Agape' Metropolitan Community Church
This Week's News and Updates
June 23, 2020
Click Here to view last week's virtual worship experience.

COVID-19 Community Gathering Update
from your Board of Directors
As you know, we pushed the re-opening of the Agape' live worship services due to the record numbers of COVID-19 confirmed cases and hospitalizations. We were very disappointed to get so close to opening only to have to push it again. We will keep monitoring the numbers and having our re-opening conversations. Our community's safety is central in any decision we make during this time.

Community Corner
Mindfulness : a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations.
Self awareness and positive self talk is a wonderful way to discover mindfulness. It may seem silly or uncomfortable to look in the mirror and say, "I love you" or "Your worthy".It will change your outlook even if it isn't easy to do. Self love is a difficult topic since we are so quick to dismiss our own needs for the needs of others. You are challenged this week to give it a try. If negative self talks begins dismiss it and follow it up with positive self talk. No shame for the negative vibes just let them go for positive vibes. You are loved.
Be Kind to Yourself-Right Now - Mindful

To be kind to others, you need to start with yourself. People often find some difficulty in caring for themselves, in receiving love, in believing they deserve to be happy. Imagine for a moment the amount of energy you expend brooding over the...

Read more
www.mindful.org
Turning negative thinking into positive thinking.
Plant the seed. Keep the faith. If the storm (negative thinking) comes and threatens your positive vibe just regroup and remember you are amazing.
We are hosting our mid-week social online this coming Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 6:30 PM.

This week, we will CRAZY HAT and BAD JOKE night. So come dressed to deliver some of the worst jokes you have ever heard.

You can view the event on the Agape' Facebook page .
Click here to join our Zoom Meet Up on Wednesday.
Enter the meeting using ID: 816-8960-6902
You can join us using any smart phone device, tablet or computer with webcam and headset/mic.
Anti-Racism Resources from MCC
ACTION STEPS TO END RACISM
1)       Get on email lists of local anti-racism groups
2)       Advocate for local police reforms and other reforms
3)       Pray
4)       Attend a Community Solidarity Event
5)       For White Folx Only, we must learn to de-center whiteness and educate ourselves. Start with any of the resources below.

Sister organization created for white folx as a support organization for Black Lives Matter. (USA) They have many, many resources on their website  https://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/.
Here are just a few of them:

Articles and Essays (listed by Faith in Public Life)


A Detailed List of Anti-Racism Resources: books, movies and more -  https://medium.com/wake-up-call/a-detailed-list-of-anti-racism-resources-a34b259a3eea

Resources for Children  -  embracerace.org
Greetings 2020 Census Partner and Advocate,

As we finish up the week, the nationwide 2020 Census response rate has slowed and stands at slightly over 60% of households; the Texas response rate is slightly over 55%, with many parts of the state being far lower. What does that mean from a federal funding standpoint for Texas? 

Texas received approximately $60 Billion in annual federal funding in 2016 that was calculated based on census-determined population figures (collected in 2010). If we use the 2016 figures - and most likely it will be higher in 2020 and beyond. What does that mean...

At least $27 Billion in annual federal funding for Texas stands in the balance right now. Texas does not get all that money unless everyone in Texas gets counted. That's the bottom line.

Shape your future. GET COUNTED - >   2020census.gov
Holy One, as we continue to learn and adapt in an ever-changing world, lead us through times of trouble into lands of plenty. Align the rich with the poor, the healthy with the sick, the forgotten with the privileged. Guard us from the temptation to think of our past as our future; reveal your paths toward a brighter and more just world.
 
Embolden, enliven, and envelope all your people so we may look out for the lonely and care for the hungry. For the hunger of the world is deep and we must tend to the physical hunger of our siblings, care for the spiritual hunger of our souls, mend the broken hearts of our communities.
 
Guide us toward the greater good where we may all swim in your eternal presence. For it is you who has called us, you who has placed us, you who provides for us. 
 
May we know of the Spirit that draws us together; may we know of the Spirit that binds us in love. Amen.



PRAYER SUBMITTED BY

REV. JOHN MCLAUGHLIN
Sr. Pastor
St. Jude's MCC, Wilmington, NC USA
(he, him, his)
June Birthdays
June 24 - Leigh Wolfer
June 29 - Jacob Ashton
July 03 - Max Robert
July 04 - Graeme Haub 
July 05 - David Wynn
July 06 - Tonya Reed
July 06 - Kim Pena
July 17 - Linda Gray
July 19 - Lilia Orander-Cruz
July 21 - Bailey Shackelford
July 29 - Patti Stephens
Worship Service - June 28, 2020
"Start With a Cup of Water"

Call to Worship: Mickey Howell

Welcoming and Centering: Rev. David Wynn

Song of Intention: "The Welcome Song" - Community

Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:40-42 - Jeremy Phillips

Song of Response: "All Who Are Thirsty" - Community

Time of Teaching: "Start With a Cup of Water" Rev. David Wynn

Centering Song: "Breathe on Me" - Community

Community Prayer: Trish Ashton

Prayer Response: "Breathe on Me" - Community

Celebration of Holy Communion: Rev. David Wynn

Closing Song: "We Are Called" - Community

Benediction: Rev. David Wynn
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Agape' MCC is a Reproductive Justice Congregation.
817-535-5002 / agapemccchurch@gmail.com / https:// www.agapemcc.com /