** Kemptown Carnivel Saturday June 1st. **
Whilst at the Carnival! why not drop into Michael and Chris’ home for refreshments and hang out a while? 3 Portland mansions BN2 1DF. We are at the bottom of Portland Street, and as you look at the main front door to the building there are steps on the left that go down to our flat. Looking forward to seeing you ny time between 10 – 6pm.
01273 679812 / 07476 667353
We are on the cusp of the busy summer season and there’s lots going on. In just a few weeks the MCC annual general conference will take place in Florida. Dameon is representing the congregation as Lay Delegate and once the business slate has been formed will be coming to you as a congregation to find out how you’d like him to vote. Of course the main item is the election of a new moderator and there are details about the three candidates below. Just this week our interim moderator tended her resignation. There’s obviously lots of politics involved with the current decisions that are being made so your insights are invaluable.
Next week there’s the two outreach events and if you’re able to come along please do so. Again, the information is below.
Pride will be different for us this year as The LGBT Community Safety Forum is not running accessibility. It’s being run by a private company and so casual volunteers are not needed. I’m sad that we won’t be involved in accessibility, but it does give us the opportunity to run our own stall. Jesus deck readings and temporary tattoos are lots of fun and always enjoyed, and we do get to talk to folk about The Village and what we can offer. Alas, there are very limited volunteer tickets available but if you are already planning on going to Pride and can offer some help throughout the day it would be wonderful. I know it’s going to be a fabulous event – who’d have thought that Kylie Minogue would be headlining.
Our day retreat this year in on Saturday October 5th and available to anyone. Instead of using half the day for church planning and business there will be a leadership retreat in September where anyone actively involved in worship, or in a leadership position in the church, can connect and plan the coming church year, while for the business part they will talk about health insurance and more. Hopefully this will make our general church retreat more accessible to anyone who would like to join us. Details soon!
A reminder that if you want an insight into what’s happening in the church that our monthly board minutes and reports are all available online. My monthly report is included so you can see what I’ve been up to! I always welcome comments and ideas.
I hope that, in whatever ways you are involved in church life, that you have a blessed summer.
Love
Rev. Michael
| Governing board candidate videos HERE MCC Interim moderator resigns HERE Message from council of elders HERE Moderator candidate webinars HERE |
Learning about: Mental Health and Nature
Research shows us that being in nature promotes well-being and can help with the healing of mental health issues.
Peace of Mind is offering a day at Saddlescombe Farm with Growing Wellbeing to experience that for yourself and to help you learn how your faith community can use nature to support people with mental health issues.
Saturday, July 20, 10:00 – 4:00
Saddlescombe Farm BN45 7DE
Course Facilitator: Jo Wren and the team of “Growing Wellbeing”
Booking forms from cpark1947@gmail.com
or peaceofmindcbh.org.uk
Peace of Mind (Brighton and Hove)
Empowering faith communities to support people with mental health concerns
| Newsletters and events you might find of interest: Simply ‘click’ to open each newsletter in a new window. World health organisation removes GENDER IDENTITY DISORDER from its list of mental illnesses. Christians persecuted in the Middle East. Dad supports son in school transgender row Taiwan legalizes same-sex marriage National LGB&T partnership Newsletter National LGBT awards for Stephen Fry, Little Mix, and Peter Tatchell Book for Many Voices, One Spirit on June 9th |
Who is who at the Village MCC? Wendy, Isla, and Charlie are our Deacons at the Village. They’re able to offer emotional support and a friendly ear, and some signposting when you need further help. They especially love to get to know people so don’t be afraid just to connect for a coffee. They’re great listeners! Tony Wares is our Social Media Coordinator and we now have active pages on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. I can’t say that I understand any of it but I know that many people have visited with us through these media and have connected with the church. If you’d like to post anything relevant then please talk to Tony. My husband Chris looks after the website. Dameon is our Lay delegate. His job is to ensure that communication lines are open; between the pastor and board, pastor and congregation, board and congregation, UFMCC and The Village MCC. If you don’t feel you can talk to the pastor, or a board member, or even a deacon, then Dameon is the one to talk to. Dameon is also responsible for hospitality, welcoming new people, sending birthday and celebration cards. Mary is our health and safety officer; Sarah is our safeguarding officer. Wendy, Simon, Keith, and Rev. Peta are all board members. Keith is treasurer, Simon is secretary, Rev. Peta is vice chair, and Wendy is member at large. Will is our worship leader and musician. Pickle team members are Rev. Peta, Stephen, Sarah, James, Isla, and myself. The Garden is managed by Rev. Peta and Mary. The web site and facebook page are run by Chris. The prayer team is Wendy, Sheila, and Rev. Peta. Pastoral care is specifically Wendy, Rev. Peta, and myself, although any of the deacons will offer a listening ear. Simon organises refreshments for the worship service. Anyone can join the group of liturgists opening the service with a reading and prayer, or offer a word by preaching, or praying in worship for the congregation, or by celebrating and/or serving communion. Church is a community in action, and if you feel called to help out just let me know! |
