The Electronic Newsletter of MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks 
| September 1, 2010 |
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 From Your Pastor
One of the decisions I face most often is the decision about to what extent we should incorporate a secular holiday into our worship services. As I've mentioned before, just trying to reconcile the oxymoron "secular holiday" itself is enough to keep me mentally occupied for hours. At MCC Austin we've woven many secular observances into our worship tapestry over the years: Earth Day, Peace Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day. We've also chosen to bring into our worship services recognition of holy days from other faith traditions and even some observances like Kwanzaa that don't fit neatly into a secular or faith-based box.
What the above preamble amounts to is an explanation of how I arrived at the topic for today's E-Link piece....
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What's Happening at MCC Austin
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 Sunday Morning Worship on September 5 9 & 11 a.m. "The Work of My Hands"
Rev. Karen Thompson
Jeremiah 18:1-11
The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me: "Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done?" says the Lord. "Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. At one moment I may declare concerning a nation, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it. And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation that I will build and plant it, but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it. "Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the Lord: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings." |
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Sign language interpreter for the 11:00 a.m. service
available upon request after September 12.
For more information, please contact Courtney Webster by email. |
 H2O ~ Living Water Worship
Sunday, September 5 at 2 p.m.
"Mark Chapter 16: Take One...Take Two..."
Rev. Karen Thompson
Join us as we conclude our journey through the Gospel of Mark this week. We'll discuss the final chapters of Mark and sing some of our favorite songs: "The Wonderful Cross," and "Made to Worship." Come to a place where you can meet Christ, not expectations.
Mark 16:1-8
When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James,
and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the
first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to
one another, 'Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to
the tomb?' When they looked up, they
saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb,
they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right
side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, 'Do
not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was
crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place
they laid him. But go, tell his disciples
and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see
him, just as he told you.' So they went out and fled
from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said
nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
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 TONIGHT: Holy Conversations
Beginning tonight, Wednesday, September 1, and continuing the first Wednesday of every month for the next 9 months, we will engage in open, safe, affirming discussions about our understandings of these faith topics:
September: Ministry (Laity, Clergy, etc.)
October: Sexuality & Spirituality
November: Ecumenical / Inter-religious Issues
December: Trans-formations & Trans Experiences
January: Baptism
February: Holy Communion
March: Who is Jesus?
April: Global Justice
May: Ecclesiology (Church)
Rev. Thompson will be the host for each of these conversations, but others will share in facilitating our gatherings also.
Holy Conversations is open to everyone who is still seeking and who enjoys seeking in the company of others. You do not need to be a member of MCC to attend, and you do not need to attend every gathering. You are welcome to join us whenever a topic strikes your interest or whenever you want to spend time with other people in a safe, positive, meaningful way. You are encouraged to bring friends.
Holy Conversations will take place at the home of two of our members. If you need directions, please send an email to Courtney Webster, and she will send directions to you.
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 Children's Sunday School
Begins THIS SUNDAY, September 5
Welcome back, children! Sunday School for children ages 3 years through 6th grade will start on Sunday, September 5 in the Wray Education Building. We are looking forward to having all of our children back at Sunday School.
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 "God In My Life"
This Thursday, September 2, at 7 p.m.
In the MCC Austin Education BuildingThis faith sharing support group is open to everyone, and meets every other Thursday evening in the Wray Education Building. This month we will be meeting Thursday September 2, 16, and 30, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Wray Education Building. If you have any questions, please email Carol Wagner.
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 The Other Side of the Rainbow: Domestic Partnership Planning on Your Terms
"...planning for the unexpected is the ultimate protection and the greatest gift you can give your family"
Tracy L. Kasparek
MCC Austin, Saturday, September 11 from 1-3 p.m.
Whatever the size of your estate, you should decide where it goes. If you don't have a Will or a Trust, the State of Texas will dictate the distribution of your estate property. Unfortunately the State of Texas does not include your partner, whether for inheritance purposes, incapacity decision-making or other planning decisions. This seminar will discuss death and incapacity partner planning in spite of Texas' default laws, titling issues with your partner, and will also touch on other areas such as estate taxes, second parent adoption and cohabitation agreements. For more information on general planning or the presenter, Tracy L. Kasparek, Attorney at law, click here. For general questions or to register, please contact Courtney Webster by email or by calling the church. |
 MCC Austin Hosts an Exhibit at the
Austin Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo
Sunday September 12, 2010
1:00pm -4:00pm
Hyatt Regency Austin Downtown***Free to Attend Over 35 select wedding professionals will participate as exhibitors (all screened to be LGBT-friendly), including MCC Austin. Travel planners, Gift Companies and Home & Family-Planning Resources also will be represented. Other highlights will include Music, Trend-setting Planning Tips, Interactive Presentations, Samples & Fabulous Fun. The event is free for the public to attend: Couples, advocates and straight allies are all invited to join us for this wonderful day of grassroots activism, joy and celebration.
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 New Member Class
Monday, September 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Come learn about the history of MCC Austin, what our current ministries are, and where God is calling us as a church for our future. You will also find out how to get involved in ways that are meaningful to you. We'll provide dinner. If you're interested in attending the class, please RSVP to Courtney Webster by email or by calling the church (512) 291-8601. Please include your first and last name, email, and the best contact number for you. |
 Positive Perspectives
HIV/AIDS Support Group
Meets September 21, at 7 p.m.
MCC Austin Wray Education Building
Positive Perspectives is a monthly support group with an emphasis on the spiritual aspects of life with HIV/AIDS. Positive Perspectives meets on the third Tuesday usually in members' homes and sometimes at MCC Austin.They focus on information sharing in a confidential setting for those affected by HIV & AIDS, while providing support for one another by letting each individual discuss what is on his/her mind. With members at various stages of the disease, this group offers a tremendous amount of first-hand knowledge, experience, and support of life for those infected & affected by HIV/AIDS. |
 Rediscovering the Radical Jesus At MCC Austin
Saturday, September 25 from 9 a.m. - Noon
Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Mona West
In recent years many theologians and church leaders have claimed we have 'domesticated' Jesus by worshiping him instead of following him. The church has forgotten the radical nature of what Jesus came to teach and the way Jesus came to show. This retreat will revisit the life and teachings of Jesus and explore what it means to be 'followers of the Way' which is what the first Christians were called. We will also explore the question, "What does it mean to be a radical disciple of Jesus and what are the spiritual disciplines for radical discipleship?"
This church is covering all costs of the retreat so it is free for any who wish to attend. To register for this retreat please contact Courtney Webster in the church office or by email. |
BEYOND OUR WALLS: MCC News From Around the World
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MCC Headline NEWS
The last several weeks have been a very exciting time of implementing the decisions of General Conference and moving forward in faith together. The Governing Board meeting during the first week of August was an outstanding week of intentional training, briefing by members of the Senior Leadership Team, and some wonderful work to lay the foundation for the future. Read the rest of this article here.
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MCC Impact
RAIN GARDEN
All God's Children MCC (Minneapolis, Minnesota) has constructed and planted a Rain Garden, which is eco-friendly, protects the environment, and beautifies the neighborhood. Rain gardens are designed to capture rainwater, so that it can penetrate into the soil, reducing the storm runoff, which takes pollutants from the air, yards, and streets, carrying it into the lakes, rivers, and wetlands. The special design and plantings of low maintenance perennials capture the runoff and allow the water to drain slowly into the ground, recharging underground aquifers with filtered, cleaner water. Read this and other articles here. ______________________________________________________________
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BEYOND OUR WALLS: News & Community Events
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Operation Bingo
Did you know that MCC Austin is the sponsor of Bingo three nights a week? We are and this provides us with a significant source of revenue each month to support our mission. Our bingo games are held on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. The games are played at Lucky Lady Bingo, 1107 North I-35, Austin, Texas 78702 (east of I-35 at 11th Street). If you have the opportunity to take in an evening of bingo during one of our games you will not only be having fun, and (hopefully) winning prizes, but also helping MCC Austin finance its operations and outreach.
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 Movie Night and Discussion at allgo
Join allgo September 14, 2010 at 6:30 pm for movie screening and discussion of:
La Mission
Synopsis: Growing up in the Mission district of San Francisco, Che Rivera (Benjamin Bratt) has always had to be tough to survive. He's a powerful man respected throughout the Mission barrio for his masculinity and his strength, as well as for his hobby building beautiful lowrider cars. A reformed inmate and recovering alcoholic, Che has worked hard to redeem his life and do right by his pride and joy: his only son, Jes, whom he has raised on his own after the death of his wife. Che's path to redemption is tested, however, when he discovers Jes is gay. To survive his neighborhood, Che has always lived with his fists. To survive as a complete man, he'll have to embrace a side of himself he's never shown. To finde out more click here. Back to top ____________________________________________________________ |
 Dining for Life
Stand Up By Sitting Down
The 18th Annual Dining for Life is
Monday, September 13 and Tuesday, September 14. Please join us as restaurants all over Austin unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. As thousands of patrons fill their plates in support, these restaurants will be graciously donating a substantial portion of each diner's check to AIDS Services of Austin. Their generosity - coupled with your appetite - will make a very real difference in the lives of thousands of men, women and families throughout the Austin community. Just dine at any of the participating restaurants on one (or both) of those evenings and a percentage of your check will be donated to ASA! Click here for a complete list of participating locations. Back to top ____________________________________________________________ |
 "Trevor Tour"
STEP 3 ENTERTAINMENT KICKS OFF NATIONAL "TREVOR TOUR" IN AUSTIN, TX TO BENEFIT NATIONAL LESBIAN, GLBTQ YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE.
GEORGE WALSH/MIKE BURNS -
September 15 at 8 p.m., Austin Java Cafe on Lamar **FREE SHOW**
September 16 at10 p.m.,- Rain on 4th for the CD Release of INDIGO
Step 3 Entertainment's upcoming "Trevor Tour" will be used to raise money for the nationally known Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is the non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention lifeline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) youth. This organization has high profile support from many Hollywood celebrities including Neil Patrick Harris and Daniel Radcliffe whom are both actively involved. This tour will be releasing the official "INDIGO" CD to all attendees of the benefit. "INDIGO" is the official compilation CD of the Trevor Tour that was produced by Step 3 Entertainment LLC to help raise awareness and money for The Trevor Project. For more information please visit the website.
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Into the Woods
presented by: The City Theatre Company
August 19 - September 17, 2010
Broadway's most magical musical journey written by the legendary Stephen Sondheim which features a bewitching collection of classic children's characters on a rollicking romp through a "once upon a time" kingdom. A tapestry of wonderfully woven fables that brims with award-winning music and lyrics, this fractured fairy tale will transport you to a land where there are giants in the sky, witches next door, curses reversed and "happily ever afters." Musical entertainment for all ages. To find out more or to purchase tickets please visit the website. ______________________________________________________________
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Our Prayers...
- For Pakistan as they mourn hundreds of deaths in the recent devastating floods, as well as prayers for help as the survivors struggle to find food, housing, and medical care.
- For the Gulf Coast areas affected by the oil spill as they continue clean-up.
- For our GLBT brothers and sisters around the world who live in fear of violence and discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- For MCC Churches in in the UK: Brightwaves MCC Brighton, MCC Torbay, MCC Newcastle, MCC of South London, Living Springs MCC (Bath), Journey MCC (Birmingham), MCC of East London, and MCC of Manchester.
- For our Building Team as they make plans for our new church building.
- For all who mourn loved ones.
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 E-Link Submissions
If you have information to share through our E-Link, please email it to the editor no later than Monday evening of the week you would like it published.
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Pastor's Message
I usually use this space as a way to direct us toward Sunday's scripture reading and sermon topic. Today, though, I couldn't ignore the approaching Labor Day Weekend. What you get, then, are my thoughts on striking a good balance between this week's sermon, "The Work of My Hands," and the Labor Day holiday.
Over the past three decades, the Gallup Organization has created a list of twelve questions that best assess an employee's work experience. They are as follows:
1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?
2. Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right?
3. At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
4. In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for doing good work?
5. Does my supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about me as a person?
6. Is there someone at work who encourages my development?
7. At work, do my opinions seem to count?
8. Does the mission/ purpose of my company make me feel my job is important?
9. Are my coworkers committed to doing quality work?
10. Do I have a best friend at work?
11. In the last six months, has someone at work talked to me about my progress?
12. This last year, have I had opportunities at work to learn and grow?
You probably couldn't help answering these 12 questions for yourself as you read through them, and some of you are writing imaginary letters of resignation while others are considering having some flowers or maybe cookies delivered to your boss.
I am very much in favor of your assessing your work experience since our work takes up so much of our lives. But here's what I want you to do for me this week that's just a little different. I want you to use these 12 questions to "be Church" to the people outside our church. I challenge you to look over these 12 questions and, between now and Monday, see how many of them you can turn around for somebody else: offer someone else praise or recognition, ask someone for his opinion on an important matter, fulfill that request someone made weeks ago to have a light fixture repaired, a keyboard replaced, or her job description updated.
Often we think that only those in professional ministry practice Christian vocations. The truth is, Christ can show up anywhere that we're willing to share kindness, encouragement, gratitude, hope, and Good News--even at work.
See you Sunday!
Rev. Karen Thompson
Sr. Pastor
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