MCCLV: 30 Years of Spreading the Light in Las Vegas

● October 7, 1979, MCCLV is established in Las Vegas with 6 people attending the firstservice held at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church on S. Nellis at Harmon● Rev. Ron Gee is the founding pastor (initially commuting from San Diego to holdservices)● November 1981 Southwest District Conference is held in Las Vegas. Meetings are heldat St. Matthew's Episcopal and worship at the Showboat Hotel.● December 14, 1981 MCCLV moves to 510 Garces AVE (capacity 50) in Downtown LasVegas. The FIRST service in the Garces property was held on Christmas Eve.● Spring 1982 Building on Garces is dedicated by Rev. Bob Arthur, District Coordinator forthe Southwest District of UFMCC.● Fall 1983 Rev. Ron Gee leaves to accept pulpit in Palm Springs● May 1983 MCCLV jointly sponsors the first Gay Pride Festival at Sunset Park inconjunction with the Gay Academic Union and Nevadans for Human Rights.● March 10, 1983 first reported death from HIV in Clark County and MCCLV actively caresfor People Living with HIV/AIDS in the early years of the pandemic.● US Flag flown over the US Capitol in Washington, DC on June 8, 1983 is presented toMCCLV.● Rev. Rusty Carlson preaches first sermon at MCCLV on July 10, 1983.● MCCLV celebrates 4th Anniversary October 14-16, 1983. Events include: Friday nightreception, Saturday Seminar on the Homosexuality and the Bible by Rev. Bob Arthur andSunday Worship Celebration at the Continental Hotel (1400 Paradise RD). Special guestsinclude: Rev Arthur and founding Pastor Ron Gee.● October 16, 1983 Rev. Rusty Carlson becomes the 2nd pastor. She was formerly fromMCC Long Beach and was installed by Rev. Bob Arthur (District Coordinator of theSouthwest District of UFMCC) during the 4th Anniversary worship service.● April 7, 1984 MCCLV & LGAU host 1950s Sock Hop at UNLV attended by 150 people.● AFAN (AID for AIDS of Nevada) is founded at MCCLV on March 26, 1984.● July 29, 1984 MCCLV outgrows the building on Garces and moves to a warehouse at1119 S. Main Street (just south of Charleston) that is converted and transformed intoworship space● August 17-19, 1984 EXCEL in the Desert holds weekend retreat at Mt. Potosi--finalservices are held at the church building on Main ST after the weather changed on Sundaymorning.● October 7, 1984 Rev. Judy Dahl, District Coordinator for Southwest District makes firstvisit to MCCLV.● October 11-14 5th Anniversary Celebration. Rev. Tom Jordan from MCC St. Louispreaches October 11 & 12. Potluck dinner and awards held on Saturday, October 13th.● October 14, 1984 5th Anniversary Celebration continues and the Main Street building isdedicated by Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson. 120 people attend.● October 26, 1984 MCCLV gets baby grand piano for new sanctuary.● March 9, 1985 Rev. Judy Dahl conducts a workshop entitled "Imaging God."● June 1, 1985 "Sonlight" gives concert at MCCLV● June 2, 1985 opening worship service for Gay Pride week is held at MCCLV featuring

"Sonlight."● July 19-21, 1985 Summer Retreat is held at Mt. Potosi.● July 28, 1985 Rev. Nancy Radclyffe, UFMCC Senior Chaplain conducts worship service.● August 4, 1985 MCCLV has first graffiti on outside wall of church building.● 1985 Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry (the founder of UFMCC) speaks at Las Vegas Gay Prideheld at UNLV● 1985 District Conference is held at the Aladdin Hotel. Rev. Judy Dahl is the DistrictCoordinator for the Southwest District.● 1985 production of "We are the reason" is staged at MCCLV.● May 10, 1986 Cinco de Mayo Talent Show is presented by MCCLV.● May 18, 1986 Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Recognition Sundayis held.● July 12, 1986 "Sonlight" presents concert "We are so Blessed"● June 25, 1986 Rev. Rusty Carlson resigns● Rev. Carlson conducts a "Blessing of the Bikes" at The Buffalo on Sunday, August 10,1986.● Rev. Carlson preaches her last official sermon as pastor of MCCLV on August 30th.● September 12-14 MCCLV holds retreat at Mt. Potosi● September 1986 Ralph B. Conrad becomes Interim Pastor of MCCLV● October 12, 1986 Rev. Judy Dahl preaches at the 7th Anniversary service● October 25, 1986 Fall Talent Show● 1st Sunday in Advent of 1986, Rev. Joseph Totten-Reid, Assistant Dean of SamaritanCollege preaches.● May 31, 1987 MCCLV hosts "Romanovsky & Phillips" concert● June 20, 1987 Rev. Ralph B. Conrad elected to become the 3rd Pastor of MCCLV● July 19, 1987 Rev. Conrad officially licensed as UFMCC clergy● October 25, 1987 Rev Conrad is installed as Pastor by Rev. Judy Dahl as part of the 8thAnniversary Celebration. Clergy also participating are: Founding Pastor Rev. Ron Gee andRev. Joseph Totten-Reid.● 1988 Seder Dinner held as part of Holy Week services for the first time.● 1988 Rev. Judy Davenport makes her first official visit as District Coordinator.● 1988 pulpit exchanges with MCC in Reno and Salt Lake City● 1988 Fall Retreat at Mt. Potosi● 1988 9th Anniversary features Rev. Dr. Sherre Boothman, President of SamaritanCollege● Group of 10 from MCCLV attends 20th Anniversary of the founding of MCC in LosAngeles● Rev. Elder Jerri Ann Harvey conducts Spiritual Renewal at MCCLV prior to Christmas.● 1988 Christmas Eve Candelight Service features the musical "Merry Christmas withLove." 101 people attend.● February 12, 1989 Rev. Sylvia Pennington (author of "Good News for Modern Gays" and"But Lord, They're Gay!" speaks at MCCLV● February 18, 1989 MCCLV hosts Valentine Sweetheart's Dance● February 26, 1989 Southwest District Conference is hosted by MCCLV● March 17, 1989 MCCLV hosts St. Patrick's Day themed "Friendship Dinner"● Easter 1989 features musical "Then Came the Morning"

● April 3, 1989 "Service of Hope" features Rev. Steve Pieters sharing his testimony aboutLiving with HIV.● 1989 Pulpit exchange with Sunrise MCC of the Hi Desert in East Palmdale, CA (worshipheld in "Devil's Punchbowl State Park")● June 2-3, 1989 2nd Annual Spring Retreat● June 17, 1989 MCCLV hosts "Broadway Talent Show"● 1989 MCCLV helps with service to restart New Hope MCC in Kingman at the SilverQueen Motel● July 1989 Christmas in July party● 1989 group from Resurrection MCC, Houston, TX visits MCCLV● Fall 1989 Retreat at Mt. Potosi● October 27-28, 1989 10th Anniversary is celebrated with a dinner at the Showboat Hotel.Clergy attending: Rev. Elder Troy Perry, Rev. Ron Gee, Rev. Rusty Carlson and Rev.Ralph Conrad.● October 1989 Rev. Elder Troy Perry is the 10th Anniversary speaker● 1990 Building on Main Street is remodled● 1990 Spring Retreat held at Mt. Potosi● July 1990 Rev. Ralph Conrad resigns to accept the position of Pastor at Good ShepherdParish in Chicago. His last Sunday in Las Vegas is August 19, 1990.● 1990 Rev. Elder Troy Perry is 11th Anniversary speaker● April 1991 MCCLV and the Las Vegas Bugle co-sponsor a 6-week Gay & Lesbian FilmFestival at MCCLV called "Bright Pink Cinema." Attendance averages 50 to 70 each Friday& Saturday night● 1991 Rev. Ken Caton from All God's Children MCC in Minneapolis become the 4thpastor● MCCLV experiences a period of rapid growth under Rev. Caton's leadership● December 20,1993 Rev. Caton resigns (preaches his last sermon on January 17, 1993)● 1993 is a difficult and challenging year of transition● 1994 Rev. B.J. "Beau" McDaniels becomes the 5th pastor of MCCLV● 1994 MCCLV moves from Main Street to Wesley Methodist Church on Civic CenterDrive in North Las Vegas● August 15, 1996 Dr. Maureen Mackey is ordained and becomes the Assistant Pastor● March 2, 1997 last service at Methodist Church (new Methodist Pastor is uncomfortablewith MCC)● March 9, 1997 MCCLV moves worship to the Unitarian-Universalist Church on LakeMead BLVD in North Las Vegas / Service @ 1pm● March 1997 Rev. David Gillentine becomes Associate Pastor● September 1997 MCCLV outgrows the UU Sanctuary and moves to the HuntridgeTheater at Maryland and Charleston / AM worship● Easter 1998 over 250 people attend service at The Huntridge Theater● 2000 Rev. McDaniels resigns for health reasons● 2000 MCCLV purchases its first building located at 1140 Almond Tree Lane andconverts 5 suites into a Worship Center● First worship service held (on bare concrete floor) at Almond Tree Lane on June 4, 2000● 2000 Rev. Elder Charlie Arehart becomes the 6th pastor of MCCLV● October 22, 2000 Rev. Elder Troy Perry speaks at the dedication of the building and

Installation of Rev. Elder Arehart● December 2001 MCCLV hosts World AIDS Day Vigil. Episcopal Bishop KatharineJefferts-Schori is special guest.● February 2003 to November 2003 "Charismatic Service" is held at 5pm on Sundays● December 7, 2003 "Liturgical Service" begins at 8:30am on Sundays● April 4, 2004 "Praise & Worship" Service (later becomes NewSong) begins at 11:45am● Building renovation process and code compliance construction begins● October 29, 2004 25th Anniversary Celebration and Dinner is held at the LiberaceMansion with over 300 people in attendance. Special guests include: Rev. "Beau"McDaniels, Rev. Elder Troy Perry, Rev. Don Pederson and pianist Wes Winters.● September 2005 Rev. Elder Arehart resigns● November 2005 Rev. W. Wayne Lindsey formerly of St. John's MCC, Raleigh, NC andCathedral of Hope, Dallas TX is elected as the 7th Senior Pastor of MCCLV● January 2006 Rev. Lindsey arrives in Las Vegas● June 2006 Rev. Lindsey is installed as Pastor by Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski and Rev. KarenZiegler● 2006 Student Clergy George Balgan is ordained● September 2006 Saturday Evening "Rainbow" service begins

2007 Achievements & Accomplishments● Over 20 people attended MCCs General Conference in Scottsdale, AZ● Creating a Life that Matters (CLM)

● Trainer completed certification● Registration exceeds expectations and class is completely filled● First six week session offered and successfully completed

● Improved bookkeeping & consolidated financial systems implemented● Fellowship Team plans a regular schedule of successful events● Prayer Team begins weekly prayer gatherings● Church Store re-opens● MCC-LV members volunteer for Project Homeless Connect for the 1st time● Special guest Rev. Delores Berry brings inspiration and encouragement through hermusic and message● Lenten offering folders successfully underwrite Ministry of Benevolence● Saturday evening worship service celebrates 1st anniversary● Upgraded copier with expanded capacity/functions and improved efficiency● Successful Fix-Up Day and beautification of adjacent properties● New building tenants expand outreach into the community● New name badges enable newcomers to learn more names and integrate into thechurch more quickly● Kitchen is cleaned, organized and painted● Quality color postcards are sent to: welcome guests, offer birthday blessings, honoranniversaries, follow-up & thank those that make ministry happen● Rest rooms are painted● Storage is expanded and organized for better use● Sanctuary renovations

● New improved children’s room constructed

● Audio & video feeds of worship service provided to children’s room● New handicapped ramp makes chancel accessible● Additional air conditioning improves summer comfort● New lighting system provides more options and versatility● New emergency lighting installed● New paint gives sanctuary a fresh and updated appearance● New sound booth constructed● Additional sound equipment improves worship experience● Improved energy efficiency and security● Improved fire safety● Improved electrical systems● New ceiling improves acoustics and improves visual appeal● Additional safety features● Choir room is redesigned, improved and re-organized

● Successful TransGender Day of Remembrance is hosted● We Give Thanks for our Troops collection gathers items for oversees troops● 1st Annual Angels in Actions Awards recognized and honors volunteers

2008 Achievements & Accomplishments● Creating a Life that Matters (CLM)

● 18 People complete entire 18 week course● 23 people register for 1st block of 2nd round

● MCC-LV members volunteer in record numbers for Project Homeless Connect for the2nd and 3rd times● MCC-LV members participate in National Suit Drive● Guest Speakers

● Rev. Elder Darlene Garner visits for the first time.● Rev. Elder Lillie Brock presents The Change Cycle.● Rev. Keith Mozingo visits from MCC Baton Rouge.

● Lenten offering folders successfully underwrite Ministry of Benevolence● Successful Summer Season of Prayer concludes 60 days of prayer for the enhancementand extension of our outreach and ministry.● 29th Anniversary Celebration focuses on Service, Outreach and Celebration

● Each One Bring One● Successful Anniversary Banquet exceeds expectations● 2nd Annual Angels in Actions Awards recognized and honors volunteers● Benevolence and Service Opportunities● 2008 Volunteer of the Year: Tony Arias

● Saturday evening worship service celebrates 2nd anniversary● Successful Fix-Up Day and beautification of adjacent properties● New building tenants expand outreach into the community● Praise & Worship Service becomes NewSong● NewSong Band and Singers Expand● Projector and screen enhance worship● PowerPoint team forms

● Keyboard Upgrade improves music quality and extends capabilities● Successful transition to New Visitor-friendly Worship Schedule● Combined worship attendance exceeds 6,000 for the year.● Fellowship Team offers numerous opportunities for fun and community● Hospitality Team completes 52 weeks of Welcome● Church store transformed● Building renovations

● Certificate of Occupancy obtained for Worship Center● Successful Re-Dedication Service● Worship Entrance Patio Upgrades and Beautification● Parking Lot re-striped● Upgrades to tenant spaces

● Successful TransGender Day of Remembrance is hosted● Improved bookkeeping financial systems implemented● ThanksGIVING stewardship series completed in November● Board, Staff & Focus Group plan for the future by reviewing the book: Good to Great

2009 Achievements & Accomplishments● MCCLV supplies 17+ computers through laptop.org to assist with the education ofchildren in the 50 poorest countries of the world. EXCEEDING OUR GOAL OF 12 (one permonth) for the year● Successful Mother's Day "Panty Raid" collection of: 703 briefs, 208 pr. socks, 10 misc &61 bras for mothers & their children seeking shelter from domestic violence● MCCLV purchases air conditioner for MCC Quezon City in the Philippines● Lenten Benevolence Folder offering sets new record● Creating a Life that Matters (CLM) 10 people complete 2nd complete series bringing thetotal number of folks who have completed the entire 18 week series to 28.● 22 people register for Summer Bible Institue (SBI) course Praying Like Jesus● Christmas in July collects 495 bottles of water and 265 pop-top style snacks (plus misc.toiletries & $60 in gift cards)for Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

● Successful Summer Season of Prayer concludes 10 Weeks of prayer for theenhancement and extension of our outreach and ministry● Monthly Prayer Partner program features many denominational leaders & ministries● Improved communication via weekly email newsletter implemented● Email distribution list increases the number of valid/deliverable addresses by 32%● Expanded and improved birthday card and 1st-time guest follow-up● Right-wing protest generates additional media coverage and publicity● Sin Sity Sisters feature MCCLV on their August public service poster series● New Web presence

● Updated, enhanced and redesigned Web Page at mcclv.com● Added Facebook page● Added Twitter feeds● Added online email archieve● Added online giving

● Guest Speakers● LA Walker (MLK Sunday)● Brad Rice (MCCLA Clergy Intern)● Rev. June Norris (30th Anniversary)

● Project Homeless Connect MCCLV volunteers to participate for the 4th time● Members participate in Stratosphere "Gateway District" clean-up● MCCLV participates in "National Suit Drive" for the 2nd year● 30th Anniversary: "Our Precious Pearl" celebrates 3 Decades of Spreading the Light

● 3rd Annual Angels in Action Awards recognizes and honors volunteers● Chancel Choir & Tim Searcy sing at Banquet● Volunteer of the Year:

● Saturday evening worship service celebrates 3rd anniversary● Successful Fix-Up Days paints offices, prepares tenant spaces & beautifies adjacentproperties● Special LaborNight service offers prayers for employment & the economy● Special PrayerNight service concludes successful season of prayer● Each One BRING One outreach on 5th Sundays features Victorious! and increasesattendance● MCCLV receives Certificate of Excellence for Outreach in Region 6 of UFMCC● New attendance records set for:

● Ash Wednesday● Good Friday● NewSong service

● Fellowship Team offers numerous opportunities for fun and community● Hospitality Team completes 52 weeks of Welcome and EXPANDS to a full hour between10am and 11am● New improved options for automatic giving via electronic transfers, card processing andinternet● Financial Systems upgraded and enhanced for efficiency & improved reporting.● MCCLV among the denomination's Top 20 Churches in Giving for 5 months● Building

● Worship Entrance Patio enhanced with Sun Shades & "Red Carpet" Welcome● New MCC Logo updated on exterior sign● Stove installed in kitchen extends Hospitality options

Thanks go to John Belmes and Cliff Edwards for their help in compiling and chronicling the events of the past.