| Reflecting on a Month of Pride and Celebration |
| “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of Abba God, and of the Only Begotten, and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 (The Inclusive Bible) Reflecting on a month of Pride and Celebration and the numerous opportunities that were presented to connect with people and share The Good News, I am reminded once again how important relationships are. There are so many people in the world that still need the message of God’s love and grace. Jesus calls us to go out into the world, spread The Word, make disciples of all nations. Did you know that our church, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church (RMCC), is part of a worldwide ministry: the denomination of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC)? The first sentence in the UFMCC Mission Statement is “Be MCC: Transforming ourselves as we transform the world.” In case you missed our ministry moment during a May worship service, I am one of 4 Lay Delegates elected by the congregation of RMCC to be representatives of our church to UFMCC. The other Lay Delegates are (pictured right to left) Robert Sliepka, KK Goodsell, and Ruth Ann Wathen. |
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| Every 3 years UFMCC holds a global gathering of our churches called General Conference. The purpose of this meeting is to conduct the business of the denomination and make important decisions about our future. Guess what: 2025 is a year for UFMCC General Conference! This year the conference is being conducted in 2 parts: (1) an online only business meeting which was held in early June; (2) a hybrid in person/online gathering for worship, education, and connection which will be in July. The most critical items of business conducted in June were: (1) Electing a new Moderator to serve as the leader of UFMCC for the next 6 years; (2) Electing new members to the UFMCC Governing Board; (3) Making updates to MCC rules and practices. The currently serving moderator Rev Elder Cecilia Eggleston was re-elected to another 6 years. The 4 people elected to the Governing Board are (1) James Chavis, MCC San Antonio; (2) Charlotte West, Northern Lights MCC Newcastle UK; (3) Rev Marie Alford-Harkey, Palm Beach Gardens Florida; (4) Rev Renae Phillips, Venice Floria. In addition to the elections, there were many people recognized and honored for their service to UFMCC in many different capacities. Two Resurrection members were recognized: (1) Kedric Brown was recognized for his work on the Commission on Pathways of Healing and Reconciliation; (2) Annette Beall was honored for her service as a Lay Delegate representing RMCC in past years. As you read this, my wife Jackie and I, along with fellow lay delegate KK Goodsell, are driving to Scottsdale, Arizona to attend the UFMCC Transformational Weekend (part 2 of 2025 General Conference) July 3-6. In Scottsdale we will connect with MCC’ers from around the globe through worship and networking. Please pray for the conference and all attendees, as we seek to continue to be God’s disciples and work together to keep spreading God’s Word to our siblings around the world. Keep your eyes out for a sharing of our experience after we return! Until then (borrowing from our Pride Theme) – Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop, Don’t Stop: Learning, Growing, Sharing, Caring & Loving in and through our Savior Jesus Christ. Peace & Blessings to each of you, |
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| Claire Sebesta (she/her/they) RMCC Lay Delegate |