Appreciating MCC's Rev. Johnathan Jones

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 Appreciating MCC's Rev. Johnathan Jones

"We often take Johnathan for granted," said Edith Bailey, a member of the MCC Board of Directors. "Just as I believe there cannot be too many potlucks, I also believe there are never too many 'I love you's and 'I appreciate you's. Johnathan deserves to hear�it at times other than just Christmas."��

MCC invites the GLBT community to a "Johnathan Jones Appreciation Day" Potluck. Edie will prepare a ham, potato salad, and rolls. Annie promised to make her pineapple casserole that was such a big hit on Easter.

Here are some of�Johnathan's�qualities, experiences, and activities that the congregation appreciates:

    * Johnathan left Australia in 2004 when he was only 24 to accept a position as the pastor of MCC-Anchorage.�
    * He had already experienced a divorce from a heterosexual marriage and was a physical and sexual abuse survivor.���

    * He threw himself into the work and began building the church.
    * He labors to lead a service that has wide appeal, because the congregation is very diverse.�
    * His sermons make positive references to the GLBT community.�
    * He quotes scripture that dispels the notion that homosexuality is condemned in the Bible.
    * He made MCC known in the community.�

    * He works on the Identity Helpline and fields questions concerning homosexuality and the Bible.�
    * He is Co-Chair of the PrideFest 2008 Committee and leads the Gay Memorial & MCC Pride Service.�
    * He accepts numerous speaking opportunities at UAA and in the community at large.�
    * He gives interviews on radio talk shows about homosexuality and religion. �
    * He speaks out through Compass pieces in the Anchorage Daily News. �
    * He is often interviewed on TV when there is an issue in the news about the GLBT community. �
    * He lobbied the Senate and Congress in DC concerning the Matthew Shephard Act. (Equal Opportunity Law Enforcement Act and Equal Non-Discrimination Act.) �
    * He personally met with Senator Murkowski to discuss the bills. (She did vote for the Matthew Shephard Act.)

    * Johnathan is a very personable young man who laughs easily and loves deeply. �
    * His sincerity is immediately apparent to all who meet him. �
    * He shares many of his life's experiences with the congregation, demonstrating that one can survive all sorts of discrimination, prejudice, and abuse and still be a Christian. �
    * He is deeply loved by his congregation.

Thank you, Johnathan!

The Potluck follows the 2 p.m. service on Sunday 4/6. If you want to be on the program or have questions, contact Edie.�

MCC is an inclusive church and welcomes everyone. Rev. Jones is also available for weddings, same-sex commitment ceremonies, baptisms, funerals, and one-on-one pastoral care. Visit MCC Anchorage.
Posted by E. Ross on 4/03/2008 0 comments
Labels: Anchorage