MCC of Albuquerque » commitment

Pastor Judy Marries Lesbian Couple at County Clerk’s Office

Neil Macernie — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:40:31 +0000

In our ongoing effort to support Marriage Equality throughout the United States and around the world Metropolitan Community Churches asks us to become a voice for Marriage Equality, organize Marriage Equality events, meet our elected officials, and donate our time and money to this ministry of justice. Today, Reverend Judith Maynard and some members of MCC of Albuquerque joined GetEQUAL at Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque for a Marriage Equality rally. Earlier that day Reverend Maynard accompanied two lesbian couples to the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office for marriage licenses. Though both couples were denied marriage licenses, Reverend Maynard was allowed to perform a marriage ceremony in the waiting area.

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Our founder The Reverend Elder Troy Perry established Metropolitan Community Churches as a vital part of the effort for Marriage Equality in the United States and around the world. We are still committed to that effort today. You can make a difference with your peaceful activism and your commitment to being a voice for Marriage Equality in our denomination, in your community and around the world.

Stepping Stones

Rev. Judith Maynard — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:02:57 +0000

An evangelist known through the country would use a phrase countless times when he spoke and in his writings-he would refer to, Stepping Stones.

In staff gatherings, board meetings, and even at family conferences he would talk about solving problems or realizing goals by using stepping stones. You see, as a youth, he grew up combing the mountains of West Virginia. When he encountered a new stream or creek with deep water and wanted to continue his adventure without getting soaked, he searched diligently for stepping stones. They were the often overlooked rocks and stones that peak above the current, offering a relatively safe passage to the other side. After he would find those stones, he would carefully evaluate their stability before committing himself to this next leg of his journey and then cross over to his intended destination.

Throughout the life of our church we have encountered many new streams filled with deep water. Our leaders have searched diligently and found stepping stones along the way that enabled us to continue to be a vibrant congregation, reaching out and changing lives.

Our Fearless Giving, general stewardship campaign is yet another stepping stone. As we secure footing, reach new milestones, and more importantly, arrive at our intended destination, our prayer is our church will continue to be a spirit-led church, made up of growing believers, committed to making a difference in their world – connecting people with God through the love of Jesus Christ.

Every household in our church has been asked to prayerfully consider making a financial commitment to be given over a year long period. God is stretching us for a monumental future work as we fearlessly step out in faith and stand firmly on the stepping stones.

What Is Sacrifice?

Rev. Judith Maynard — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:05:54 +0000

How much should I give? What is a sacrificial gift?

In the 12th chapter of Mark the story is told of Jesus watching a widow give her offering. He not only noticed her gift but he commented to the disciples that her gift was the most pleasing to God because she gave out of her poverty.

God measures the value of a gift by sacrifice – not the dollar amount.

Did you every wonder why Jesus drew attention to this woman and her gift? Could it be that he realized how much more powerful a demonstration is than a lecture?

In our day and age, if called upon to donate by your favorite celebrity, most individuals tend to give more to a celebrity endorsed endeavor if you know for a fact that they not only support it with their voice, but with their pocket book.

When Oprah Winfrey opened and funded a school for girls in Africa and Warren Buffett gives the majority of his wealth away to the Gates Foundation, that makes you pay attention. Not necessarily because their cause strikes a cord, but because of their demonstration of personal generosity.

The amount you commit to our stewardship campaign should be a sacrifice for you, bathed in prayer and guided by God’s hand on your heart.

Let’s Take a Walk

Rev. Judith Maynard — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:10:54 +0000

Can you imagine actually walking with God? Adam and Eve, Moses, Enoch, the Israelite camps, the disciples and followers of Christ all had a blessed and unique opportunity; they had an intimate, up close and personal walk with either God or Jesus, God in the flesh.

God wants to walk with us, but won’t come uninvited. Invite God to walk with you. Prepare yourself mentally to make a concentrated effort to achieve a closer walk with God.

Commit to a daily time of meditation as you read scripture and pray. Even if you only start with five or ten minutes a day, you will find yourself increasing your time spent with God.

Don’t be afraid. God longs for our fellowship as we are created to worship and walk with God. Once you become intimate and build a relationship with God, your relationship with the ones you love will be more significant and even smoother. Your fears will be calmed and you will experience true peace and joy as you walk with God.

Ask for wisdom and guidance as you discover your role in our Fearless Giving in Fearful Times journey. Decisions and choices made in life will take on a new meaning. You’ll even have a new bounce in your step as you walk down the pathway of life.