Living Springs MCC Bath Member of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What is MCC?

What is now the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches was founded in October 1968 in Los Angeles by the Rev Troy Perry, a former Pentecostal Pastor who had been forced to leave his Church because of his sexuality.

Troy dreamed of a Church which welcomed all God's people irrespective of race, class, gender or sexuality. Twelve people met for worship that Sunday morning. Today, over 300 MCC congregations worship in 22 countries world-wide and there are 11 congregations in the UK alone.

Living Springs MCC Bath was formed in September 1989 and we have worshipped together ever since. We currently worship every Sunday in the United Reformed Church Halls, Grove Street, Bath at 6.00pm.

We are a congregation within Region 4 of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches which includes Churches in England, Scotland, France, Germany, Denmark, Nigeria and South Africa.

What are MCC services like?

People come to MCC from a variety of traditions and we try to reflect this in our services styles and by exploring new ways of worshipping.

Pride 2004 photos: Guest speaker Rev Janice Bowker & congregation

Everyone is encouraged to take part in worship and we provide training so that anyone who is interested may lead worship, celebrate communion or preach, as they feel able.

In our services we use language which, like the Gospel, includes all people. Often, the words used in Churches have reflected society's practices which have excluded women and minorities. We try to avoid this.

Ministry leaders Nick Stephenson & Graham Macleod & congregation

Please take time to read a Sample Sermon, which gives a flavour of our worship

Can I take Communion?

In MCC we celebrate open communion. The altar belongs to God and not to any particular Church. All we ask is that you are seeking, in your own way, to meet with God. The wine we use is non-alcoholic.

Do only lesbian and gay people attend MCC?

MCC was founded within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community but its ministry and worship are open to all people.

MCC has many heterosexual members and even heterosexual clergy. Sexuality may be an important reason why some people first come to MCC but it is rarely the reason why they stay.

The Church never forgets its special ministry to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people but the Gospel we proclaim is goods news for all human kind whatever their age, race, class, gender or sexuality. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered folk know what it is like to be excluded and it is important that MCC be a safe worshipping space for ANYONE who wishes to
take part.

How do I become a member of the church?

Membership is open to all baptised Christians who
· are over 18 years old,
· have made a statement of faith,
· have attended membership classes and
· have been accepted into the Church in the Rite of Attaining Membership.

Enquirers classes are offered regularly for those seeking membership or even just interested in finding out more. Call the Church Office for information.

You can become a member of MCC even if you are a member of another Church.

The Church is democratically run and all members may vote in electing the Pastoral Leader and the Committee. Important decisions are taken by the members in a Congregational Meeting.

Everyone, whether a member or just an occasional attender, is welcome to share fully in the Church's worship.

How is the Church funded?

The Church is funded solely from within the Congregation.

We are a recognised Charity and can claim tax relief on sums given by gift aid. Please ask the Treasurer for more information.

We publish a Report and Accounts each year and keep the Congregation informed on a regular basis of our financial position.

What other services do you provide?

MCC offers many of the other services which you would expect to find at your local Church.

In addition, we offer blessings to couples irrespective of sex, sexuality or gender identification. If you and your partner would like to seek God's blessing on your relationship, please contact us.

Regular study groups are organised for those wishing to explore spirituality further.