GENERAL CONFERENCE XXVI BUSINESS FORUM & MEETING 4-5 JULY 2016 GC PREPARATION WEBINAR – 20 JANUARY 2016

GENERAL CONFERENCE BUSINESS WEBINAR - AGENDA Welcome/Introductions/Prayer Moderator Nancy Wilson State of MCC Purpose of this Webinar MNC UpdateElisa Vega-Burns, Chair MNC GBNC Update Rev. Tijuana Gray, GBNC Business Package Rev Onetta Brooks, Chair Gov Cmte Reports Bylaw Proposal status/deadline Videos Church-Lay Delegate Voting Eligibility Criteria Rev Onetta Brooks General Conference Update Lauren Bennett/Mike Haase, GC Team What’s next?Moderator Wilson

THE STATE OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES: BRIEFLY! REV. DR. NANCY WILSON The State of MCC globally is strong, and we are challenged. We are needed more than ever in a world that is still hostile to so many seeking community, faith and God’s love, including, still, LGBT people, but also, many others who are marginalized and need justice and hope. Heterosexuals and those who do not “fit” into categories are seeking the radical inclusion of MCC community! We live in a world where assumptions about Christianity and church-going are being challenged as never before in the global North, and where the “Church” is growing in the global South, but, is often more conservative. This will shape the mission of MCC going forward.

We have realigned our staff to focus on these issues you affirmed at the last General Conference: Global Growth: Our Emerging Church program is ahead of schedule in training leaders and authorizing new MCC churches and groups around the world. It is no longer a mystery, or a secret, as to how one joins MCC, starts a new church, or gets credentialed for ministry We are “going global from the get-go,” on our programs and resources; and facing our resource challenges in terms of translation. Our success in Latin America is symbolized by the miraculous MCC church starts in Cuba We are communicating in more and better ways about the message and ministry of MCC, and gearing up for a more virtually accessible MCC of the future! Our Statement of Faith Commission has been hard at work incorporating feedback from so many MCCers who have been engaged in this exciting project – thank you! Let’s pass this at General Conference in Victoria! THE STATE OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES: BRIEFLY! REV. DR. NANCY WILSON

Justice: Our Global Justice Institute is engaged in developing exciting new models of indigenous projects that provide safe space and sustainability for activists and faith communities MCC is outspoken and present in movements ranging from climate change to Black Lives Matter, to refugee and immigration justice, in many places in the world, in addition to HIV/AIDS, and to more “traditional” MCC issues like Marriage Equality – we are making the connections! THE STATE OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES: BRIEFLY! REV. DR. NANCY WILSON

Churches: We are working to reverse decline in churches in the US, in particular, with a deep focus on revitalization – this is an area of great concern for us, and we know it has to do with cultural factors as well as a need for our churches to re-invent themselves to be relevant We have produced new, timely resources for church transitions, membership classes, stewardship, Worship, Advent and Lent seasonal materials, and churches and pastors are using them. Networks are our neighborhoods, our way to connect! Connect to yours! THE STATE OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES: BRIEFLY! REV. DR. NANCY WILSON

People: We are getting the news out that our MCC clergy credentialing process is more flexible and accessible than ever We are recruiting lay leadership, and young adult leadership to grow in our capacity for the future, through LEAD. LMR and other programs An expanded, diverse Council of Elders is offering spiritual and pastoral leadership in a time of change and transition We are proud of our amazing, dedicated and gifted staff, who have persevered through the downsizing last year. We grateful to the MNC, and The GBNC who are presenting candidates for an era of leadership on a denominational level – stay tuned today! SSOL and the Academy for Spiritual Formation are two new ways in which we are seeking to fire up and support a new generation of leaders in MCC THE STATE OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES: BRIEFLY! REV. DR. NANCY WILSON

Finances: MCC has no debts, all our designated funds are whole, and the Governing Board and staff are managing with all our might to not spend more than we receive! We are struggling with declining assessments from our US churches, in particular, as we see that the financial crisis of a few years ago continues to impact churches. Some are recovering well, others need support We have had great success with the Carpenter Foundation, and hope to expand that success We received a major gift that is helping us move to a stronger donor base in MCC that will help us rely less on church assessments, and create other income streams for our denominational work. We are building on the initial success of the Moderator’s Circle, thank you! We are looking for ways for our Development Office to partner with local churches in also finding additional resources for local church ministry – this is an exciting part of our plans for the future. THE STATE OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES: BRIEFLY! REV. DR. NANCY WILSON

It is easy to sometimes lose heart, or be discouraged. But, the God who called us is clearly not finished with us yet! Churches sometimes close in MCC, but, today, more are opening than are closing, for the first time in a long while, including in the US. New people are catching the vision of MCC, and re-interpreting it for a new generation. There is never a day when we do not hear from someone that MCC has changed their life, or that they want to start an MCC in their country or neighborhood. Let us do everything we can to meet that demand! I am always proud to be the Moderator of MCC, in the midst of our strengths and challenges. Thank you for your prayers, your love and support! THE STATE OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES: BRIEFLY! REV. DR. NANCY WILSON

PURPOSE OF THIS WEBINAR General Conference XXVI – 4-8 July this is it! To inform Clergy House and Lay House Delegates of the status of business meeting package Encourage delegates to register and provide delegate name(s)/ addresses

GENERAL CONFERENCE BUSINESS WEBINAR - AGENDA Welcome/Introductions/Prayer Moderator Nancy Wilson State of MCC Purpose of this Webinar MNC UpdateElisa Vega-Burns, Chair MNC GBNC Update Rev. Tijuana Gray, GBNC Business Package Rev Onetta Brooks, Chair Gov Cmte Reports Bylaw Proposal status/deadline Videos Church-Lay Delegate Voting Eligibility Criteria Rev Onetta Brooks General Conference Update Lauren Bennett/Mike Haase, GC Team What’s next?Moderator Wilson

Elisa Vega-Burns, Chair Board of Directors, Resurrection MCC Houston, Texas, USA Rev. Kevin Downer, Vice Chair Executive Pastor, MCC Toronto Toronto, Ontario, CANADA Rev. Dr. Lea Brown, Recorder Senior Pastor, MCC of the Palm Beaches Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA Rev. Beulah Durrheim, Alternate Pastor, Good Hope MCC Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA Stuart Sutherland, Alternate Board of Directors, MCC Good Shepherd Sydney, AUSTRALIA MEET THE MNC

WHERE ARE WE IN THE PROCESS?

WHAT’S LEFT TO DO IN 2016?

UPCOMING EVENTS Announce Candidates for Moderator to MCC ‒ Announce the candidates for Moderator to MCC worldwide (February 1) ‒ Communicate the guidelines to ensure a fair process of consideration for all of the candidates for Moderator Introduce Candidates for Moderator to MCC ‒ Post introduction materials about each candidate for Moderator on their own webpage ‒ Issue an open invitation to all worldwide MCC congregants to share with the MNC any questions they may have for the candidates for Moderator ‒ Conduct webinars in geography-friendly time zones to introduce the candidates for Moderator to worldwide MCC (February 25) ‒ Facilitate/moderate webinar town halls with the candidates for Moderator (April) ‒ Deliver delegate briefings to the General Conference delegates (May)

HOW TO ACCESS THE MNC Homepage: Web Form: Facebook:

GENERAL CONFERENCE BUSINESS WEBINAR - AGENDA Welcome/Introductions/Prayer Moderator Nancy Wilson State of MCC Purpose of this Webinar MNC UpdateElisa Vega-Burns, Chair MNC GBNC Update Rev. Tijuana Gray, GBNC Business Package Rev Onetta Brooks, Chair Gov Cmte Reports Bylaw Proposal status/deadline Videos Church-Lay Delegate Voting Eligibility Criteria Rev Onetta Brooks General Conference Update Lauren Bennett/Mike Haase, GC Team What’s next?Moderator Wilson

YOUR GOVERNING BOARD NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE MEET THE TEAM... Mark Kornmann, GBNC Chair Director of Public Engagement, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Vice Moderator-MCCDC, Washington, DC Rev. Tijuana Gray, GBNC Member Provisional Pastor, Reconciliation MCC, Grand Rapids, MI, Co-Leader, North Central US Network of MCC. Kakay Pamaran, GBNC Member Senior year, Master of Divinity Program, Union Theological Seminary, Philippines Bryan Parker, GBNC Alternate, Senior Manager, US and International Workplace Strategy and Design, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC., Member MCC Tampa. Your First Step Is… MCC’s Next Step Toward The Future

CALL FOR MCC GOVERNING BOARD NOMINEES DO YOU... Feel called into leadership? Have experience working on boards and/or in non-profit management? Have gifts of teamwork, strategic planning, risk management, and financial oversight? Enjoy turning vision into action? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be ready to emerge as one of MCC’s next Governing Board members. The Governing Board Nominating Committee will put forward a slate of qualified candidates to stand for election by the General Conference in 2016 for FIVE Governing Board seats - two lay persons & three clergy persons. The six-year term of office for all four positions is from General Conference 2016 to General Conference The three-year term of office for one position is from General Conference 2016 to General Conference For more information on the Governing Board nomination process and how you can submit your application or someone’s name as a nominee please Your First Step Is… MCC’s Next Step Toward The Future

NOMINATIONS PROCESS & GBNC CONTACT INFO 2016 OPENINGS: TOTAL OF FIVE (5) Four (4) TERMS ARE SIX YEARS 2 LAY PERSONS 2 CLERGY PERSONS One (1) TERM IS THREE YEARS 1 CLERGY PERSON Applications are due 8 February 2016: Once the application date has closed, the GBNC will read through the applications, select a group of finalists, conduct interviews, check references, and then announce the slated candidates by 28 March For more information on the Governing Board nomination process and how you can submit your application or someone’s name as a nominee please or visit our website: Your First Step Is… MCC’s Next Step Toward The Future

GENERAL CONFERENCE BUSINESS WEBINAR - AGENDA Welcome/Introductions/Prayer Moderator Nancy Wilson State of MCC Purpose of this Webinar MNC UpdateElisa Vega-Burns, Chair MNC GBNC Update Rev. Tijuana Gray, GBNC Business Package Rev Onetta Brooks, Chair Gov Cmte Reports Bylaw Proposal status/deadline Videos Church-Lay Delegate Voting Eligibility Criteria Rev Onetta Brooks General Conference Update Lauren Bennett/Mike Haase, GC Team What’s next?Moderator Wilson

BUSINESS PACKAGE – REPORTS

BYLAW PROPOSAL STATUS/DEADLINE UFMCC Bylaw Amendment Proposals due 4 January 2016 – CLOSED FORMS: work/governance/ work/governance/ NO bylaw amendment proposals received STATUS: – NONE RECEIVED/CLOSED GB sponsored Bylaws Amendments in business package stay tuned will be posted on GC Emerge webpage

VIDEOS Lay Delegate Team forming What to do & GC Stay tuned!

GENERAL CONFERENCE BUSINESS WEBINAR - AGENDA Welcome/Introductions/Prayer Moderator Nancy Wilson State of MCC Purpose of this Webinar MNC UpdateElisa Vega-Burns, Chair MNC GBNC Update Rev. Tijuana Gray, GBNC Business Package Rev Onetta Brooks, Chair Gov Cmte Reports Bylaw Proposal status/deadline Videos Church-Lay Delegate Voting Eligibility Criteria Rev Onetta Brooks General Conference Update Lauren Bennett/ Mike Haase, GC Team What’s next?Moderator Wilson

CHURCH - LAY DELEGATE VOTING ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA GBGC : “In order to be eligible to vote at General Conference XXVI on 5 July 2016, all churches must have paid their UFMCC assessment payments through 31 December 2015 by 5 PM Eastern Time on 29 February 2016, and/or have a current signed assessment agreement in place. For USA churches, Board of Pensions payments must be current through 31 December 2015.”

CLERGY HOUSE DELEGATES Current 2016 AAA ministry license Honorably Retired Contact:

GENERAL CONFERENCE BUSINESS WEBINAR - AGENDA Welcome/Introductions/Prayer Moderator Nancy Wilson State of MCC Purpose of this Webinar MNC UpdateElisa Vega-Burns, Chair MNC GBNC Update Rev. Tijuana Gray, GBNC Business Package Rev Onetta Brooks, Chair Gov Cmte Reports Bylaw Proposal status/deadline Videos Church-Lay Delegate Voting Eligibility Criteria Rev Onetta Brooks General Conference Update Lauren Bennett/Mike Haase, GC Team What’s next?Moderator Wilson

TRAVEL Link to webinar: More information on travel at: under the “attend” tabhttp://emerge.MCCchurch.org Questions on travel?

VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS completed applications to:

RATES INCREASE 31 MARCH Rates increase in ALL categories. Tell your networks, congregation, and friends to register today! Marketing materials available at:

UPCOMING ANNOUNCEMENTS  Plenary Descriptions  Workshop Titles, Descriptions, and Speakers  Preachers  Be A Gem Recipients  Invitation for you to help celebrate Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson

GENERAL CONFERENCE BUSINESS WEBINAR - AGENDA Welcome/Introductions/Prayer Moderator Nancy Wilson State of MCC Purpose of this Webinar MNC UpdateElisa Vega-Burns, Chair MNC GBNC Update Rev. Tijuana Gray, GBNC Business Package Rev Onetta Brooks, Chair Gov Cmte Reports Bylaw Proposal status/deadline Videos Church-Lay Delegate Voting Eligibility Criteria Rev Onetta Brooks General Conference Update Lauren Bennett/ Mike Haase, GC Team What’s next?Moderator Wilson

Contact the Governing Board with your questions:

Closing Prayer Thank you! See you in Victoria!