An Inclusive Community

Throughout our entire history, inclusion has been, and continues to be, a hallmark and a strength of St. John’s MCC. As a congregation we fully believe and embrace God’s call to diversity. For as God reminds us through the Prophet Isaiah: “Even those I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.” (Isaiah 56:7).

Inclusion at St. John’s MCC is evident in many aspects across our congregation; including racial diversity with people of European, African, Asian, Hispanic and Native American heritage; and gender diversity with women, men and transgender people. We welcome people from all socioeconomic strata. Our congregation ranges from infants in arms to young adult to middle aged to vibrant members in their 70s and 80s. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, straight and questioning are all welcomed to worship and minister with us.

Inclusion is truly reflected in the leadership of our church. Over the 25 plus years of our existence, our four senior pastors have been a gay African-American man, a heterosexual white woman, a gay white man, an African-American lesbian woman, and now an African American Trans-identified male. We truly believe that God’s gifts can be manifest through all to the edification of the entire body regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation or economic standing.

Our ministries are widely varied including our Joyful Morning Choir which features more traditional church music to our evening service featuring songs from the African-American gospel tradition. We also have other ministries which reach out to men, women, singles, children and youth, college students and those interested in various aspects of the Christian walk like Discipleship, Evangelism and Christian Social Action. The MCC denomination recognized St. John’s MCC as a leader in multicultural programming with an award at the MCC General Conference in 1997. The framed certificate is displayed in the hallway near the Friendship hall.

We believe our lives are all richer, more exciting, and blessed by God because of the rich tapestry of people, gifts and ministries we experience.