Agape' MCC News & Updates
June 15, 2021
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View our 06/13/21 "I've Been Meaning to Ask...where does it hurt?" worship experience by clicking on the image below:
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“I’ve been meaning to ask…where does it hurt?”
Rev. David Wynn
There once was a man who lived in Ramathaim. He was descended from the old Zuph family in the Ephraim hills. His name was Elkanah. (He was connected with the Zuphs from Ephraim through his father Jeroham, his grandfather Elihu, and his great-grandfather Tohu.) He had two wives. The first was Hannah; the second was Peninnah. Peninnah had children; Hannah did not.
Every year this man went from his hometown up to Shiloh to worship and offer a sacrifice to Yhwh, Eli and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, served as the priests of God there. When Elkanah sacrificed, he passed helpings from the sacrificial meal around to his wife Peninnah and all her children, but he always gave an especially generous helping to Hannah because he loved her so much, and because God had not given her children. But her rival wife taunted her cruelly, rubbing it in and never letting her forget that God had not given her children. This went on year after year. Every time she went to the sanctuary she could expect to be taunted. Hannah was reduced to tears and had no appetite.
Her husband Elkanah said, “Oh, Hannah, why are you crying? Why aren’t you eating? And why are you so upset? Am I not of more worth to you than ten sons?”
So Hannah ate. Then she pulled herself together, slipped away quietly, and entered the sanctuary. The priest Eli was on duty at the entrance to the Temple in the customary seat. Crushed in soul, Hannah prayed and cried and cried—inconsolably. Then she made a vow:
Oh, Holy One,
If you’ll take a good, hard look at my pain,
If you’ll quit neglecting me and go into action for me
By giving me a child,
I’ll give them completely, unreservedly to you.
I’ll set them apart for a life of holy discipline.
It so happened that as she continued in prayer, Eli was watching her closely. Hannah was praying in her heart, silently. Her lips moved, but no sound was heard. Eli jumped to the conclusion that she was drunk. He approached her and said, “You’re drunk! How long do you plan to keep this up? Sober up, woman!”
Hannah said, “Oh no, sir—please! I’m brokenhearted. I haven’t been drinking. Not a drop. The only thing I’ve been pouring out is my heart, pouring it out to Spirit. Don’t judge me. It’s because I’m so desperately unhappy and in such pain that I’ve stayed here so long.”
Eli heard Hannah and offered a blessing, “Peace be with you. And may the Holy One give you what you have asked for.”
“Think well of me—and pray for me!” Hannah said and went her way. Then she ate heartily, her face radiant.
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Come in! We are open!
Join us for Sunday morning worship in our
Agape' MCC Sanctuary at 10:30AM
With recent changes to the CDC Guidelines, we have updated our COVID policy:
- we will no longer check temperatures as you enter the building
- fully vaccinated attendees will not be required to wear a mask or socially distance
- We ask that those who are not vaccinated to please continue to wear a mask and socially distance when possible.
- Please be supportive to those wearing masks for various health reasons.
We are working on a plan for the return of Children's Sunday School and hope to have more information on this in the near future. The plan for our children will follow current CDC guidelines for classroom safety. Watch this space for additional information.
Join us for Sunday Morning Worship
at 10:30AM on Facebook Live. We will continue streaming our worship services as part of our Sunday worship experience.
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New sermon series began Sunday, June 6.
Come experience the next question this Sunday!
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Spirit Cafe'
It's Zoom Wednesday at Spirit Cafe!
Please join us for a time of connection via Zoom Wednesday at 6:30PM.
Enter the meeting ID: 816-8960-6902
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50 years of ministry is a big deal and we are planning extra special events to celebrate our 50 year journey. Activities will include a gaming
night for the youth (and young at heart), a Sundae Sunday, Fall Festival, Wine and Cheese Happy Hour, capping it all off with a very nice sit down dinner. We heard a rumor that our very own world renown Evangelical singing duo
(Pearl and Ethel) will make a guest appearance.
Event dates, location and times will be available soon. Stay tuned!
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Questions
How many questions do you think you have asked and/or answered in your lifetime? How many have you answered this week?
Questions are interesting. They help us grow, know more, and become better humans. They inform us. Our answers help show the world who we are. We share ourselves through our replies.
Never stop asking questions.
Be curious.
Br vulnerable; answer the question or ask it if you want. Show the world your beauty.
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The Queer History and Evolution of Metropolitan Community Churches: |
A journey from being the “Gay Church” of the late 60s and 70s, to the “Church with AIDS” in the 80s and 90s, to the “Queer Church” of today and tomorrow #QYFDAY - June 30th
time of this presentation tbd
As part of Queer Youth of Faith Day, join in for a panel conversation with MCC Founder, Rev. Elder Troy Perry; MCC minister and AIDS activist, Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski; and current minister and leader, Rev. Tijuana Gray. Moderated by Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos.
Look for this event on the schedule (to be released soon) on host Beloved Arise https://www.belovedarise.org/qyfday Watch also for more news about this on MCC's social media. Learn more about Queer Youth of Faith Day below and check out the music.
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QUEER YOUTH OF FAITH DAY June 30, 2021
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#QYFDAY is the first multi-faith celebration of queer youth. This year’s #QYFDay will feature various programming throughout the day including podcasts, panels, and musical performances. The event is primarily sponsored and hosted by Beloved Arise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and empowering LGBTQ+ youth of faith. MCC is a sponsor.
As part of #QYFDay, Beloved Arise released their multi-faith album Serenade. This is the first-ever album dedicated to queer youth of faith, and these songs serve as anthems for #QYFDay. Check it out!
More than one in three LGBTQ+ youth identify with a religion. But sadly, these young believers are often pressured to choose between their faith and the freedom to live and love authentically. As part of PRIDE month, Beloved Arise dedicates June 30 to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ youth from all faith traditions — and we uphold the human right to believe, to belong, and to be loved.
We rise up and join our voices to say:
We see you. We celebrate you. We take pride in you.
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Let Freedom Ring - A Virtual Celebration
Saturday, June 19, 2021
1:00PM CDT / 2:00PM EDT / 6:00PM GMT
Hosted by Wichita Falls MCC (Wichita Falls, Texas, USA)
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I have always loved the “communion” prayer of high churches where we pray for the global church including local and global members and leaders. It assures me that I’m part of the bigger body scattered around the world. Though separate, I hope they are also praying for me. As a fellowship, how often do we pray for our siblings and leaders in other countries and continents, if at all?
"Mapagmahal na Bathala-Ikapati ipinagdarasal namin ang Metropolitan Community Churches na nakakalat sa sansinukob. Pagpalain mo ang lahat ng aming simbahang local kasama ng kanilang mga pastor at lay leaders saan man sila naroroon. Ipinagdarasal namin ang aming moderator na si Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston kasama ang Council of Elders, ang Governing Board at ang denominational staff. Pagpalain, gabayan at ingatan ang lahat ng aming mga members, leaders, mga taga-suporta at mga kaibigan. Sa kabila ng aming pagkakaiba at pagkakalayo, at sa kabila ng mga suliranin at hindi pagkakaintindihan, palagi mo kaming pagkaisahin sa kapuspusan ng iyong pag-ibig. Magkakaugnay at kaisa ng lahat ng mga Santo, eto ang aming dalangin sa pangalan ng lahat ng banal at mapagmahal at kay Hesu Kristo, na sa kanyang pangalan kami ay hinabi. Amen."
English Translation:
Loving Bathala-Ikapati (God), we pray for the Metropolitan Community Churches scattered all around the world. Bless all our local churches together with their pastors and lay leaders, wherever they are. We pray for our moderator, Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston together with the Council of Elders, the Governing Board and the denominational staff. Bless, guide and protect all our members, leaders, supporters and friends. Despite our differences and the distance; Despite struggles and conflicts, unite us always in the fullness of your love. One with each other and one with all the saints, this is our prayer in the name of all that is holy and loving and in Jesus Christ in whose name we have been weaved together. Amen.
PRAYER SUBMITTED BY:
REV. JOSEPH SAN JOSE
Pastor of Open Table MCC
Mandaluyong City, Philippines.
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June Birthdays
June 03 - Rayne Reagan
June 07 - Rebecca McDonell
June 08 - Jackson Wynn
June 11 - Michele Kingston
June 11 - Erik Campbell
June 18 - Marcus Howard
June 19 - Michael Lummus
June 20 - Noah Nerio
June 21 - Alice Davidson
June 24 - Leigh Wolfer
June 28 - Jacob Ashton
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