The study of climate change is developing very quickly. Significant new information is coming out—literally—every day. This on-demand webinar explains the basics, but it also mixes in some new information to help to provide viewers with an understanding of the world and our future.
Watch this on-demand webinar now!
Presenter: Dr. Stephen Mitchell Wagener
Dr. Mitch Wagener teaches climate ecology, entomology, and related courses at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury. His research interests include the impact of historical events—such as the Industrial Revolution—on the environment.
Mitch began life in the Midwest, growing up a barefoot boy in the Ozarks and attending high school in Branson, Missouri—before it became so famous. After graduating from the University of Missouri with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife, he moved to Fairbanks, Alaska to attend graduate school. Mitch received a masters degree in Stream Ecology and a doctorate in Soil Ecology during his 13 years in Alaska. There, too, he met the lovely Rita Kabali, a native of Uganda, East Africa, to whom he has now been married 33 years. They have two lively daughters, Rohanna 27 (a history teacher in an inner-city middle school) and Danika 19 (a student at Ithaca College). Mitch enjoys—among other things—watching his daughter play lacrosse and explaining climate change to the public.
Ph.D. Soil Ecology. August 1995. University of Alaska Fairbanks.
M.S. Stream Ecology. December, 1984. University of Alaska Fairbanks.
B.S. cum laude. Fisheries and Wildlife. May, 1981. University of Missouri, Columbia.
MCC Refugees and Immigration (Metropolitian Community Churches)
This on-demand webinar explores questions about how the closing of the US border might affect those in MCC communities. Special guests discussed concerns regarding refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in the U.S.
Sex, Bodies, Spirit – The Roots of Sex Negativity in Western Christianity (part 1)
This is part of an ongoing informational and discussion series by Metropolitan Community Churches that advance this topic among clergy and churches from any denomination. All are invited to attend!
Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline and Malachi Grennell are the authors of an exciting blog about sex, bodies, and spirit (sexbodiessspirit.net), and they are bringing their passion and expertise to a monthly gathering on Adobe Connect that will address issues of sex and spirit, in order to further advance this concern and educate all of us around the ongoing need for our churches.
Watch the Roots of Sex Negativity in Western Christianity (part 1)
Sex, Bodies, Spirit – The Roots of Sex Negativity in Western Christianity (part 3)
This is part of an ongoing informational and discussion series by Metropolitan Community Churches that advance this topic among clergy and churches from any denomination. All are invited to attend!
Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline and Malachi Grennell are the authors of an exciting blog about sex, bodies, and spirit (sexbodiessspirit.net), and they are bringing their passion and expertise to a monthly gathering on Adobe Connect that will address issues of sex and spirit, in order to further advance this concern and educate all of us around the ongoing need for our churches.
Watch the Roots of Sex Negativity in Western Christian Part 3
Sex, Bodies, Spirit – The Roots of Sex Negativity in Western Christianity (part 2)
This is part of an ongoing informational and discussion series by Metropolitan Community Churches that advance this topic among clergy and churches from any denomination. All are invited to attend!
Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline and Malachi Grennell are the authors of an exciting blog about sex, bodies, and spirit (sexbodiessspirit.net), and they are bringing their passion and expertise to a monthly gathering on Adobe Connect that will address issues of sex and spirit, in order to further advance this concern and educate all of us around the ongoing need for our churches.
Watch the Roots of Sex Negativity in Western Christianity (part 2)
Sex, Bodies, Spirit (Metropolitan Community Churches)
Over the past year, MCC has witnessed a renewal regarding the intersection of sexuality and spirituality. First, they enjoyed the online symposium in fall 2015, followed by monthly discussions, and then they experienced a stimulating workshop at the MCC General Conference 2016.
They are now delighted to announce an ongoing informational and discussion series that will advance this topic among clergy and churches from any denomination. All are invited to attend!
This is also opportunity for MCC clergy to fulfill the continuing education requirement for annual licensure.
Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline and Malachi Grennell are the authors of an exciting blog about sex, bodies, and spirit (sexbodiessspirit.net), and they are bringing their passion and expertise to a monthly gathering on Adobe Connect that will address issues of sex and spirit, in order to further advance this concern and educate all of us around the ongoing need for our churches.
The group will meet on the third Thursday of each month from 3:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern Time (generally 7:00 – 8:00 pm UTC), and will qualify for continuing education credits for MCC clergy (.5 units per session).
This is open to all people, whether clergy or lay. This opportunity is offered free of charge.
View past sessions on-demand:
August 2016: The Roots of Sex Negativity in Western Christianity (part 1)
September 2016: The Roots of Sex Negativity in Western Christianity (part 2)
October 2016: The Roots of Sex Negativity in Western Christianity (part 3)
January 2017: Sacred, Not Secret (Part 3): Beyond the Norm (Kink/BDSM)
February 2017: Sacred, Not Secret (Part 4): Non-Monogamy
Justice and Love in Action: Anti-racism Strategies for Preaching and Worship (Metropolitan Community Churches)
In view of ongoing unrest in the world, including but not limited to racialized violence in the U.S., as well as the distress many felt during and after the MCC General Conference, especially as it may have reflected the continuing power of white privilege/supremacy, misogyny, and U.S. domination/imperialism, the need to help clergy address racism in preaching and liturgy seems more acute than ever.
Utilizing presentations and discussion, this two-part webinar series began with the importance of self-reflection and awareness. Anti-racism resources and strategies utilized in MCC congregations were presented, along with how this work impacts pastors and the congregation. Participants gained skills for facilitating conversations about racism and white privilege. Specific resources were identified. These webinars were facilitated by Rev. Dr. Robin Gorsline and Rev. Dr. Elijah C. Nealy and can be viewed by clicking on the links below.
Watch Part 1 of Justice and Love in Action
Watch Part 2 of Justice and Love in Action
Mentoring Matters for MCC (Metropolitan Community Churches)
Many, many of us have been fortunate enough as leaders to have good mentors along the way, those more experienced people who have supported, guided, counseled, encouraged, and challenged us to stretch and grow.
This webinar lead by Rev. Lisa Heilig understands that mentoring can happen in a variety of settings and in a number of ways. The commonality is that mentoring is about relationships.
If you want to learn more about mentoring, feel like you may be called to be a mentor, or you want to enhance the mentoring you already do, please join Lisa for this two-part series by clicking on the links below:
Mentoring Matters for MCC Webinar, part 1
Mentoring Matters for MCC Webinar, part 2
MCC Emerging Church Training – Part 1 in Four Modules (Metropolitan Community Churches)
Goals of the Training Program:
- Orientation to MCC and the Emerging Church Program
- Tools to create diverse and inclusive MCC churches
- Build organizational skills directly related to not-for- profit formation
- Learn how to inspire and empower small groups and volunteers
- Increase personal awareness as a ministry leader
- Form a Proposal or Action Plan for a specific Emerging Church
- Build a cohort of colleagues engaged in MCC Emerging Church Development
Part 1 will focus on Goals 1-4
Training Program Format:
The Emerging Churches Training program is offered in two parts, four (4) modules for each part, designed as a collaborative experience with synchronous and asynchronous learning activities and specific tasks to equip the Church Developer. The hybrid presents modes of engagement to meet various learning styles.
Part 1, is an On Demand self-guided mixture of online readings, videos, toolkits and reflection questions. After each of the four (4) modules, participants are offered a syncronous touch point.
Part 2 adds webinars and cohort conversations to the readings, videos, and toolkits, Those who complete Part 1 are eligible to enroll in Part 2.
Part One
Four modules with video, readings, toolkit and reflection questions for each module that is engaged On Demand at the participants pace. This is an asynchronous approach that allows for consultation following each module.
- Orientation to MCC in the 21st Century – In this session, participants with, or without, previous MCC experiences can engage materials and reflect upon what ministry, mission, community, and church may mean as the 21stcentury unfolds
- Introduction to the MCC Emerging Church Models – The landscape of new church development includes multiple models and in this session many methods and models are discussed including options for MCC Emerging Churches.
- Building through Diversity – Intersections of race, orientation, gender identity, class, ability, theology, culture, and language all form a unique community of faith. These intersections affect each community and are building blocks for an effective MCC Emerging Church.
- Core Team and Small Group formation – exploring dynamics and leadership skills to form a Core Team and then Small Groups in order to create a new church.
Cost for Part 1 is $40. Click here to register. After payment has been made you’ll be able to view all materials.
Module 1 – Orientation
Readings (PDF on Google Drive)
- Welcome to MCC
- Strategic Plan Brochure
- MCC Statement of Faith Full Report
- Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson – LMR Lecture 2014
- A church visit Epiphany
- What does it take to be an MCC church developer
Videos
- Modern vandalism of an MCC, August, GA, USA
- MCC in the 21st century – Video by Rev. Rachelle Brown
Optional: Movie “Call Me Troy” download in English and with Spanish subtitles
Assignment – Submit Module 1 Reflection Questions document (Word doc in Google Drive)
Module 2 Intro to MCC Emerging Church Program
Readings (Available on Google Drive)
- MCC Emerging Church Process Folder
- Emerging Church Development Guide
- Glossary
- Modern Church Movements
- Modern Church Movements & MCC (PowerPoint)
- Dear Church – Article
- Churches Could Fill Their Pews – Article
- Modern Church Movements Select Bibliography
Toolkit (Review – download for future referrals)
- MCC Emerging Church Process Folder
- Emerging Church Development Guide
- Glossary
- Partnership Covenant
Video (Available on Google Drive)
Module 2 Models – Video by Rev. Rachelle Brown
Assignment – Submit Module 2 Reflection Questions document (Word doc in Google Drive)
Module 3 – Diversity
Readings (Available on Google Drive)
- Multicultural Readings Folder
- Diversity and Inclusion Working Definitions
- 3 things you might not have considered about Multiculturalism
- Doehring – Introduction
- Post Colonial Theology Folder
- Postcolonialism.Kwok
- Cheng -Rainbow Theology Ch 6-7
- Postcolonialsm and Liberation
Toolkits for Ministry (Review – download for future referrals)
- Be Inclusive – Gender Identity
- Be Inclusive – Language Training
- Be Inclusive – One Sheet Handouts
Video (Available on Google Drive)
Module 3 – Diversity and Inclusion – Video by Rev. Rachelle Brown
Assignment – Submit Module 3 Reflection Questions document (Word doc in Google Drive)
Module 4 – Core Team and Small Group Formation
Readings (Available on Google Drive) Module 4
- Core Team Formation Folder
- 7 proven insights for Leading Volunteers – Article
- Innovate – Leadership Article
- Moving from Leadership 1-0 to 2-0
- 7 tips for planting a New community – Marketing article
- Chapters – Expotential by Ferguson
- MCC Confidentiality Agreeement
- Small Group and Ministry Team Formation Folder
- Guidelines for Dialogue
- Introduction to Ministries and Teams development
- Welcome Team Formation
- Sample – Thank you for attending – template
Toolkits – Small Group Resources (Review – download for future referrals)
Films and Books
Holy Conversation Series
Video (Available on Google Drive)
Module 4 – Core Team and Small Groups – Video by Rev. Rachelle Brown
Assignment – Submit Module 4 Reflection Questions document (Word doc in Google Drive)
The Enneagram for Contemporary Spiritual Practice (Metropolitan Community Churches)
Explore the ancient wisdom technology of the Enneagram…
This webinar will introduce the Enneagram’s affinity with the spiritual praxis of the Desert Fathers and Desert Mothers, as well as the early Christians who established proto-monastic communities devoted to following the wisdom path of Jesus. How might the Enneagram similarly be used for spiritual practice today?
Participants will be introduced to the nine “styles” of the Personality Enneagram – the nine ways in which each style obscures divine Presence and blocks prayer & mediation, as well as the nine gifts and holy perspectives each style offers the world. There will be an opportunity for questions and discussion.
No prerequisites necessary, though participants are encouraged to make a preliminary determination of their Enneagram style prior to attending. For resources, go to http://trentjthornley.com/type.
Register for this on-demand webinar
FACILITATED BY REV. TRENT J THORNLEY
Trent is an Enneagram Coach, ordained Dharma Leader in the Tibetan Buddhist lineage of Anam Thubten, and ordained MCC clergy. He works as a Chaplain Trainer at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, where he guides volunteer chaplains in the art of spiritual care. Check out Trent’s Enneagram website: www.LivingEnneagram.com.
