Halloween weekend means many things to the LGBTQ community. but for the congregation of Norfolk’s New Life Metropolitan Church (NLMCC), it’s a time for a birthday party. This weekend marks the church’s 40th anniversary serving the spiritual needs of Hampton Roads’ diverse community.
The NMLCC has come a long way since it’s founding in 1977. Currently, the church is led by Senior Pastor Mark Byrd. Pastor Byrd came to NLMCC in 2011 as an interim pastor, a position made permanent in 2013 when the congregation elected him Senior Pastor. Since then, he has applied the church’s core values of inclusion, community, spiritual transformation and social action not only in his personal life, but also in his congregation and his community.
In an interview last year, Pastor Byrd told OutWire757 that “We have to remember that despite all the gains that we have made, those rights and privileges can be taken away depending on which way the political winds blow,” he said. “Protection of those rights requires constant work by all of us as one united community.”
“Diversity is a gift from God,” he said. “Inclusion requires an intentional choice by each of us.”
The church has had many home over the years and moved into a its new church located at 1000 Sunset Road in Norfolk.
To commemorate this anniversary, MCC has organized the following series of events that start this Sunday, October 29. Events include:
NLMCC 40th Anniversay Worship, Sunday, October 29, 10:45 a.m.
“We’ve Come This Far By Faith,” 10:45 a.m. Worship will focus on church history & memorial followed by “soul & comfort food” potluck luncheon. For more information, visit the event page here.
NLMCC 40th Anniversary “Black Tie on The Sly” Social Hour and Dinner Saturday, November 4
- 6:30-7:30 pm social hour/dinner at MJ’s Taverm @ MJ’s
- 8-11pm “Black Tie On The Sly” at NLMCC (special desserts and drinks/dj-dance/comedy club/photo booth ops)
For more information about this event (you must RSVP by 10/29) visit the event page here.
NLMCC 40th Worship Sun 11/04 10:45 am “New Now Next…”
Special worship speaker: Rev. Terri Steed-Pierce, Sr. Pastor – Joy MCC, Orlando, FL & guest musician, Mr. John Griffin, Raleigh, NC. Italian Feast luncheon to follow morning worship. For more information about this service, visit the event page here.
