MBCC Blog

Wednesday Word/s: Communication Migration Vacation

[image: izarbeltza]

Greetings all!

I hope you are well and enjoying the winter-like experience of the season.  Yeah, yeah there are many of you who are from places where this is still balmy, but that is not where we are and after 20 years in The City, this is C-O-L-D.

First, thanks to all who were part of our grand celebrations this past Sunday as we chartered as a congregation, ordained our first group of elders and I was officially installed . . . all fancy ways of saying we are maturing, growing and will be around to do some good in this community.  At least that is the plan.

As we enter the next few weeks of the Christmas season, here are a few things to bring to your attention:

1. MEMORIAL FOR THE HOMELESS DEAD - With this shift in weather we need to be sure to pray for those for whom living on the street is rough enough, but add the cold and life becomes that much more fragile. I would encourage you to take some time out of the week and attend the Annual Memorial for the Homeless Dead that will take place this Thursday @ 5:30 in front of City Hall.  This annual event gather people from across the faiths to read the names of all those who have died on our streets this year.  A celebration and remembrance of lives lived, it is also a dramatic reminder of the pain and struggles that exists around us every day.
2. EZINE MIGRATION - Over the next few weeks we will be migrating our eZine list to our main secure online church database, Stafftool.  Currently we are managing people's info in a variety of locations and this will be an attempt to streamline some of our internal work as well as make it possible to sat more up-to-date with people's emails.  A new ezine will be delivered in 2009!
3. WINTER BREAK HONEY DO's - If you have some time to continue to help get things put together here at 32 Ocean Avenue, please let Bruce know.  While we have come a long way, there are still curtains to hang, shelves to secure and a variety of other tasks to accomplish.  they will eventually get done, but the sooner, the better.

That's it for now.  Please be sure to check back here often to keep up with on-going activities, announcements and musings connected to MBCC.

Take care.
Bruce

Wednesday Word: Word

[image: Darwin Bell]

The Word
and the Words of God

Between Christmas and Lent we will be tackling the meaning of WORDS. 

Be they words that inspire, provoke, comfort or cajole, lets dive in together to explore the many ways that God speaks to humanity.

But . . . as we begin this journey we need your help.  What words do you want the pastoral staff to explore?

Be as creative as you want and give words that are theological, cultural, poetic, etc. and beginning December 10th, we will have an online and paper poll where you can vote on your favorite words.

So have at it. Be kind. Be Bold.

Wednesday Word: Gratitiude

[image: Annemarie Rysz]

As you all know by now, our family has been rocked by the tragic shooting death of Robin's brother, Brian Pugh.  While words cannot begin to describe the depths at which this has hit us, especially Robin, his wife, Carol and his parents, we are all going through much the same journey as we try to understand such an utterly incomprehensible situation.  Questions of "Why did this happen?", "How could this have been prevented?" and "What do we do now?" are all valid yet frustrating discussions that go round and round in all of our minds.

And yet . . . and yet.  God has clearly been present in the midst of our mourning and grief.  The family has been incredibly supportive of one another, friends and strangers have offered meaningful words and actions and the grace-filled resilience of our children has reminded us that even in the midst of despair, the joy that is God can be seen, heard and embraced.  Keeping me grounded is the knowledge that God did not intend for this to happen, for we are each given choices in our lives within the confines of God's hope for us, nor does this mean God has forsaken his children.  No, as we move through this time of grief, we are reminded now more than ever in the blatant presence and grace of God.  And now more than ever we all need to rest in that knowledge and reality if we are to continue to grow into who God hopes us each to become.

Our lives have been changed forever and we grieve doubly to see our loved ones in so much pain, but what gets us through is that each morning we awake with a new day, new breath and a new chance to live fully this precious gift of life that we have been given. 

And for that I am thankful.

You are all, of course, welcome to attend the services this Friday at 1:00 in Los Altos [SERVICE INFO] or if you wish to leave prayers for the family, especially for Brian's wife Carol and their two young children, you may do that [HERE].

Wednesday Word: Connected

[image: Erica Marshall]

MBCC is growing and there are more ways to connect with each other.  Not only should EVERYONE sign up for our eZine*, but we also want to encourage folks to take part in the following networks and online communities if you feel so inclined.

Now I know that not everyone engages in social networking, but you would be surprised at how many do.   I for one have appreciated the ability to stay connected with folks even amidst an increase in my moderatorial travels.  Thanks to the many MBCC'ers who provide my spirit with great laughter and comfort through these many forms of communication.

MBCC FB Fan Page // This is our presence on Facebook where we have pictures, event invitations, etc.  You can also find the other MBCC fans and followers here.

MBCC on Twitter // If you are want to interact throughout the day, find out about prayers and/or virtually sit through various MBCC gatherings such as staff meetings, session meetings and even worship.  You can also see who MBCC is following for other MBCC'ers that are tweeting throughout the day.

Online Directory on Stafftool //  If you have submitted your information for the directory, please be sure to update your info so people can get in touch with you.  Remember, this is an secure site where your profile is only made public if you choose and MBCC staff have approved.  It would greatly help staff if you would edit your and your family's info so we can more fully communicate with the community.  If you have forgotten your login/password OR want to be added, please contact Nick Larson.

That's it for now,

* If you’d like to stay up to date with the goings-on of the Mission Bay crew, you can subscribe to our weekly eZine by sending an email to ezine-subscribe@missionbaycc.org.

 

Wednesday Word: Bittersweet

[Voting Machine image: k♥money]

Now I know that I tread lightly as I talk about reactions to last night's election results in the context of my pastoral role, but, really, to NOT offer some kind of reflection seems pretty non-pastoral.  Keeping in mind that there are a variety of thoughts about some of these issues and I thank the Lord each and every day that MBCC is not a "if the pastor says it, it must be true" kind of place. 

Still, much of the conversation after last night has been that folks are feeling pretty mixed.  "Bittersweet" being the word that has been bandied around the most.  I suspect that no matter your political/social leanings, it is an appropriate word for the day.

On that note, here are a few reflections that I offer to us as a community:

1) OBAMA - What to say.  Folks have known that I was, am, will be a supporter of his vision for what our country can be.  Best quote was from one of my kids who was surprised that I was not going to get an invitation to the inauguration because I am Mr. Moderator.  Sweet.  I suspect that post-election those of us who agree with his vision will need to follow his lead in the grace and humility in which he accepted the election.  I also think we cannot underestimate the long-term impact upon our culture to see a family of color with young kids inhabiting the highest office in the land.  Middle asked us that if we ever met the Obama family if she could have a play date with his daughters.  Too cute, and oh so powerful.

2) Proposition K - While I understand the need to protect the rights of all people especially the many people in the sex worker trade who have suffered great injustice in the past at the hands of law-enforcement and others, this proposition had it passed would only further embolden the sex-trafficking of human beings in our city.  The coalitions built to fight this, liberal and conservative, is a witness to the broad negative effect that many felt would be the result of this had it passed.

3) Proposition R - Okay, cooler heads prevailed.  Only in San Francisco does this one even make it onto the ballot.

4) Proposition 8 - Most folks know where I am on this issue of homosexuality, but this was much more about civil rights than anything for me.  Regardless of what you think about the issue, know that there are many in our community who are in great pain and grief over the results of this proposition passing.  I suspect that there will be more reflections about this from members of MBCC.

Okay . . . so there are some very surface reactions on this day-after.  In fact, so surface that if you are a participant here at MBCC and would like to offer your perspective on these or any other things that relate to our ministry here in San Francisco, please let me know.

Wednesday Word: Cycles

Today Abby and I spent the morning shopping at IKEA getting the needed furnishings for our upstairs area at 32 Ocean Avenue. Now known as "The Living Room" and "The Office" respectively, the place is starting to take shape!

As she and I traversed the aisles planning shelving, dreaming about what things may look like and otherwise helping to create a sense of home for the MBCC crew, I was reminded more than once of the very same trips done throughout the life of MBCC as we have moved, grown and matured as a community.

And as proud as I am about the $10 steal we got the in the scratch-n-dent section - see pic - I am most proud of our ongoing willingness to follow God's calling upon our lives and risk moving and growing into new stages of our life together.

While this move to a different setting, neighborhood and time certainly seem like huge shifts in our life, the next transition is even more exciting and profound.  In a few months, Mission Bay Community Church will become an officially chartered congregation in the Presbyterian Church (USA). 

What?  What were we before, you ask? 

Well, officially, we were a "New Church Development" a fellowship that was given support and safety lines so we could form a community of people committed to serving Christ through a particular congregation.  Now that we have moved to a place where we can set some roots, we are getting close to fiscal stability and we have a good critical mass for growth, we think we are ready.

So . . . on December 14th at our service, we will be chartered, Elders will be ordained, I will be "installed" and we will, from that time on, be an officially recognized congregation.  Whew . . . a ton of church-ese there, and functionally not much will change, but there is something about this step that says we are continuing to grow, mature and I trust, grow into who God hopes us to become.

There will be plenty of time to talk about what this means, answer questions, etc.  so if you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment and/or contact me.  I'll be posting more about this as we move into this new phase of our life together.

Peace all

Wednesday Word: Home

[more pics from our first Sunday]
While we know that the church is not about the building, the setting or even the time . . . let's be honest, many were a tad bit nervous about this new endeavor of moving over to 32 Ocean Avenue.  And while one service does not a pattern make, I was unexpectedly touched by the feel and tone of our first service.

Not only did Nick and crew get the sound system installed in record time, but Abby and the rest created a space that both felt authentic to MBCC's mojo and at the same time honored the traditional space in which we now live. 

And while I certainly loved our last space, I found myself feeling like this was home.  Our blend of heritage and innovation felt genuine and true to who we are as a community.  Taking place after spending the day at the Excelsior Street Festival engaging the surrounding community more than ever at 1040 Mariposa, this day was a gift, a reminder and a marker for a new day in the life of MBCC.

If you were not able to make this first service, please do come on by this Sunday @ 5:30 for service with a potluck mean to follow.  If you are going to bring something, please contact ABBY.

Wednesday Word: NKOTB

[image: timo7151]

This Sunday MBCC officially begins its life in the Excelsior District as we get settled into our new home at 32 Ocean Avenue.  As I think about this transition, I wonder how we will do as the new kids on the block - no, not those NKOTB - and start building relationship without new neighbors.  I remember those first days of school when the new kid walked in.  Sometimes the new kid was bold and just started talking to folks and sometimes that first appearance was filled awkward stares, nervous glances and inevitably the one kid who takes a chance stood up and showed the new kid around the school. 

As we begin our time in our new community, we will need to be both that bold kid that makes the first gesture of friendship as well as the one willing to be shown the ropes.  As we enter into a new community we must both be confident that this is where we have been called to live and humble enough to let those in the community take our hand and show us the ropes.

One way to begin this journey is to join us for the Excelsior Festival that will take place this Sunday from 11:00-5:00 right in front of 32 Ocean Avenue in the Persia Triangle.  This will be a great opportunity to see what is happening in the community, meet our neighbors and spend a great day outside in SF!  MBCC will also have a booth, be handing out information and generally meeting people in the community.  We will follow that celebration with a brief World Communion Service at 5:30 in the sanctuary.

Hopefully folks can spend the day with us either hanging out at the booth and/or continuing the unpacking process.  If you can take a booth shift, please contact Bruce and if you want to spend a few hours helping to unpack, contact Abby.

Wednesday Word/s: Gratitude, Relief, Expectation

[image: eski]
Dear Church,

Well . . . it is finally done.  While we have certainly been preparing for this for the past few months, as of this Sunday, are officially moving to 32 Ocean Avenue to share the space with Ocean Avenue Presbyterian Church.  It is with deep gratitude, relief and expectation that we enter into this new time in the life of our congregation as well as Ocean Avenue Presbyterian Church.   

Gratitude . . . Thank so much to the folks at OAPC, past, present and future for the wisdom and commitment that they have lived over the years.  The opening of thier "home" is a huge move of faith and I am sure has not come easily nor taken lightly.  On behalf of the MBCC Crew, thank you. 

Relief . . . While I certainly do not believe that life will EVER be calm and absent of some chaos, it is nice to know that this particular phase of "where will we be?" is coming to a close and we can move energy to learning how to share a space and live outside the walls of our church.

Expectation . . . I can't put into words my excitment for the future of MBCC.  I am giddy - yes, I said giddy - at the propsect of who we will become because of this move.  Not only will the move change the ways we can live the Gospel in the world, but it will change the very nature of who we are as a people and community.

Lastly, please be a part of this transition by helping out with the move itself, coming out to all the events that will be planned and otherwise engaging in the life of our church as we move smoothly through this time in our life.

What a joyous time this is in indeed!

Peace - Bruce

Wednesday Word: Risk

[image: ecatoncheires]
Dear Church,

So, yep, we are getting closer and closer to taking the leap.  After three years in this location, we are now pretty darn close to picking up and moving on over to begin a partnership with the good folks over at Ocean Avenue Presbyterian Church.  We are in the final stages of negotiating our Memorandum of Understanding with OAPC, the lease termination agreement has been signed to let us out of our current location AND we have brought on a Transition Coordinator to help us shift out of 1040 Mariposa and into 32 Ocean Avenue.

First, as we can tell from the Survey Results, there is both great excitement and anticipation as well as some trepidation and downright disappointment.  Again, the Steering Committee does want to honor the concerns and we feel like we have addressed them as best we can.  No, it will not be easy, but we also want to listen to the sense of excitement and possibilities that accompany this move.  I for one will be sad if this move creates a situation where folks can no longer worship with us, but I am also excited about the possibilities for who MBCC will become.

As I travel the church, I am constantly hearing about this fear of an unknown future for a denomination.  Honestly, aren't all of our futures unknown to us?  The only thing that we claim to know is that in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are made right with God now and for eternity.  Exactly what that looks like for our time on earth and how we get there will be a constant unfolding of the mystery of God.  Now that can bring upon a myriad of responses, fear that turns to anxiety or challenge that turns to risk-taking.  I choose a faithful posture of risk-taking.  Time will only tell of this is the God wants us to move.

And while MBCC certainly has places that are less then pleasing to God, I am proud to acknowledge that being adaptive and dealing with change has never been difficult for us.  We have always been able to trust one another, we have taken time to listen and we have made difficult choices that we have discerned to be the best for the future of our community.  Now more than ever we need to lean on this gift and rejoice in the fact that our fluid nature is something to be embraced, nurtured and exercised.

I hope that you will make this journey with us!

Peace,
Bruce