Welcome MCC in the Valley! Date Joined: February 8, 2011.
When you walk through the doors of Metropolitan Community Church in the Valley, the first thing that comes to mind is “home.” There are comfortable sofas for members to unwind and have reflective conversations in. Their is a sense of family, of belonging, made palpable by the warmth of the staff, volunteers and Reverends Joseph and Bob Shore-Goss.
This ecologically-minded congregation has taken many steps in caring for Earth, partly at the behest of theologian/Pastor Bob Shore-Goss, including an organic garden and composting, the use of non-disposable kitchen items and advocacy on issues like Prop. 23. The grounds of MCC in the Valley are slowly being changed over to more ecological and aesthetic uses, with a goal of placing permeable concrete, which will absorb rainwater. The facility itself is making admirable changes in its use of energy with the use of CFL’s and other energy-efficient lighting, as well as a tankless water heater, and is evaluating the use of low/no-flow toilets.
In 2010, MCC in the Valley worked with Broad Street Energy in placing a PV system on its roof. The dedication of the system last December was attended by Los Angeles City Councilman Tom Labonge. It is due to be fully connected to the grid soon.
But Pastor Bob Shore-Goss, who teaches at Claremont and Cal State Northridge, is not limiting his ecological outreach to just his parish. He is bringing the good word to a whole host of congregations in the interfaith community, encouraging them to take action as well.
One of MCC’s goal is to develop and post segments on YouTube devoted to various aspects of ecology. Already, its Sunday services are posted for members who are not able to attend church, and for the larger community. We look forward to keeping tabs on what may come next from MCC! In the meantime, you can check out this active congregation for yourself by clicking here.
