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Hello, I'm Reverend Elder Cecilia Eggleston, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches. And today, I want to share some personal news and ask for your support. It's interesting how many things can be true at the same time. I'm in a great space emotionally and spiritually and physically. I feel great, and at the same time I've been having some medical tests. These medical tests have shown a diagnosis of cancer. The prognosis is good. It's perfectly treatable. But obviously, I'm going to need some time—time to be treated and take some time off work. That treatment initially will be radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and it will start soon. I'm going to work for as long as I can. I anticipate taking all of August off because we know these treatments can knock us about a bit. And then I will be returning to work, as and when I'm able, during the rest of the year.
The MCC Staff, the Governing Board, the Council of Elders, Network Leaders, Flourish Expanse Coordinators—they are still there to help and support you, provide resources, guidance, etcetera—just as they do every day. And the Governing Board, the Council of Elders and the MCC staff will work together more closely during this time. The National Health Service in the UK is fantastic, so I'll be in really good hands. I'm surrounded by a wonderful and huge family and great friends who are going to support me at this time.
And now I'm wondering if you will support me too. Here are three things that I'd really appreciate if you would work with me on. So the first is prayer. I love prayer. I think it's so important. I'm a great believer in it. And it's so uplifting to me whenever someone says to me: “you know, I pray for you on a regular basis.” So please hold me and the medical team, hold my family and friends in prayer at this time.
Secondly, privacy, or “PRY-vuh-see”—depending on what you like. In the UK, medical records are private, just as I'm sure that's how it is where you are. So during this time, just give me some space. I'd appreciate that. And I know that you want to share those cancer stories of your own. Just now, I need to make my own cancer story. So just put those stories on hold for now. Thank you.
And thirdly, positive news. Every day around the world, MCC is making a difference. Your ministry is saving and changing lives. And I want to hear about it. So, send it to me in an email. Headline it: “Positive News.” It may be a small thing, a private thing. You know, perhaps you worked really hard on a sermon or a Bible study, and you got some really great feedback that you'd like to share. Perhaps it's a huge thing: your biggest attendance at Pride, some civic awards that the congregation has been given, or maybe you've got a grant or a new ministry has really taken flight. Let me know. Whether you're a layperson, whether you're a clergy person—really doesn't matter. Just headline it: “Positive News.” Send it to me in an email. And my amazing executive assistant, Tammy Rabon-Noyce, will forward it to me so I can read it at my leisure and rejoice in your success.
The prognosis is good. I'm in a good space. You are going to continue to do the work of MCC around the world. And as I go on this journey over the next few months, I know that God will continue to bless me and continue to bless you, because it takes all of us to be MCC. God bless.
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