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Cheryl Stockton discovered MCC more-or-less by accident when friends mentioned it in a casual conversation. She cites Rev. Elder Freda Smith’s sermon, “Purple Grass,” as her favorite and says that Rev. Troy Perry’s influence on her has been profound.

Written (Survey) History

This history was collected via online survey.

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

Cheryl

 

Where were you born?

USA

 

Do you have a life partner or spouse?

Yes

 

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.

September 15th and we will soon be celebrating 21 years!

 

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

United Methodist

 

When did you first discover Metropolitan Community Churches?

1985

 

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

By a fluke  because fiends mentioned it.

 

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

It was “heavenly” and welcoming with such a comfortable, uplifting, and reassuring experience. It was truly “home.”

 

How many years have you belonged to a MCC?

21 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. Elder Freda Smith’s “Purple Grass” two years ago at General Conference in Calgary.

 

Who influenced you the most in MCC?

Rev. Troy Perry

 

Describe how this person influenced you.

I was influenced by his books, his presence, his preaching, his activism, his love of the Lord, and more!

 

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

MCC of Greater St. Louis

 

What do you like best about your local church?

There are so many people there who truly love the Lord and try to share that love with others.

 

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

Too many things to say, but it’s DIVERSITY, it’s INCLUSIVENESS, it’s ACTIVISM, and it’s CELEBRATION of who we all are.

 

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

I was most proud to be a member of MCC during the last March on Washington and when Rev. Elder Troy Perry got married to Philip in Canada.

 

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

Six.

 

What do you like best about General Conferences?

Worshipping and sharing together in so many ways, with so many diverse peoples. I also enjoyed getting recharged and/or enlightened about how we (the local church or just me) can still get our act together and persevere.

 

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

I loved it. As a woman…I loved it!

 

What do you remember about the ordination of women and people of color?
I loved it. I expected it and it came more quickly and easily that I would have dreamed.

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