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...a Beloved Community of Faith who celebrates the openness of God’s love! |
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A member church of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, MCC Illiana began in 2002 and continues to spread the message of God’s unconditional love and acceptance. We believe each person is the imago Dei, the Image of God and that people reflect God’s goodness. This is why All are welcome to participate in worship, communion and events within the life of the church.
Founded in 1968, as a young denomination comparative to others in the United States, Metropolitan Community Churches unites and honors multiple traditions and experiences creating a body of Christian believers affected by cultural experiences of oppression due to sexual orientation and gender identity. Movements and cultural revolutions commonly share an activist element, needed to increase awareness of the oppression, and this is true of the foundation of MCC. Through the practices of worship, public profession of faith and openly challenging religious and political institutions, voices emerged from those previously without voice. Established in an era of dramatic social change, many examples of oppression continue to rise across the world. In the humble beginnings of MCC a year before the Stonewall Riots, supporting each other through the beginning of HIV and AIDS to the beating and death of Matthew Shepherd, someone emerges through each generation to continue the proclamation of God’s loving work among us all. Historical events, along with the present experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and allies members, and friends, we remain united in the mission of a faith community, professing faith and in non-violence activism. We continue to enhance and strengthen all MCC churches and our related communities through worship and participation in activities in the region.
Our community of faith is governed by a Board of Directors, our Pastor, but most of all, we believe that we embody the Priesthood of all Believers, and rely on members to lead, serve and reflect God’s work among us. We hold annual congregational meetings under the direction of the Board of Directors and the Pastor.
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Interim Pastor |
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Rev. Rachelle Brown is the Interim Pastor for MCC Illiana. Ordained by Metropolitan Community Churches, Rev. Rachelle Brown served both in the church and as a hospital chaplain before her arrival as Intentional Interim Pastor of MCC Illiana. She holds a Masters in Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO and a Masters degree in Communications from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. Rev. Rachelle is currently a PhD Candidate at Chicago Theological Seminary in the area of Theology, Ethics and Human Sciences. Rev. Rachelle’s love of worship, liturgy and preaching combined with a gift for teaching and passion for diversity in faith communities offers expansion of vision and mission for MCC Illiana. |
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Our Board of Directors are elected by MCC Illiana members to serve two year terms to govern the direction of the church. Current Board of Directors members: Rev. Rachelle Brown, Moderator Darlene Stille, Vice-Moderator Wendy Ostrander, Clerk Michelle Jestes, Treasurer Richard Popp, Member-at-large
The Board of Trustees, appointed by the Board of Directors, manages MCC Illiana property. Current Board of Trustee members are: Danny Lackey, Administration Michelle Jestes, Safety Laurie Pruitt, Maintenance
To contact the Board of Directors: board@mccilliana.org |
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Members |
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Membership in MCC Illiana is an opportunity to officially participate in the life and faith journey of the church. Membership is open to those who have completed Membership Class and consultation. Upon completion new members enter into Membership during a Sunday worship service. All members are able to vote on issues of governance including the election of Board of Directors and Pastor, decision on facilities, budgeting, bylaws and standard operating procedures related to MCC Illiana. For those willing to be in relationship with, yet not members of, MCC Illiana, including children and youth, we offer the opportunity to be recognized as Friends of MCC Illiana. For more information about membership please contact our Pastor: pastor@mccilliana.org |
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The best way to contact Rev. Rachelle Brown is by calling the church office, or email pastor@mccilliana.org Or look up Rachelle Brown on Facebook |
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Inside the NEW worship space of MCC Illiana |
