new logo

E-Link Newsletter

  News from Metropolitan Community Church of Austin

TopJune 29, 2011  

 From Your Pastor

 

It's no secret to anyone that I'm sad to see our Broadway series end, but I'm already feeling better as I look forward to July. For the five weeks of July, we'll be taking a look at 5 of our favorite Christian phrases in light of the fact that NONE of them are in the Bible! One of them is very close to what's in the Bible, but that's it.

 

Part of the inspiration behind this sermon series is one of my favorite quotes from Cistercian Monk, Michael Casey:

 

Our familiarity with the Bible can never become an instrument of personal power over others to proselytize, coerce, judge, or punish them.
The Bible has communion as its goal: our being bonded with God and with our fellow humans. We can be sure that we have understood the Bible if it produces love in us and the fruits of the Spirit. It is equally certain that alienation from others, disunity, and a tendency to condemn come from ourselves; they do not derive from God's word. Despite its intrinsic strength, the word of God comes to us in a very fragile condition: it is unsuitable for battering anyone.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                    Read more... 

In This Issue
From Your Pastor
MCC Austin Calendar
Sunday Morning Worship
Sunday School Notice
Sunday Morning Study Group
Independence Day Picnic
Blues on the Green
New Year's Eve Fundraiser Planning
Our Prayers
Beyond Our Walls: MCC Around the World
Beyond Our Walls: Community News & Events

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.

Quick Links

Our Sponsors 


Beverly Vougle Ad update10-25-10

__________________

 

tristareq  



  What's Happening at MCC Austin

         July

         **No Children's Sunday School in July or August** 

    2   Soul Connections Independence Day Picnic from 5 until dark 

    3   Worship at 9 & 11 a.m.

    6   "Blues on the Green" Meet-up   

  10   Worship at 9 & 11 a.m. 

  17   Worship at 9 & 11 a.m. 

New Year's Eve Party Planning Meeting at 1:30 p.m. 

           

Sunday Morning Worship*worship


July 3 at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. 

 

"Is That in the Bible? God Helps Those Who Help Themselves"

Rev. Karen Thompson

 

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,

      always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come

      and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Let the oceans roar and foam.

      Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

 

A river brings joy to the city of our God,

      the sacred home of the Most High.

God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.

      From the very break of day, God will protect it.

The nations are in chaos,

      and their kingdoms crumble!

   God's voice thunders,

      and the earth melts!

The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us;

      the God of Israel is our fortress.

 

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:

      See how God brings destruction upon the world.

God causes wars to end throughout the earth.

      God breaks the bow and snaps the spear;

      God burns the shields with fire.

 

"Be still, and know that I am God!

      I will be honored by every nation.

      I will be honored throughout the world."

 

The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us;

      the God of Israel is our fortress.

 

 

*Please note: Sign Language Interpretation will not be available during the month of July. Beginning in August, interpretation for the 11:00 service will be available upon request. Please send an email to Courtney Webster in the church office to request it. 

Back to Top

Sunday School Notice
sundayschool
  
Sunday School will NOT be held during the months of July and August. The teachers look forward to seeing everyone return in September! The Sunday School needs a portable CD player, new or used. Please email Courtney Webster in the church office if you have one you would like to donate. Thank you!

Back to Top 

Sunday Morning Study Group
SunMornStdyGrp9:30 - 10:30 a.m. in the Education Building

 

JT Hicks is leading a study on the 12 Steps of AA through the lens of scripture. The group meets from 9:30 to 10:30 in the Wray Education building. The class is a diverse group of singles & couples, aged 30s-70s.  The class is discussion based & informal.  Come join us...there's room for you!

Back to Top 

Soul Connections: Independence Day Picnic picnic

This Saturday, July 2 at 5 p.m.

soul connect

 

The regularly scheduled first Sunday SOUL Connection luncheon will not formally meet on July 3rd. Impromptu luncheon is encouraged. Please mark your calendars to attend the Independence Day Picnic on Saturday, July 2 from 5 until dark at members' home in Elgin. Hamburgers and hot dogs (all condiments, paper plates, etc) will be provided. Everyone who attends should bring side dishes to fill out the menu.  Bring lawn chairs and drinks of choice.  RSVP's are definitely a MUST! Best contact is 512-656-8159 or dmcveytx@msn.com. Directions to the picnic are on the SOUL Connections website .

Back to Top 

Come Hear Marcia Ball at Blues on the Green bluesonthegreen
blues on the green Wednesday, July 6 at 6 p.m. at Zilker Park
 
Come hear the fabulous Marcia Ball and get to know other MCCers. Alycia will set up a spot by 6 p.m. and will post the location on her Facebook page. Bring a blanket or chair and plan on enjoying an evening out doing what Austin does best! Find out all you need to know about Blues on the Green for parking, food, what to bring, etc. on KGSR's website.

 Back to Top 

Fundraising Planning Session newyears

fundraising volunt

Sunday, July 17 at 1:30 p.m. at MCC Austin 

 

New Year's Eve Party Planning Session 

David Ferguson is searching for individuals who would like to plan and organize MCC Austin's next fundraising event.  The Board of Directors have approved a  New Year's Eve Party and we will be inviting everyone in Austin and surrounding communities to attend this fun and exciting party.  Please be aware that the planning and organizing of this fundraising event may require a moderate amount of your time and energy, so if you are interested in being a part of this team, please plan on attending a meeting at the church on Sunday, July 17, at 1:30 p.m.

Back to Top 

Our Prayers...Prayers
  • For all Central Texans who do not have air conditioning and are dealing with the high temperatures so early in the summer.     
  • 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 our church as we discern next steps for our building and/or building search process.
  • For all who are diabetic and their loved ones.   

Back to Top 

From Your Pastor, continued PastorMessage

 

The key here for me is that first sentence: Our familiarity with the Bible can never become an instrument of personal power over others to proselytize, coerce, judge, or punish them. 

 

Before, I have taken for granted that the only people who would use familiarity with the Bible to oppress, coerce, judge or punish people are those who come at it from a narrow perspective, a perspective of God's righteousness only without the gift of grace. Over time, though, I came to see that even those of us with the most grace centered theology sometimes use the words in the Bible--or what we think is in the Bible--to do harm to others.
 

I invite you to think about that with me this month as we explore the following topics together:

 

 

July 3 - God Helps Those Who Help Themselves 

July 10 - This Too Shall Pass

July 17 - Money Is the Root of All Evil

July 24 - The Seven Deadly Sins 

July 31 - There But for the Grace of God, Go I 

 

 

Love and Blessings,

 

 

 

 

Rev. Karen Thompson

 

Senior Pastor   

 Back to Top

Beyond Our Walls: News from MCCs Around the World 

 
 
L.E.A.D. Program

MCC Laity Empowered for Active Discipleship

Application deadline July 5

........................................................................................................................................................ 

 

MCC Headline News: News from our Denomination 

Back to Top

Beyond Our Walls: Community News & Events  

  

TransTexas Monthly - June 2011     

..........................................................................................................................................................


FLOURISH The Evangelical Network 2011 Conference
  

July 7-10, 2011, at the Omni Austin Hotel

The 2011 conference is designed to educate and inspire every Christian to FLOURISH in their individual lives, relationships, and ministries. The conference workshops and sessions focus on helping better understand, develop, and further our God-given gifts for greater ministry in the body of Christ. The 2011 conference will feature four days of transforming teaching, intimate worship, and building relationships.

..........................................................................................................................................................

 

 Back to Top