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Dear Friends in Christ,
As we step into the new year and the season of fresh beginnings, January offers us a moment to reflect on the possibilities ahead while building on the progress and blessings of the past year. It is a time to renew our commitment to hope, unity, and faith as we embrace the opportunities to strengthen our ministry and support one another in love and service.
In this update, we share key highlights of our ongoing work, initiatives to enhance our community's impact, and plans for the year ahead. May this month bring clarity, inspiration, and renewed energy as we journey together in faith into all that 2025 has in store.
Opening Reflection: Elder Hattie Alexander-Key offered a heartfelt opening prayer, expressing gratitude for God’s love, blessings upon ancestors for their resilience, and asking for guidance and wisdom for the governing board. She prayed for strength and hope for those feeling marginalized.
Minutes from December 2024: The Board approved the minutes from the prior month. They are linked here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fcOYz26A6OS8Nlt43OlAVVOqzeGKjsQX/view?usp=sharing
Moderator’s Update: MCC recently celebrated its vibrant mission while looking boldly toward the future, as shared by Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, Moderator of MCC. She highlighted exciting initiatives, including efforts to strengthen financial stability and expand the reach of MCC’s transformative ministries. The Flourish Young People Project, led by the energetic Rev. Patrick Landau, is igniting inspiration by building networks and equipping congregations to engage and empower the next generation. Preparations for the much-anticipated General Conference 2025 are gaining momentum, with plans for two bylaw proposals and global Discussion Circles already underway. Rev. Elder Eggleston also emphasized the incredible impact of MCC’s Partners in Hope, whose generosity fuels vital ministries like disaster relief and cutting-edge digital innovation. With so much energy and progress, MCC is poised to step confidently into the future! For a more detailed review of what the Moderator accomplished this month, click on the following link to access her full report. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1grnvKQ1JgixXKb1AFtvd9daPMmEOLGwe/view?usp=sharing
Financials: Due to staff paid holidays, there were no financials for this meeting. In February, we will have two months of data to review.
General Conference 2025: The Governors reviewed the General Conference 2025 timeline to ensure alignment with key deadlines and adequate preparation of business materials, motions, and bylaw amendment proposals.
Bylaw Amendment Proposals. The governors conducted a thorough review of the bylaw amendment proposals, reaching consensus on key points and assigning responsibilities to ensure clear and aligned impact statements.
SWOT Analysis Presentation: The Governing Board embraced a dynamic SWOT analysis session, skillfully led by Rev. Lauren Bennett, Marie Tasker, and Rev. Cathy Alexander. Tackling challenges like aging congregations, financial insecurity, clergy burnout, and limited brand recognition, the team didn’t just stop at identifying obstacles—they proposed bold and innovative strategies! These included mentoring the next generation of leaders, amplifying MCC's visibility through social media and Google Grants, reimagining financial models, and providing pastoral support with resilience training. Energized by a spirit of collaboration, the session highlighted the power of strategic partnerships to fuel growth and sustainability. The future of MCC is bright, and together, we are poised for extraordinary impact!
Church Statistics: As we enter the new year, we are committed to enhancing transparency and engagement by sharing key church statistics. Beginning with the next update, these statistics will be prominently featured in the Finance dashboard and the Governing Board update. This update will provide greater transparency and insights into our ministry’s reach and impact. Stay tuned for this valuable addition as we continue to grow and strengthen our community together.
Closing Prayer: The meeting concluded with a heartfelt prayer led by Léo Rossetti, appealing for divine guidance and provision. The prayer celebrated individuality, the functionality of God's work, the sacred value of community, the comfort of familiarity, the collective spirit, and the call to faithful stewardship. Gratitude was expressed for God’s blessings in past endeavors, alongside trust in divine leadership for the journey ahead.
Closing Remarks: As we step into the new year, let’s embrace the boundless hope, unity, and faith that fuel our shared mission! Your incredible dedication and unwavering faithfulness continue to inspire and create lasting change in our communities and beyond. Thank you for being such a vital part of this exciting journey. May this season bring joy, peace, and renewed energy to your hearts and homes, and may the year ahead be filled with endless opportunities and blessings. Together, let’s step forward with gratitude, anticipation, and unstoppable enthusiasm for all that’s to come!
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