Fabulous and Beautiful: A Short Reflection on the Art of Planning Worship for a Unique and Diverse LGBTQ Community of Faith Charlotte Norton MCC Newcastle

Who are MCC Newcastle? How do we plan worship for such a diverse community? Does this have wider implications?

Who are MCC Newcastle?

Core Values At MCC Newcastle, we value: · the fabulous and the beautiful in each of us. · a warm, safe, welcoming home. · worship that deepens our intimacy with God. · the strength we have together when we are each doing what we are passionate about. · love, fun and laughter.

Bedrock Beliefs (1) At MCC Newcastle, we believe: · God is always present. God loves and accepts everyone unconditionally. · Jesus offers everyone chances for new life and hope, especially to those on the edges of society. His life is an important example to follow · The Holy Spirit moves in different ways,such as inspiring, challenging and healing us, and deepening our relationship with God. · Faith gives us strength, hope and meaning through good times and bad.

Bedrock Beliefs (2) At MCC Newcastle, we believe: · The Bible is there to inspire and guide. It is not a rule book and can be read with love, compassion and questioning. · Church should be a safe home for all people. We welcome diversity and believe it brings strength. We believe that ministry is open to everyone and through it, people develop their gifts. · Worship is a two-way communication between people and God, expressed in different ways. It should be inclusive and bring people together.

Bedrock Beliefs These statements describe the fundamental basics of our beliefs as a faith community. Individually, we may have additional beliefs which are also important to us, which we are free to hold.

How do we plan worship for such a diverse community?

Acts 13:26 New King James: “Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent.” Today’s New International Version: “Brothers and sisters from the children of Abraham and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.”

Mark 3:27 Today’s New International Version: “In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house” With MCCN alterations: “In fact, no one can enter a strong person’s house without first tying them up. Then they can plunder the strong person’s house.”

Romans 8:14 Today’s New International Version: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” With MCCN Alterations: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption as children of God. And with the Spirit we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit herself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Father God I wonder how I managed to exist without the knowledge of your Parenthood, and your loving care. But now I am your son I am adopted in your family... Loving God I wonder how I managed to exist without the knowledge of your Parenthood, and your loving care. But now I am your child I am adopted in your family... ‘Father God I Wonder’ Ian Smale © 1984 Thank You Music CCL Licence No

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind forgive our foolish ways... Dear God and Maker of us all forgive our foolish ways... ‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind’ Public Domain CCL Licence No Great Father of glory, pure Mother of light, Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight ‘Immortal, Invisible’

Above all powers, above all kings Above all nature and all created things Above all wisdom and all the ways of man You were here before the world began Above all powers, above all kings Above all nature and all created things Above all wisdom and all our human ways You are here, the Ancient of Days ‘Above all Powers’ L. LeBlanc & P. Baloche © 1999 Hosanna Music CCL Licence No

Gather us in – the lost and forsaken Gather us in – the blind and the lame Call to us now and we shall awaken We shall arise at the sound of your name Gather us in – the lost and forsaken Gather us in – the bound and the shamed; Call to us now and we shall awaken, We shall arise at the sound of your name ‘Here in this place’ Marty Haugen © 1982 GIA Publications CCL Licence No

How do we plan worship for such a diverse community?

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO HOLLYWOOD 29/07/12 CECILIA CHRIS HELEN

Does this have wider implications?

Fabulous and Beautiful: A Short Reflection on the Art of Planning Worship for a Unique and Diverse LGBTQ Community of Faith Charlotte Norton MCC Newcastle