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The Equality Herald - East Tennessee's source for LGBT community news |
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MCC-K celebrates 30th anniversary Members come together for three days of fellowshipThe recent celebration of the Metropolitan Community
Church of Knoxville’s 30th anniversary saw members, friends,
and supporters participating in a series of memorable events. February 20th
kicked off the festivities. The three events signified one day of fund for
each decade. Beginning with a banquet on Feb. 23 followed by a special
concert by Christian Artist Justin Ryan in concert Feb. 24, the events
culminated with MCC-K’s Regional Elder, Jim Mitulski bringing the message
at the Feb. 25 morning worship. More than 100 people celebrated God’s work through MCC-K at the church’s 30th Anniversary Banquet Feb. 23. The evening opened with prayer, and included a multi-media “slide show,” sumptuous food selection, recognition of attendance, choir performance, recognition of service, Praise Team performance, and words of thanks, and ended with a closing song and prayer. Ron C. and his banquet committee decorated the sanctuary in a tastefully done rainbow theme. Each table sported a colored tablecloth and a rainbow balloon collection atop a mirrored square. Serving as a poignant reminder of their contributions, silver-bordered photographs of members who had passed away graced the tables. The buffet table, which ran the entire depth of the sanctuary and held cuisine prepared by volunteers, was laden with breads, Italian dishes, salads, vegetables, and desserts that included two “anniversary” cakes. Flower arrangements by Ray Evette, who is also MCC-K’s Minister of Music, added the finishing touch. Once everyone had filled their plates and returned to their seats, the multi-media slide show began. James F used approximately 1400 photographs, about half taken by Cathy Hunley, and more than 150 hours of his time to produce a spectacular 30-year MCC-K history in pictures and video clips set to music. Throughout the room, faces lit up with recognition of ministries, functions, and fellowship shared through the years. Evoking tears, laughter, grins, “oohs,” “ahhs,” and quiet reverence, the presentation was, indeed, the highlight of the evening and received a sizeable standing ovation. RecognitionPastor Bob Galloway continued the night’s activities by recognizing members according to the year they began attending MCC-K. Only a few people stood for the beginning years, but the number increased steadily as Pastor Galloway called out the years. “You have seen deaths, births, During the “Recognition of Service” part of the evening, several people were called to stand. These included anyone who had ever helped in any way with monthly potluck meals, cleaned the church, worked the grounds, built anything there, served as a deacon, served on the administrative board/council, delivered a food basket, contributed to the New Image newsletter, and worked to greet and welcome newcomers, to name just a few. Let there be music!No MCC-K celebration would be complete without music and that night was no exception. More than 30 members poured their all into three pieces which, according to Mr. Evette, “…embody the spirit of MCC Knoxville.” These were, “We Will be a Shelter For Each Other, “ “Draw Us Together,” and “Here In the House of Our God.” The newly formed Praise Team, lead by Michelle G., added yet another dimension to the musical offerings. The team performed, “Shout to the North,” and “You Are Holy,” the latter inspiring the audience to clap along with the beat. The banquet ended with the audience singing, “Walk With Me,” a song composed by former MCC-K Pastor John S. Rice, and closed with prayer. Celebration continues
Justin said he was honored to be part of MCC-K’s anniversary celebration, and hopes to come back again soon. Those who stopped to talk with him after the concert echoed this hope. Many were thrilled to get autographed pictures and purchase his CD, “Surrender.” For more about Justin, check out his website: www.justinryanonline.com.
Different reason for a visit Regional Elder, Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski, visited to bring the message during the last celebration day’s Sunday morning worship service. He said, “Usually an elder visits because something is wrong at one of the elder’s churches. I’m so glad to be here to celebrate something as good as your 30th anniversary! It’s a wonderful change.” The congregation was deeply moved by Reverend Elder Mitulski’s sermon that dealt with facing one’s fears, dealing with loss, and finding the motivation to go forward in faith. During part of the sermon, he told the story of living in the Castro district of San Francisco, a spot on the tourist bus route. Those who lived in the district would, “put on a show” for the tourists, who never got off the buses because they were afraid. If the tourists had gotten off the bus, they would have seen that the Castro district residents were just people -- people just like them, no more or less scary than they themselves. Among many strong points, Reverend Elder Mitulski closed by urging us to, “Get off the bus. Face your fears, and reach out to those in need.” Visit MCC-K online at www.mccknoxville.org.
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holy unions, moves from location to location, church offices destroyed,
the purchase of this very building. I have had the pleasure of watching
just over two decades of this church’s life. I have watched as a pastor,
a staff member, a member, and just a part of the larger community and all
this time, I stand in amazement,” said Pastor Galloway. “MCC-Knoxville is
a people who refused to give up on the proclamation of the mystery of God
– that insiders and outsiders have the same standing before God.”
The
big banquet was over, but the anniversary celebration continued the next
night with an evening of Christian witness and song by rising vocal artist
Justin Ryan. Justin told the audience that his musical career began when
he was eight with much determined encouragement by his grandmother. It
continued to grow with several twists and turns, and ups and downs, but it
all lead to his current ministry through music. According to Justin, “…It
has been a journey of raw faith, trusting in God, and leading others to
Christ.” He says being able to minister through his experiences of
heartache and joy; he has given others the hope that they, too, can make
it, not just in music, but in life.
