CURRENT MISSION PROJECTS
The Soulforce Equality Ride. Our children will collect this Mission Offering during the closing song of worship. The Soulforce Equality Ride is a two month social justice bus tour that confronts political and spiritual oppression of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people through relentless nonviolent resistance. The 2012 ride will be the fifth tour. For more info visit www.soulforce.org
Mission – We offer a number of opportunities for you to serve others in mission.
These opportunities serve practical needs or help advance our call to social justice and action.
Warm Hearts, Warm Bodies – Each fall, we collect winter coats, blankets, scarves, hats and gloves to distribute to homeless men, women and children. We begin our distribution at the Daire Center of AIDS Interfaith Network and then continue on the streets of Dallas. At other times of the year, we collect and distribute socks. We have also held a gently used sneaker drive and clothing drive.
Saturday Night Live at AIN – At least twice a year, we prepare, serve and share a meal with the clients of AIDS Interfaith Network on a Saturday evening. We also share a time of singing with the clients. Additionally we provide door prizes or special treats to take with them.
Cell Phone Recycling – We collect used cell phones that are recycled. Funds raised from the recycled phones purchase phone cards for our overseas military personnel.
Benevolence Food Pantry – Members contribute non-perishable food items that are distributed to those in need. At times, we are able to support the food program of the Daire Center of AIDS Interfaith Network.
Outreach
Would Jesus Discriminate? Campaign – MCCGD participated with other area MCC’s in a three year campaign in DFW including placing billboards on I30 and I35. Currently the Would Jesus Discriminate? Campaign website is maintained and we continue to respond to inquiries. www.whywouldwe.org
Parades and Marches – MCCGD has participated with other area MCC’s in marching in both the Dallas and Fort Worth Pride Parades as well as in staffing a booth at the Dallas Pride Celebration. Members have also participated in marches honoring the anniversary of Stonewall. We have joined with others in remembering victims of hate crimes and stood as a peaceful presence against the hate rhetoric of Fred Phelps’ group.
Public Speaking – Pastors and certain members are available for public speaking and education on a wide variety of issues such as Homosexuality and the Bible, Transgender Education and Advocacy, faith and politics, and various aspects of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life.
Media Presence – We seek to do outreach and to provide some congregational care through social media such as Facebook. The weekly Spiritual Edge devotional is available to any who would wish to subscribe. It is shared by many people with their friends, family and colleagues. We are always ready to speak with the media and send press releases and opinion editorial pieces to various media.
Denominational Participation – Through our denominational participation, we support equal rights work in Eastern Europe, Jamaica and other places in the world. Social Justice work arises out of our spiritual commitment to the radically inclusive love of God for all people.
Clergy Intern Supervision and Training – By being a teaching and training church, we seek to partner with seminaries and seminary students in preparing clergy interns for ministry thus furthering the outreach and care of the larger church body.