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| MCC Church Planting Initiative Update From Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman Click on photo to read. |
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Abilene, Texas--Metropolitan Community Churches ( MCC ) announces the formation of The People of African Descent
Advisory Council. The purpose of the Council is to develop and implement appropriate strategies to increase participation
by People of African Descent (PAD) in local MCC congregations and in positions of leadership throughout MCC .
The PAD Advisory Council held its first meeting on Thursday, February 1, 2007 .
The Advisory Council will work with local churches, as well as all committees, councils and boards of MCC, to develop and
implement the strategies and programs to reach, respect, and incorporate people of African descent at all levels of MCC .
The members of the PAD Advisory Council are: Rev. Delores Berry, Rev. Belva Boone, Rev. Doretha Flournoy, Rev. Elder
Darlene Garner , Vickey Gibbs , Rev. Robert Griffin, Rev. Candy Holmes, Barry Hundley, Denise Junious, Rev. Tracye Ruffin
and Rev. Robert Stringfellow (pictures, biographies and email addresses available below). Collectively, the members of
this Council have 195 years of combined MCC experience.
The PAD Advisory Council encourages all MCCers to contact any member of the Council to assist in furthering the Council's
goals.
For additional information on the PAD Advisory Council, contact Rev. Elder Darlene Garner at
RevDarleneGarner@MCCchurch.net.
About Metropolitan Community Churches: MCC has staked its claim. As one of the world’s emerging churches, we are
proclaiming a spirituality that is liberating and sufficiently profound to address the issues of our chaotic and complicated
world. We live out our belief that in the margins we are blessed and we are offering multiple ways for people to access our
message of liberation and inclusion. Through church planting, church revitalization, alliances, the internet, and our work in
acts of compassion and justice, we will expand our reach substantially over the next few years. MCC will become a name
known to an increasing number of people as a place where all are welcomed and our service to those who are excluded is
a primary calling. We will be leaders in the world about the union of spirituality and sexuality by articulating our message
and spreading it effectively.
Rev. Delores Berry
Biography of Services:
First Clergyperson of African Descent in MCC
This Evangelistic Ministry that Judy and I live has been a Special Work of MCC Region 3 since 1988.
First recipient of The Rosa Parks Award, presented at the MCC's People of African Descent Conference 2006.
Honored by MCC and Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster , PA , with the "Rev. Delores Berry Liberation Preaching
Prize," to be given yearly to a Junior seminarians.
Recipient of the MCC Purple Grass Award for Excellence in Evangelism
Assistant Pastor of MCC Baltimore , MD
MCC District Coordinator of the Mid-Atlantic District.
Pastor of Good Samaritan MCC Norfolk , VA.
Pastor of MCC Peninsula Newport News , VA.
Pastor of New Life MCC Norfolk , VA.
Pastor of MCC Portland , OR .
Board Member of MCC Department of People of Color
MCC Faith, Fellowship and Order
Member of the MCC Inclusive Language Task Force
MCC Elder's Task Force on World Church Extension
MCC Board of Ordained Ministries
Recipient of the Baltimore 's Best Award.
Assisted in organizing the first LGBT march on Washington , DC .
Assisted in organizing the first People of Color LGBT White House Conference.
Berry - revdberry@aol.com
Rev. Belva Y. Boone
years, including 15 years on the Mid-Atlantic District Committee, where she also served as the District Clerk. In 1997,
Reverend Boone was called to serve as the Assistant Pastor for Education and Training at MCC -Washington, a position
she held until 2000. Following her time of service at MCC Washington, Reverend Boone was a much sought after guest
preacher, teacher and workshop leader both in and outside of MCC. In July of 2001, with 98% of the votes cast, Reverend
Boone was called to serve as the fourth Pastor (second [2nd] African-American and first [1st] African-American female) of St.
John 's MCC in Raleigh , North Carolina .
Boone – pastor@stjohnsmcc.org
Rev. Doretha Flournoy
Flournoy - doretha.flournoy@sbcglobal.net
Rev. Elder Darlene Garner
Before entering the professional ministry, Garner was the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on
Sexual Minorities. She is a founding co-chair of the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays, and chaired the first
International Conference for Gay and Lesbian People of Color. She has served as the chaplain for an AIDS hospice and as
President of the Board of Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry. Garner has also served as a member of the Philadelphia
Commission on Human Relations (hearing complaints of discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, gender, and
national origin) and of the West Hollywood Business License Commission. Garner has received numerous awards and
citations for her service to the community.
Darlene Garner has attended Ohio State University , Samaritan College , and Lancaster Theological Seminary. She is the
mother of four children and has seven grandchildren. She and her partner Leticia García Vargas live in Monterrey , Mexico .
Garner -- revdarlenegarner@MCCchurch.net
Vickey Gibbs
Vickey Gibbs began attending MCC in 1981 upon her move to Houston , Texas . She became a member of Resurrection
MCC in 1984. Vickey has served Resurrection and the Fellowship in a variety of ministries including: Lay Delegate, Board of
Directors, Clerk of the Board of Directors, Member of the Department of the People of Color, Co- Chair of WIND /MDISC –
South Central District, Committee Member of National WIND /MDISC, Team Member of PAD Conference, Executive
Committee of EXCEL International, Director and Convener of Resurrection’s Soul Force Retreat Team, Administrative
Assistant to the MCC Governance Team, Administrative Lead to the South Central District Board of Ordained Ministry to
name a few. Vickey served as Confidential Executive Assistant to Rev. Dwayne Johnson of Resurrection MCC for 10 years.
She currently serves as the Confidential Executive Assistant to Rev. Elder Darlene Garner of Region 6. Vickey is also in
formation towards ordination in MCC .
Gibbs -- vickeygibbs@MCCchurch.net
Rev. Robert Griffin
Griffin -- revrobertgriffin@MCCchurch.net
Rev. Candy Holmes
Candy’s other passions include conference planning, healing ministry, and diversity planning all of which she is actively
engaged in within and outside MCC . She has been the Chair for the People of African Descent Conference for two
successive sessions and has served in varying leadership roles with the Conference for 10 years. Candy has participated
in organizing successful MCC and ecumenical conferences.
Whether you find Candy preaching or leading a healing service, chairing the People of African Descent Conference,
participating on the People of African Descent Advisory Council, or leading the General Conference Music Team; you will
find her happily working out her mission and motto -- "Be the change you want to see."
Candy is pursuing her Masters of Divinity degree and completing her 30th year as a civilian employee serving at the
Government Accountability Office as an IT Manager. She is a member of Christ the Liberator, MCC and resides in Laurel ,
Maryland ( USA ) with her partner, Debra Rose.
Holmes - candynotes@aol.com
Barry Hundley
the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1992, Barry moved from the AME church and made his spiritual home at First
MCC of Atlanta, where he continues in active church membership as a Lay Delegate.
Barry was awarded the 2006 People of African Decent Conference “Trailblazer Award” for his work. in opening doors for
minorities in MCC and for helping to shape and mold the next generation of MCC leaders.
Hundley - Barhun@aol.com
Ellen “Denise” Junious
Wellness Ministry, and coach of the Resurrection Angels softball team. Denise life choices. Her ministry accomplishments
include co-facilitating a six-week book believes that her call is to promote positive self esteem, balanced living, and healthy
life choices. Her ministry accomplishments include co-facilitating a six-week book a study on "The Purpose Driven Life,"
written by Rick Warren, and more recently hosting a community forum to promote positive outcomes for survivors of abuse.
She served on the Board of Directors of Cornerstone Association, a non-profit organization local church organizations.
dedicated to providing counseling services based on referrals from RMCC and other
local church organizations.
Her community related activities include supporting the AIDS Foundation Houston, United Negro College Fund, Literacy
Advance of Houston, and Child Advocates. She is an avid sports fan and enjoys attending the WNBA basketball games.
Teaching, reading and writing are her passions. Denise currently resides in Sugar Land , Texas .
Junious - edjunious@yahoo.com
Rev. Tracye Ruffin
Tracye served as an Evangelist in the Church of God in Christ, then became a member of the Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ), in which she was ordained in 1990. Tracye joined Resurrection MCC in 1994. She has served as staff clergy
since 1995, and officially became transfer clergy in 2005. Tracye is dual-credentialed ( MCC / DOC ) and has served as a
hospice chaplain since 1995.
Tracye’s life partner is Sandra Morris. They have been together since 1998 and are active foster parents.
Ruffin - TracyeRuffin@houston.rr.com
Rev. Roland Stringfellow
In many ways, 2002 was a watershed year for Roland. In November, 2002 he likewise attended his first National Gay
Lesbian Task Force "Creating Change Conference." At that conference he met representatives from the San Francisco Bay
Area which led to many opportunities for him. He became involved with producing and conducting "God's Beloved: A
healing workshop for LGBT people, families and allies." He also worked with the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in
Religion and Ministry "African-American Roundtable" and the Coalition for Bay Area Affirming Churches. Both events helped
create dialog within mainline denominational churches on the topic of LGBT equality in religious institutions. In addition to
his work within church contexts, Roland has also worked at Berkeley High School as a guidance counselor, college
advisor, and vice-principal.
He is a multi-faceted person, a significant portion of Roland’s "life mission" is to "build bridges" among diverse
communities. He has had many national speaking roles about Black LGBT Spirituality. Roland is also involved within the
leather and bear communities. He has won the titles of Ft. Wayne Leather Sir and Indiana Leather Sir, and has been active
with Bears of Color, Midwest Bear Pack, Hoosier Bears, and Bears of San Francisco.
Stringfellow - stringfellow809@hotmail.com
Advisory Council. The purpose of the Council is to develop and implement appropriate strategies to increase participation
by People of African Descent (PAD) in local MCC congregations and in positions of leadership throughout MCC .
The PAD Advisory Council held its first meeting on Thursday, February 1, 2007 .
The Advisory Council will work with local churches, as well as all committees, councils and boards of MCC, to develop and
implement the strategies and programs to reach, respect, and incorporate people of African descent at all levels of MCC .
The members of the PAD Advisory Council are: Rev. Delores Berry, Rev. Belva Boone, Rev. Doretha Flournoy, Rev. Elder
Darlene Garner , Vickey Gibbs , Rev. Robert Griffin, Rev. Candy Holmes, Barry Hundley, Denise Junious, Rev. Tracye Ruffin
and Rev. Robert Stringfellow (pictures, biographies and email addresses available below). Collectively, the members of
this Council have 195 years of combined MCC experience.
The PAD Advisory Council encourages all MCCers to contact any member of the Council to assist in furthering the Council's
goals.
For additional information on the PAD Advisory Council, contact Rev. Elder Darlene Garner at
RevDarleneGarner@MCCchurch.net.
About Metropolitan Community Churches: MCC has staked its claim. As one of the world’s emerging churches, we are
proclaiming a spirituality that is liberating and sufficiently profound to address the issues of our chaotic and complicated
world. We live out our belief that in the margins we are blessed and we are offering multiple ways for people to access our
message of liberation and inclusion. Through church planting, church revitalization, alliances, the internet, and our work in
acts of compassion and justice, we will expand our reach substantially over the next few years. MCC will become a name
known to an increasing number of people as a place where all are welcomed and our service to those who are excluded is
a primary calling. We will be leaders in the world about the union of spirituality and sexuality by articulating our message
and spreading it effectively.
Rev. Delores Berry
- Rev. Delores Berry is an out of the closet Christian Evangelist. She was an ordained
minister in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She became a member of MCC
in 1974. Rev. Berry visits some 50 MCC 's a year. She visits other denominations,
however; she is open about who she is, saying; "I do not play 'guess who's coming to
dinner!'" She and her spouse of 23 years, Judy Kiser, travel around the world with
God's message of liberation and healing for all people. Rev. Berry is a preacher,
prayer and singer (offering five gospel CD's at this time).
Biography of Services:
First Clergyperson of African Descent in MCC
This Evangelistic Ministry that Judy and I live has been a Special Work of MCC Region 3 since 1988.
First recipient of The Rosa Parks Award, presented at the MCC's People of African Descent Conference 2006.
Honored by MCC and Lancaster Theological Seminary, Lancaster , PA , with the "Rev. Delores Berry Liberation Preaching
Prize," to be given yearly to a Junior seminarians.
Recipient of the MCC Purple Grass Award for Excellence in Evangelism
Assistant Pastor of MCC Baltimore , MD
MCC District Coordinator of the Mid-Atlantic District.
Pastor of Good Samaritan MCC Norfolk , VA.
Pastor of MCC Peninsula Newport News , VA.
Pastor of New Life MCC Norfolk , VA.
Pastor of MCC Portland , OR .
Board Member of MCC Department of People of Color
MCC Faith, Fellowship and Order
Member of the MCC Inclusive Language Task Force
MCC Elder's Task Force on World Church Extension
MCC Board of Ordained Ministries
Recipient of the Baltimore 's Best Award.
Assisted in organizing the first LGBT march on Washington , DC .
Assisted in organizing the first People of Color LGBT White House Conference.
Berry - revdberry@aol.com
Rev. Belva Y. Boone
- The Reverend Belva Y. Boone was born in Norfolk , Virginia and grew up in "the
peanut capital of the world," Suffolk , Virginia . She completed her
undergraduate studies in History/Social Science Education and graduated,
Summa Cum Laude, from Hampton Institute in 1984. For nine years, she was
employed as a Teacher and Student Activities Coordinator with the Virginia
Beach City Public Schools. In 1993, Reverend Boone moved to Northern
Virginia and entered Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington , DC , to
begin formal study for the professional ministry. Reverend Boone graduated,
Magna Cum Laude, from Wesley Seminary in 1996 with an emphasis in
preaching and worship.
- A member of MCC since 1983, she has held active memberships in New Life
MCC of Tidewater (now Hampton Roads) in Norfolk , Virginia , MCC of Northern
Virginia ( NOVA ) in Oakton/Fairfax, MCC -Washington in Washington , D.C. and
years, including 15 years on the Mid-Atlantic District Committee, where she also served as the District Clerk. In 1997,
Reverend Boone was called to serve as the Assistant Pastor for Education and Training at MCC -Washington, a position
she held until 2000. Following her time of service at MCC Washington, Reverend Boone was a much sought after guest
preacher, teacher and workshop leader both in and outside of MCC. In July of 2001, with 98% of the votes cast, Reverend
Boone was called to serve as the fourth Pastor (second [2nd] African-American and first [1st] African-American female) of St.
John 's MCC in Raleigh , North Carolina .
Boone – pastor@stjohnsmcc.org
Rev. Doretha Flournoy
- Newly ordained Doretha Williams-Flournoy has served as a worship leader for the past 10
years in MCC Sacramento and MCC Long Beach. She has also served in missions to Nigeria
, Ghana , South Africa , and Zimbabwe . Trained in organizational development, strategic
planning, and community based participatory research, Doretha currently serves as the
director of the Network of Ethnic Physician Organizations, a California statewide cross cultural
collaboration charged with the goal of reducing health disparities in ethnic communities. She
also served for eight years has chief executive officer for two community based organizations.
She has Master’s degrees in Clinical and Community Psychology from San Francisco State
and Pennsylvania State Universities. Her greatest accomplishment is that of being mother to
Tinu (16) and Tokunbo (15) and in partnership for nine years with Lynda Harris, the love of her
life.
Flournoy - doretha.flournoy@sbcglobal.net
Rev. Elder Darlene Garner
- Born and raised in Columbus , Ohio , Darlene Garner was baptized into the National Baptist Church
at the age of seven and joined the Episcopal Church as a young adult. She joined MCC Washington,
DC, in 1976. She served MCC DC as Church Treasurer and Lay Delegate and later served the Mid-
Atlantic District as Assistant District Coordinator. Garner received her clergy credentials in 1988. She
has served as Associate Pastor of MCC in Philadelphia , PA ; Pastor of MCC in Baltimore , MD ; and
Senior Pastor of MCC of Northern Virginia. She has been the convener of MCC ’s Conferences for
African-American Leaders since 1998. Garner has been a member of the Board of Elders since
1993. She currently serves as the Regional Elder for Region 6, which includes the southwestern
United States , Mexico , Central America, and South America .
Before entering the professional ministry, Garner was the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on
Sexual Minorities. She is a founding co-chair of the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays, and chaired the first
International Conference for Gay and Lesbian People of Color. She has served as the chaplain for an AIDS hospice and as
President of the Board of Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry. Garner has also served as a member of the Philadelphia
Commission on Human Relations (hearing complaints of discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, gender, and
national origin) and of the West Hollywood Business License Commission. Garner has received numerous awards and
citations for her service to the community.
Darlene Garner has attended Ohio State University , Samaritan College , and Lancaster Theological Seminary. She is the
mother of four children and has seven grandchildren. She and her partner Leticia García Vargas live in Monterrey , Mexico .
Garner -- revdarlenegarner@MCCchurch.net
Vickey Gibbs
Vickey Gibbs began attending MCC in 1981 upon her move to Houston , Texas . She became a member of Resurrection
MCC in 1984. Vickey has served Resurrection and the Fellowship in a variety of ministries including: Lay Delegate, Board of
Directors, Clerk of the Board of Directors, Member of the Department of the People of Color, Co- Chair of WIND /MDISC –
South Central District, Committee Member of National WIND /MDISC, Team Member of PAD Conference, Executive
Committee of EXCEL International, Director and Convener of Resurrection’s Soul Force Retreat Team, Administrative
Assistant to the MCC Governance Team, Administrative Lead to the South Central District Board of Ordained Ministry to
name a few. Vickey served as Confidential Executive Assistant to Rev. Dwayne Johnson of Resurrection MCC for 10 years.
She currently serves as the Confidential Executive Assistant to Rev. Elder Darlene Garner of Region 6. Vickey is also in
formation towards ordination in MCC .
Gibbs -- vickeygibbs@MCCchurch.net
Rev. Robert Griffin
Griffin -- revrobertgriffin@MCCchurch.net
Rev. Candy Holmes
- Rev. Candy Holmes brings to MCC rich perspectives and insights stemming from her
spiritually diverse and musical life experience. From her Baptist, Pentecostal, and Interfaith
background, she has honed gifts of musical direction, administration, preaching, and healing.
In addition, Candy has been a leader in weaving music with social justice and ecumenical
endeavors in the local community and nationally.
Today, Candy is engaged in multi-faceted ministry. When called upon musically, she guest
directs, conducts music clinics, and assists churches to enhance their music ministries. She
has guest conducted choirs for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Capital Campaign
Dinner with President Bill Clinton, the HRC Millennium March Equality Rocks Concert with
George Michaels, Janet Reno at the World Aids Day Memorial (U.S. Justice Department), the
Mothers Against Drunk Driving International Conference, National Cathedral Concerts, the
MCC World Jubilee, MCC Regional and mini conferences, MCC People of African Descent
Conferences, and various MCC churches. She has also worked along side such music
notables as Chaka Khan and Roberta Flack, and MCC music evangelists Rev. Delores Berry
and Marsha Stevens.
Candy’s other passions include conference planning, healing ministry, and diversity planning all of which she is actively
engaged in within and outside MCC . She has been the Chair for the People of African Descent Conference for two
successive sessions and has served in varying leadership roles with the Conference for 10 years. Candy has participated
in organizing successful MCC and ecumenical conferences.
Whether you find Candy preaching or leading a healing service, chairing the People of African Descent Conference,
participating on the People of African Descent Advisory Council, or leading the General Conference Music Team; you will
find her happily working out her mission and motto -- "Be the change you want to see."
Candy is pursuing her Masters of Divinity degree and completing her 30th year as a civilian employee serving at the
Government Accountability Office as an IT Manager. She is a member of Christ the Liberator, MCC and resides in Laurel ,
Maryland ( USA ) with her partner, Debra Rose.
Holmes - candynotes@aol.com
Barry Hundley
- Barry Hundley is a member of First MCC in Atlanta , Georgia . He is a long-time MCC Lay Leader and
community activist. The recipient of numerous awards hailing his participation in causes which uplift,
educate and inform LGBT people of color, Barry is a leader in the "In the Life Conference", the largest
LGBT conference of people of color in the nation. He is one of the Project Managers for the MCC
Church Revitalization Initiative and a member of the Geographic Review Board
- Barry has always been an influential leader among both family and friends from a young age. He is a
graduate of the University of Alabama , where he obtained a BA in Business Administration, with a
the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1992, Barry moved from the AME church and made his spiritual home at First
MCC of Atlanta, where he continues in active church membership as a Lay Delegate.
Barry was awarded the 2006 People of African Decent Conference “Trailblazer Award” for his work. in opening doors for
minorities in MCC and for helping to shape and mold the next generation of MCC leaders.
Hundley - Barhun@aol.com
Ellen “Denise” Junious
Wellness Ministry, and coach of the Resurrection Angels softball team. Denise life choices. Her ministry accomplishments
include co-facilitating a six-week book believes that her call is to promote positive self esteem, balanced living, and healthy
life choices. Her ministry accomplishments include co-facilitating a six-week book a study on "The Purpose Driven Life,"
written by Rick Warren, and more recently hosting a community forum to promote positive outcomes for survivors of abuse.
She served on the Board of Directors of Cornerstone Association, a non-profit organization local church organizations.
dedicated to providing counseling services based on referrals from RMCC and other
local church organizations.
- Denise is the founder of Personal Advantage Resource Group, a Coaching and
Consulting firm committed to supporting individuals to enhance their management,
leadership and personal growth skills. Prior to launching PARG, Denise worked as a
VP of Technology Infrastructure at a leading financial services institution, where she
participated on a number of Diversity Councils and was the firm’s first Global Chair of
the Black Employee Networking Group. Denise earned a MS in Management at
Houston Baptist University , and a BS in Business Administration at University of
Houston . She is a member of the National Black MBA Association, Women in
Her community related activities include supporting the AIDS Foundation Houston, United Negro College Fund, Literacy
Advance of Houston, and Child Advocates. She is an avid sports fan and enjoys attending the WNBA basketball games.
Teaching, reading and writing are her passions. Denise currently resides in Sugar Land , Texas .
Junious - edjunious@yahoo.com
Rev. Tracye Ruffin
- Tracye, a native of Brooklyn, New York, was baptized at Cornerstone Baptist Church of
Brooklyn, at the age of 14. She obtained a BA in Biology at Boston University in 1975. Tracye
served in the US Air Force for 11 years and served in the Republics of Panama and South
Korea as an Air Traffic Control Officer. Tracye states, "That job had me praying all the time, so
it was a natural transition for me to attend seminary." So in 1986 she the University of
Oklahoma and obtained a MA in Human Relations and continued on to Eden Theological
Seminary for her Masters in Divinity (1990).
Tracye served as an Evangelist in the Church of God in Christ, then became a member of the Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ), in which she was ordained in 1990. Tracye joined Resurrection MCC in 1994. She has served as staff clergy
since 1995, and officially became transfer clergy in 2005. Tracye is dual-credentialed ( MCC / DOC ) and has served as a
hospice chaplain since 1995.
Tracye’s life partner is Sandra Morris. They have been together since 1998 and are active foster parents.
Ruffin - TracyeRuffin@houston.rr.com
Rev. Roland Stringfellow
- Born into a family well-known in the Ft. Wayne, Indiana community, he was encouraged as a
youth to seek higher education. Accordingly, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
Education and a Master of Science degree in Counseling from Indiana University . Since his
youth was likewise steeped in the Baptist Church , he also sought a role in ministry. He
earned a Master of Arts degree in Ministry from Grace Theological Seminary, and in 1990
became a licensed minister in the Baptist Church . In 2006, Roland earned a Master of Divinity
from the Pacific School of Religion and was ordained with the Metropolitan Community
In many ways, 2002 was a watershed year for Roland. In November, 2002 he likewise attended his first National Gay
Lesbian Task Force "Creating Change Conference." At that conference he met representatives from the San Francisco Bay
Area which led to many opportunities for him. He became involved with producing and conducting "God's Beloved: A
healing workshop for LGBT people, families and allies." He also worked with the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in
Religion and Ministry "African-American Roundtable" and the Coalition for Bay Area Affirming Churches. Both events helped
create dialog within mainline denominational churches on the topic of LGBT equality in religious institutions. In addition to
his work within church contexts, Roland has also worked at Berkeley High School as a guidance counselor, college
advisor, and vice-principal.
He is a multi-faceted person, a significant portion of Roland’s "life mission" is to "build bridges" among diverse
communities. He has had many national speaking roles about Black LGBT Spirituality. Roland is also involved within the
leather and bear communities. He has won the titles of Ft. Wayne Leather Sir and Indiana Leather Sir, and has been active
with Bears of Color, Midwest Bear Pack, Hoosier Bears, and Bears of San Francisco.
Stringfellow - stringfellow809@hotmail.com
TEARING DOWN WALLS.
BUILDING UP HOPE.
BUILDING UP HOPE.
TEARING DOWN WALLS.
BUILDING UP HOPE.
Your Generous Gift Will Bring Hope and
Faith Through MCC's 2007 Eastern Europe Initiative!
Dear MCC Friend:
It is that time of year again! This Easter season, the MCC Board of Elders is pleased to offer you a an opportunity
to support a cutting-edge MCC ministry -- and to spread Hope and Faith around the globe -- by participating in
MCC’s Eastern Europe Initiative.
Last year, the people of MCC provided nearly $36,000 (USD) for our work in Eastern Europe through the MCC
Easter Appeal and over $42,000 (USD) for church planting through participating in our Fellowship Sunday
Appeal and offerings received at Regional Conferences. Along with the $80,000 (USD) raised in 2005 to help the
victims of Hurricane Katrina and assist MCC New Orleans, the $158,000 contributions by local churches and
individuals in just two years represents a new era of generosity within MCC!
Your participation in this year's "Easter Offerings for Eastern Europe" will make a powerful impact on the
lives of people who are hungry for MCC's ministry. Three years ago, MCC ministry in Eastern Europe was only
a dream. Now -- thanks to your generosity and God's blessing -- we are struggling to keep up with the invitations
and the needs of our brothers and sisters in Eastern Europe.
Let me share with you what your Easter Offerings last year accomplished:
-- We hired Florin Buhuceanu to focus on MCC ministry and human rights in Eastern Europe. Florin is a
dynamic, human rights hero whose ministry is changing lives from Romania to Kyrgyzstan. (We have invited
Florin to preach at MCC's General Conference in Scottsdale!)
-- We celebrated the first gay marriage in Romania and that country's second pride march, which attracted more
than 500 marchers -- and 10,000 protestors!
-- We sent MCC Communications Director Jim Birkitt on-site to Romania for seven days of unprecedented
media coverage which was seen, heard and read all over Europe. Jim also trained young LGBT leaders in
media strategies.
-- Rev. Elder Diane Fisher was an invited speaker at the European Community on Human Rights and Freedom
of Religion, where she addressed the leaders of 50 nations and the Vatican.
-- We forged a new partnership with the International Lesbian and Gay Association ILGA in Europe that allowed
MCC to offer training to young activists.
-- We launched MCC's initial work with churches and religious groups in Latvia and Moldova, and some Latvians
were able to attend MCC's Regional Conference in Germany.
All of this was accomplished last year, thanks to your church's generosity. Now we are presented with a God-
given opportunity to build and expand on last year's accomplishments.
Here's what we want to accomplish through this year's Easter Offerings for Eastern Europe:
-- We will conduct the first official MCC visits to Warsaw and Krakow, Poland, to advance the cause of LGBT
rights and to meet the spiritual and religious needs of LGBT people in Poland.
-- We will launch a major MCC initiative in Moldova, where Florin has been providing worship services once per
month.
-- Rev. Elder Fisher will hold a public debate with the Russian Orthodox Church in Moldova, participate in
Moldova's first-ever gay pride march, and offer training to young activists.
-- We will expand MCC's organizing efforts to collect LGBT books and rainbow merchandise for Romania and
Moldova.
-- We will continue our partnership with ILGA for training activists.
-- We will work to arrange for Elder Fisher to represent MCC at the International Homophobia Conference in
Anakara, Turkey in May.
-- We will explore educational opportunities for clergy and lay leadership in Eastern Europe.
-- We will continue support for Florin Buhuceanu's vital MCC ministry across Eastern Europe.
-- We will provide support for key emerging leaders in Eastern Europe to attend MCC's General Conference this
July.
-- We will follow through on MCC affiliations and church plants in Latvia, Poland, Romania and Moldova.
And here's more exciting news:
This year, Rev. Mark Bidwell will travel with Rev. Elder Fisher to Romania through the generosity of MCC Detroit.
MCC Detroit will also provide one month's rent for an office and apartment while they are there (and which will
save a lot on hotel bills!) In addition, MCC Hamburg and MCC in Stuttgart, Germany, will be participating in the
Romanian Pride events.
Here's where we stand: MCC has continued to support Eastern Europe in 2007. This year's designated "Easter
Offerings for Eastern Europe" will provide the much-needed funds to continue and expand MCC's vital ministry in
that part of our world. Together, we can surpass the 2006 total offerings provided by the Easter Appeal and reach
this year's goal of $40,000 (USD). MCC’s groundbreaking work in Eastern Europe is saving lives and bringing
hope to LGBT people in these countries.
This is why I'm inviting your church to receive a designated Easter Offering for Eastern Europe. If your
church will participate this year -- either on Easter Sunday or a Sunday close to Easter -- please write and let me
know at RevNancyWilson@MCCchurch.net.
As soon as I receive your response, your congregation will be added to the list of MCC's 2007 Pacesetter
Churches that are leading the way -- and we'll add your church's name to the list of Pacesetter Churches on the
MCC website at www.MCCchurch.org.
I hope to hear from you this week -- and I hope you'll write to me at RevNancyWilson@mccchurch.net to let me
know you're joining the 2007 MCC Pacesetter Churches who are receiving Easter Offerings for Eastern Europe.
/signed/
+Nancy
Rev. Elder Nancy L. Wilson
Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches
P.S. When you commit to receive an Easter Offering for Eastern Europe, we'll provide your church with a special
bulletin insert to use on Easter Sunday or during the Eastertide season.
P.P.S. You may also send your individual donations by postal mail. Simply mail your check -- made payable to
"Metropolitan Community Churches" with the notation "Eastern Europe Initiative" -- to Metropolitan Community
Churches, ATTN: Easter Offerings for Eastern Europe, P. O. Box 1374, Abilene, Texas 79604 -- or donate on-line
at https://www.mccchurch.org/eseries/source/EasterDonations/donate.cfm?
MCC Detroit (Detroit, Michigan)
Rev. Mark Bidwell, Senior Pastor
Region 5
MCC Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky)
Rev. Dee Dale, Senior Pastor
Region 5
Vision of Hope MCC (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
Rev. Debbie Coggin, Senior Pastor
Region 3
Cornerstone MCC (Mobile, Alabama)
Rev. Lee Carlton, Senior Pastor
Region 2
Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas)
Rev. Margaret Walker, Senior Pastor
Region 7
Harbor MCC (Galveston, Texas)
Rev. Pat Farnan, Senior Pastor
Region 6
MCC of the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, California)
Rev. David Pelletier, Senior Pastor
Region 6
Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York)
Rev. Jim Mulcahy, Senior Pastor
Region 3
SunCoast MCC (Venice, Florida)
Rev. Dr. Sherry Kennedy
Region 7
Trinity MCC (Gainesville, Florida)
Rev. Joe McMurray, Senior Pastor
Region 7
BUILDING UP HOPE.
Your Generous Gift Will Bring Hope and
Faith Through MCC's 2007 Eastern Europe Initiative!
Dear MCC Friend:
It is that time of year again! This Easter season, the MCC Board of Elders is pleased to offer you a an opportunity
to support a cutting-edge MCC ministry -- and to spread Hope and Faith around the globe -- by participating in
MCC’s Eastern Europe Initiative.
Last year, the people of MCC provided nearly $36,000 (USD) for our work in Eastern Europe through the MCC
Easter Appeal and over $42,000 (USD) for church planting through participating in our Fellowship Sunday
Appeal and offerings received at Regional Conferences. Along with the $80,000 (USD) raised in 2005 to help the
victims of Hurricane Katrina and assist MCC New Orleans, the $158,000 contributions by local churches and
individuals in just two years represents a new era of generosity within MCC!
Your participation in this year's "Easter Offerings for Eastern Europe" will make a powerful impact on the
lives of people who are hungry for MCC's ministry. Three years ago, MCC ministry in Eastern Europe was only
a dream. Now -- thanks to your generosity and God's blessing -- we are struggling to keep up with the invitations
and the needs of our brothers and sisters in Eastern Europe.
Let me share with you what your Easter Offerings last year accomplished:
-- We hired Florin Buhuceanu to focus on MCC ministry and human rights in Eastern Europe. Florin is a
dynamic, human rights hero whose ministry is changing lives from Romania to Kyrgyzstan. (We have invited
Florin to preach at MCC's General Conference in Scottsdale!)
-- We celebrated the first gay marriage in Romania and that country's second pride march, which attracted more
than 500 marchers -- and 10,000 protestors!
-- We sent MCC Communications Director Jim Birkitt on-site to Romania for seven days of unprecedented
media coverage which was seen, heard and read all over Europe. Jim also trained young LGBT leaders in
media strategies.
-- Rev. Elder Diane Fisher was an invited speaker at the European Community on Human Rights and Freedom
of Religion, where she addressed the leaders of 50 nations and the Vatican.
-- We forged a new partnership with the International Lesbian and Gay Association ILGA in Europe that allowed
MCC to offer training to young activists.
-- We launched MCC's initial work with churches and religious groups in Latvia and Moldova, and some Latvians
were able to attend MCC's Regional Conference in Germany.
All of this was accomplished last year, thanks to your church's generosity. Now we are presented with a God-
given opportunity to build and expand on last year's accomplishments.
Here's what we want to accomplish through this year's Easter Offerings for Eastern Europe:
-- We will conduct the first official MCC visits to Warsaw and Krakow, Poland, to advance the cause of LGBT
rights and to meet the spiritual and religious needs of LGBT people in Poland.
-- We will launch a major MCC initiative in Moldova, where Florin has been providing worship services once per
month.
-- Rev. Elder Fisher will hold a public debate with the Russian Orthodox Church in Moldova, participate in
Moldova's first-ever gay pride march, and offer training to young activists.
-- We will expand MCC's organizing efforts to collect LGBT books and rainbow merchandise for Romania and
Moldova.
-- We will continue our partnership with ILGA for training activists.
-- We will work to arrange for Elder Fisher to represent MCC at the International Homophobia Conference in
Anakara, Turkey in May.
-- We will explore educational opportunities for clergy and lay leadership in Eastern Europe.
-- We will continue support for Florin Buhuceanu's vital MCC ministry across Eastern Europe.
-- We will provide support for key emerging leaders in Eastern Europe to attend MCC's General Conference this
July.
-- We will follow through on MCC affiliations and church plants in Latvia, Poland, Romania and Moldova.
And here's more exciting news:
This year, Rev. Mark Bidwell will travel with Rev. Elder Fisher to Romania through the generosity of MCC Detroit.
MCC Detroit will also provide one month's rent for an office and apartment while they are there (and which will
save a lot on hotel bills!) In addition, MCC Hamburg and MCC in Stuttgart, Germany, will be participating in the
Romanian Pride events.
Here's where we stand: MCC has continued to support Eastern Europe in 2007. This year's designated "Easter
Offerings for Eastern Europe" will provide the much-needed funds to continue and expand MCC's vital ministry in
that part of our world. Together, we can surpass the 2006 total offerings provided by the Easter Appeal and reach
this year's goal of $40,000 (USD). MCC’s groundbreaking work in Eastern Europe is saving lives and bringing
hope to LGBT people in these countries.
This is why I'm inviting your church to receive a designated Easter Offering for Eastern Europe. If your
church will participate this year -- either on Easter Sunday or a Sunday close to Easter -- please write and let me
know at RevNancyWilson@MCCchurch.net.
As soon as I receive your response, your congregation will be added to the list of MCC's 2007 Pacesetter
Churches that are leading the way -- and we'll add your church's name to the list of Pacesetter Churches on the
MCC website at www.MCCchurch.org.
I hope to hear from you this week -- and I hope you'll write to me at RevNancyWilson@mccchurch.net to let me
know you're joining the 2007 MCC Pacesetter Churches who are receiving Easter Offerings for Eastern Europe.
/signed/
+Nancy
Rev. Elder Nancy L. Wilson
Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches
P.S. When you commit to receive an Easter Offering for Eastern Europe, we'll provide your church with a special
bulletin insert to use on Easter Sunday or during the Eastertide season.
P.P.S. You may also send your individual donations by postal mail. Simply mail your check -- made payable to
"Metropolitan Community Churches" with the notation "Eastern Europe Initiative" -- to Metropolitan Community
Churches, ATTN: Easter Offerings for Eastern Europe, P. O. Box 1374, Abilene, Texas 79604 -- or donate on-line
at https://www.mccchurch.org/eseries/source/EasterDonations/donate.cfm?
- Join The Growing List of Pacesetter Churches
- Participating in MCC's 2007 Easter Offerings for Eastern Europe
MCC Detroit (Detroit, Michigan)
Rev. Mark Bidwell, Senior Pastor
Region 5
MCC Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky)
Rev. Dee Dale, Senior Pastor
Region 5
Vision of Hope MCC (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
Rev. Debbie Coggin, Senior Pastor
Region 3
Cornerstone MCC (Mobile, Alabama)
Rev. Lee Carlton, Senior Pastor
Region 2
Exodus MCC (Abilene, Texas)
Rev. Margaret Walker, Senior Pastor
Region 7
Harbor MCC (Galveston, Texas)
Rev. Pat Farnan, Senior Pastor
Region 6
MCC of the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs, California)
Rev. David Pelletier, Senior Pastor
Region 6
Open Arms MCC (Rochester, New York)
Rev. Jim Mulcahy, Senior Pastor
Region 3
SunCoast MCC (Venice, Florida)
Rev. Dr. Sherry Kennedy
Region 7
Trinity MCC (Gainesville, Florida)
Rev. Joe McMurray, Senior Pastor
Region 7
- To participate in MCC's 2007 "Easter Offerings for Eastern Europe," write to
- _________________________________________
A Message From
The Reverend Nancy Wilson
Office of the Moderator
The Reverend Nancy Wilson
Office of the Moderator
|
PHOTO: Elder Fisher Performs Romania's
First Gay Marriage Ceremony (2006)
First Gay Marriage Ceremony (2006)
PHOTO: Rev. Elder Diane Fisher Leads MCC Worship
Service Following Romania's Pride March
Service Following Romania's Pride March
| PO Box 1374 ~ Abilene, Texas 79604 ~ E-Mail: info@MCCchurch.net |
A Message from
The Reverend Dr. Cindi Love
MCC Executive Director
The Reverend Dr. Cindi Love
MCC Executive Director
| MCC Executive Director's Update 2006 Year-End Review |
INDEX:
1. Introduction from the Executive Director
2. 2006 Year-End Review - Executive Summary
3. 2006 Year-End Review - Full Narrative
____________________________________________________________________________
1. Introduction from the Executive Director
2. 2006 Year-End Review - Executive Summary
3. 2006 Year-End Review - Full Narrative
____________________________________________________________________________
Section 1: Introduction from the Executive Director
March 19, 2007
Dear MCC Friends and Family:
Let me begin this update and review by thanking you for your extraordinary support of our
denomination, our movement and our ministry in 2006. So many of you have prayed specifically
for the work of our Elders and Moderator and our headquarters, regional and portfolio teams.
We have felt your witness of love and support and the positive impact of your prayers.
Many of you gave sacrificially to your local churches, as well as to denominational initiatives such
as the Mother of Peace Orphanage, Eastern Europe, the HIV/AIDS Social Transformation
Ministry and our emerging churches in Latin America. You helped create and host some of the
most inspirational regional events and conferences that I have ever attended. You manifest the
words of Scripture in Philemon 1:6-7:
March 19, 2007
Dear MCC Friends and Family:
Let me begin this update and review by thanking you for your extraordinary support of our
denomination, our movement and our ministry in 2006. So many of you have prayed specifically
for the work of our Elders and Moderator and our headquarters, regional and portfolio teams.
We have felt your witness of love and support and the positive impact of your prayers.
Many of you gave sacrificially to your local churches, as well as to denominational initiatives such
as the Mother of Peace Orphanage, Eastern Europe, the HIV/AIDS Social Transformation
Ministry and our emerging churches in Latin America. You helped create and host some of the
most inspirational regional events and conferences that I have ever attended. You manifest the
words of Scripture in Philemon 1:6-7:
|
In this year-end review for 2006, I want to share with you as much information as possible
regarding the financial state of our movement and ministry worldwide. To view MCC's unaudited
2006 financial statement online, CLICK HERE. To view the approved MCC budget for 2007,
CLICK HERE.
Audited financial statements and a more extensive annual report of all activities will be presented
at General Conference in July 2007.
Please continue to hold our Teams in your prayers, as we, in turn, remember you and the
life-changing ministry of your congregations. I am so glad God brought us together in such a
time as this -- as true partners in the vital ministry of Metropolitan Community Churches.
Peace and Blessings,
/signed/
Rev. Dr. Cindi Love
Executive Director
Metropolitan Community Churches
www.MCCchurch.org
To View MCC's 2006 Year-End Financial Report (unaudited), Visit:
http://www.MCCchurch.org/ED/mccprofitlossEOY2006.pdf
To View MCC's 2007 Approved Denominational Budget, Visit:
http://www.MCCchurch.org/ED/mccapprovedbudget2007.pdf
regarding the financial state of our movement and ministry worldwide. To view MCC's unaudited
2006 financial statement online, CLICK HERE. To view the approved MCC budget for 2007,
CLICK HERE.
Audited financial statements and a more extensive annual report of all activities will be presented
at General Conference in July 2007.
Please continue to hold our Teams in your prayers, as we, in turn, remember you and the
life-changing ministry of your congregations. I am so glad God brought us together in such a
time as this -- as true partners in the vital ministry of Metropolitan Community Churches.
Peace and Blessings,
/signed/
Rev. Dr. Cindi Love
Executive Director
Metropolitan Community Churches
www.MCCchurch.org
To View MCC's 2006 Year-End Financial Report (unaudited), Visit:
http://www.MCCchurch.org/ED/mccprofitlossEOY2006.pdf
To View MCC's 2007 Approved Denominational Budget, Visit:
http://www.MCCchurch.org/ED/mccapprovedbudget2007.pdf
____________________________________________________________________________
Section 2: 2006 Year-End Review - Executive Summary
NOTE: All financial figures are presented in U.S. dollars.
In 2006, MCC operated in 22 countries. There are 229 local churches worldwide and more than
45 study groups and affiliates in Latin America, Africa, Eastern and Western Europe and the
United States. The majority of our local churches not only gave at the partnership level specified
by General Conference (14 percent), but several gave at the 14.5 and 15 percent level.
We made substantive progress in all five Strategic Initiative areas and, at the same time,
provided relief for 14 local churches that were unable to fulfill their assessments ($145,280 USD)
due to a variety of reasons including:
- Continuing recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma
- Embezzlement and armed robbery
- Structural failures of buildings resulting in forced moves
- Challenges in restructuring bond issues
- Major pastoral transitions requiring crisis intervention and interim support
In addition, while we do incur expenses supporting study groups, emerging ministries and newly
planted churches, most of these groups cannot and are not required to contribute to our tithing
partnership. There is not a dollar-for-dollar offset for these ministries nor should we expect that in
the foreseeable future. Most of these groups operate under conditions of severe economic
and/or religious oppression. It is so important that we continue to support their faith and witness
to the inclusive love of the Creator. To do so, we must create and sustain a workable financial
model as one of the five initiatives affirmed in our Strategic Plan. I submit that it is essential if we
are to achieve any of the other four.
The good news is that we can build a long-term financial model that is realistic and
supportable with the sources of predictable income available to us. How?
-- We need to collect the full 14-15 percent in current tithe income. 13.2 percent on average is
not sufficient. We need churches to pay back tithes in arrears or find a way to fill this gap.
-- We need to ensure that the fees we charge for conferences and events actually cover the
expense of hosting those events.
-- We need to aggressively market some of our new resources like Creating A Life That Matters
outside the MCC community so that we can continue to offer these resources to our own
churches at minimal cost.
-- We need to continue to build the strong strategic relationships with Merrill-Lynch, Advantec,
Global Touch Telecom, Navratilova, Inc., dothething.org, Mitchell Gold-Bob Williams, Faith in
America and others. These organizations provide in-kind contributions to us that are essential for
our operations.
-- We need to sell MCC's property in West Hollywood, pay off MCC's debt, reduce MCC's outlay
for other expenses related to the property and establish an endowment that can earn income for
ministries.
-- We must also create contingency reserve invested in short-term securities.
-- We need to fully utilize our entire global technology framework including TAP, the on-line
university, Microsoft Outlook, MCC On-Line Services, the Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP)
telephone system.
-- We need to implement a planned giving program that is jointly beneficial to local churches and
to MCC.
-- We need to encourage donors who make pledges to fulfill them.
-- We need to take every opportunity to reduce expense while continuing to improve service
levels.
____________________________________________________________________________
Section 3: 2006 Year-End Review - Full Narrative
NOTE: All financial figures are presented in U.S. dollars.
In 2006, MCC operated in 22 countries. There are 229 local churches worldwide and more than
45 study groups and affiliates in Latin America, Africa, Eastern and Western Europe and the
United States. The majority of our local churches not only gave at the partnership level specified
by General Conference (14 percent), but several gave at the 14.5 and 15 percent level.
Your "above and beyond" generosity made it possible for us to make substantive progress
in all five Strategic Initiative areas and, at the same time, provide relief for 14 churches that
were unable to fulfill their assessments ($145,280 USD) due to a variety of reasons including:
- Continuing recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma
- Embezzlement
- Robbery
- Structural failures of buildings resulting in forced moves
- Challenges in restructuring bond issues
- Major pastoral transitions requiring crisis intervention and interim support
In addition, while we do incur expenses supporting study groups, emerging ministries and newly
planted churches, most of these groups cannot and are not required to contribute to our tithing
partnership. You make it possible for us to support their emerging ministries.
Some of our existing churches may not be able to tithe in the foreseeable future due to the level
of economic oppression they are experiencing in their countries. Some of our emerging churches
function under oppressive political regimes that restrict assembly of LGBT people of faith. It is so
important that we continue to support their faith and witness to the inclusive love of God.
Bridging The Income and Expense Gap
In order to continue the extraordinary witness of MCC at the local, regional and global levels, we
have to create a sustainable financial model.
Several of you have asked me to provide scenarios under which the denominational budget can
avoid the type of income gaps that we experienced in 2005 and 2006.
The narrative below is in response to your questions. We gathered input at all of the regional
conferences and I keep a "running list" of your feedback and questions via the web and e-mail.
I've grouped the topics for readability.
14 Percent Tithe Income Partnership & Restructuring
When MCC moved down to 14 percent in tithe income, we experienced a destabilizing impact on
our budget. This downward move occurred during the last two years of our transition under the
restructuring. The total costs for transition from districts to regions and the costs of
globalization were significantly greater than projected by the restructuring plan. However,
when fully implemented, our new global structure has a lower "net cost per transaction" than the
previous system. In theory, we should find that 14 percent is sufficient to support about 66
percent of our total budget if all churches are current and all churches pay back-tithes. Why?
-- We've installed a global technology platform that allows us to provide a much higher level of
service to a much larger population than in the past.
-- We've created "virtual teams" that can work together in providing resources in ways that were
not possible before. This makes it possible to increase the amount of contact with churches while
not increasing the amount of direct travel cost.
We have to collect the full 14 percent, however, or we will have another gap.
The approved budget for 2006 assumed total income of $3,284,032 and total expense of
$3,283,593. Tithes represented $2,330,000 of the projected income and we actually received
$2,246,714 -- creating an income gap of $83,286. Some of the amount received was in back tithe
payments from prior years. MCC's total actual expense was $3,261,422 or $22,173 less than
projected.
There is a cumulative effect when our tithe income is less each year than projected. And, there
is a cumulative effect of the reduction to 14 percent based on the original restructuring plan for
the denomination.
Let’s look at what happened with the last reduction to 14 percent. In 2006, if all churches
had contributed at 15 percent, we would have received tithes in the amount of $2,430,624 or
$312,810 more than we received. In 2005, at 15 percent, we would have received $195,080
more. Had all churches in arrears paid back-tithes and all churches paid the tithe contribution of
14 percent, we would have received more than 15 percent. In fact, we had to write off a
substantial amount of the back tithes because it was not realistic to ever collect them.
What If MCC Grows Significantly?
First, praise God! Using the technology that we have, we can expect stable incremental costs in
most areas except travel and disaster relief. We cannot control the net impact of the world
economy in these two areas and we will always have to monitor these situations very carefully
and make course corrections as needed.
Our first priority will always be to stabilize crisis situations in our churches at the earliest
possible time. Our new transitional ministry program helps us meet some of these needs much
more quickly now. Our new Endowment fund can help us support short-term grants in these
situations. Our new segmentation analysis makes it possible to note downward trends in
attendance and per capita giving much sooner. (Thank you, Connie Meadows!)
Most local churches participated in the Risk Management Audit this year and we hope that the
information you gathered will help prevent some of the issues that impacted the 14 churches in
crisis I mentioned earlier in this report.
An assumption of stable incremental costs also assumes that we do not have debt service (more
on this later). And, it assumes that:
-- We move in the direction of the World Council of Churches fee structure for conferences and
events.
-- We utilize well developed work plans
-- We use an intentional system of prioritization for local church interventions and face-to-face
visits with the most skilled team members for those priorities.
Let me expand on the last point.
Intentional System Of Prioritization For Utilization Of Team Members
We need to maximize the potential of local church visits and regional ministry outreach. We need
to fully utilize our very skilled teams to provide the type of support that is needed.
Let me give you an example. As the Executive Director, and with my particular skill set, you would
not want me to come and visit you about creating vibrant worship. So, when you ask me to visit
and we jointly do a needs analysis and that analysis says that you need vibrant worship, I need
to send you another person.
The Moderator or Vice-Moderator or Elder will not always be the persons who should come
either. In our assessments, we are finding that their leadership skills are desperately needed
when churches are at major transition stages. We are also finding that the sub-regional and
cluster gatherings are highly effective in bringing churches together for training and mutual
support and celebration.
These realities may sometimes mean that our Elders cannot attend an anniversary celebration
that they have attended in the past. As our churches mature, more and more have anniversaries
at the same time of year and more and more are celebrating "milestone" anniversaries. If you do
the math, you can quickly see that with 229 churches and only seven Elders and the Moderator
and Vice-Moderator, we will never make all of these. And, the travel costs will be prohibitive.
Rather than feeling "let down" by this fact, let's find new and creative ways to celebrate these
special events together.
Some people have felt very "short changed" by this reality of globalization. This is
understandable. Our organizational consultants predicted some of these challenges based on
the response of people and systems to change. Predictions don't make it easier to absorb, but
my view is that we've made it through the "break down or break through" stage. We need
to guard against any tendencies to turn back the clock even it feels like it would be more
comfortable.
At the same time that we were finding the balance for the Elders and their portfolios, we were
reorganizing our teams. As we experienced attrition, we recruited for specific skill sets and
diversity in age, race, ethnicity and experience. We recently completed our first "all team" retreat.
We came out of that experience with a "motto" to guide us. It is "The Team that Beats with
One Heart." We want you to feel that when you work with us. So, if you don't, hold us
accountable and tell us to go review the motto and "get right" with it.
I really encourage all of us to trust the next steps. God is ordering them and we need to listen
and watch and respond with good stewardship and our most excellent gifts.
Conferences, Events & Community Gatherings
Let me talk about one other major impact on our budget in 2006. In addition to the tithe gap, we
made another decision for the sake of justice, equity, diversity and access. We made it for all the
right reasons, but it had a negative impact on income and expense. We made a conscious
decision to keep the costs of conferences "flat" rather than fully adopt the World Council of
Churches financial model in order to provide the highest level of access and equity for all
participants (see the fee schedule for General Conferences as an example). This decision was
based on significant input from local delegates. The average cost for World Council conferences
is more than three times what MCC charges. (See additional WCC note at close of report.)
My observation is that our timing may have been "off" in trying to do all of these at once, even
though the underlying reasons were good. And, travel costs increased 30 percent worldwide
during this time. We are not alone in this challenge. All global organizations hit this unanticipated
increase. Our travel consultant tells us that we will see another at least a 10-18 percent increase
in travel costs between now and 2010, and far higher costs should there be an escalation of
conflict in the oil producing nations.
What Shall We Do Next?
The easy solution to any budget deficit is to budget only to the amount of predictable revenue
(tithes) and income that is not "speculative." This assumes that we would always collect a
predictable percentage of tithe income of local churches. This is not realistic. Hurricanes happen.
Buildings age and have collapsing roofs and boilers that fail.
We built our 2006 budget based on 14 percent tithes -- but we collected 13.2 percent. We
have to carefully monitor local situations and work with churches within the first 30 days of deficit
to identify areas where we can help and then do so quickly.
We should not borrow any more money and, as you have seen in other communications, we
need to leverage MCC's largest existing asset, the property in Los Angeles.
We should not lose money on General Conference or any other training or event. In 2006, we
projected almost $93,000 more in income than we made from regional as well as all other
conferences (Men’s, Women’s, PAD, and Clergy). As stated, we chose the World Council of
Churches' pricing model for Conferences to try and ensure equity of access for people from all of
the places where we serve. Our projection failed for three reasons:
1. The dramatic shift in the value of the U.S. dollar from time of projection to outlay;
2 A 30 percent increase in the price of travel worldwide;
3. More "based on need" scholarships required than anticipated.
We are seeing a similar trend with 2007's General Conference registrations. More than 60
percent of all registrants in 2005 took advantage of the "early bird" discount. So, we are at risk of
a loss. This must not happen and I've been adjusting expenses downward for the first quarter to
defend against that possibility.
If we have 900 paid registrations with 60 percent at the discounted level, our income will be
$140,020 (540 at $263 each). We would then have about 225 registrations at the full rate for a
total of $78,750 and 135 persons who receive partial or full scholarship. We take $25 of each
registration (whether discounted or full) and dedicate to these scholarships and to the "BE A
GEM" campaign in attempting to fill the gap. We need to raise $100,000 to fully scholarship
all of the requests. Please consider a special donation to this campaign.
$218,770 -- less $19,125 for scholarships -- is the "base income" we have available to conduct
MCC's General Conference if we have full paid registration (900).Out of this we have to lease the
conference hotel, all of the AV and staging equipment and musical instruments, contract for the
filming and DVD production, contract the printing and translations, and fund all of the travel for all
employees and scholarship recipients, as well as guest speakers. There are also honorariums,
awards, meal events, security and insurance costs.
Many of these conference costs are "fixed" or required, whether we have 50 or 500 or 1000 in
attendance. This is true of our Regional and other conferences/events as well. I was saddened
to require the cancellation of both of our Men and Women in Ministry Conferences recently
because we did not achieve minimum registration numbers to prevent an additional deficit from
occurring.
We need your input regarding these challenges in providing experiences that you value
and charging enough for them to break even. In the current economic climate, we cannot do
otherwise and ensure a sustainable operation. One of MCC's five strategic initiatives affirmed by
General Conference is to ensure a sustainable financial model for MCC's future.
I very much appreciate your support in getting the word out to people about General Conference
who may have never experienced this blessing. Our regionals were very well attended and the
reviews were excellent. I believe you will see this quality carried forward in the General
Conference. We have a fantastic Conference & Worship Team and so much exciting progress in
our ministries to share with one another.
We also lost money on MCC Intensives in 2006 and our income from clergy license renewals was
less than projected. More than 80 percent of all clergy who did pay renewed at the discounted
rate. We have adjusted our projection for 2007 to reflect this trend. Many of our students do not
have sufficient income to support the cost of Intensives. Please consider donations to our
scholarship funds.
In MCC's 2006 budget, we projected $346,000 in other giving programs (non-tithes) including the
Faithful 100, Faithful 5000, Legacy League and Founder’s Circle, as well as our scholarship
programs. We were under projection on all of these and over on the two Fellowship-wide
appeals, thanks to the generosity of our local churches. The net result was a gap of $182,134.
We must fully implement planned giving and annual giving programs and work to ensure that
pledges are met. If you have an outstanding pledge, please consider fulfilling it.
What Can We Do To Lower Expenses?
In addition to those areas mentioned, we have to reduce our cost of property ownership. We had
some expenses in 2006 that were not projected, including increased premiums for earthquake
insurance on the property we jointly own in West Hollywood with MCC LA. For those of you who
may not be familiar with these facilities, we own two buildings on Santa Monica Boulevard which
have served as headquarters for MCC and as worship facilities for the congregation of MCC LA.
These buildings have significant value in the marketplace, but our ability to leverage that value is
limited to their liquidity. In other words, we have to sell them to "use the value" in our operations
in ways other than office and worship space.
Like most major metropolitan real estate investments, this one has experienced increases in
insurance, maintenance, taxes and operating costs over the last 10 years. The rental income
that we have earned on the facilities has not always "kept up" with the expenses at a level that
leaves sufficient reserves. Like some of you, our experience with property ownership is somewhat
"feast or famine," depending on what breaks or needs upgrading.
However, we are so blessed that MCC's leaders decided to buy these facilities more than 10
years ago, and that the value has been appreciating and helping to secure the future of MCC
ministry. We are currently pursuing sale of these facilities with the MCC share of proceeds
intended to make the first major contribution to MCC's Endowment as well as create a
contingency reserve and pay off all denominational indebtedness. Paying off MCC's bank
debt is particularly important since it is based on a variable rate with rapidly escalating interest
expense.
Outlook For 2007
The MCC Board of Administration has approved a budget for 2007 that is realistic if:
- We receive 14 percent in tithe income;
- Churches in arrears pay their tithes;
- We meet our other income objectives, including General Conference;
- We control expenses to actual income received;
- We sell the West Hollywood property in the next three months.
We have adjusted all of our income projections downward and taken cuts in expenses as well. I
have scaled back the expense budget in virtually every area while ensuring that we can still
provide substantive coverage in local churches, continue the momentum of our work in global
justice, ecumenical and interfaith work, outreach and evangelism.
As mentioned earlier, when it was apparent that we would have a serious cash flow challenge by
year end of 2006, the Board of Administration authorized additional debt financing through an
individual and a local church. This made it possible to avoid additional debt at the variable rate
financing with our bank while providing a competitive market rate of return for the individual and
church who were so gracious to us.
This also means that we have substantive intere
Section 2: 2006 Year-End Review - Executive Summary
NOTE: All financial figures are presented in U.S. dollars.
In 2006, MCC operated in 22 countries. There are 229 local churches worldwide and more than
45 study groups and affiliates in Latin America, Africa, Eastern and Western Europe and the
United States. The majority of our local churches not only gave at the partnership level specified
by General Conference (14 percent), but several gave at the 14.5 and 15 percent level.
We made substantive progress in all five Strategic Initiative areas and, at the same time,
provided relief for 14 local churches that were unable to fulfill their assessments ($145,280 USD)
due to a variety of reasons including:
- Continuing recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma
- Embezzlement and armed robbery
- Structural failures of buildings resulting in forced moves
- Challenges in restructuring bond issues
- Major pastoral transitions requiring crisis intervention and interim support
In addition, while we do incur expenses supporting study groups, emerging ministries and newly
planted churches, most of these groups cannot and are not required to contribute to our tithing
partnership. There is not a dollar-for-dollar offset for these ministries nor should we expect that in
the foreseeable future. Most of these groups operate under conditions of severe economic
and/or religious oppression. It is so important that we continue to support their faith and witness
to the inclusive love of the Creator. To do so, we must create and sustain a workable financial
model as one of the five initiatives affirmed in our Strategic Plan. I submit that it is essential if we
are to achieve any of the other four.
The good news is that we can build a long-term financial model that is realistic and
supportable with the sources of predictable income available to us. How?
-- We need to collect the full 14-15 percent in current tithe income. 13.2 percent on average is
not sufficient. We need churches to pay back tithes in arrears or find a way to fill this gap.
-- We need to ensure that the fees we charge for conferences and events actually cover the
expense of hosting those events.
-- We need to aggressively market some of our new resources like Creating A Life That Matters
outside the MCC community so that we can continue to offer these resources to our own
churches at minimal cost.
-- We need to continue to build the strong strategic relationships with Merrill-Lynch, Advantec,
Global Touch Telecom, Navratilova, Inc., dothething.org, Mitchell Gold-Bob Williams, Faith in
America and others. These organizations provide in-kind contributions to us that are essential for
our operations.
-- We need to sell MCC's property in West Hollywood, pay off MCC's debt, reduce MCC's outlay
for other expenses related to the property and establish an endowment that can earn income for
ministries.
-- We must also create contingency reserve invested in short-term securities.
-- We need to fully utilize our entire global technology framework including TAP, the on-line
university, Microsoft Outlook, MCC On-Line Services, the Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP)
telephone system.
-- We need to implement a planned giving program that is jointly beneficial to local churches and
to MCC.
-- We need to encourage donors who make pledges to fulfill them.
-- We need to take every opportunity to reduce expense while continuing to improve service
levels.
____________________________________________________________________________
Section 3: 2006 Year-End Review - Full Narrative
NOTE: All financial figures are presented in U.S. dollars.
In 2006, MCC operated in 22 countries. There are 229 local churches worldwide and more than
45 study groups and affiliates in Latin America, Africa, Eastern and Western Europe and the
United States. The majority of our local churches not only gave at the partnership level specified
by General Conference (14 percent), but several gave at the 14.5 and 15 percent level.
Your "above and beyond" generosity made it possible for us to make substantive progress
in all five Strategic Initiative areas and, at the same time, provide relief for 14 churches that
were unable to fulfill their assessments ($145,280 USD) due to a variety of reasons including:
- Continuing recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma
- Embezzlement
- Robbery
- Structural failures of buildings resulting in forced moves
- Challenges in restructuring bond issues
- Major pastoral transitions requiring crisis intervention and interim support
In addition, while we do incur expenses supporting study groups, emerging ministries and newly
planted churches, most of these groups cannot and are not required to contribute to our tithing
partnership. You make it possible for us to support their emerging ministries.
Some of our existing churches may not be able to tithe in the foreseeable future due to the level
of economic oppression they are experiencing in their countries. Some of our emerging churches
function under oppressive political regimes that restrict assembly of LGBT people of faith. It is so
important that we continue to support their faith and witness to the inclusive love of God.
Bridging The Income and Expense Gap
In order to continue the extraordinary witness of MCC at the local, regional and global levels, we
have to create a sustainable financial model.
Several of you have asked me to provide scenarios under which the denominational budget can
avoid the type of income gaps that we experienced in 2005 and 2006.
The narrative below is in response to your questions. We gathered input at all of the regional
conferences and I keep a "running list" of your feedback and questions via the web and e-mail.
I've grouped the topics for readability.
14 Percent Tithe Income Partnership & Restructuring
When MCC moved down to 14 percent in tithe income, we experienced a destabilizing impact on
our budget. This downward move occurred during the last two years of our transition under the
restructuring. The total costs for transition from districts to regions and the costs of
globalization were significantly greater than projected by the restructuring plan. However,
when fully implemented, our new global structure has a lower "net cost per transaction" than the
previous system. In theory, we should find that 14 percent is sufficient to support about 66
percent of our total budget if all churches are current and all churches pay back-tithes. Why?
-- We've installed a global technology platform that allows us to provide a much higher level of
service to a much larger population than in the past.
-- We've created "virtual teams" that can work together in providing resources in ways that were
not possible before. This makes it possible to increase the amount of contact with churches while
not increasing the amount of direct travel cost.
We have to collect the full 14 percent, however, or we will have another gap.
The approved budget for 2006 assumed total income of $3,284,032 and total expense of
$3,283,593. Tithes represented $2,330,000 of the projected income and we actually received
$2,246,714 -- creating an income gap of $83,286. Some of the amount received was in back tithe
payments from prior years. MCC's total actual expense was $3,261,422 or $22,173 less than
projected.
There is a cumulative effect when our tithe income is less each year than projected. And, there
is a cumulative effect of the reduction to 14 percent based on the original restructuring plan for
the denomination.
Let’s look at what happened with the last reduction to 14 percent. In 2006, if all churches
had contributed at 15 percent, we would have received tithes in the amount of $2,430,624 or
$312,810 more than we received. In 2005, at 15 percent, we would have received $195,080
more. Had all churches in arrears paid back-tithes and all churches paid the tithe contribution of
14 percent, we would have received more than 15 percent. In fact, we had to write off a
substantial amount of the back tithes because it was not realistic to ever collect them.
What If MCC Grows Significantly?
First, praise God! Using the technology that we have, we can expect stable incremental costs in
most areas except travel and disaster relief. We cannot control the net impact of the world
economy in these two areas and we will always have to monitor these situations very carefully
and make course corrections as needed.
Our first priority will always be to stabilize crisis situations in our churches at the earliest
possible time. Our new transitional ministry program helps us meet some of these needs much
more quickly now. Our new Endowment fund can help us support short-term grants in these
situations. Our new segmentation analysis makes it possible to note downward trends in
attendance and per capita giving much sooner. (Thank you, Connie Meadows!)
Most local churches participated in the Risk Management Audit this year and we hope that the
information you gathered will help prevent some of the issues that impacted the 14 churches in
crisis I mentioned earlier in this report.
An assumption of stable incremental costs also assumes that we do not have debt service (more
on this later). And, it assumes that:
-- We move in the direction of the World Council of Churches fee structure for conferences and
events.
-- We utilize well developed work plans
-- We use an intentional system of prioritization for local church interventions and face-to-face
visits with the most skilled team members for those priorities.
Let me expand on the last point.
Intentional System Of Prioritization For Utilization Of Team Members
We need to maximize the potential of local church visits and regional ministry outreach. We need
to fully utilize our very skilled teams to provide the type of support that is needed.
Let me give you an example. As the Executive Director, and with my particular skill set, you would
not want me to come and visit you about creating vibrant worship. So, when you ask me to visit
and we jointly do a needs analysis and that analysis says that you need vibrant worship, I need
to send you another person.
The Moderator or Vice-Moderator or Elder will not always be the persons who should come
either. In our assessments, we are finding that their leadership skills are desperately needed
when churches are at major transition stages. We are also finding that the sub-regional and
cluster gatherings are highly effective in bringing churches together for training and mutual
support and celebration.
These realities may sometimes mean that our Elders cannot attend an anniversary celebration
that they have attended in the past. As our churches mature, more and more have anniversaries
at the same time of year and more and more are celebrating "milestone" anniversaries. If you do
the math, you can quickly see that with 229 churches and only seven Elders and the Moderator
and Vice-Moderator, we will never make all of these. And, the travel costs will be prohibitive.
Rather than feeling "let down" by this fact, let's find new and creative ways to celebrate these
special events together.
Some people have felt very "short changed" by this reality of globalization. This is
understandable. Our organizational consultants predicted some of these challenges based on
the response of people and systems to change. Predictions don't make it easier to absorb, but
my view is that we've made it through the "break down or break through" stage. We need
to guard against any tendencies to turn back the clock even it feels like it would be more
comfortable.
At the same time that we were finding the balance for the Elders and their portfolios, we were
reorganizing our teams. As we experienced attrition, we recruited for specific skill sets and
diversity in age, race, ethnicity and experience. We recently completed our first "all team" retreat.
We came out of that experience with a "motto" to guide us. It is "The Team that Beats with
One Heart." We want you to feel that when you work with us. So, if you don't, hold us
accountable and tell us to go review the motto and "get right" with it.
I really encourage all of us to trust the next steps. God is ordering them and we need to listen
and watch and respond with good stewardship and our most excellent gifts.
Conferences, Events & Community Gatherings
Let me talk about one other major impact on our budget in 2006. In addition to the tithe gap, we
made another decision for the sake of justice, equity, diversity and access. We made it for all the
right reasons, but it had a negative impact on income and expense. We made a conscious
decision to keep the costs of conferences "flat" rather than fully adopt the World Council of
Churches financial model in order to provide the highest level of access and equity for all
participants (see the fee schedule for General Conferences as an example). This decision was
based on significant input from local delegates. The average cost for World Council conferences
is more than three times what MCC charges. (See additional WCC note at close of report.)
My observation is that our timing may have been "off" in trying to do all of these at once, even
though the underlying reasons were good. And, travel costs increased 30 percent worldwide
during this time. We are not alone in this challenge. All global organizations hit this unanticipated
increase. Our travel consultant tells us that we will see another at least a 10-18 percent increase
in travel costs between now and 2010, and far higher costs should there be an escalation of
conflict in the oil producing nations.
What Shall We Do Next?
The easy solution to any budget deficit is to budget only to the amount of predictable revenue
(tithes) and income that is not "speculative." This assumes that we would always collect a
predictable percentage of tithe income of local churches. This is not realistic. Hurricanes happen.
Buildings age and have collapsing roofs and boilers that fail.
We built our 2006 budget based on 14 percent tithes -- but we collected 13.2 percent. We
have to carefully monitor local situations and work with churches within the first 30 days of deficit
to identify areas where we can help and then do so quickly.
We should not borrow any more money and, as you have seen in other communications, we
need to leverage MCC's largest existing asset, the property in Los Angeles.
We should not lose money on General Conference or any other training or event. In 2006, we
projected almost $93,000 more in income than we made from regional as well as all other
conferences (Men’s, Women’s, PAD, and Clergy). As stated, we chose the World Council of
Churches' pricing model for Conferences to try and ensure equity of access for people from all of
the places where we serve. Our projection failed for three reasons:
1. The dramatic shift in the value of the U.S. dollar from time of projection to outlay;
2 A 30 percent increase in the price of travel worldwide;
3. More "based on need" scholarships required than anticipated.
We are seeing a similar trend with 2007's General Conference registrations. More than 60
percent of all registrants in 2005 took advantage of the "early bird" discount. So, we are at risk of
a loss. This must not happen and I've been adjusting expenses downward for the first quarter to
defend against that possibility.
If we have 900 paid registrations with 60 percent at the discounted level, our income will be
$140,020 (540 at $263 each). We would then have about 225 registrations at the full rate for a
total of $78,750 and 135 persons who receive partial or full scholarship. We take $25 of each
registration (whether discounted or full) and dedicate to these scholarships and to the "BE A
GEM" campaign in attempting to fill the gap. We need to raise $100,000 to fully scholarship
all of the requests. Please consider a special donation to this campaign.
$218,770 -- less $19,125 for scholarships -- is the "base income" we have available to conduct
MCC's General Conference if we have full paid registration (900).Out of this we have to lease the
conference hotel, all of the AV and staging equipment and musical instruments, contract for the
filming and DVD production, contract the printing and translations, and fund all of the travel for all
employees and scholarship recipients, as well as guest speakers. There are also honorariums,
awards, meal events, security and insurance costs.
Many of these conference costs are "fixed" or required, whether we have 50 or 500 or 1000 in
attendance. This is true of our Regional and other conferences/events as well. I was saddened
to require the cancellation of both of our Men and Women in Ministry Conferences recently
because we did not achieve minimum registration numbers to prevent an additional deficit from
occurring.
We need your input regarding these challenges in providing experiences that you value
and charging enough for them to break even. In the current economic climate, we cannot do
otherwise and ensure a sustainable operation. One of MCC's five strategic initiatives affirmed by
General Conference is to ensure a sustainable financial model for MCC's future.
I very much appreciate your support in getting the word out to people about General Conference
who may have never experienced this blessing. Our regionals were very well attended and the
reviews were excellent. I believe you will see this quality carried forward in the General
Conference. We have a fantastic Conference & Worship Team and so much exciting progress in
our ministries to share with one another.
We also lost money on MCC Intensives in 2006 and our income from clergy license renewals was
less than projected. More than 80 percent of all clergy who did pay renewed at the discounted
rate. We have adjusted our projection for 2007 to reflect this trend. Many of our students do not
have sufficient income to support the cost of Intensives. Please consider donations to our
scholarship funds.
In MCC's 2006 budget, we projected $346,000 in other giving programs (non-tithes) including the
Faithful 100, Faithful 5000, Legacy League and Founder’s Circle, as well as our scholarship
programs. We were under projection on all of these and over on the two Fellowship-wide
appeals, thanks to the generosity of our local churches. The net result was a gap of $182,134.
We must fully implement planned giving and annual giving programs and work to ensure that
pledges are met. If you have an outstanding pledge, please consider fulfilling it.
What Can We Do To Lower Expenses?
In addition to those areas mentioned, we have to reduce our cost of property ownership. We had
some expenses in 2006 that were not projected, including increased premiums for earthquake
insurance on the property we jointly own in West Hollywood with MCC LA. For those of you who
may not be familiar with these facilities, we own two buildings on Santa Monica Boulevard which
have served as headquarters for MCC and as worship facilities for the congregation of MCC LA.
These buildings have significant value in the marketplace, but our ability to leverage that value is
limited to their liquidity. In other words, we have to sell them to "use the value" in our operations
in ways other than office and worship space.
Like most major metropolitan real estate investments, this one has experienced increases in
insurance, maintenance, taxes and operating costs over the last 10 years. The rental income
that we have earned on the facilities has not always "kept up" with the expenses at a level that
leaves sufficient reserves. Like some of you, our experience with property ownership is somewhat
"feast or famine," depending on what breaks or needs upgrading.
However, we are so blessed that MCC's leaders decided to buy these facilities more than 10
years ago, and that the value has been appreciating and helping to secure the future of MCC
ministry. We are currently pursuing sale of these facilities with the MCC share of proceeds
intended to make the first major contribution to MCC's Endowment as well as create a
contingency reserve and pay off all denominational indebtedness. Paying off MCC's bank
debt is particularly important since it is based on a variable rate with rapidly escalating interest
expense.
Outlook For 2007
The MCC Board of Administration has approved a budget for 2007 that is realistic if:
- We receive 14 percent in tithe income;
- Churches in arrears pay their tithes;
- We meet our other income objectives, including General Conference;
- We control expenses to actual income received;
- We sell the West Hollywood property in the next three months.
We have adjusted all of our income projections downward and taken cuts in expenses as well. I
have scaled back the expense budget in virtually every area while ensuring that we can still
provide substantive coverage in local churches, continue the momentum of our work in global
justice, ecumenical and interfaith work, outreach and evangelism.
As mentioned earlier, when it was apparent that we would have a serious cash flow challenge by
year end of 2006, the Board of Administration authorized additional debt financing through an
individual and a local church. This made it possible to avoid additional debt at the variable rate
financing with our bank while providing a competitive market rate of return for the individual and
church who were so gracious to us.
This also means that we have substantive intere