16219 First St.
Guerneville, CA
Google maps listing
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 1055
Guerneville, CA 95446
Website: https://www.mcc-re.org
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MCCRE82/
About this MCC church:
Mission Statement:
As a Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, and Straight community, our vision is to fulfil our call to bring peace and justice.
To this end, we seek to create a safe, welcoming atmosphere where we encourage each other to grow individually and communally.
We seek to enlarge God’s territory through inspiring, music-filled worship, and through our involvement and connection within the larger community.
Core Values:
MCCRE is dedicated to the belief that ALL individuals are precious to our Creator. The doors of MCCRE are open to all with the assurance that all who enter will be welcomed to join fully as we worship together and experience the love of God.
Brief History:
MCCRE (then Russian River MCC) was founded in Oct. 1982, by Rev. John Torres and his partner, Tim Webb. They had been attending MCC San Diego when Rev. Torres was called to plant a church at the Russian River. He initially served as Pastor at MCCRE until 1985, when he was called to start a church in Santa Rosa. Rev. Torres returned to pastor MCCRE a second time for several years in the late 90’s. Both Rev. Torres and Tim continue as active members of MCCRE today.
Other active members include retired pastor Rev. Better Pedersen and Elder Mel Johnson (Elder for the fellowship from 2001-2003). Rev. Elder Debbie Martin started her ministry at MCCRE. Rev. Scottie Shelton returned to ministry during her time at MCCRE. She is currently interim pastor at MCC in El Paso.
Over the years, MCCRE has been blessed with ministry from many ministers and lay leaders including Rev. Elder Jim Mitulski, Rev. Jack Isbel, Rev. Jody Safier, Rev. Linda Lassiter, Rev. Elisabeth Middleberg (12 years), Rev. Sharon Henry, and Rev. Norma Gann.
When founded in 1982 our church initially met at The Woods Resort in Guerneville. After that we held services at the Guerneville Community Church. In May 1999 the church moved to the Oddfellows Hall and we changed the name from Russian River MCC to MCC of the Redwood Empire. The name change indicated a shift in wanting to reach people outside of the Russian River area.
MCCRE is known as the little church on the river that can—and DOES. We have a very humanitarian congregation with outreach to nursing homes, jails/juvenile hall, supporting the unhoused, and other vulnerable populations. We also boast a high percentage of loyal members to have attended MCC for over 40 years.
A selection of photos from this church’s Facebook page (if photos do not load properly please directly visit this church’s Facebook page)
