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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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We are a Christian church of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered communities with an outreach to all people. We preach and teach the inclusive love and justice of God found in Jesus Christ. MCC Louisville is part of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches
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ABSOLUTELY! Scholars have known for a long time that the Biblical references most often used to condemn lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered persons (Genesis 19:5, Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, I Corinthians 6:9 and I Timothy 1:9-10) are being taken out of context and misapplied. We know and believe that God made us and loves us the way we are! MCC Louisville sponsors recurring seminars and classes on "Homosexuality and the Bible" and here are a few of the numerous web sites that discuss this issue. Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse, What the Bible says about homosexuality,
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Even an organization endowed with God's grace, Christ's love and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit makes mistakes. MCC Louisville acknowledges the racist, sexist, homophobic and irreligious acts that have been committed in Christ's name under the auspices of the church. We humbly apologize. Please forgive us. We also ask you to forgive the other Christians and groups of Christians that have sinned against you.
Acts of cruelty, whether physical violence, verbal abuse, systematic oppression or simple indifference create lasting hurts that are painful and difficult to heal. You are invited to seek health, wholeness and forgiveness with us.
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That depends--What are you like? Our worshipping congregation is made up of women and men, mostly gay and lesbian but also some heterosexuals, bisexuals and transgendered persons. We have young people, older people and all ages in-between. While, admittedly, our congregation is predominantly Caucasian, we have increasing numbers of people of color and other heritages attending church.
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Christianity is the revelation of God in Jesus Christ, and is the religion set forth in the Scriptures. Jesus Christ is foretold in the Old Testament, presented in the New Testament, and proclaimed by the Christian Church in every age and in every land.
Founded in the interest in offering a church home to all who would confess and believe, the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches moves in the mainstream of Christianity.
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Our faith is based upon the principles outlined in the historic creeds: Apostolic and Nicene.
We Believe:
1. In one triune God, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient, of one substance and of three persons; God—our Parent-Creator; Jesus Christ, the only begotten our Sustainer.
2. That the Bible is the divinely inspired word of God, showing forth God to every person through the law and the prophets, and finally, completely and ultimately on earth in the being of Jesus Christ.
3. That Jesus Christ—the Christ—historically recorded as living some 2000 years before this writing, is God incarnate, of human birth, fully God and fully human, and that by being one with God, Jesus has demonstrated once and forever that all people are likewise children of God, being spiritually made in God's image.
4. That the Holy Spirit is God making known God's love and interest to all people. That the Holy Spirit is God, available to and working through all who are willing to place their welfare in God's keeping.
5. That every person is justified by grace to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
6. We are saved from loneliness and despair, and degradation through God's gift of grace, as was declared by our Savior. Such grace is not earned, but it is a pure gift from a God of pure love. We further commend the community of the faithful to a life of prayer; to seek genuine forgiveness for unkind, thoughtless and unloving acts; and to a committed life of Christian service.
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1. Baptism by water and the Spirit, as recorded in the Scriptures, shall be a sign of the dedication of each life to God and God's service. Through the words and acts of this sacrament, the recipient is identified as God's own child.
2. Holy Communion is the partaking of the blessed bread and fruit of the vine in accordance with the words of Jesus Christ, our Sovereign. "This is my body...this is my blood" (Matthew 26:26-28). All who believe, confess, repent and seek God's love through Jesus Christ, after examining their consciences, may freely participate in the communal meal, signifying their desire to be received into community with Jesus Christ, to be saved by Christ's sacrifice, to participate in Jesus Christ's resurrection, and to commit their lives anew to the service of Jesus Christ.
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The Rites of the Church, as performed by it's duly authorized ministers, shall consists of the following:
1. The Rite of Ordination.
2. The Rite of Attaining Membership.
3. The Rites of Holy Union and Holy Matrimony.
4. The Rite of Funeral or Memorial Service.
5. The Rite of Laying On of Hands for Healing.
6. The Rite of Blessing of relationships, things, and persons.
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Do I have to be a member to participate in MCC Louisville' ministries?
- Non-Members fully participate in 96% of the church's life.
Being involved in the ministry and life of MCC Louisville offers many blessings.
- Belonging—feeling connected and a part of the community that values you and gives you a sense of spiritual self worth and self confidence. (Ephesians 4:3-4)
- Becoming—noticing a positive change in the way you look and live in the world because of your experience with Christ (spiritual growth). (1 Corinthians 13:11-12)
- Caring—being aware of the concerns for others and reaching out, realizing you're a better person and receiving untold blessings in the process. (Mark 9:41)
- Committing—finding that faithfulness makes commitment easy and that it brings a double reward of pride and satisfaction in Christ. (1 Corinthians 16:13)
- Celebrating—discovering DEEP and PERMANENT satisfaction and fulfillment in your life that is rooted in a personal and meaningful life with Jesus Christ. (Psalm 32:11)
So what happens when I do know I am ready to join?
- You can define your personal relationship with Christ.
- You claim the power of spiritual gifts in your life.
- You find that ministry involvement brings you joy and fulfillment.
- You celebrate your financial tithe to God as generous and consistent.
In order to become a member of MCC Louisville, interested persons must attend and complete a series of Membership/Disciple Classes. Attending the Membership/Disciples Classes does NOT obligate you to join MCC Louisville.
Check our Christian Education page for when our next membership class is scheduled.
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© January 1, 2004 by MCC Louisville All Rights Reserved | |