30

5

6

¢~~0RSHIP
11:00
PotLuck!
;•

)11

12

13

,9WORSHIP
11:00

Fund Raising
Team Mtg
7:00

1 ••

~.:y

Board Mtg

21

1~5>20

22

WORSHIP

14
Bible Study
6:30

Newsletter 1 ❖::)
Articles Due

15

16

17

25

26

Co-Dependency
Support 7:30

Choir Practice
7:30

23
Bible Study
6:30

-~11:00

I

8
9
Co-Dependency
Support 7:30

Choir Practice
7:30

( ~-J

I

7
Bible Study
6:30

24
Co-Dependency
Support 7:30

Choir Practice
7:30

~5'~

~ ·'ft

~------1------.--------1-------+-------+-------+-----

! 18

19

20

\:I'~

~

Bible Study
6:30

WORSHIP
•·jll:00

25

.'

22

23

24

30

31

Co-Dependency
Support 7:30

Choir Practice
7:30
26

27

f1

f

21

WORSHIP
~11:00
~
.~:...-.._-

- •::;,-..I-:..-.._-~-:~

28
Bible Study
6:30
Choir Practice
7:30

29
Co-Dependency
Support 7:30

b.-

Family of Faith MCC
P. 0. Box 382
Jenks, OK 74037-0382

Address Correction Requested

Herlandof OKC
Pat Reeves
2312NW39th Street
OKLAHONA
CITY,
OK73112

NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
POST AGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 145
JENKS.OK



Property of the Cenler

)

AN OUTREACH TO MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OFF AMIL Y OFF AITH MCC

May 1997

WEEKLY

PRAYER LIST

Sundays
9: 15 am Adult Ed.
11:00 am Worship Service

- Carol and Family, who
are dealing with AIDS
- MCC of Greater
Tulsa's pastoral search

Wednesdays
6:30 P.M. Bible Study
7:30 P.M. Choir

- Family of Faith's
. pastoral search

Thursdays
7:30 P.M. Co-Dependency
Group

MONTHLY

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Family of Faith MCC

WISH LIST
. A Pop Machine
Piano

Sound System Floor
Monitor
CD Player
Cards & Stamps

-

- - - -

5451-E South Mingo

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

1st Sunday of Month
Potluck
1st Frida_y_ofeach Month
SAFE HAVEN
(ages 18-30)
2nd Sunday of each Month
Board Meeting
(open to all)
10th of each Month
Newsletter Articles Due
2nd Tuesday, 7:00
Fund Raising Team
Meeting

Tulsa, OK

622-1441

RAIN TRAINING
by Suki

I am once again making a plea for more volunteers to take the
time to take the RAIN Training classes to be held May 2nd and May
3rd at the Saint Stephens United Methodist Church, 400 West New
Orleans, Broken Arrow. From Tulsa, go east on Highway 51 to 161st
exit, go sou th on 161 st to 101 st, tum left. Training will be from 6: 00
PM - 10:00 PM on Friday May 2nd and 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on
Saturday May 3rd. Training fee is $25.00, but some scholarships are
available. Everyone must pre-register by April 25, 1997. For more
information call the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network at 749-4195.
Our Rain Team has been an active part of this church since its'
beginning and because of members moving out of state or suffering
from bum-out, we are down to seven team members, just barely
enough to take on a new client. A healthy team should have about
fourteen members to avoid bum-out or being overactive with a client.
Please be reassured that no one is asked to do anything that they feel
uncomfortable doing. I cannot begin to express how strongly you are
needed in this area. There is about a six month waiting list for clients
wanting or needing a RAIN Team. The short time requested of you
weekly or bi-weekly makes a REALLY BIG DIFFERENCE in a client's
day, just knowing that someone cares. AND HUGS DON'T SPREAD
AIDS ...
Please pray about· this ministry and let God help you decide.
What better act of kindness can you give then join a RAIN Team and
share your love!
OTHER COMING EVENTS
The second Tulsa AIDS Mastery event for PLWA's, Caregivers, Family
and Friends of PLWA's will be May 16th - 18th. Call the RAIN office to
receive an AIDS Mastery brochure or call at 584-2325.

HIV/ AIDS Conference in Norman, Oklahoma, June 1st - June 3rd.
Another volunteer opportunity is helping out in the office. RAIN needs
daily half-day office volunteers. If you would like to volunteer call
Stephen or Kathy at the office, 749-4195.

NEW!/1!!
MOMS' SUPPORT GROUP
AT
THE PRIDE CENTER
7:00 - 9:00
Alternate

Tuesdays Evenings

Housemate Wanted
1111 31st & Memorial Area
Call Mary at 663-3153

1111

UNITYLAMBA
AL-ANON MEETING
AT
THE PRIDE CENTER
7:30 - 8:30
Monday Evenings

1111

1111

SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT CONFERENCE 1997 UPDATE
by Suki

The Gospel of Luke tells us when we hear the words of Christ
and act on them we are like those who build a house by digging deeply
to lay the foundation on solid rock. Then when the rains and floods
come, the house cannot be moved. Throughout our annual District
Conference we will celebrate our strong foundation in Christ and look
for ways to continue being wise builders in our congregations. Thus,
"Blessed Be The Rock" is our slogan for the 1997 conference.
Plans are moving right along for our upcoming annual District
Conference in Dallas, Texas, May 1st through May 4th. If you haven't
made up your mind yet (or even if you have), here are some of the
highlights.
They have a dynamic line-up of preachers that include our
District Coordinator preaching the opening service and our UFMCC
liaison elder, the Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, preaching the closing
service. In between, they will be challenged by Mr. Bernie Barbour,
Rev. Renae Phillips, and Rev. Ken Martin.
Individuals celebrating comm union and/ or leading the healing
service include: Ms. Vickey Gibbs, Rev. Sandy O'Steen, Rev. Barbara
Freeman, Rev. Angela Peace, and Mr. Courtney Craighead. The
closing service will include a co-celebration by our Global Outreach
guests: Rev. Judy Dahl, Mr. Pablo Navarro Hernandez, and Ms.
Margarita Sanchez.
At least 12 different workshops have been scheduled that will
challenge and empower us as a district. The Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
will be leading a workshop focusing on the "How To's" of ecumenical
work as well as how this can enhance the growth and ministry of the
local church.
We will be privileged to have both of the co-pastors of ICM Cristo
Sanador, San Juan, Puerto Rice joining us for the weekend. Pablo
Navarro Hernandez, a professor of anthropology and church dynamics consultant, will be leading a workshop that focuses on strategies
for enhancing communication in the local church. Margarita Sanchez,
president of the Interfaith Association in Puerto Rice will be facilitating a workshop on moving beyond the basics in building inclusive and
mulli-cultural congregations.

In terms of other Global Outreach emphasis, Rev. Judy Dahl will
be leading an open forum entitled, UFMCC Around the World: What's
Happening. And Ms. Gail Drinkwater will be debuting GO FISH on the
Country Store area, a new program designed to raise funds for global
outreach churches by marketing products from their geographic
areas in the United States.
For the very first time Children's Programming will be provided
during the evening and closing worship services, as well as during
workshop sessions. Ms. Bechy Torres-West, Harvest MCC, and Ms.
Mary Coile-Freeman, DCOL Chair from MCC of the Rock, have agreed
to coordinate this program.
Business sessions include passage of District SOP's, standards
for Teaching Churches and Supervising Clergy, and elections for both
the District Committee and the Nominating Committee.
Don't miss this exciting weekend of sharing and celebration. We
will be conducting District Conference 1997:
The Dallas Grand Hotel. (1-800-421-0011)
Cost :$75.00 (plus applicable taxes of 13%).
Registration after April 15 - $35.00.
Banquet (if registered for the conference) $23.00.
Banquet (if not registered for the conference) - $29.00.
Once a Lay delegate receives all available information for District
office about items that will come to the business floor (By-laws,
elections & positions,· budget, etc.)· they ·will check for a nonconflicting schedule time to hold a forum in order to give the
congregation informed data of all business issues by making and
distributing copies of all items and/or reading data sent from District
office during the forum discussion. This allows the congregation to
make enlightened decisions about how they want their Lay Delegate to
vote and represent them at conference.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT - because the Lay Delegate by policy
is bound to vote as their congregation decides (or at least the majority
of the congregation present at the forum - which is why it is very
important for a congregation to be aware of all possible information)
As a member, clergy are welcome to attend such meetings - but
it is a meeting led by the Lay Delegate to determine the church's laity
vote (note: clergy have their own separate vote). It is also a right for

laity to vote differently from their pastor's vote and visa-versa.
All of the above is also applicable in regard to an UFMCC General
Conference.
Please Note: At times District mails the information packet too late to
make a forum possible through no fault of your Lay Delegate. Also, at
times issues may change at conference, due to amendments, etc. - and a
congregation needs to trust that their Lay Delegate will make the best
decisions - with God's help - in regard to these changes which might effect
the original desired vote of the congregation)
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 17-26, 1997 General Conference - Sydney, Australia
UFMCC HISTORY IN THE MAKING
Fifteen years ago, when the UFMCC applied for membership in this
body, as well as the National Council of Churches, MCC had been
overwhelmingly rebuffed. However, during the recent February meeting of
the Sou them California Ecumenical Council, the Board of the Council
voted to admit Metropolitan Community Church as a full member.
This decision was made despite opposition from Orthodox Churches
who believe that MCC's acceptance of lesbian and gay sexuality is "not in
accordance with the traditional Christian understanding of the homosexual lifestyle as immoral." Council President Sally Welch stated that the
eighteen church bodies that make up the Council "would hate to lose the
Orthodox church, but I understand that they have to stand by their
position."
The Southern California council's decision followed an identical step
earlier this year by the Sacramento-based California Council of Churches,
in which this nineteen member body unanimously voted to accept MCC as
a full Member.
NEWFLASH
Rev. Judy Dahl, Administrator of Global Outreach, has requested
Ed Paul to return to the Philippines to provide pastoral leadership
development for our church in Manila. It is anticipated that he will be
there for a period of 6 - 12 months.

May
1997

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Family of Faith MCC
P. 0. Box 382
Jenks, OK 74037-0382

Address Correction Requested

Herlandof OKC
Pat Reeves
2312NW39th Street
OKLAHONA
CITY,
OK73112

NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
POST AGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 145
JENKS.OK