MCC Portland

Specialties

We are a Christian congregation who actually affirms those who seek God in a variety of ways. We encourage spiritual growth through worship, prayer, learning and service. Though our individual theological beliefs differ widely, our mutual commitment to love and spiritual living gives us a unifying bond.

Our mission is to

Invite all to seek and experience the Divine within and beyond;

Develop a spirituality that inspires hope, renews life, and kindles passionate joy;

Serve and strengthen those in need; and

Work for a just and whole world.

We offer two services each Sunday

10AM: Our Celebration Singers and Choir lead the congregation in contemporary singing. The sermons center on spiritual growth and important life lessons. A reading from the scriptures and a modern reading offer inspiration and guidance.

6PM: Created for the young at heart, Elevation provides energetic, inspiring jams and powerful, spiritual conversations. Come as you are on Sunday evenings and Elevate your spirit!

History

Established in 1968.

A year before New York’s Stonewall Riots, a series of most unlikely events in Southern California resulted in the birth of the world’s first church group with a primary, positive ministry to gays, lesbians, bisexual, and transgender persons.

Those events, a failed relationship, an attempted suicide, a reconnection with God, an unexpected prophecy, and the birth of a dream led to MCC’s first worship service: a gathering of 12 people in Rev. Troy Perry’s living room in Huntington Park, California on October 6, 1968.

That first worship service in a Los Angeles suburb in 1968 launched the international movement of Metropolitan Community Churches, which today has grown to 43,000 members and adherents in almost 300 congregations in 22 countries. During the past 36 years, MCC’s prophetic witness has forever changed the face of Christianity and helped to fuel the international struggle for LGBT rights and equality

MCC Portland was founded in 1976.

Meet the Manager

Nathan M.

Manager

Reverend Nathan Meckley, Senior Pastor

Rev. Nathan Meckley is a gifted preacher and teacher, a professionally trained musician, and a long-​term MCC ministry leader. Raised in rural Western Pennsylvania and reared faithfully in the Presbyterian tradition, Nathan has been active in MCC ministry since 1983. An ordained MCC clergyperson since 2003, he has served diverse congregations in California and Florida. He received preaching awards for exciting and challenging sermons, served as adjunct faculty at the Pacific School of Religion (Berkeley, CA), and taught courses, workshops and seminars in numerous settings. A pastor with a holistic vision for spiritual community, Nathan has significant church management and development experience, gifts for worship excellence, enthusiasm for multi-​generational ministry, commitment to social justice, and a passion to equip all people to use their gifts in ministry. Prior to receiving his Master of Divinity degree from Claremont School of Theology