The Electronic Newsletter of MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks 
| September 8, 2010
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 From Your Pastor
I intended to write this week about the benefits and blessings of vacation as I head out for mine. However, something huge and wonderful happened that changed my plan: I won the Italian-Canadian Lottery! I received a confirmation email last Thursday. Now, the amount hasn't been specified yet, but it's A LOT! And there couldn't be a better time with both daughters' tuition increasing, dental work on the horizon, wanting to do more for the capital campaign...
What? Are you laughing at me? With me? Do you have any reason to believe that I didn't win the Italian-Canadian Lottery? Should I pause before hitting send to notify my close friends and relatives of my good fortune? Should I stop calculating how many people I can call with my good news without going over my 1400 minutes? Wait! I don't have to worry about minutes or overcharges; I'm rich!
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What's Happening at MCC Austin
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 Sunday Morning Worship on September 12
9 & 11 a.m. "Lost and Found"
Rev. Bill Young
Luke 15:1-7
All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.'' So he told them this parable: "Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."
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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 12 at 2 p.m.
"Beyond Shame: Living by Faith"
Rev. Alycia Erickson
Join us as we start a new journey through the book of Romans together. We'll discuss Roman 1:16-17. We'll also enjoy the music of Emily Parks, Liz Diaz, and welcome Bradley Smith back to Austin. We'll sing some of our favorite songs: "Arms of Love," "I Could Sing of Your Love," and "Blessed Be Your Name."
Romans 1:16-17For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right. As the Scriptures say, "The one who is righteous will live by faith." Come to meet
Christ, not expectations.
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 MCC Austin Office Volunteer Opportunities
Currently MCC Austin is in need of several office volunteers. Office volunteers are an important part of helping MCC Austin to run smoothly behind the scenes. Volunteers work closely with the office staff to keep up with the many administrative tasks necessary to keep us functioning efficiently. Office volunteer opportunities are available from Tuesday - Friday The shifts available are between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Duties may include: Answering the phones, entering data into the software system, preparing mailings, assisting with various activities, assisting with filing and paperwork, participating in special projects, and organizing event materials. Skill Requirements: Good general organization skills and comfortable with computers. If you would like to volunteer in our office, please contact Courtney Webster at the office or by email. |
 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
At MCC Austin,
This 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
This 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 at Freedom Oaks
HIV/AIDS Support Group
Meets September 21 at 7 p.m. at a confidential location
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. Please call the church office for directions and information about the meeting location (291-8601).
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 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
From The Desk of The Moderator I am pleased to announce the appointment of Barb Crabtree as Director of Operations for MCC. Over the past year, Barb has served in this role as Interim Director of Operations, and we are now making it official.
Read more here.
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MCC: Tolerance & Faith --- Proposed Mosque,
New York City and the Globe The Global Justice Team of Metropolitan Community Churches will present a webinar entitled MCC: Tolerance & Faith --- Proposed Mosque, New York City and the Globe on Friday, September 10 from 3:00 - 4:00 PM (ET). The purpose of the webinar will be to facilitate a healthy conversation from an ethical, theological and pastoral perspective. One goal of this conversation will be to enhance understanding of the significance of the proposed mosque near the site of the former World Trade Center in New York City as we near the upcoming 9/11/01 Day of Remembrance. Our facilitator for this holy conversation will be the Rev. Gayle Davis, who is a lawyer and former prosecuting attorney in New York City. Rev. Davis is now a clergy person with Metropolitan Community Churches and is pursuing her doctorate in ethics under Dr. Traci C. West, Professor of Ethics and African American Studies at Drew University Theological School, Madison, New Jersey. Read more 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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23rd Annual Austin Gay and Lesbian
International Film Festival (AGLIFF)
September 7-12 at Alamo on South Lamar
From Ticked Off Trannies to The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister, we
have an amazing festival comin' at you this September. The Alamo is now LIVE with our online schedule complete with reviews, photos, and trailers. Even better,
you can access the festival schedule from your iPhone or Android device
using popular apps like Flixster, Fandango, and Popcorn! Add aGLIFF23 to Your Google Calendar/Outlook/iCal...View the Full Schedule as a Google Calendar
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Join allgo at AGLIFF
CHERYL DUNYE:Groundbreaking Black Lesbian Director
to Accompany Her Latest Film, The OWLS (Older Wiser Lesbians)
When: Saturday, September 11, 2010, at 11:30 am General Admission $10, Students & Seniors $5 Where: AGLIFF at the Alamo Drafthouse South (1120 S. Lamar Blvd) What: Cheryl Dunye, one of the pioneers of the New Queer Cinema movement, will speak at the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (AGLIFF). Dunye is best known for her 1996 film, The Watermelon Woman, a quirky comedy that mixed narrative and documentary modes to highlight the omission of black lesbians in cinema history. Read more here.
Also join allgo at a performance of
Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the South
When: September 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and September 12 at 2 p.m.
Where: Oscar G. Brockett Theatre, Winship Drama Building UT Campus, 23rd & San Jacinto Written and performed by E. Patrick What: Johnson directed by Helga Davis Adapted from Johnson's book Sweet Tea, based on interviews of more than 70 Black gay southern men, the production Sweet Tea explores the relationship between blackness, sexuality and southern life. Read more here.
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Special aGLIFF Screening:
Sunday, September 12th
2:30 pm
at the Alamo Drafthouse (1120 South Lamar)
Faith of the Abomination
Dirs.
Ceil Melton & Han Nguyen (In Attendance)
Two
lesbians go undercover disguised as a straight couple to infiltrate an Austin-based
evangelical Christian ministry in order to better understand the organization's
motives and shed a light on their shallow prejudices. The build to the climax
was among one of the tensest moments I've ever seen captured on film. All
the while, the film rises above condemnation of the Church as a whole and
delivers a message of acceptance through spirituality that feels true to the
characters and important to the LBGTQI community.
SHOWING WITH:
Fish Out of Water
Dir. Ky Dickens
A must-see for the entire family, this film is a a fun, entertaining and warm
documentary exploring views of Bible scripture that supposedly address the
issue of homosexuality. Deftly moving back and forth between animation, interviews
of members of the LGBTQI community and interviews of theologians, Director
Ky Dickens facilitates a thoughtful discussion of the scriptures that are
often used to condemn homosexuality. By looking at what each of the scriptures was likely addressing when it was written and how each has been
misused today, every person can take away the knowledge they need to confront
Bible-based attacks on the LGBTQI community.
For more information, please check out AGLIFF's website: www.agliff.org.
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Transgender Education Network of Texas
September Newsletter: Welcomes New Board Member
Transgender Education Network of Texas is proud to announce a new board member, Adam Clements. Adam previously served on the board but had to step down to attend to personal matters. He has now rejoined the board, and brings more diversity to the board as a trans man as well as representing our younger generation. Adam will be featured in a new set of feature articles, starting with this edition, titled He Said/She Said, in which we will learn more about him. Welcome Adam! Read the whole September newsletter here.
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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 find out more click here. Back to top ____________________________________________________________ |
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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/suicide prevention lifeline for LGBTQ youth. This tour will be supported by the national release of the new compilation CD "INDIGO" of which Proceeds will be donated to The Trevor Project. Come join us at Austin Java Café on Lamar Sept. 15 @ 8pm for a live concert with national recording artists George Walsh & Mike Burns from the INDIGO CD! Also check out Rain on 4th St. Sept. 16 for the official Trevor Project Benefit night. 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 continue to deal with the effects of the floods.
- For the Central Texas region as we deal with the torrential rains of Hermine.
- For MCC Churches around the world, and especially this week MCC Edinburgh (Scotland).
- For our Building Team as they continue the process of planning for our new church building.
- 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
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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
Enough of that. You don't believe it, do you? Haven't from the word "won."
So let me ask you: Would your hesitancy to believe my news and your choice not to help me publicize my news have been the same if I'd said something along these lines:
--Jane Doe had to resign because of her drinking problem...
--John Q can't stand our new boss and here's what he said about him...
--Sally Smith is thinking about leaving the church because she's really unhappy with...
I'm trying very hard these days to think about when, how, and why I pass things along. Here are some questions I'm trying to slow down and ask myself before I react to or share information:
1. Do I know this to be true?
2. What is my motivation for passing the information along?
3. Who or what will be helped by my sharing the information?
4. Who or what may be hurt by my sharing the information?
5. I exaggerated details to achieve my desired effect?
6. Does the information match up with my own experiences of this person/situation?
7. Have I enlisted anonymous reinforcements like "a bunch of people" or "many others" as I tell the story?
8. What is the best case scenario for what happens after I pass along this story?
9. What is the worst case scenario for what happens after I pass along this story?
10. Am I honestly identifying my words as my perception, my needing to vent, third-hand information, etc?
As I'm trying to be mindful of all these things, I'm amazed by how often information comes in my ears and out my mouth without ever passing through my brain...or my heart.
May God Bless You and Keep You,
Rev. Karen Thompson
Sr. Pastor
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