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Aurelio Paula, called Bob by his friends, has been involved with MCC since 1982. Originally from a Catholic/Episcopalian background, he admits to having found MCC’s Inclusive Language Project initially surprising, but says that he is now very comfortable and at home with inclusive language. Bob attends All God’s Children MCC in Minneapolis, MN (USA) and very much likes the diversity, friendliness and feeling of family that he experiences there.

Written (Survey) History

This history was collected via online survey.

What do you like to be called by your friends and family?

Bob

 

Where were you born?

Tampa, FL

 

Do you have a life partner or spouse?

Yes

 

If you have a partner or spouse and feel comfortable doing so, please provide their name below.

Kenneth Dedina

 

If you have a partner or spouse, we would be honored to make note of any anniversary you celebrate. You may enter your anniversary date below.

Feb. 19

 

Did you grow up in a church? If yes, which one?

Episcopal

 

When did you first discover Metropolitan Community Churches?

1982

 

How did you hear about MCC? Friend, family, advertising, Troy’s book, other? Please describe.

I saw an ad of Rev. Troy Perry coming to speak at a service and we have been attending ever since.

 

Describe your first visit to MCC. Please include the church’s name.

Very impressed on my first visit to MCC. The present name is “All God’s Children” in Minneapolis, MN.

 

How many years have you belonged to a MCC?

25 Years

 

Who preached the sermon that you’ve never forgotten? Do you remember the name of the sermon? Where were you when you heard it?

Several sermons by Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman, Rev. Paul Gretz, Rev. Elder Troy Perry, and of course Rev. Paul Tucker. All of which spoke at All God’s Children at various times.

 

Who influenced you the most in MCC?

Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman

 

Describe how this person influenced you.

She gave me so much faith.

 

If you attend a MCC now, please give its name.

All Gods Children MCC in Minneapolis, MN

 

What do you like best about your local church?

It is very friendly and you are always made to feel as if you are part of a large family. We all work together for the church.

 

What was the moment when you felt most proud to be a member of MCC?

Almost from the beginning.

 

Have you attended a General Conference? If so please tell how many you have attended.

None

 

What do you remember about the Inclusive (Including) Language Project? Or your first encounter with Inclusive (Including) language at MCC.

I was surprised as I was Catholic and an Episcopalian before I experienced MCC. Now that I am use to the language it does not bother me.

 

What do you remember about the ordination of women and people of color?

It is exciting and welcoming of new ideas.

 

What do you remember about the beginning of ministry to the transgender and intersexed communities?  

I do not remember anything special because we have all kinds of people at our church and are made to feel love for all of God’s children.

 

What do you remember about the growth of a community of children or a children’s / youth ministry at your MCC?  

All are welcomed and loved no matter how young. We are all encouraged to “adopt” a child.

 

Please include any other memory or historical moment that you wish to share.
I remember Pride when we marched down the avenue from our storefront to our first church. I was so proud standing up to Rev.Phelps and his people when they came to picket our church. We stood up to him us with our Jewish brothers and sisters. They never even crossed the street. They turned around and flew home canceling the rest of their trip.

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