MCC of the Palm Beaches
Wow, I can’t believe how long it’s been since I’ve written in my journal. I hate to write when I don’t feel I really have something to say – so I’m sorry it’s taken so long to feel motivated to write. I will try to do better in 2007. Anyway, on to my story…
I had three shows in January. After trips to India, feeling unbalanced afterwards, and the busy-ness of the holiday season, it was good to have three shows so close together. I finished the month of January in West Palm Beach at MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) of the Palm Beaches at the invitation of my friend, Shawn Thomas, who is a solo artist like me, but also the Minister of Music at the church.
I met Shawn (www.shawnthomasonline.com) at the 2006 Memphis Pride and we kept in touch through the remainder of 2006. Where I am a solo artist who sometimes reflects on my Christian background, Shawn is an active contemporary Christian artist with several CD’s, a book and videos – all with unabashadly Christian themes. Until I met Shawn, I didn’t really realize there were out gay artists who performed Christian music. Well, not totally true – I had heard of Jason and Demarco.
Anyway, Shawn and I talked about my coming down to sing at his church. Since my music is not overtly Christian, I figured it would be for a Saturday night concert. But the church had just recently launched a bi-monthly Sunday evening service, so Shawn asked me to sing then. He also asked me if I wanted to sing on Sunday morning.
I wondered what songs I could sing on Sunday morning that would be meaningful and appropriate for a Sunday morning service. I couldn’t find my “tracks” (tracks from contemporary Christian artists with the lead vocals removed), but if I had, I would have sung one of my alltime favorite songs (and one that I always loved to sing), “So Far, So Good” by TRUTH. So I sang two of my own songs – Lucky and As If To Say. The congregation was incredibly receptive.
The service itself was a bit overwhelming, but all in good ways. Other than special occasions, I hadn’t been to church in a long time. But being there, singing with the people in the congregation, sharing in worship, the pastor’s message, sharing communion…WOW, I was flooded with warmth and love – and reminded of all the things I loved about church. The pastor talked about being like a child (not reverting back to childlike behavior) because then we are open to receiving/accepting God’s love and grace. I definitely felt the message was timely and one that I needed to hear.
On a side note, I wear daily disposable contacts and threw my pair away the previous evening before realizing that I had forgotten to pack extras. I commented on that while I sang during the morning service, and immediately after, a dear sweet woman asked me if I knew what brand and strength I wore. I told her, and within 30 minutes after the service, she went to a local eye store, told them my story, and brought me a few pair that they gave her. Thank you, M! I appreciate that so much!
We spent a leisurely afternoon before the evening concert. The service began with some praise songs, and then it was my turn. I shared a number of songs, as well as some of the background to some of the songs. I told some funny stories and spoke honestly about my life, about the hurt I felt from being judged for being myself, about how I am trying to reconcile my faith with the peace I feel in my life today. I had a wonderful evening and hope that what I shared was meaningful to them.
I left West Palm Beach feeling blessed, touched and thankful. I felt ministered to and loved through the whole experience – and truth be known, I probably got more out of the experience than the people who heard me sing.
So to Shawn, Pastor Paul, and the wonderful people of MCC of the Palm Beaches, thank you for welcoming Eric and me – and for sharing God’s love. I appreciate you!
Set List:
Lucky
Home For The Holidays
Everything You Need
The Wild Blue Beautiful
Forgot To Forget
Just Like New
Big Man On Campus
Like A Prayer
As If To Say
Who I Am
Natural
