LGBTQ Church in Palm Beach Gardens to Host 36th Anniversary Celebration This Weekend

Late last February, the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beach Gardens (MCCPB), the largest faith-based community in Palm Beach County dedicated to serving the local LGBT community and its family members and friends, launched the Jubilant Song Campaign, a comprehensive fundraising effort to replace the church's vandalized organ and rickety piano.

The title of the campaign was based on Psalm 98:4: "Shout for joy to our God, all the Earth, burst into jubilant song with music."

As part of its special 36th Anniversary Weekend, on Saturday, November 18, MCCPB is inviting followers and friends to a Jubilant Song Dedication Concert featuring the church's new Yamaha C-3 grand piano and Rodgers 599 organ, purchased from the $61,000 raised in the campaign. The 7 pm concert will present sacred, classical and contemporary gospel music performed by many talented artists from the church and community.

"We are thrilled to celebrate our 36th anniversary with this Jubilant Song Dedication Concert," affirms Rev. Dr. Lea Brown, MCCPB's Senior Pastor. "After our church was vandalized last year, the support from the community was overwhelming. The kindness and generosity of so many people helped us to raise the more than $60,000 we needed to purchase these beautiful new instruments, so we are delighted to have this opportunity to share our gratitude with everyone."

On Sunday, November 19, MCCPB will hold its 36th Anniversary Worship Service at 10:30 am with special guest preacher Rev. Elder Rachelle D. Brown, who is serving as the Interim Moderator of the Metropolitan Community Churches around the world. Prior to this position, she served as the MCC Global Emerging Church Specialist.

The Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches is the largest faith-based community in Palm Beach County dedicated to serving the local LGBT community and its family members and friends. According to the church's mission statement, "MCC of the Palm Beaches is a joy-filled, justice-centered Christian community of love, vibrant worship and spiritual discovery where all God's people are supported as we become fully alive."

"For 36 years now, the Metropolitan Community Church of the Palm Beaches has been both a bulwark of strength and a source of solace and support for South Florida's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning communities," says Rev. Dr. Lea Brown, the church's senior pastor.

"We are on a bold mission to transform hearts, lives and history," she adds. "Just as Jesus did, we take very seriously our calling to do justice, show kindness and live humbly with God."

Located since 2000 at 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, MCCPB offers Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m., with childcare provided for children 5 and under along with Children's Church for ages 6 - 10. Because the church is made up of people from both Protestant and Catholic backgrounds, elements of the services reflect both traditions, including scripture readings, hymns and contemporary music, prayer and a communion table that is open to everyone.

For more information about the Metropolitan Community Church, which is located at 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, call 561-775-5900 or visit www.mccpalmbeach.org.

Pictured: Rev. Rachelle D. Brown

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