Cheryl Stockton
Creating our FUTURE
Institutes, Plenaries, Tributes, Praise and Worship, Elections and By-Law Changes, Networking & Sharing of Information, Golfing, Swimming and much, much more.....was packed into a few HOT days in the Arizona desert.
Over 1,000 people (I heard 1600!) from all over the world shared the events of the General Conference in a spirit-filled and joyful, loving way. Visiting clergy and dignitaries were praising our Conference, our Mission and our Influence in the world -- a small recognition that we ARE "changing lives" !!
As always, I encourage every person in Leadership at MCCGSL to attend these and the Regional Gatherings -- they are important to our understanding our Mission, plus you'll grow as a Christian and an MCC'er, plus you'll have fun.
NEXT UP.....2008....
ACAPULCO PRINCESS
Mexico Awaits You!
FAIRMONT PRIINCESS RESORT
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
The "big" item was the proposal to stretch out the pace of the Tithe rate. The discussions primarily focused on the ramifications of a 13% tithe (needed just to break-even) vs an eventual 10% tithe (the goal). Both Laiety and Clergy PASSED the proposal to begin January, 2008, at 13% (down from 14%). It then decreases 1% per trienium.
This was the plan that took longer to get to the 10% level, but it passed hugely.
Watch for many more opportunities for us to GIVE to specific charities or initiatives, e.g the Eastern Europe Initiative.
MY Suggestion to the BOD at MCCGSL.....next time, rather than just writing a check, let's use the opportunity to let the congregants become informed of our exciting progress elsewhere and let the congregants be a part (open their checkbooks and prayers) of the movement. I will personally head up any "giving" campaign. Let's continue to create a "Culture of Generosity" at MCCGSL.
Of particular note (to me) was the adjustments we are making to become a "virtual" church -- reaching millions of remote people -- and we are starting to adjust for things like "virtual voting" at Business Meetings, i.e. Conferences.
I am requesting that I (and the other delegates) present two (at least!) items this Fall that was presented to us....
1. First, the DVD of a brand-new video on the life of Rev. Troy Perry, and the "history of" MCC. It's an inspiring and historical look at where we started and how important our journey has been and, of course, Rev. Perry's journey. This would make a wonderful Friday night at the Movies at MCC right around the time of our denominations Anniversary.
1. In conjuction with that, I'd like to present the Powerpoint that our BOA and Rev. Dr. Cindi Love prepared for Conference....it is an wonderful and concise "state of the denomination"-kind of summary. You'll be amazed and inspired to learn things like ...
# We've been mentioned by the Media EVERY DAY this year.
# Over 1 million hits on the website, and much more!
You'll be glad to learn how much our tithe and our prayers has benefited the world! My idea is to tie this in with Fellowship Sunday, especially if we have a MCC project we'd like to support, e.g. orphanage in Africa, or HIV/AIDs initiatives. (I'll talk with Social Justice and HIV/AIDs teams soon.) We can tie this in with our own Anniversary remembrance, as well.
MCC is going Global as never before and we are in the news EVERY day! My objective, as a Lay Delegate, is to (among other things) share the Joys and the Challenges that this embodies. Would you see October as the appropriate time? And I'll get with Rev. Carol to work out an appropriate venue and details.
I brought home some new and well-done brochures, CDs, etc. that I will be sharing with various Team Leaders.
Some examples:
Spiritual Gifts brochure,
CLM & TAP brochures
Troy's Social Justice DVD,
AIDS DVD,
BOD Handbook,
Teen Curriculum program,
CD of ministry tools available
e.g. "Becoming A Vibrant Church", "God's French Fries" (on tithing), Powerpoint on MCC History for new members, Pastoral Performance Evaluation, Pastoral Contracts, Risk Management, & more