The Electronic Newsletter of MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks 
| January 19, 2011
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From Pastor Erickson
 Eugene Peterson, a pastor and writer probably best known for "The Message" Bible, tells a story of his pastor during his adolescent years. His pastor would often check up on him and ask him, "How are things in your SOUL today?" It's not a question we get asked very often. I'm not sure I've ever been asked it. As we prepare for Sunday worship this week, I invite and encourage you to reflect on the question, with a slightly different emphasis: "How ARE things with your soul today?" This Sunday we'll continue our "New Year - ReNew You" series with SOUL. I want to extend a special invitation to come hear our special guest musician and good friend, the SOULful singer Kim Wisdom. I also encourage you, as you reflect on this question...
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What's Happening at MCC Austin
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January
30 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 23, 2011
9 & 11 a.m.
New Year - ReNew You: Soul
Rev. Karen Thompson
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
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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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 Automated External Defibrillator Alert
An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a device that automatically analyzes heart rhythms and advises the operator to deliver an electrical shock if the heart is in a fatal heart rhythm. AEDs are safe and will not shock anyone accidentally, unintentionally, or who is not in a fatal heart rhythm. Non-medical personnel can use AEDs safely and effectively with minimal training.
A few years ago a physician gifted MCC Austin an AED; at that time we had a small group of people trained to use it. However, it has now come to our attention that our AED needs a new battery, new pads, and updated training has also become necessary. Due to the cost of maintaining our AED the possibility of discontinuing its use is now under consideration. If there is anyone that is concerned about discontinuing the use of the AED and/or would like to contribute to helping us to purchase what is necessary to maintain it, please contact Courtney Webster at the church office or by email.
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 Volunteer Request: Building Hosts
We are in need of Volunteer Building Hosts.
Building Hosts will open the building for special event and class offerings (turn on lights and help with any set-up needs) and help provide hospitality during the event or class such as preparing beverages and snacks. This is an "As-Needed" volunteer position and training is provided. If you would like to volunteer for this position or would like more information on this and other opportunities, please contact Courtney Webster in the church office or by email.
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 God in My Life
This Thursday, January 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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 New Member Class This 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 |
 Annual Congregational Meeting
This Sunday, January 23
Following the 11 a.m. service
Please mark your calendar for our Annual Congregational Meeting and join us as we look at where we have come from and the direction God is leading us into for 2011.
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 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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An Invitation to Faithful Dialogue
"Baptism"
Wednesday, February 2 at 7 p.m.
Holy Conversations is a series of theological discussion guides prepared by the MCC Theologies Team. February's topic is "Baptism." 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.
This group meets in member's homes each month. For location information, please email or call Courtney Webster in the church office and she will give you the directions.
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 Transgender Basics Plus workshop
Saturday, February 19, 2011
At MCC Austin from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join Metropolitan Community Church of Austin and Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT) as we jointly host Transgender Basics Plus workshop. The workshop will explore the many challenges faced by the transgender community, provide an opportunity to celebrate and share stories of transgender lives and experience. This workshop is free and lunch will be provided for a $5 donation. Please register by February 10 with Courtney Webster by phone at 512-291-8601 or by email. If you need additional information about the workshop, please contact MJ Allen by email.
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Journey Retreat
Saturday, February 5
MCC Austin from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There is a $10 registration fee.
Registration required, only 13 available spots!
JOURNEY is an 8-hour experience to better understand and appreciate self, others and God. It is a retreat-like experience which deals with such topics as: Do I wear masks? Why? How can I better learn to communicate who I am and not just what I think? How can I grow in trust? Who is Christ? What does Church mean to me? Do I pray? Why? It is a non-threatening opportunity to really get to know yourself, others and God.
To register, please contact Courtney Webster at the church office or by email. It will be facilitated by Carol Wagner and presented by a team from MCC Austin. It will be awesome! The cost is only $10 and lunch will be served. Please be prompt and plan to spend the entire day. It will definitely be worth your time. Open to 21 years and older.
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New Online Group Study:
The Book of God: The Bible as a Novel
Can't make it to church during the week for class due to work schedule or travel? Live too far from church to make it back during the week? Want to learn more about the Bible in an interesting way? We have a new study group just for you!
We are starting an ongoing online study group that will read Walter Wangerin, Jr.'s The Book of God together. It will begin the week of Sunday, February 6. Each week we'll read a chapter together and then share reflections in a private Facebook group. Pastor Alycia Erickson will facilitate the study and Facebook group. A limited number of books will be available for purchase through the church for $15 each (normally $19.99). If you would like to join the group, please email or "friend" Pastor Alycia and request to join the group. Please note: you must have a Facebook account to participate in this study.
More about The Book of God (from the bookflap):
Here is the story of the Bible from beginning to end as you've never ead it before--told with exciting detail and passionate energy. [It] reads like a fine novel, bringing a wise a beautiful rendering of the Bible, retold by masterful storyteller Walter Wangerin, Jr. Wangerin recreates the high drama, low comedy, gentle humor, and awesome holiness of the Bible story. Imaginative, yet meticulously research, The Book of God offers a sweeping history that stretches across thousands of years and hundreds of lives, in cultures foreign and yet familiar in their common humanity. History and fact take on personality and warmth....Gardens, humble homes, olive groves, palaces, temples, and the hills of Judea shining in the afternoon sun--Wangerin makes the places where the events of the Bible tool place come to life in the imagination.
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 SOUL Connections Group Forming
SOUL: Sharing w/Others
Unconditionally and Lovingly
There are groups for almost everyone at MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks...and now we have the opportunity to have one too! Are you an older adult? Would you like to re-new yourself by participating with a group of your peers? We envision information sharing, day trips, volunteering...the list is limited only by our imagination. We all have much to offer, questions to ask and be answered, and sharing of life experiences...and of course, simply enjoy the chance to socialize and have some "phun". Karen Son and Bob Kelly will kick start the new group. One goal is to create a dynamic group with shared commitment in which everyone can host meetings or activities. We plan on having a first gathering on Sunday, February 6, 2011. Details are below. When this sounds interesting and beneficial to you, contact Karen Son or Bob Kelly for additional information.
Their contact information is:
Karen Son kkson@yahoo.com 512-626-4705 or
Bob Kelly bobtex@att.net 512-828-7367
Who: Older, more "mature" adults (e.g., 45+) - Inclusive: If you would like to participate, we'd love to have you
Why: We all have LOTS to enjoy in our lives and LOTS to offer. This group could be a terrific way to truly enable us to re-new ourselves through service to others
When: February 6, 2011 after the 11 a.m. MCC Austin at Freedom Oaks church service
Where: Lunch location Chi Buffet in Southpark Meadows Shopping Center (Separate room has been reserved) 9900 South IH-35 (512) 292-0303 - Next to Cinemark Movie Theaters
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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.
- For the friends and family of all who are dealing with the after-effects of the shooting in Tucson, Arizona.
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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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The American Boychoir is coming to Austin!
The world-renowned American Boychoir comes to Austin January 24! They will present a concert at 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 2200 Justin Lane, joining forces with the Austin Girls' Choir on a few selections. Exquisite harmonies, exciting repertoire, and a stellar choral experience! Thanks to the concert's sponsors, tickets are only $20 in advance, $30 at the door. Seating is limited; call 453-0884 for tickets.
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Save the date for Baile 2011
Baile 2011: 25 Years and Still Dancing!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Mexican American Cultural Center
600 River Street, Austin TX
Doors open 7:30 pm until 11:30 pm
Tickets $25 pre-sale!($35 @ the Door!)
sponsored by allgo: A statewide queer people of color organization.
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Pastor's Message
...to consider how you are growing in your faith. We have a variety of opportunities for spiritual growth scheduled over the next few months and I invite you to consider which one might be calling to you. If you wish to explore and deepen your prayer life, then perhaps "The Way of Prayer" is for you. If you're unable to come to a weekly class or want to learn more about the Bible, perhaps the online reading group for "The Book of God" is right up your alley. Perhaps you'd like to learn how to discern where and how God is moving in your life, and so the "God in my Life" group may be for you. Or perhaps you're wondering about who you are, who Christ is for you, and what the church means to you. If so, then consider coming to "The Journey" retreat. Maybe you would like to get to know more people and dig into interesting and diverse topics on a regular basis-then I would encourage you to check out the Sunday morning Bible study. In the passage from Matthew this week, Jesus encourages us to come to him, learn from him and promises us rest for our souls. It doesn't get any better than that.
Peace and blessings, Alycia Pastor of Faith Formation
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