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Barb Baus first attended MCC of the Lehigh Valley after visiting the church’s booth at the local PRIDE event. She says she was nervous and uncomfortable because she didn’t know what to expect, but she found welcome and acceptance. She’s been a member there for 13-plus years and expresses great admiration for Rev. Troy Perry’s courage. Barb says, “No matter what issues or ‘drama’ we encounter as a church, we try to work it out in a Christian manner.”

Written (Survey) History

This history was collected via online survey.

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

Barb

 

Where were you born?

Philadelphia, Pa.

 

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.

Catherine Burgi-Rios

 

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

Yes – Lutheran

 

When did you first discover Metropolitan Community Churches?

1994

 

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

My therapist at the time suggested I look up the local MCC church.

 

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

I first attended MCC Lehigh Valley after visiting their booth at the local PRIDE event. I was nervous and uncomfortable on one hand because I had no idea what to expect, yet felt welcomed and accepted by everyone there.

 

How many years have you belonged to a MCC?

13 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?

Rev. Peter Helt- “The Flying Geese Sermon,” at MCCLV.

 

Who influenced you the most in MCC?

Rev. Elder Troy Perry

 

Describe how this person influenced you.

Troy had the guts to stand up for what he believed in at a time when being gay was not very “popular”. He acted on his beliefs and look where we are now! I admire his courage and conviction in bringing the Word of God to ALL people.

 

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

MCC Lehigh Valley, Allentown, Pa.

 

What do you like best about your local church?  

I like the music and the fact that we are welcoming to all people who cross our doorsteps. No matter what issues or “drama” we encounter as a church, we try to work it out in a Christian manner.

 

What do you like best about the movement, ministry and community of MCC?

I think that as a denomination we really do try to accept everyone as they are. We not only talk the talk but walk the walk.

 

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

When we went as a group to Washington DC to march.

 

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

2

 

What do you like best about General Conferences?

I love to meet and worship and fellowship with so many GLBT folks under one roof. I like the varied worship services most of all.

 

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

I found it difficult to be comfortable with it because it was unfamiliar to me. Over time, it has become more natural.

 

What do you remember about the growth of a community of children or a children’s / youth ministry at your MCC?
We are still trying to get a children’s ministry started. The children are there but we need space and adults to lead them.

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