Our History

MCC of Harrisburg was founded in 1980 as a ministry extension of Metropolitan Community Church of Philadelphia.  Rev. Bruce Hughes from Philsdelphia and Gary Norton from Williamsport were the leaders active in planting our church.

In 1983 under the leadership of Rev. Pat Lichty our community engaged important spiritual work to widen the circle of our diversity and inclusion.    Rev. Lichty taught us about inclusive language to be sensitized culturally, racially, and aware of people with disabilities.  Today inclusive language and worship is an important way we live out the value of diversity.

The founding years from 1983-1986 were a time of deep challenge for our small congregation.  If it had not been for a strong leadership team of David Leach, Tom Prokob and Shari Gackstatter, the church would not be what it is today.  It was during this difficult time that MCC of Harrisburg changed its name, to reflect how the Holy Spirit was moving in our midst, becoming MCC of the Spirit.   

For 16 years, MCC of the Spirit met in the Quaker Meeting House at the corner of 6^th and Herr Streets.  The church’s office was originally on Front Street, and then in 2 different locations on Green Street.  In 1996, MCC of the Spirit became the first LGBT non-profit organization in Harrisburg to purchase their own building at 2973 Jefferson Street. 

In 1986 Rev. Karon VanGelder received a call to ministry and a vision for MCC of the Spirit.  During her tenure the church grew to about 40 active members and began reaching needs in our community.  She began a ministry called “Eagles Perch” which was an outreach to gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgendered youth.

In the fall of 1991, the District appointed Rev. Eva O’Diam to begin as interim pastor for 6 months.  During that time, much attention was given to healing conflict and learning how to better communicate with one another.  Later that same year Rev. O’Diam was voted as Pastor and served our community faithfully for 17 years.  Under Rev. O’Diam’s leadership the church purchased its current facility, expanded its worship life and music ministry, and grew to over 120 members.    

In the spring of 2009, Rev. Charles Tigard was appointed and unanimously called by the Board of Directors to serve as our intentional interim pastor.  Rev. Tigard led us through a journey of growth, healing, and visioning as we prepare for our future.  Rev. Tigard finished his interim work with us through August of 2010.

In February 2011, Rev. Lori Rivera began her tenure as pastor.  Rev. Lori's ministry will lead us into the future God has prepared for us as we reach out into the community.

Metropolitan Community Church of the Spirit has been a leading voice in Central Pennsylvania for LGBT rights and spirituality.  We assisted Dignity (LGBT Catholics) as they formed the  local Gay and Lesbian Switchboard.  We began the Silent Witness program to profess the love God has for all of us.  We have performed countless same-sex unions.  We have raised funds for Equity for Gays and Lesbians, AIDS education, Common Roads, and Help Ministries. 

As the Quaker Community opened their doors to us, we open our doors freely to the community.  Our church hosts the TransCentral Alliance, an advocacy group for the transgendered community, and Food Not Bombs, a group which provides vegetarian meals for the homeless of our area.

The doors of our church are open every Sunday for transformational worship.  Our kitchen and fellowship hall hosts a community meal for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS through the Sharing Our Caring program.   Metropolitan Community Church is a place of abundance and diversity ministry. 

Whoever you are and wherever you come from on your life’s journey,

there is a place for you at MCC of the Spirit.