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Exciting News from Flourish!

In the December Newsletter:

Flourish Challenge Matching Funds Donation
Flourish Work in 2024 and 2025
Resources for Clergy and Lay Leaders
Celebrating MCC Leaders
2026 Planning Questionnaire
How Flourish can Support Networks and Kinship Groups
Flourish Resources

$25,000 (USD) Flourish

Challenge Match

Ending 31st December 2025

Funds Raised to Date:$9,334.54 USD

Thank you to all who have donated!

An anonymous donor has stepped forward and is offering a $25,000 (USD) challenge match for Flourish. Flourish is MCC’s leadership development program to not only train and develop existing clergy and laity. Please make a difference in the life and ministry of MCC by ensuring we equip the leaders needed for today and also for tomorrow.

Donate Now

Five (5) Key Objectives of Flourish:

Mentorship

Convening Spaces

Respite

Equitable Resources

Infrastructure

Learn more about Flourish and how the program has supported Churches, Clergy and Lay Leaders in 2024 and 2025 by downloading an information sheet using the link below.

Learn How MCC Provided Support via Flourish

Resources

Did you miss the Faith & Ministry in the Age of AI Webinar presented by Rev. Wanda Floyd? You can access the recording and powerpoint using the link below.

AI Webinar Resources LINK

Thrive & Cultivate is an organization that was established in 2020 to support non-profits and clergy. Their mission is to provide Christian leaders with webinars, mental-health support and other resources to face the challenges of those in ministry.

To learn more about Thrive & Cultivate, visit the website at; https://www.thriveandcultivate.com/about

The Center for LGBTQ & Gender Studies In Religion has partnered with Metropolitan Community Churches to present a series of classes titled "CLGS Queering the Word Preaching Workshop Series." All of the classes are online.

The workshops are designed for Christian preachers, seminarians, and anyone else interested in the art of preaching from a queer perspective! To learn more, you can download the flyer using this LINK.

Clergy Renewal/Respite Programs

2027 Sabbaticals for Clergy

now open. Proposals submitted by the 18th March, 2026 deadline must be written in support of leaves planned to begin no sooner than January 1, 2027.

To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit:

https://www.cts.edu/cpe/clergy-renewal/

Celebrating MCC Clergy and Lay Leaders for their

work in the community!

Flourish is honored and excited to highlight the leadership within MCC. The work of MCC is not confined to a building—it reaches into communities and extends around the globe.

This month, we are celebrating the ministry and advocacy of

Rev. Dr. Joe Cobb.

We also want to recognize all of you for your efforts in social justice, humanitarian aid, and in supporting marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those living in unsafe or hostile environments around the world.

We invite you to share your story and your work—or to lift up someone whose contributions should be recognized—by emailing Flourish@mccchurch.net.

Congratulations Rev. Dr. Joe Cobb

Rev. Dr. Cobb has been appointed to the transition committees for both Governor-elect Spanberger and Lt. Gov-elect Hashmi in Virginia. Too learn more about the work of Joe and his journey, click on the link below.

Read About Rev. Dr. Joe Cobb

As we approach the end of 2025, Flourish is focusing on how we can best uplift and support leadership within the MCC community. We would appreciate your input on what you need and how we can help all leaders thrive.

2026 Planning Questionnaire

Supporting MCC Networks and Kinship Groups

Did you know that Flourish helps support MCC’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and creating meaningful spaces to gather?

Use this LINK to learn how Flourish can support the work and to request financial support for your 2026 gatherings.

Flourish Mentoring Program

Are you interested in becoming a Mentor or are you in need of a Mentor? Please complete the application found at this LINK.

Respite Program For Clergy and Lay Leaders

"Respite" is an interval of rest or relief. The Flourish Program recognizes the need for self-care and taking moments of respite during your ministry.

If you are in need of support for a time of respite, please complete the application found in the link below:

Use this LINK to complete the Respite application