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April 11, 2014         Volume 8, Number 12
Our Mission:
.
CLAIM
our Birthright
GROW
in Wisdom
SERVE
in Gratitude
SHARE God's Love 
  
  
In This Issue

Spirit Blog

Upcoming Events

Church Happenings
  
This Week
 
Sunday Service
10:30 AM
 
 
Weekly Office Hours
Wed &Thurs
10:00AM-3:00PM
(813) 239-1951
408 E. Cayuga Street 

 

Drag Queen Bingo

MCC Young Adult 

Concert

3D Dinners 

 

  

Membership Class Board Meeting

Finance Meeting

Cookbooks

Living Green 

Facebook Page  

 

 

Food Pantry

Domestic Ptnr Registry

Pop Tops For Shriners HIV Testing

  

 

Join Our Mailing List

 

 

PRIORITY: OUR TIME Lenten Gatherings     

All members and friends are encouraged to participate in our upcoming series of  OUR TIME community interim gatherings.  This series will be a journey toward naming who we are and what we hope to do in the future as a spiritual community. We will also learn some important skills for being a healthier community together.  This community process is integral to our interim journey, and we need everyone to participate.  We will not be able to go into a pastoral search until a majority of our community has successfully engaged the process and is clear and committed to a new direction for the future.  It would be especially good for anyone wishing to stand for the Pastoral Search Committee toward the end of our interim period to participate.  

 

This work will happen over the course of five gatherings. Remaining dates are:

Sunday Group meets on April 13.

 

 

 

Spirit Blog
         

  

 

"Strong Songs of the Soul" 

  

Dear Reader:

  

When I was a seminarian, I was fortunate enough to study under a seminal voice in black theology, Dr. James Cone.  Each class session was riveting, challenging and consequential.  God-talk with Dr. Cone never felt superfluous or disconnected.  It was in that classroom that I was first able to articulate for myself that queer theology was essential, immediate and a vital life and death issue for millions of us.  This was not theology as an exercise, it was the soul singing for its life.  

  

The events of Holy Week begin this Sunday as we process with our palms waving and begin reflecting on the archetypal drama of Holy Week.  Our Easter traditions have become comforting and familiar, but it is important to remain mindful that in 1st century Jerusalem God-talk was a high-risk endeavor.  We look back and wonder why the crowds were so quick to proclaim Jesus from Nazareth as a Messiah when it would surely lead to harsh repercussions.  Jesus answered those who asked the same questions in his own time by saying, "If the people are stifled, the stones themselves will take up the song."  

  

The power of the Holy Week journey is in the persistence of the soul to be as free and alive with Love as the spark of the Divine first placed within us - the wildfire of our origins. The Resurrected Christ becomes a symbol for this persistence and a harbinger of resilience in the most destitute of situations.  And that is something worth singing about.

  

I hope we each find your strong vital song anew this year. See you on the way to something good.

 
 

Glad you're there,

Rev. Pressley

 

 

 

 

PALM SUNDAY SERVICE - APRIL 13, 10:30AM

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE - APRIL 17, 7:00PM

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE - APRIL 18, 7:00PM

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE - APRIL 20, 10:30AM

 

  

  


      
UpcomingUpcoming Events

DRAG QUEEN BINGO TO BENEFIT MCC TAMPA - Come join the always outrageous Melanie Minyon, your hostess & caller for the evening as we raise some cash for  MCC Tampa on Monday, April 14th at 7:30pm.  $10 gets you 3 bingo cards for all 10 games!  Reservations are recommended, 1600 E 7th Ave, 2nd Floor, Ybor City, 813-241-6279.

 

**As the beneficiary of this event, we have to provide prizes to the winners of each game. We are in need of gift baskets or gifts cards and other items we may use to create a basket for our July 2nd Bingo Night.  Thank you for all you do to help make our Drag Queen Bingo events a big success!  

 

MCC YOUNG ADULT GATHERING 2014Led by young adults, this Young Adult Retreat will be an experience of meeting and connecting with your peers, having spirited discussions, and working on strategies for empowering our young adults in their home churches and in MCC's around the world. The retreat will take place July 17-July 20th in St. Louis, MO. The event will begin at

approximately 7:00pm on the 17th and will end at approximately 12:00pm on the 20th. This retreat is intended for only those 18-35 years in age. We will spend time identifying who we are as a young adult group, working to serve others through a service project, discussing the future of MCC with MCC leadership and taking time for Spiritual Connection.

 

The host church for the retreat is MCC of Greater St. Louis in St. Louis, MO. MCC of Greater St. Louis has graciously agreed to host our retreat in July and will provide lunch and dinner for retreat attendees on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the retreat. We will end our gathering by attending the Sunday morning church service at MCC of Greater St. Louis. 

 

We are currently working out housing options and will send updates out as we get more information.  To keep costs low and make this retreat as accessible as possible we have set the registration rate at $50 per person.

 

JASON & DEMARCO CONCERT - CELEBRATING DIVERSITY TOUR - Join us at MCC Tampa on Friday, April 11 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm for a FREE concert.  There will be a CD and book signing with Jason and deMarco following the concert. A love offering will be taken.  For more information call 813-239-1951 or email [email protected]

                                     

DINNER, DATE, DELIGHT - The 3D Dinners are back! Grab a couple friends and start planning your event today. You plan the event, location, theme, meal & festivities and set the ticket price; and we advertise your dinner, print & sell the tickets, and provide you with your guest list. Dinner, Date, Delight events are a great time and a great way to raise money for your church. For more information call the church office at 813-239-1951.


      

HappeningsChurch Happenings

 

MEMBERSHIP CLASSIf you are interested in becoming a member of MCC Tampa please sign up in the back after worship or email [email protected]  The dates will be determined depending on what works best for the participants.  

 

MONTHLY BOARD MEETING - The monthly board meeting is on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:15 pm. All board meetings are open meetings.

 

MONTHYLY FINANCE MEETING - There is a monthly finance meeting every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm.  This is an open meeting.

 

ANNIVERSARY COOKBOOK SALE - These will make great gifts for family, friends, teachers, co-workers, etc.. Buy your cookbooks for just $5.00 each!!!  Call the church office at 813-239-1951 to order yours today. 

 

LIVING GREEN MINISTRY - MCC Tampa's recycling ministry has a new item to collect. The pop top tab from aluminum cans. We will donate them to the Shriners Hospital to help with children's medical needs. Remember we also collect all paper and light cardboard, ink & toner cartridges, cell phones (no chargers please) and aluminum cans. Thank you for helping keep our environment green and support MCC Tampa in the process. 

 

OUR FACEBOOK PAGE - Follow MCC Tampa on our new Fan Page.  Go to MCC Tampa, under church and organizations to "Like" and "Share" with your friends.  Also spread the word about upcoming events and invite your friends to join us. 

 

 


      

SocialSocial Justice

 

FOOD PANTRY -  In Dec and Jan the congregation collected food for a pound for pound match. The total raised was 1978 pounds. With that we served people approximately 2 breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 dinners each. In Dec we served 333 people for approx 1998 meals and Jan we served 344 people for approx. 2064 meals. The need is never ending and it is increasing. Thank you for your Time, Talents, and Treasures to help with doing God's Good Work inside and outside the wall's of this Loving Church.

 

TAMPA DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP REGISTRY - Is open for business at  the City Clerk's office at 315 E. Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL. The fee is $30.00 (cash or check payable to the City of Tampa). A Driver's License or Class 1 ID is required for each person. Both partners must be present at the same time to register. 

 

POP TOPS FOR SHRINERS HOSPITAL - MCC Tampa's recycling ministry is now collecting the pop top tabs from aluminum cans. We will donate them to the Shriners Hospital to help with children's medical needs.

  

TAKE THE TEST & LEARN YOUR STATUS! - When was your last HIV test?  Has it been a while?  If so, its not too late!  Metro Wellness & Community Centers will be providing confidential HIV testing services at MCC Tampa. The next date is May 18th from 11:00am -1:00pm.  Test results provided within 20 minutes! 

 

 


      
LifeIn the Life of Our Church

 

Ministry Opportunities

Please consider becoming "one of the many ministers in the life of this church." You've been longing to become active and involved in your church, so here are some of the many ways you can do so in life of your church. 
Below is a list of ministries and contact people. Please see them, visit the church website:  www.mcctampa.com  or call the church office at 813-239-1951 for more information.
 

MINISTRY                                                             Contact Person

Board of Directors                                                 Ginny Walker

Children's Ministry                                                Vacant
Congregational Care                                            Vacant
Creating Sacred Spaces                                       Ross Scudder 

Deaf Interpreters Ministry                                      Vacant
Education Ministry                                                Dave Lindsay

Eucharistic Ministry                                               Vance Hamilton
Food Pantry                                                          Tina Brunner

Hospitality                                                             Melissa Greene

Lectors Ministry                                                     Kevin Klahr
Living Green Ministry                                           Tina Brunner

Multimedia Ministry                                              Mac McGowan
Music Ministry                                                       Vacant
Newcomers Ministry                                              Vacant

Office Angels                                                        Robert Krebs
Sacred Grounds                                                    Vacant

Ushers                                                                   Laura Henzler
Welcome Ministry                                                 George Summers 

 

CONGREGATIONAL CARE TEAM AVAILABLE FOR YOU

We want to remind you that if you, or someone you know, is in the hospital, becomes homebound or is in need of some congregational care - Please let us know. We now have a very active Congregational Care Team, and they are here to serve your needs.  The team is available every Sunday before and after worship service.

If you need special prayers, have concerns you would like to discuss, need someone to talk with, or would like a call,  then visit our Congregational Care  Ministry Table in the foyer, or E-mail us at [email protected] or call the us at 813-230-1542
 

 
BECOME A CREATIVE FINANCIER FOR MCC TAMPA
 
THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR FAITH COMMUNITY:
In addition to making your own commitment-use others' money to grow that commitment and ensure MCCT's financial security.
 
Tithes and Offerings: It's not too late to make a pledge that makes a difference.
 
Ministry Volunteers: Feel your passion and join a ministry team that nurtures you as you fulfill your commitment to "Serve in Gratitude."
 
Fundraisers: Please support church efforts to nurture you and your friends and family at our special events throughout the year.  Watch for announcements on upcoming events.
 
AND NOW, FOR THE FREE $$$:
 
Corporate Matching Gifts: Give to MCCT without spending a dime-your employer may be one who matches giving to a 501c-3 (nonprofit) organization. Check with your Human Resources office to see if you can double your giving at no cost to you but with great benefit to MCCT.
 
Travelers and Social Butterflies Website: Book through http://ytbtravel.com/mcctampaor go to www.mcctampa.com and click on "travel." Either way, making travel arrangements (air, sea, land), sending flowers, buying theater and other event tickets benefits MCCT through commissions.
 
Recycling: The Living Green Ministry can use your help with greening MCCT while raising money from recyclables. Bring in newspapers (complete with slicks),cardboard, phone books, magazines, basically anything paper that tears. Aluminum cans (soda/beer), printer cartridges, cell phones (no chargers) and junk vehicles. Please recycle your plastic bottles at home at your curbside. LETS' KEEP IT GREEN!! and greener $$$$$$$$$
 
Surf the Web at www.goodsearch.com and MCCT receives one cent for every search.  What could be easier and more helpful? It's the search that keeps on giving.  How about getting a surfing team together that raises $20 each month?  How about challenging others to do the same?
 
Shop online at www.iGive.com and more free $$$ comes back to MCCT.
 
Recurring Credit Card Donations
We are now able to offer automatic debit withdraws for tithes and offerings. These forms are available on the table in the lobby. Once you have completed the form, the church office will process your information and you will receive a confirmation of when the first payment will be processed.  You may choose what day of the month you would like the withdraw to occur and you may cancel recurring donations at any time; however, we ask that you notify us 10 days prior to the date of your next donations so that we can process your cancellation in a timely manner.  If you have any questions concerning this process, please feel free to talk with a member of the Board of Directors or contact the church office.
The church office can also process one time donations from credit cards.  If you would like to make a one time gift, please see the church office for the one time authorization form.  Your gifts and offerings have a direct impact in the life of MCC Tampa and continue to make a difference in our church and our community. Thank You!
 
To learn more about what is happening in the MCC Fellowship, visit their Website at:
www.mccchurch.org
or
Sign Up for the MCC Churches Newsletter!
 

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