Appreciating MCC's Rev. Johnathan Jones

by E. Ross

"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.