Sunday, November 24, 2013

Today was MCC’s last 5pm service at 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. I have been attending this church for 3+ years. This building (1333 S. Carrollton) was where I found MCC New Orleans. As I think about the move there are feelings of happiness and sadness. 

Before service the leadership gathered for a brief moment to reflect on the sanctuary of CSM UCC, the space we have called home for the past 7+ years. We reflected on our church, MCC New Orleans, the current status, the future realizing that MCC New Orleans is not 1333 S. Carrollton or 6200 St. Charles Ave, but the people who support MCC New Orleans with their finances, prayers, time and talents. 

Beginning service was a joyous moment, we were ready. Ready to worship one last time at 5pm. As the service continued, many moments brought tears to my eyes thinking about the last time this, that, etc… Parker preached, and wow what a simple message “Define Me”. Within his message he covered our core vales, our mission, and our vision, all which are critical in the move. 

Towards the end service was pretty emotional for me. I allowed Russ, our keyboard player who has been apart of MCCNO for 17+ years to play our song “Something Beautiful”. This brought tears to his eyes playing it on the piano he played it on 7 years ago when the church moved to this location. Allowing him to play it one last time at 1333 S. Carrollton was important for me. His work with the Music Department has lead it to this point. 

I played the final song “In The Midst of New Dimensions” on the pipe organ, one last time to be used in worship for MCCNO. I lost it then… What a joyous moment playing such an amazing instrument for the glory of God and the sound off for MCCNO. After the song came the hardest though.. The candle of hope, which was lit for the move, and the future of the church, was carried out by Mike in a lantern. On December 1, in our new home, the candle will be brought in showing the transition of MCCNO to its new home.

I am personally thankful to CSMUCC for allowing our church to use the space, the gracious use of the instruments available and the love and support they have shown our church. Thank you CSMUCC!