The Electronic Newsletter of MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks 
| January 5, 2011
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From Your Pastor
I always taught my students that the only time they should quote a source directly rather than paraphrasing was when the material was so compelling as it was that it would lose something in translation. That's why you're getting a very unusual E-Link column from me today. My sermon this week is about renewing our minds: the power of thought, the mind's role in faith, how we "know" God through intellect.... In light of that, I offer you this. Enjoy!  1996 Washington Post Writers Group
I can't wait to worship with you Sunday! 
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What's Happening at MCC Austin
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January
16 Worship at 9 & 11 a.m.
23 Worship at 9 & 11 a.m.
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Start the New Year off right with this
special sermon series from Rev. Thompson.
January 2: ReNew Your Heart
January 9: ReNew Your Mind
January 16: ReNew Your Body
January 23: ReNew Your Soul
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 Sunday Morning Worship on January 9,
9 & 11 a.m.
New Year - ReNew You: Mind Mind
Rev. Karen Thompson
Philippians 4:1-8
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
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ASL interpretation for the 11 a.m. worship service is available upon request. For more information, please email Courtney Webster.
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Holiday Church Office Hours
The office will be closed Thursday, December 30 through Monday, January 10 and will re-open on Tuesday, January 11 for regular office hours. The church staff will be taking care of annual projects during this time and will be checking the church voicemail regularly. Please call the Deacon Care Line at 291-8819 for any prayer or care needs you may have. We wish all of you a Blessed and Happy New Year!
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Holy Conversations
An Invitation to Faithful Dialogue
"Trans-formations & Trans Experiences"
Tonight, January 5 at 7 p.m.
Holy Conversations is a series of theological discussion guides prepared by the MCC Theologies Team. January's topic is "Trans-formations & Trans Experiences." 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.
For location information, please email or call Courtney Webster at the church office and she will give you the directions.
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God in My Life
Thursday, January 6 & 20 at 7 p.m.
This faith sharing support group is open to everyone, and meets every other Thursday evening in the Wray Education Building. If you have any questions, please email Carol Wagner.
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Positive Perspectives
HIV/AIDS Support Group
will meet on January 18 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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 New Member Class Saturday, January 22 from 9 - 11 a.m. Come learn about the MCC Austin's history, mission, our current ministries, 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. If you're interested in attending the class, please RSVP to Courtney Webster, by email or by calling the church [291-8601]. Please include your first and last name, email, and the best contact number for you. Back to Top |
 The Way of Prayer Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. January 24 - April 11 Cost: $20 (includes participant guide) Facilitator: Pastor Alycia Erickson Many people feel inadequate when it comes to prayer or find that their upbringing has offered limited ways of understanding and practicing prayer. This class aims to help expand both mind and heart in relation to perhaps the most central of spiritual practices. This class will offer ways to examine one's personal history with prayer. Each class offers opportunities to try a broad array of prayer practices that can help integrate prayer into the whole of one's life. The Way of Prayer has two primary components: individual readings and daily exercises throughout the week. The daily exercises help move from information (knowledge about) to experience (knowledge of). The time commitment for one daily exercise is approximately thirty minutes. Participants are encouraged to keep a journal for recording thoughts, reflections and questions throughout the class. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Pastor Alycia in the church office or by email. To register for this class, please contact Courtney Webster by email at or in the church office. Back to Top
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BEYOND OUR WALLS: MCC News From Around the World
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News from our denomination.
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News from MCC churches around the world.
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BEYOND OUR WALLS: News & Community Events
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 Volunteer Healthcare Clinic
In continuous operation since 1966, and operated by over 400 volunteers, the Volunteer Healthcare Clinic (VHC) was founded for the purpose of providing healthcare services to people in Austin who have nowhere else to turn for this care. Over the years the Clinic has grown and evolved to meet community needs but our steadfast goal has remained the same, to effectively provide healthcare services to those individuals who would otherwise have to go without. With continued volunteer and community support, we look forward to many more years of service to the Austin community. To find out more click here.
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Our Prayers...
- For MCC Churches around the world.
- For our Building Team and Board of Directors as they work with our General Contractor in the next steps of the building process.
- 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.
- That we may all find ways to ReNew our heart, mind, body and soul in 2011.
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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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