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August 15, 2014         Volume 8, Number 22
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 

 

TV Raffle

Fall Fling

Volunteer Dinner

3 Keys Mini-Summit

AIDS Walk Tampa Bay

Fall Yard Sale

 

  

Fall Fling Needs

Annual Meetings Smile.Amazon.com

Board Meeting

Finance Meeting

Living Green 

Facebook Page  

 

 

Food Pantry

Domestic Ptnr Registry

Pop Tops For Shriners HIV Testing

  

 

Join Our Mailing List

 

 

 

 

 

Spirit Blog
         

  

 

From A Distance


 

Dear Reader: 

 

The more distance we create between ourselves and others the more space there is to become fearful.  Psychologists have noted the human tendency to fill in gaps of knowledge about others with projections.  It seems that we are wired to make sense of the unknown by filling in gaps and spaces with our own narrative (which may or may not have much to do with reality.) Perhaps we are most frightened not of one another but of the little we know about one another.


 

This past week, Ferguson, MO erupted in protest after an unarmed teenager, Mike Brown, was killed by a police officer.  Ferguson is part of the greater St. Louis area, a city of conspicuously gated communities often evidently dividing communities on one side of the tracks from the other.  When I moved back to the States to St. Louis a couple of years ago, I remember thinking that the city reminded me in areas of Johannesburg, South Africa, where the walls and gated communities stand as continued testimony to the toxic legacy of Apartheid.  Sometimes the longest distance to travel in our cities is to the other side of the street. 


 

And here in our city, just around the corner, news teams are staking out a pastor and congregation in response to their refusal to allow a family to hold a funeral service in their building because the deceased, Julion Evans, was gay and married to a man.  Reporters say that it was because the pastor thought it would be 'blasphemous' to do so.  We can shake our heads in righteous indignation or ask ourselves as an inclusive faith community, "How much effort have we made in our own neighborhood to engender dialogue and respectful community across racial, economic and cultural distances between us?"  Would we rather continue to fill in those gaps with projections that keep us cowering behind walls of fear and gates of selective judgment?   I am convinced that the vision of Christ is more evident in the work of building relational community rather than in praying for God to deliver us from the folks from we keep at a distance. 


 

As I was driving to work this week, I was behind a mini-van that had a window sticker on it that said, "Take back America!" The question that immediately arose for me was "From whom?"  I wondered if I was on the other side of the tracks from this driver even as I would identify myself as an American too.  Does holding differing views and moral visions now make us exiles to one another and not fellow citizens?  How dare he or she judge me as anti-American because of my progressive social ethics!  Boy, are they going to be surprised when they get to heaven and see queer folks there.....See, I filled in that distance quite nicely without really having a clue.  


 

May God bless us with opportunities to shorten the distance and the wisdom and humility to do so.  


 

Glad you're there,

Rev. Pressley

 

  


      
UpcomingUpcoming Events

  

TV RAFFLE - You could win a 55" Samsung Smart HDTV!!! Tickets for our TV raffle are on sale now for $25 each or 3 for $60. The drawing will take place at our Fall Fling on Sept 20th but you

do not need to be present to win.  For more information contact the church office at 813-239-1951 or [email protected].  Tickets can be purchased via paypal at mcctampa.com, please be sure to include all your contact information and we will mail your tickets stubs to you!

 

FALL FLING 2014 - SEPTEMBER 20TH - Join us for a fun filled evening of great food, live entertainment by Karmic Tattoo, a silent auction, a delectable dessert auction, community awards and emceed by the fabulous Kellie Lightbourn!!!  Tickets are $50 but we have a presale price of $40 thru August 17th. To purchase tickets go to mcctampa.com or call 813-239-1951.  Event sponsorship opportunities available.


VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER & PARTY COUNTRY STYLE - If you have volunteered in any way at MCC Tampa during 2014 you are invited to join us on Saturday, August 16th at 7:00pm. You'll have a fun filled evening with dinner and Country Western dancing, so come dressed in your fun country clothing and don't forget your slick Cowboy/girl hats and boots. Doors open at 6:30pm.

You must have signed up in advance to attend.

 

THREE RELATIONAL KEYS TO A HEALTHY VIBRANT CHURCH - This 1 day mini-summit is designed to explore ways in which we can strengthen our relationship with God, our church and our pastoral leader that will, in turn, bring greater health and vitality to the local church.

 

Lay leadership, board members, and clergy are all welcome and encouraged to attend. As a matter of fact, bringing a large gathering from your local church offers the possibilities of even greater blessings to your congregation!

 

The facilitators will be Rev. Tony Freeman and Rev. Mona West, Ph.D. This mini-summit is a collaborative effort of the MCC Office of Church Life and Health and the Office of Formation and Leadership Development.

 

Join us on Saturday, August 23rd, from 10:00am - 3:00pm. Please sign up in the back of the sanctuary after service if you plan to attend.


 
AIDS WALK TAMPA BAY - Put on your walking shoes and join team MMC Tampa as we walk in the 10th annual AIDS Walk Tampa Bay on Saturday, September 6.  The walk will be held at Vinoy Park, downtown St Petersburg.  Sign up sheet available in the back after service.  For more information contact the church office at 813-239-1951 or [email protected]


 

FALL YARD SALE - OCTOBER 17TH & 18THDonations are now being accepted for our yard sale. We accept household goods, yard and sports equipment, books, electronics and computer equipment, furniture, children's clothing etc.

 


 


      

HappeningsChurch Happenings

FALL FLING NEEDS YOUR HELP! - Preparations are under way  for our annual Fall Fling event, which is being held on September 20th. Can you help in any of the following ways?

 

**Pick up a  bundle of TV raffle tickets and sell to your family, friends and co-workers.

 

**Sell dinner tickets to your family, friends and co-workers.  Presale ticket price is $40 thru August 17th.

**Donate a dessert to our delectable dessert auction.

 

**Ask the businesses that you frequent to be a sponsor of the Fall Fling . There are flyers in the back of the room with the different sponsorship levels.


 **We need baskets and/or items for our silent auction such as vacation packages, gift cards and certificates, event tickets, sports memorabilia, etc.  Please ask family, friends, employers, or maybe you have a business that could donate to our auction.  

 

This is one of our major fundraisers and we need your help to make it a success.

 

ANNUAL MEETING / QUESTION & ANSWER FORUMIn preparation for our Annual Congregational Meeting on September 28th, please join us for a question and answer Forum on September 21st immediately following Sunday service. We will discuss the year that has passed and the one to come as we take a look at the proposed budget for 2015. Also members will be electing new board members at the annual meeting.  If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the board of directors please pick up an application in the foyer. All interested candidates need to have their resume and completed application turned in by September 14th.  Any questions please see a current board member.


ATTENTION SHOPPERS - FOUND MONEY AT SMILE.AMAZON.COMThe next time you shop at Amazon.com please go to smile.amazon.com instead and select Metropolitan Community Church of Tampa as your charity of choice.  Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to MCC Tampa whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.  There is no additional cost to you and MCC Tampa benefits from your purchases.  Here is the direct link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/59-1429783 .

 

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.

 

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 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 PANTRYThe need for food to stock our food pantry continues and the demand for food remains steady.  We except all non-perishable food items, such as canned meats, peanut butter, vegetables, pasta and sauce, rice, cereal, canned milk,  etc.  Cash donations are also welcome.

 

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 September 21st 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                                                             Frank Azzarello

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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