The first LGBT-affirming group to own property in Central Florida celebrated its 35th anniversary with a concert, awards dinner and special worship service Sept. 20-22. Joy Metropolitan Community Church (Joy MCC) has been at its present location on Ferncreek Ave. for nearly 25 years, and continues to offer weekly services and other spiritual programming while welcoming LGBTs into its congregation.
Joy MCC Senior Pastor Rev. Terri Steed said the church’s origins are in the 1970s, “when many of us were very closeted.”
She said the church served as a safe haven.
“Over the years it has continued to be that safe place for people to come,” Steed said. “Now that we’re not the only option in town, we’re still the mainstay in the community and the place where HIV/AIDS services first began and a place where people will always be able to come to the communion table as they are.”
On Sept. 20, the church hosted a concert featuring the Orlando Gay Chorus and four traveling Joy MCC musicians: Marcus Young, Jeremiah Cummings, Joel Ogburn and Marsha Stevens-Pino.
“The concert was standing room only,” Steed said.
Joy MCC honored Darcel Stevens and Michael Slaymaker at a Social Justice Awards Dinner Sept. 21. Steed said they had a “great crowd” at the dinner, where they recognized Stevens for her advocacy and years of support for Joy MCC, and Slaymaker for his work with LGBT youth.
Rev. Elder Doctor Nancy Wilson, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, led the Sunday services Sept. 21.
“We were very blessed to have her here and have her lead us in a parable of encouragement,” Steed said, noting that Wilson is Joy MCC’s “highest ranking official.”
After marking 35 years, what’s ahead for Joy MCC?
“We have just grown to two services Sunday mornings to accommodate the crowds for worship,” Steed said. “We will continue to grow our programming during the week, so lots of good things are coming.”
Programming currently includes a popular spiritual transformation class on Wednesday nights, and Joy MCC is getting ready to kick off a 7-week study on the Bible and homosexuality.
Photos by Mark Cady.
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