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Dear Friends in Christ,
Elder Velma Garcia opened the meeting on September 03, 2024, with a deeply moving prayer that set the tone for the gathering. At the start of the meeting, we took a moment to check in and see how everyone was doing.
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, along with the Council of Elders, Governing Board and MCC staff, have been significantly engaged in MCC's commitment to antiracism. They recently participated in a comprehensive 3-hour antiracism training session, demonstrating our dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable community. The planning for General Conference 2025 is underway, and Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston is working with the General Conference Core Team to develop the worship opportunities and program. She also serves on the General Conference Commission, which will bring recommendations to the Governing Board after General Conference 2025. Additionally, she was involved in the interview process for the position of Laity Development Co-ordinator. Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston recently celebrated the LEAD graduates at the European Network Gathering and is always joyful to worship in various languages and experience the diversity within the community of MCC. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GNqm0ktZdKFglT8fzo6O0gMbBqzFs868/view?usp=sharing
On 14th August 2024, an email was sent to all Board members, except for the current Moderator, about appointing a new person to the Moderator’s Nominating Committee (MNC). Rev. Kai Millar, who is currently a part-time Senior Pastor at Northern Lights MCC in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, was recommended for the role. All board members except for the current Moderator agreed to the appointment.
An announcement was published on 18th & 20th September, introducing the members of the Governing Board Nominating Committee (GBNC) and the Moderator’s Nominating Committee (MNC). This announcement will also contain details regarding the application process for Governors and a survey about the next Moderator.
During the Governor Board Meeting, the Governors conducted a review of the comprehensive General Conference (GC) 2025 timeline to verify adherence to all specified deadlines.
The eligibility for voting and to have a voice at General Conference 2025 was a key point of discussion. It was decided that churches must ensure that their assessments are up to date or have a valid agreement in place by December 31, 2024. Moreover, all payments must be received or brought up to date by March 31, 2025, to maintain eligibility. Churches in USA will also need to be up to date with their contributions to the MCC Pension Fund. To ensure that all congregations understand the process, the Clerk, Treasurer, and staff will contact each church to communicate the deadlines for assessments or assessment agreements.
The Finance Team, Governing Board, Council of Elders, and Staff extend our gratitude to the generous contributions from MCCers worldwide. As of July 31st, we have completed approximately 58.33% of the year. Currently, our actual revenue stands at 55.96% of the projected income, while our expenditure is at 48.22% of the budgeted amount. This reflects a 2.37% shortfall in income and a 10.11% decrease in expenses compared to our initial plans. We are pleased that our financial performance closely aligns with our projections. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dqWhgSgCONYwakvmNSO9RZROYCFr-cCI/view?usp=sharing
It is imperative that MCC remains compliant with US law, as that is the jurisdiction under which we are incorporated and as there have been recent adjustments in US employment legislation. The Governing Board unanimously approved amendments to our payment structure in response to these changes.
In a world often filled with turmoil and strife, let us come together in prayer for peace. Let us lift up our hearts to the Divine, seeking guidance, comfort, and intervention. May God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, fill our hearts and minds. Let us pray for those affected by conflict, that they may find solace, hope, and relief from suffering. May our prayers be a beacon of light, guiding us towards a future filled with harmony and compassion. Let us commit ourselves to being ambassadors of peace, spreading love, kindness, and understanding wherever we go. Together, we can create a world where peace reigns supreme.
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