Our Staff

Rev. Lori E. Rivera, Pastor

pastorlori@mccofthespirit.org

Reverend Lori E. Rivera was ordained August 29, 2004. She received her Masters of Divinity June 6, 2004 from Florida Center for Theological Studies in Miami, Florida. She completed her clergy internship at SunCoast Cathedral MCC in Venice, Florida and her formation studies at MCC of the Palm Beaches in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. She also completed a Clinical Pastoral Education program (chaplain intern) at Tampa General Hospital. Rev. Lori was on staff as the Associate Pastor in Church Management (church administrator) at SunCoast from August 2004 until February 2011.

Prior to entering the ministry, Rev. Lori worked as a middle school science teacher and department chair for 14 years in Palm Beach County, Florida. She obtained a BA in History and her teaching credentials from Palm Beach Atlantic College [now Palm Beach Atlantic University] in 1989. Before attending college in 1985, Rev. Lori worked for 10 years in the medical field as a clerk in the hospital setting and in an eye doctor’s office.

Rev. Lori was born in New York, the second of four children (all brothers). Rev. Lori, her parents, and her two younger brothers moved to Florida in 1973. She became involved in the local Southern Baptist church and felt the call to ministry in her early twenties. Dealing with many issues in her life, she fought against answering God’s call until her early forties. Working to overcome the issues in her life led her to Psalm 27, especially verses 1-4: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh – my adversaries and foes – they shall stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in God’s temple.” These verses became her lifeline.

Rev. Lori and her partner Darlene met as teenagers where they attended high school and the same baptist church. They became life partners in January 1985, purchased their first home in July 1985 and celebrated a Holy Union on July 7, 1990. Darlene was introduced to MCC by a friend at work and she led Rev. Lori to MCC. A big push to Rev. Lori’s involvement with MCC was when her youngest brother attacked her with his Bible and the anti-gay (texts of terror) scriptures. Rev. Lori had a desire to be able to answer him back as she learned that yes one could be a homosexual and a Christian. Rev. Lori and Darlene were also asked to leave their Baptist church due to their sexual orientation.

Rev. Lori finally answered God’s call to ministry when it became more unbearable not to answer. “I truly believe that God’s timing is amazing. I needed that time of maturity, learning to work with others, learning the skills of administration and personal growth to be prepared to enter ministry.” Seminary continued the growth that began as a teacher but many new skills were learned as she moved from the secular work place to the church.

Rev. Lori and Darlene currently live outside Harrisburg in Lower Paxton Township. They are having a wonderful time exploring and getting to know PA. They especially enjoy hiking (in the cooler times of the year) and visiting many of the “tourist” sights around the area.

“I feel truly blessed to be called to MCC of the Spirit. I believe God has brought me here for just a time as this to grow with the people of this church and to learn together to reach out into our community with the grace and love of God. Darlene and I look forward to many years of service and ministry to and with MCC-Spirit.”

Bio coming soon!