One of the challenging aspects of my life as an MCC clergyperson is trying to explain to others, including family, about how our system works around pastoral
positions. Metropolitan Community Church operates a “call system” – that is, the individual clergyperson spends time in discernment and prayer about whether God is calling them to stay in a position or calling them to move. Congregations
spend time in discernment and prayer about whom they need to call as their pastor. This model is used by other churches too. However many denominations use
a system where the bishop or other senior leader, in consultation with the individual and congregation, makes these decisions.  Sometimes I think people imagine I can just turn up at any church (regardless of denomination) in any location and just become the pastor!

Call is also not about career progression or personal advancement. A colleague of mine says her family despair at her “downwardly mobile” lifestyle. Whilst they think she should be looking for bigger and better, she listens to the voice of God, asking her to serve in all sorts of different ways, which don’t give job stability or a company pension scheme.

In MCC around the world, we believe in “the priesthood of all believers” – that is, every single person has a call on their lives. God is inviting each and every one of us to be active in ministry. Some people answer this call through their job or through voluntary work. Many answer it through participation in their faith community. No call is better or more important than another. When we used to worship in the church hall, I used to joke that it didn’t matter how great my sermon was, no-one would be listening if the set up team hadn’t put the chairs out!

One of the real joys in my ministry is to sit and listen as individuals in our faith community discern their call. It is wonderful to see them grow into a role, and they become more confident and experienced, to expand that call in different ways. Our call often extends from the things that we find we are most passionate about, and then we use our gifts and skills to live out our passion and answer
our call.

When was the last time you really sat and listened to see if you are really following the call that God has placed on your heart?

Imagine what blessings might await you if do.

God bless,

Cecilia
 

Here I sit, back in the church office for the first time since the end of June. All around me are the signs of all that has been going on in my absence. There is the fantastic artwork from our Messy Church Pride service – “What makes you proud?” – our families have written in hearts what makes them proud – “my two mummies”, “for being my teacher’s top writer”, “my fabulous family and pets”, “singing with the choir”. The powerpoint printout from Sunday’s service sits on my desk, reminding me of our current worship theme
– “Exploring Spiritual Types”. I am SO looking forward to worshipping again with everyone this Sunday! I’ve heard about the wonderful “Write a Psalm” workshop and have caught up with the news from Chill and Grace, our monthly
lunch.

One of the real strengths of MCC Newcastle is that we believe that everyone has a part to play in the ministry of our church. All of these activities, and others besides, are led by members of our congregation, using their gifts and skills.

Of course, the office is full of stuff for Pride this Saturday. Northern Pride is one of our greatest outreach opportunities and this year we have “Fabulous and Beautiful” stickers to give away, as well as everything else. Every year, we have at least one person who starts worshipping with us on a regular basis, because of seeing us at Pride. What is also important is that our presence is part of a “drip-drip” effect. People see us at Pride, at IDAHO, at other events around the region. They repeatedly hear our message of God’s inclusive love and they get a chance to observe – from a safe distance, what we are like as people.

Because of our constant presence at these events, people check out our website, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We might never see these individuals at worship, but they know that we are here if they need us, and some day, some of them will come and find us in person.

All of us have had to walk through the doors of MCC for the first time. For some, it is an instant homecoming, for others it is a scary step into the unknown. When someone comes to MCC Newcastle for the first time, it is great when they can
recognise one or two faces, either from Pride or from our amazing website. It helps to make them feel more at home straight away. If we can offer more activities and events beyond the worship service, we are more able to support
each person in their faith journey and in daily living. It takes all of us to offer a “safe, warm, welcoming home.”

Happy Pride!!

God bless,

Cecilia

By the time that you are reading this, General Conference will have started and I will be immersed in worship, workshops, fellowship and fun. General Conference is MCC’s international gathering, which happens once every three years. People travel from all over the world to conduct
the formal business of the denomination and to experience what it means to be part of the larger body of Christ.

There are always new friends to make, old friends to catch up with and absent friends to remember. The Founder of MCC, Reverend Elder Troy Perry will preach on Sunday
morning, before we head off to Chicago Pride. During the week, we will hear from several different preachers and speakers, including the current Moderator, Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson, and a good friend of MCC Newcastle, Rev. Pressley Sutherland. There will also be guest speakers from outside MCC who often cast a fresh and challenging light on our ministry. General Conference is always an opportunity to learn – more about our individual faith journeys, more about our collective calling to make a difference, more about the lives of MCCers around the world.

In Celtic spirituality, there is the concept of a “thin place” – where the division between heaven and earth is at its narrowest. For me, when I am at gatherings like General Conference, it feels like a thin place. So many fabulous and
beautiful, faith filled people all in one place and so much evidence of the Holy Spirit at work – it really is a little bit of heaven on earth. 
 
Thin places can be places of healing; they can also be places of transformation and change. They don’t have to be massive events with lots of people. It could just be you and God. For some people, being on our recent church day retreat at St Antony’s Priority will have felt like a thin place, where God is so tangible, you can almost reach out and touch the Divine.

I don’t know what healing and/or transformation will take place for me whilst I am in Chicago. All I know is that I need to be open to whatever the Holy Spirit offers. Angels come in many guises and there always one person who says or does something that is pivotal for me….and they probably will never even know. 

Blessings to each of you from General Conference!

God bless,

Cecilia