MBCC Blog

Meet a Peep

During our preaching series exploring community and the book of Ephesians, we will introducing MBCC peeps through the eZine. This is an opportunity to “meet” folks new to you, or get to know some of the MBCC peeps better. Some MBCC writers will bring their own flair to these interviews… so be on the look out, they could be coming your way with some random questions.

Introducing Jodi Brooks (written in first-person by Micheal Beadle)

I knew that being at Mission Bay Community Church was going to be much better than when that bird landed on my head and I ran around the lake totally freaked out. It’s great how open-minded everyone is and that everyone’s willing to openly express questions and imperfections of “Christian thought.” Don’t get me wrong, I love a J.J. Abrams produced show just as much as the next person, be it “Lost,” “Felicity” or “Alias” with their plot twists and cliffhanger endings but there’s no reason to drag that type of mystery and confusion into an authentic church experience.

I’ve definitely had a few “God” moments on my journey. One of the first ones was when I saw Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith live in concert – back in the “El Shaddai” days. A more meaningful one was when I studied abroad in Egypt for a semester and spent a lot of time learning about the history and conflict between Israel and Palestine. I was able to see the complexity of the situation first-hand and saw how people found ways to use God to justify so many opposing views. This is what ultimately solidified my interest in social justice and human rights – both locally and internationally.

I’m blessed to say that I’ve enjoyed my two plus years here at Mission Bay Community Church as much as I love mac & cheese, mashed potatoes and ice cream. Who knew that leaving my humble town of Worthington, Ohio would lead me to such a wonderful community that inspires and supports me. I guess all I really have left to share is my favorite verse from Micah 6:8 “He has showed you, O Man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?”

RUMMAGE SALE

Come on down to 32 Ocean (enter through the San Juan entrance) to paw through treasures galore at the MBCC rummage sale. You just may find your next favorite sweater, ski pants, sombrero or coffee table. We will be here until 2:00 pm ... And the deals are sure to get better and better as the day progresses.

RUMMAGE SALE

Come on down to 32 Ocean (enter through the San Juan entrance) to paw through treasures galore at the MBCC rummage sale. You just may find your next favorite sweater, ski pants, sombrero or coffee table. We will be here until 2:00 pm ... And the deals are sure to get better and better as the day progresses.

One body, one spirit? Reflections on presbytery

Center stage at the SF Presbytery meeting last night: a constitutional amendment (known as 08-B) that is making the presbytery rounds for approval. The amendment would remove and change the language that excludes GLBTQ people from ordination (as deacons, elders and ministers).

At first, I was deeply impressed with SF Presbytery for not only putting the votes on GA amendments in worship (book-ended by scripture and communion)... and with aiming for a process that humanized the conflicts and dissension within the presbytery by asking people to process and discuss in small groups (of voices they do not hear). But the first thing they voted on in regards to these issues was process and they voted to eliminate small group discussion... a sign to me that this presbytery is not interested in listening to each other.

The process agreed upon was a pre-selected panel of six (three in support, three opposing) followed by silence and a ballot vote. This is not the standard presbytery process (which includes open mic time and voice votes before ballots).

Four of six speakers on the panel were men, one was a person if color. More ministers than elders.  Can we really talk about radical inclusion with integrity when that is the case?

Our own Ricky Choi spoke in favor of the amendment. He is our eldest elder and was amazing. He spoke about family, from his experience. He asked who is not here... something everyone else missed. He challenged the fairness of deciding this issue without being able to hear from the GLBTQ folks who are a part of our communities. We don't let folks speak for themselves. He also noted the way that conflict is causing the church to lose credibility in wider society (and made a slick Will and Grace reference).

A hymn sing while ballots were counted ensued. Final count: 167 for, 177 against, 4 abstaining.

Here is what amazes me about presbytery meetings. And perhaps this is my newness, my naivete, or maybe this is what we hope presbytery to be... but even having "lost," there were times in the process that I felt the Spirit, and that there seemed to be sincere efforts at being the one body of Christ amidst a diversity of opinions.

That said, I was not as confident as some that SF would support the amendment, but I still thought "hey, with all these places like (insert presbytery you assume in more "conservative" than SF here) changing their spirits or minds on this amendment, SF will certainly go." Surprise!

And yet, I experience grace and support at presbytery. Even as a seminarian. Who is not under care here. Who doesn't go to the local Presbyterian seminary. (there are plenty of reasons I could feel like an outsider, and yet...) I feel accepted and supported as a colleague by people I am proud to learn from. My experiences of fellowship at these presbytery mtgs. over the last eighteen months give me hope and enthusiasm for participating in such bodies in my future ministry... actively engaged in the "institution." I never expected that. I never thought I would LIKE presbytery meetings. Surprise!

As usual, I am left with more questions than answers.

So, do we only "feel the Spirit" when we think we are going to win?

Are we willing to listen to the spirit?

Outside of meetings, how do we discern our role in the health of the body, and the movement toward justice?

And they gathered, broke bread and slurped soup

[image: sonicwalker]

One of the best parts about our new location and time is the Community Meal we share every Sunday night after worship.  This has been a time for us to connect, welcome in new folks and take the time for conversation and fellowship.  With kids running around, food smells wafting and cleaning done together, this is but one image of what it means to be the body of Christ called the church.

But of course these things to not happen on their own.  There is some energy, fiscal and human, that must be put into the organizing of the meal. Here is where YOU come in and a few ways you can help to keep this important part of the MBCC experience alive.

Hilary White has been working hard to keep the dinner schedule up today, so if you are interested in any way to help provide a mean, please contact Hilary [hilary@missionabycc.org].

HOST A SUNDAY - This is by for the most exciting option in that we need folks to help host the Sunday Meal. There is no set menu or expectation of culinary genius, only that you provide/organize the sustenance around which our community gathers.  The general rule in terms of amount is about the equivalent of six frozen lasagnas and three gallons of soup, plus any dessert, salad, etc.  People have done a variety of things from simple to extravagant.  Heck you can just take "Pasta Night" and remind folks to bring sauce.  We are basically grateful that someone else has cooked ;-)  And please do not let money stand in your way, if you need to be reimbursed, simply let us know and we can do that.

MAKE SOUP - It takes about six gallons of soup to adequately feed this ornery bunch, so if you are feeling particularly motivated and can make three gallon rations of soup, we can use that to supplement meals when we need to.  IF you do this, just bring it up to the Living Room, mark it and put it in the freezer.

DONATE $$ - It costs about $100-$150 per meal if staff must go out and buy food for the meal.  Sometimes this must  be done, but if you would like to sponsor the costs of a Sunday meal, please feel free to drop a check in the offering basket or make a donation via eGive and note "Sunday Dinner" somewhere on the payment.

POTLUCK SUNDAY - Every last Sunday of the month is POTLUCK, so bring your favorite yummies to share with the crew!

Again, if you have any questions as all or want to take someting one, please contact Hilary [hilary@missionabycc.org].

Join the Presbyterian Team on 7/19/09

It's time to register for AIDS Walk San Francisco!  Here's the opportunity walk 10 km with PCUSA's Moderator of General Assembly, help support the fight against AIDS, and enjoy the BBQ at our team table afterwards.  Why?  To support the mission to end the suffering that HIV/AIDS causes, and to give back to the San Francisco community.  Also, to join in fellowship together with other Prsbyterian churches. during and after the walk, at Golden Gate Park on 7/19/09.

Register online:  www.aidswalk.net/sanfran --> register --> join a team --> join an existing team --> Presbyterians

Registration is free, and there is no fundraising minimum.  And, there is no requirement to walk the entire 10 km.  In order to qualify for a team table at the event, we are required to have a certain minimum number of walkers, registered in advance.  So please, register each family member individually.  Questions?  Contact the Team Leader, Marc Jung:  marc@missionbaycc.org

Easter 2009 // 5:30 // 04.12.09 - Be there!

EASTER 2009 @ MBCC
5:30 Service
7:00 Easter Dinner - Organized by Bill Chow
7:45 Disco and Black Light Easter Egg Hunt for the kids

Also . . . we will be collecting the offering for the One Great Hour of Sharing during our Service.  You can follow along on twitter @fishybank

Art work by Debbie Yoon © 2009 MBCC

It only takes a spark :: :: the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed

I didn't know what to expect at the launch of our first Excelsior Community Food Pantry event. I didn't know if we'd have many folks show up to get food. I didn't know what ethnicities would be most represented -- all I knew was that we didn't have many volunteers who could speak Cantonese or Mandarin. I arrived with Ryan and Hayley around 8:20 am. After opening the back door, I was very happy to see our *beautiful* mobile sign holders with our sleek Excelsior Community Food Pantry signs designed by Debbie. They made our little operation look so official :). Soon our whole small group was assembled and we started setting up. The rest of the volunteers arrived and we ate muffins and pastries. Joe led us in a time of reflection about the kind of environment we wanted to create, and each volunteer contributed a word to describe our endeavor, MBCC-style, and explained why they chose that word. Then we finished setting up and gave volunteers a chance to grab groceries before the folks waiting outside came through. Everyone took their stations and then all of a sudden the first five folks came down the stairs into the fellowship hall, signed in, took a number, and were directed to the coffee/tea/pastry table by Kora, a Chinese-speaking volunteer from our partner church, Ocean Ave Pres. Mary, from the Presbyterian church in Chinatown, assisted folks at the coffee table. We had so many leftover muffins and pastries that we had enough to serve small portions to our clients as well. Before long, a number of folks were seated with coffee/tea and snack and were chatting with each other. There were elderly folks, young kids, and parents as well. Then the folks outside called for the first five folks to go outside to the courtyard and grab food. This worked great at first, though as new folks came down they tried to line up behind those going outsde. Fortunately, after some explanation from Kora, folks sat down again until their numbers were called. Hopefully next time our regulars will know the drill and be able to show others how it's done. The first 40 minutes were very intense, but by the end of that time we had already signed in 80 folks! Fortunately the line outside had been ruly--for the most part Over the next hour folks trickled down the stairs in small groups, and we had to modify how many of each food item we were giving out, for as one volunteer had said, "our cabbage overfloweth". By the time 11:30 rolled around, we had already given away all the food, save some extra oranges and of course cabbages. We put a sign outside in English and Chinese saying that we had run out of food and to come next time, and had to turn some folks away. Pastor Susan showed up and got to see our setup, and Pastor Bruce came by to help clean up. We had a time for debrief and discussed how to recruit additional Chinese-speaking volunteers, how to handle logistics with the Food Bank for next time, and how we might be able to get sustainable funding for the endeavor. The next Sunday I was pleased to hear how excited OAPC was about the food pantry and how it brought some a real excitement about their church that they haven’t felt for awhile. I didn’t expect our food pantry to generate so much excitement or to inspire folks throughout our Presbytery. It’s amazing how God has blessed both our church and OAPC through our partnership, far more than we could have asked or imagined – praise be to God for His work through the Holy Spirit!

--Chris