A stranger calls. He is a grieving brother who says, “We were wondering if we could have a service for my sister who died. We thought, well, she might be comfortable at your church.” Reaching beyond ourselves, we read between the lines, embrace this family, and hold a joyful service for his sister. Her name now graces our memorial Tree of Life.

We learned about MCC global effort to help ACCEPT, an equality group in Romania, struggling to house LGBTQ Ukrainian refugees and their families devastated by the war. Dr. David, our Music Director, produced a special concert that raised thousands of     dollars to help young Ukrainians and their families and pets, escape to safety.  The word spread, and someone who is not even a member of our church, heard about the      campaign, and gave us the proceeds of his garage sale.

Members of our church, led by Rev. Nancy, made a trek to Tallahassee, Florida, in May of this year, with other Florida MCCers, to offer our witness to the Florida legislature about the “Don’t Say Gay” and “Woke” laws.  We participated in a rally, in lobby efforts, and were acknowledged, as Metropolitan Community Churches, by the State legislature. We stood with LGBTQ kids, especially trans youth and their parents and teachers at the rally.  Members of SunCoast MCC, and our Florida churches, were featured on national and local news all that week. . .

Last Christmas in a first time ever effort for SunCoast, as we provided toys, bicycles, gifts to children recommended to us from a local elementary school who would not otherwise have had a Christmas. We shared the drawings, the thank you letters from these kids, who were so surprised Christmas morning, and who were touched that we would care about them and their families.