Category Archives: Training

Learning to lead worship – reading, intercessions, preaching, celebrating communion

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Here in MCC Manchester we give practical expression, in worship each week, to our belief that leadership is dispersed and shared amongst us. At our best we have one person leading, one preaching, another celebrating, another reading and still another who has written and delivered the prayers. This is in addition to our choir and Philip our musician. We believe that God calls us together and gives us a variety of gifts that enable us to be Church – God’s mission in the world. Worship is better when it is led by a variety of people reflecting the beautiful diversity of God’s creation.

Anyone can train to do any of these roles although we normally expect preachers, leaders and celebrants of Holy Communion to be church members. We are a little unusual in our theology in that we routinely share the task of presiding at Holy Commuion with lay people.

We would like to offer training to those who would like to explore any of these worship leadership roles – reading, writing and delivering prayers, celebrating Holy Communion, worship leadership and preaching. Some who may wish to explore this ministry may be doing these things for the first time, others may be very experienced. If someone is inexperienced we suggest they start off with reading, and then writing and delivering the prayers. Some of the training is on-line (we have an excellent on-line preaching course for example) but most of it will take place on a training day.

If you would like to explore any of these areas of ministry please do get in contact with Andy via the Contact Us page on our main website at www.mccmanchester.co.uk or by chatting to him on Sunday. Once he has an idea of who might be interested he will organise some training over the summer.

Metropolitan Community Church European Network Gathering – 28-30 October 2011

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This years Network Gathering for UK and European Metropolitan Community Churches was held again at the Sedgley Park Centre in Manchester, and was a well-attended and successful weekend of worship, learning, socialising and networking.

We captured certain parts of the weekend on a few short videos and have uploaded them to MCC Manchester’s YouTube Channel:

  • Rev Andy Braunston (MCC Manchester) preaching on the Tower of Babel during worship on the evening of 28 Oct - http://tinyurl.com/andysermon
  • Mary Smail (MCC South London) preaching on St Paul’s Thorn in his Flesh during worship on the evening of 29 Oct - http://tinyurl.com/marysermon
  • Rev Elder Darlene Garner preaching on the Miracle of the Loaves and the Fishes during worship on the morning of 30 Oct - http://tinyurl.com/darlenesermon
  • Darlene also led two workshops on the morning of 29 Oct on An Introduction to Church Size Theory as a basis for a Church Size Summit she hopes to lead next year here in Europe.  This was a lengthy session and consists of her presentation and a long question and answer session.

Forthcoming events and courses at Luther King House in 2011-12

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Luther King HouseWe are pleased to reproduce the June newsletter for Luther King House - an interdenominational Christian theology college located in the heart of Manchester, providing diverse and affordable opportunities for Christian learning for lay and ministerial students.

Metropolitan Community Church of Manchester has good links with this College and we confidently promote to our members and friends the various training opportunities offered there.

1.  Church Saturday, 18th June: Glen Marshall – “God in the City – An Urban Retreat”

This day event is a chance to explore what it means to seek the presence of God in the city, and will include a time of retreat in Manchester City Centre.  The day will start and end at Luther King House but will be spent mainly moving around different locations in Manchester city centre.  Please bring a packed lunch with you to eat in the city centre – and some money for the bus journey there!

This retreat does involve movement around the city centre.  As well as the standard itinerary, an alternative itinerary will be offered for those with limited mobility.  Please do contact us if you have any queries or would like to see the itinerary in advance.  Meet at Luther King House to depart at 10am.  Returning to Luther King House by 4pm.  Costs £10 for the day (excluding lunch & travel).

Please book in advance.  To book places, or for more information, email: learning@lkh.co.uk or phone: 0161 249 2504.

(Overnight accommodation may be available if needed, but needs to be booked separately – please enquire about accommodation through Reception:  reception@lkh.co.uk, 0161 224 6404).

2.  Lay Preachers’ & Worship Leaders’ Conference: Rejuvenation for Lay Preachers and Worship Leaders – PLACES STILL AVAILABLE!

Tuesday 21st – Thursday 23rd June 2011, beginning Tuesday lunchtime and ending after lunch on Thursday.

Costs: £185 residential (including all meals and accommodation);  £150 non-residential (including lunches and evening meal)

A discounted rate is available for those who are unable to obtain funding support from their church or denomination.  Please enquire if this applies to you.

A mid-week event (from lunchtime on Tuesday to lunchtime on Thursday) involving Bible engagement, discussions and activities intended to intrigue, stimulate and refresh preachers and worship leaders and start new ideas growing and developing.

Led by the staff of Luther King House, including David Goodbourn (Ideas about adult learning), John Campbell (Bringing the Bible alive), Kathy White (Hebrew Bible for today), Jonathan Tallon (Preaching on Paul) and Andrew Pratt (Liturgy, worship and hymns).

All in the relaxing comfort of Luther King House, South Manchester – a leafy oasis in the city with an extensive and up-to-date theological library right there in the middle.

For more information or to book a place, please email: learning@lkh.co.uk or call: 0161 249 2504.

3.  MA Summer School: “Researching Issues in Urban Theology”, Mon 4th – Fri 8th July

This 5-day course gives you the opportunity to learn about contemporary theories of church mission and ministry in urban areas, and to use these theories, linked with urban development theories, to do your own piece of theological research in a local urban area.  It will help you to be able to understand how to set about exploring mission opportunities in that area.

For more information or to book a place, please email: learning@lkh.co.uk or call: 0161 249 2504.

Luther King House4. Foundation Degrees in Mission & Ministry for lay Christians – apply now for 2011-12

Ever thought about exploring your Christian faith, ministry and theology at a deeper level?  Our Foundation Degree/BA and MA theology courses allow you to do just that…

This course could be an opportunity for anyone who didn’t benefit from Higher Education first time round.  Luther King House is about more than training for ordained ministry – our Foundation Degree in Mission & Ministry is open to anyone who wants to explore their faith and lay ministry in their church or the wider community in more depth.

In a time when some people are having enforced career changes due to redundancy, this course can open up new opportunities for you.  People who don’t have a degree are often eligible for grants towards their fees and living expenses.  The course is also suitable for people on access courses.  If you’re unsure and would like to know more, do get in touch with us.

Full-time fees for people starting their degrees in 2011 are only £3,300 (part-time fees charged pro-rata) – apply now, and avoid the national fees hike in 2012!

For more information: email: learning@lkh.co.uk  phone: 0161 249 2504  or see our website: www.lutherkinghouse.org.uk

5. MA in Contextual Theology – for lay & ordained Christians - apply now for 2011-12

Validated by the University of Manchester, our MA in Contextual Theology gives you opportunities to reflect on your experience of lay or ordained ministry and practice, with excellent library resources to support your learning. Whether you are involved in ministry or mission, faith-based community work or lay forms of Christian education or service, the MA offers you the opportunity for further study and professional development.  Our flexible teaching timetable enables part-time study to be combined with work and family commitments.  Limited bursary support is also available for those with low incomes.

Full-time MA fees for 2011 are only £3,300 (part-time fees charged pro-rata) – apply now and avoid the higher fee rates for those starting study in 2012-13!

Contact us for more information: email: learning@lkh.co.uk phone: 0161 249 2504 or see our website: www.lutherkinghouse.org.uk

6. Short Courses – now available for 2011-12

If you don’t want to commit to a whole degree programme, but you still want to explore faith, theology and Christian spirituality in a little more depth, you might like to try one of our theology Short Courses – this is a chance to join one of our individual modules without having to do all the hard work that goes with assessments – and next year it only costs £110 for the whole 8 or 10 week course.

We also have a Guided Reading scheme – offering you the opportunity to use our academic library to study an area of interest to you, with specialist academic tutorial support, for only £100.

Contact us for more information: email: learning@lkh.co.uk  phone: 0161 249 2504  or see our website: www.lutherkinghouse.org.uk

7. Exploration into Alternative and Emerging forms of Worship – can you help?!

As part of her sabbatical, Rev Dr Jan Berry is looking at various alternative, or emerging, forms of worship, particularly in the following areas:

  • cafe church/fresh expressions,
  • inclusive liturgy,
  • healing services or prayers for healing,
  • rites of passage,
  • and liturgy with survivors of abuse.

If you are involved in any of these, and would be interested in talking with Jan or inviting her to a service/event, please contact her on Janberry@homecall.co.uk

8. External Study Opportunities – Summer School at Holy Rood House

‘Changing times, changing faith: a summer school on change and transition’ at Holy Rood House, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, July 18th – 21st 2011.

Through seminars and papers, creative arts and story, imaginative liturgy and ritual, we will explore our own journeys of change, and how we encounter the divine in the midst of transition.  How do we develop a theology and spirituality that can sustain and challenge us as we journey through the transitions in our personal lives and communities, and the social and political changes we face?

Speakers are Jan Berry, Elizabeth Baxter, Stanley Baxter; programme includes workshops on counselling survivors of domestic violence, transition into retirement, and creative arts.

For more details please contact: enquiries@holyroodhouse.org.uk  01845 522580.

Luther King House9.  Sign up to our Facebook page

We are on Facebook!  Why not sign up as a fan of “Luther King House” on Facebook to keep abreast of our news and events on a regular basis!

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Luther King House - Short courses, degrees, MA, MPhil and PhDs
Tel:  +44 0 161 249 2504
www.lutherkinghouse.org.uk

Luther King House
Brighton Grove
Manchester
M14 5JP

Introduction to Sexuality Studies course, 7th to 11th August 2011

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From Sunday 7th until Thursday 11th August, Rev Andy Braunston (Pastor of MCC Manchester) and Rev Jane Clarke, (Pastor of our congregation in Glasgow) are teaching the Introduction to Sexuality Studies course.

This course, which is compulsory for those who wish to train for ordained ministry in MCC, is useful for anyone who undertakes pastoral work or who wants to understand more about Christianity and human sexuality.  It explores:

  • how we make ethical decisions as Christians,
  • our views of the Bible,
  • a range of pastoral responses to sexual issues,
  • some theology of sexuality,
  • and much more!

It costs just £85 for tuition and there are some extremely cheap hotel deals in Manchester at the moment.  The Travelodges are, for example, offering four night’s accommodation for around £120.  The course is taught at our church venue in Chorlton, Manchester which is easily accessible by both road and tram from the city centre.   For details click here.

If you want to book please do so via www.tinyurl.com/sexualitystudies.  There is some on-line pre-reading to do before the course starts which will be explained when your booking is confirmed.

We will be joined by MCC folk from all over Europe; so far people have signed up from Torbay, Glasgow and Dublin.

For more details just drop Andy an email at revandy@mccmanchester.co.uk

Network Gathering of MCCs in the UK and Europe – 2011

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The MCC Network Gathering of European Metropolitan Community Churches is a chance to learn, worship, socialise and reflect with MCC folk from all over Europe in the lovely setting of the Sedgley Park Centre—a former convent and now the training college for the Greater Manchester Police.

It takes place from Friday 28th until Sunday 30th October 2011.  Accommodation is available in single, double, and twin rooms – all of which are en-suite.   Two rooms are adapted for wheelchair users.  Food is on a “pay as you eat” basis and is of a high standard; many dietary needs catered for.

There is ample safe parking at the venue which is just off the motorway system and there are good links by public transport from the city centre to the venue.

The cost is just £60 and the online booking form is at www.tinyurl.com/networkgathering.

Update 1 – September 2011:

Full information about the Gathering, including schedules and workshop lists, is now being published on a dedicated website at https://sites.google.com/site/mccnetworkgathering/home

Update 2 – November 2011:

Videos of the sermons preached during worship, together with Rev Elder Darlene Garner’s workshop on Church Size Theory, are available on our MCCM YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/MCCManchester 

Direct links are as given below:Rev Andy Braunston’s sermon at Network Gathering on Friday evening 28 Oct 11 -  http://tinyurl.com/andysermon
Mary Smail’s sermon at Network Gathering on Saturday evening 29 Oct 11 - http://tinyurl.com/marysermon
Rev Elder Darlene Garner’s sermon at Network Gathering on Sunday morning 30 Oct 11 -  http://tinyurl.com/darlenesermon

Rev Elder Darlene Garner’s workshop on Church Size Theory at Network Gathering on Saturday morning 29 Oct 11:

MCC Manchester Computer Club

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Philip has created a free, on-line, club to help you learn and understand the different things you can with your computer – from web rowing to file attachments, from finding prayer and Biblical resources on-line to workout out where to store files if you use several computers.

All you need to join the club is to be actively connected in some way with the life of MCC Manchester.  This is because we want the club to focus on the real needs of a real church community.  You can add your own comments, ask questions, and share tips and tricks of your own on each article, and we hope that your feedback will shape the content of future articles and keep the site relevant to its members’ needs.

Because everything is done online, you need to have access to the internet and an email account – all the learning and sharing happens within the club’s web pages.  Every month you get alerted to a new article relevant to how church folk use their computers.

If you want to join simply email Philip via secretary@mccmanchester.co.uk

Membership classes at MCC Manchester – April 2010

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Each Metropolitan Community Church is governed by its members who elect the Board, set the budget, elect the Pastor and Lay Delegate, all of whom work together to help the church grow and develop. Anyone can come along to MCC, but our governance is reserved to those who formally become members.

Members must be baptised Christians who pledge to support the work of the church.

We are holding two membership classes for people to explore if they wish to join MCC. These will look at our history, how we work, our ethos and the commitments of membership.

You can come on EITHER 17th OR 24th April – courses will run on both dates, but candidates need only come to one of them. They will run from 10am until 1pm and take place in Andy’s office at church (come to the rear door).

Please sign up if you wish to attend stating which class you wish to come to. We hope to admit members on Pentecost Sunday in May.

Membership Classes – choice of Tuesday 21st April or Saturday 2nd May 2009

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newlogo1sm1The Bible teaches that we should identify with a local congregation and take a full part in its life and ministry. In MCC we do this by becoming a member of the church.

Members have the responsibility to support the church in various ways and are allowed to vote at congregational meetings.  The first step to becoming a member is to attend a membership class where you can find out more about what joining MCC involves.

We have organised two dates – as we know that some prefer a weekend and some prefer an evening. The classes will be on Tuesday 21st April from 7pm to 9.30pm or on Saturday 2nd May from 11am to 1pm. (You only need to attend one!)  

Please sign up in church if you would like to come along – and indicate to which class you will be coming.

Metropolitan Community Church, Manchester – Advent Retreat – 5th to 6th December 2008

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O Come O Come Emmanuel!

A 24-Hour Retreat on 5th & 6th December 2008, Sedgley Park Centre, Prestwich

Advent is a time of waiting for the promises of God.  This retreat will reflect through word, song, prayer and silence on the Advent Promises as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.
Cost £45 – You can book using the online form below, or obtain a printed form from Andy.

All rooms are en suite and are of a very high quality.  Disabled access is fully catered for, as are specialist diets.

The retreat includes the Friday evening meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday as well as tea and coffee mid morning and mid afternoon.  We will worship together ourselves and also take part in the Sedgley Park Carol Service on the Saturday afternoon!

We don’t want to exclude people who, in the opinion of the Board, suffer undue financial hardship and so can make some places available at a reduced cost.  See Andy for details.

When using the form below, it is important that you add the following essential information in the text box:

  • exactly how many people you are booking for,
  • the names of each person in your booking,
  • how many rooms you will require,
  • whether the room(s) should be single or double,
  • any specific dietary, medical or accessibility requirements for any of the people in your booking.

You can also include any other factors which may be relevant to your attendance, e.g. late arrivals, early departures, missed meals, etc.