Be sure to check out our Facebook page for updates. See what's going on, stay informed about denominational events, join our faith partners in the Twin Cities, and share what makes All God's Children such a special faith community.

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Occurring Weekly:

NA Support Group - Mondays at 7:30pm

AA Support Group -
Tuesdays @ 7pm
12 Step Meeting - Thursdays @ 6pm

Marriage/Family Counseling Drop In -
Thursdays @ 4pm

Choir Rehearsals -
Sundays @ 8am

Music Team Rehearsal
Sundays @ 9am

Praise Team Rehearsal
Sundays @ 11:45am

Revolution
(Young Adults) -
Sundays @ 7pm

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ABOUT US

We are a Christian church celebrating God's love for all people and all of creation. We are diverse community, brining the best of our many faith traditions to share with everyone. We are All God's Children for All God's Children.

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Quick Links

From Pastor DeWayne

Working My Last Nerve, and Yet...My Hope Remains

I want to be honest with you and confess that when I heard about the evangelical group Trinity Works and its plan to "infiltrate" the places where LGBT people are found so that they can "save" us from the gay "lifestyle," it touched a nerve. I became angry and annoyed, beating myself up for ever letting my guard down about these kinds of religious shenanigans. I wonder if we will ever get past the point in our social and religious life of people trying to erase us and our relationships. In light of the great legal and political progress made in the push for marriage equality, the religious openings for LGBT clergy in several mainline denominations, and the discrediting of gay reparative therapy and the closing of the largest ex-gay organization, Exodus International, I had assumed that groups like Trinity Works had moved on to focus on other matters that appear to be of increasing concern for younger evangelicals, including poverty and climate change.

As Pride Month and several Pride Festivals across the USA get underway, the reality is that there are many people and religious organizations who know that they can still be rewarded for their campaigns against LGBT persons and their civil and human rights. After all, Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame secured an invitation as a featured guest of Members of Congress at the annual State of Union Address after asserting in an interview that homosexuality is a sin comparable to bestiality. There have been a number of business owners around the USA who have become the new heroes of religious and political conservatives by refusing to offer a service or product to gay couples in the name of religious freedom. And Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council knows that, whether the LGBT community wins or loses in its advocacy for equality and nondiscrimination, the major television news outlets will give him a platform to spout horrible insults and untruths about LGBT people without much challenge.

Even if Trinity Works fails spectacularly in its campaign to create a crew of newly ex-gay converts, I'm sure it can count on moral and financial support from people and organizations who applaud their commitment to bring LGBT people to Jesus. If any LGBT person is mean to a Trinity Works evangelist or if Pride officials limit their access in any way, then those preachers, commentators, and churches who claim they are being persecuted for their beliefs will reward Trinity Works with even more attention and resources. And this reality works my last nerve. I am angry with clergy and churches who overlook any number of biblically prohibited actions in their ministries but can't seem to demonstrate an ounce of humility and compassion as it relates to the lives and experiences of LGBT persons. I am tired of hearing the opinions of people who never reference the Bible to support their positions except in their attempt to justify their anti-gay hatred and bigotry.

But I remain hopeful because all of these anti-gay positions and campaigns smack of desperation. There have been more failures recently in their brief against LGBT civil and human rights than there have been victories, and they are desperate. Courts, legislatures, and politicians who were once counted on to take the lead in beating back any advance in LGBT rights are now admitting either the futility or imprudence of standing in the way of equality and non-discrimination. Younger evangelicals are telling pollsters and journalists that they are increasingly uncomfortable with the intolerance of their religious leaders and elders. People of faith are challenging their pastors and churches to stand in solidarity with their LGBT family and friends in keeping with a gospel of love exemplified by Jesus in the Gospels.

I actually hope that someone from Trinity Works approaches me. I can't wait to tell them how much I love them and how much God loves them just the way they are. I want to tell them that even in their attempt to convert others, to assume the position of God to make and mold people in their image, God still loves them and hopes that they can learn to love their neighbors as they love themselves. I want to share with them the amazing journey of faith that led me to All God's Children MCC and how God is using us to bear witness to God's inclusive and liberating love. I want to let them know that my husband and I continue to grow in love and faith everyday as God continues to bless our home and family. I want to tell them about the many weddings at which I officiated and witnessed the power of love transforming people and communities for the better. Finally, I want to encourage them to focus their attention on how to use their resources and influence, not to make people believe as they believe, but to make whole the people who live in poverty and suffer social and economic injustice, like Jesus did in the Gospels.

In the meantime, despite my anger and annoyance with the remaining religious acceptance and promotion of ongoing prejudice against LGBT persons, I will celebrate Pride Month with a hopeful imagination and expectation. I will bear witness to the unconditional love and amazing grace that inspires me to live as best I can as an expression of the Divine image of God. My prayer is that all LGBT persons will find their voices and celebrate their lives as the best response to those who wish to erase us. Now that's Pride.

AGC's Profile in Ministry

Mike Haase

One of the things All God's Children MCC is known most for is excellence in Music Ministry. We have Mike Haase to thank for so much of that. If you ask him what the secret is, he immediately points to the quality and commitment of the team (the ENTIRE Music Ministry). Mike says, "Music is the medium through which the soul and spirit reach out to God in worship and praise." He is committed to building and expanding a team that understands and embraces its role in praise, worship, and devotion. They help worshippers center their thoughts on God...read more.

AGC's Pride Month Schedule

Saturday, June 28 @ 12pm in Loring Park

AGCMCC Praise Team and Band - Live on the Main Stage

Saturday, June 28 @ 10:00am-7:00pm in Loring Park &

Sunday, June 29 @ 10:00am-6:00pm

Visit the AGCMCC Pride Booth at the Twin Cities Pride Festival

Sunday, June 29 @ 9am in Loring Park

Celebrate with AGCMCC at our WORSHIP IN THE PARK - Main Stage

Sunday, June 29 @ 11:00am

Join AGCMCC in the Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade

Volunteer

If you'd like to volunteer to staff AGCMCC's booth at the Twin Cities Pride Festival (Sat or Sun), there are opportunities to help set up the tent, table, and chairs and hand out brochures and other information. Come and join the Pastor marching in the Pride Parade on Sunday. Sign-up in the Narthex, email the church office, or contact anyone on the AGC Pride Celebration Team: Darren Beecher, Bill Breitrick, Don Jones, Will Murray, Donna Olsen, and Ryan Stark.

Pride Month Bible Study

The Bible and Homosexuality

For as long as religious communities have organized and worshiped following the precepts and doctrines of the Hebrew and New Testament scriptures, the Bible has been used to condemn sexual behavior between persons of the same sex as an abomination that is prohibited by God and worthy of death. Using seven so-called clobber passages, churches, denominations, nations, and religious leaders have justified oppression and discrimination against LGBT persons and created a persistent religious bias against the full inclusion and participation of LGBT persons of faith. In the class,The Bible and Homosexuality, we will revisit these passages to reveal their historical and contextual meanings and the current misuse of them to oppress and maintain privilege. Join us every Monday in June at 7:00pm for a historical, theological, and sociological investigation of what the Bible really says about homosexuality, exploding the myths and mistakes of biblical literalism and interpretation. For more information, please contact the pastor at [email protected].

Pride Month Declaration

White House Declares June PRIDE Month

Noting the historic gains in LGBT equality made at the local, state, and national levels, President Obama declared June 2014 to be National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. This marks the sixth consecutive year in which the President has made such a proclamation. The proclamation referenced the major wins at the U.S. Supreme Court and at the state level (i.e., Minnesota) regarding marriage equality for same-sex couples and the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. President Obama wrote, "My Administration proudly stands alongside all those who fight for LGBT rights." He went on to press Congress to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would ban anti-LGBT discrimination in the workplace. Click here to read the proclamation.

Recommended Readings

The pastor used the following books to prepare weekly sermons and his presentations for Sunshine Cathedral's Weekly Lectionary Call. You might find them helpful in your own reading and study:

Sacred Thirst by M. Craig Barnes
Practicing our Faith by Dorothy C. Bass
Science, Scripture, and Homosexuality by Alice Ogden Bellis and Terry Hufford
Biblical Authority or Biblical Tyranny by L. William Countryman
The Good Book by Peter Gomes
Making Sense of the Bible by Adam Hamilton
God vs. Gay by Jay Michaelson
Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality by Jack Rogers
The Sins of Scripture by John Shelby Spong
Body Counts by Sean Strub
God and the Gay Christian by Matthew Vines

Spiritual Growth Facilitator Training

Are you feeling called to lead or host small groups/connection groups? We have an opportunity for you. AGC's Spiritual Growth Ministry is sponsoring a training to prepared you to do this very important ministry for our community. The training will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2014, from 10AM to 4PM. If you are interested please contact Ryan Stark in person or at [email protected].

New Member Leadership Team Opportunity

Be a Co-Facilitator

Interested in Joining the New Membership Team? We are seeking individuals who are interested in co-facilitating new membership classes, following up with new members after joining, connecting with the new membership team and working with hospitality and administration in planning new member receptions. If interested, contact Doug Beck at [email protected].

Let's Bingo!

Bingo is a great way to interact with fellow members of our congregation and the surrounding community. Bingo is also a great Fundraising opportunity. Having a robust group of volunteers to staff BINGO events creates a fun experience for everyone. Our currently license only allows for four BINGO sessions per year. Theoretically, we could have BINGO every other week or 26 Saturday's (5:30 - 10:00) a year if we structure correctly. This fundraising activity would directly benefit and expand our General Fund and help us grow as a church community.

Staffing requirements are as follows:

2 Pre-sale Ticket sellers (you staff a table at the entrance, pre-sell packets of tickets for all of the games).
2 Money Managers (responsible for the start-up banks, payouts, and profit totals (some math and light computer skills apply).
1 BINGO caller.
2 Floor Ticket Sales People (you could move from pre-sales to this position of selling extra tickets to those who want to play more than 1 card)
1 Dauber and Novelty Sales
2 Concession Stand Workers
1 Security Person (responsible for closing and securing the building)

Additional opportunities:

Provide desserts that can be portioned and sold as individual servings
Provide door prizes or items for raffle ticket sales

A fun group of 30 people that can be scheduled in a rotation containing 11 members at a time lessens the chance of volunteer burnout and allows everyone to get in on the fun of playing BINGO!

Please contact Donavon Keeney at [email protected] or call him at 612-232-5527 to get involved.

Everyone wins when you B-ecome I-nvolved with N-ew G-rowth O-pportunity.

Your DUO Fund Contribution In Action

One of the DUO Fund beneficiaries is the PFund Foundation, which provides scholarships to an outstanding LGBT or allied student to be used for tuition, books, or other educational fees at an accredited post-secondary institution. We are pleased to announce that this year's All God's Children Metropolitan Community Church Award Scholar is: Michaela Lehmkuhl

Total: $2,000: All God's Children Metropolitan Community Church Award ($1000) and Manahan-Bohan Rural Lesbian Award ($1000).Growing up in a small, rural farming town in central Minnesota where homophobia is pervasive, Michaela is most proud of coming out to her closest friends and finding joy and drive from having a strong supportive system and being outdoors. As a yearbook editor, a tutor and mentor for younger students, a record breaker for Minnesota softball and strong academic achievement, her dream is to become a math teacher. "She is a leader in the best sense of the word: she leads by example." Michaela will be studying Mathematics Education at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Fundraising Team

Looking for creative and energetic people who want to put the FUN in FUNdraising. Opportunities include: Bingo, Let's Get Cooking campaign, Internet Fundraising and more! If you are interested please contact Donavon Keeney by phone at 612-232-5527 or by email at [email protected].

Free Rapid HIV Testing

First Thursday of the Month

Free rapid HIV testing Thursday, June 5, at All God's Children Metropolitan Community Church from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. All are welcome to come for testing. Pre- and post-test counseling. Results are available in 20 minutes. For those who test positive, referrals are made to help access medical care and other needed services. Done in partnership with The Aliveness Project.

Wedding Central

All God's Children is available for wedding and reception rental.

Check the AGC calendar on our website for available dates. Once you've selected your date,

call or email the church office ([email protected]) to reserve the date and time and to request additional information and a Wedding and Rental packet.

Queer Womyn's Night

Saturday, June 14th

Queer Womyn's Night Out is an alcohol-free event for Queer Womyn and friends to meet, greet, eat, perform and dance! This event will occur on the 2nd Saturday of every month and will take place in Ackerman Hall at All God's Children MCC located at 3100 Park Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55407.

From 7:00-8:30PM there will be an open mic/open performance. A DJ'd Dance will follow from 8:30-11:30PM. Spinning all types of music from oldies to current. Food and beverages will be available. This is also a space for womyn to show or sell their crafts and artwork.

Children are Welcome!

Suggested Donation of $2-5 at the door.

June DUO Recipient

Rainbow Health Initiative

This month's DUO Fund contributions will go to Rainbow Health Initiative (RHI). RHI is a community-based non-profit organization committed to advancing the health and wellness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities through research, education and advocacy. RHI was founded in 2001 by a group of community activists, health care providers, and health advocates who noted the significant health disparities facing members of Minnesota's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities and determined to do something about it.

Please give generously to support our work in the community.

MCC Denominational News

Young Adult Gathering, Leadership Training, and More

The Young Adult Gathering will take place July 7-10 at MCC of Greater St. Louis. Led by MCC's young adults, the retreat will be a mind-blowing experience where you connect with peers, have spirited discussions, and develop strategies to empower young adults at MCCs around the world. For more info, visit the event website.

The Young Adult Leadership Mentoring Retreat (YALMR) will take place November 7-10 at the Dayspring Retreat Center in Elleton, FL. The YALMR is MCC's training program that instills participants with core competencies in effective faith-based leadership, including spiritual disciplines, social justice advocacy, and development of one's own leadership style. Application information is available here.

MCC's Presiding Moderator, Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson, was honored on May 29th by Intersections International in New York (New York, USA) for her "advocacy at the intersection of Christianity and LGBTQ equality." MCC donors were able to sponsor Jane Clementi and James Clementi, both of the Tyler Clementi Foundation, to attend the awards gala.

Board of Directors Meeting

Thursday, June 12th

The monthly Board of Directors meetings will take place on Thursday, June 12, 2014, in the Chapel. The meeting starts at 6:30pm. Board meetings, except executive sessions, are open to all congregants and AGC members. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

Donate

Our Online Giving Option

All God's Children is now using Easy Tithe, a new online giving option that allows you to easily make contributions, track your donations, and arrange to give even when you are away.

Easy Tithe gives you the ease and convenience of making contributions that fit your needs and your schedule. Whether you want to make a one-time contribution or a recurring donation, Easy Tithe allows you to control when, how, and how much you donate. We are pleased to offer members, friends, and supporters of AGC this fast, safe, and secure new way to share your generosity with us.

If you have any questions, please email Board Treasurer Kara Erstad.