Who We Are

Mission statement

To reach the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Affirming community, family and friends; by providing a Christ-centered, safe, and nurturing environment for spiritual growth.

Core values

We are a Christian family. Our church is a spiritual home celebrating diversity in blended Christ-centered worship. We believe that we are called to be a priesthood of all believers. We practice direct dealing, tithing, and active discipleship in social action.

Finding a church that is right for you can be a difficult process. The best way to find out if a church is going to meet your needs is to simply pay it a visit and see how it feels, but walking into a church for the first time can be scary. If you’re thinking about coming along to New Light for the first time then these are the kind of questions you might ask;

Q: What happens at a Sunday Service?

A: From about 10am the doors are open and people start to arrive and gather in the sanctuary. There are greeters at the door to hand you a bulletin and provide you with a welcome pack if this is your first visit. You are free to sit wherever you feel most comfortable in the sanctuary. As a new person it is most likely that you will be greeted by a few people during this time.

Around 10:15 you’ll see a group meet for prayer before the Altar. This is a lay led group which prays before the service starts. If you’d like to join them in prayer it’s a very informal group led each week by a member of the church prayer group. They’re simply praying, as they feel  led, for God’s presence to be with us in worship.
At 10:30am all those involved in the service generally gather in the Kitchen (through the back door of the sanctuary) for prayer. The service generally follows this following format every week.

• The service starts with welcome and announcements.
• The congregation is lead in a spoken "call to worship" and respond by reading the print in bold type.
• We take a few moments to pass the peace. Many at New Light shake hands or hug, this is completely up to your personal preference and how well you might know the people around you.
• We sing our opening hymn or song.  (Music is often led by a choir member).
• Scripture Reading - this is printed in your bulletin.
• Gospel Reading - also printed in your bulletin - you will be advised by the reader that it is customary, if you are comfortable doing so, to stand during this reading.
• We sing another hymn or song.
• The lesson is delivered. As a rule Rev. Michael Hydes, the Pastor of New Light, preaches. On occasion, when Rev. Michael is away, a lay minister or guest preacher may bring the Word.
• We sing another hymn or song. During this song we collect gifts and tithes of our community. If this is your first visit with us, please don't feel obligated to give as we pass the collection plate. You are our special guest and it is our privilege that you have come to worship with us.
• Communion (See below).
• We sing our closing song.
• We close by saying the following benediction together, printed in the bulletin;

One: Let us say the Grace together. We humbly ask as we leave that..
All: ..the grace of our Risen Christ Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, ever more, AMEN.

• After the service many gather in the kitchen area and the fellowship hall behind the sanctuary for refreshments. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are usually available with light snacks (cookies). Occasionally there will be something more substantial.

Q: What happens at Communion?

A: Like all Metropolitan Community Churches, New Light MCC offers an "Open Communion Table". You don't have to be a member of this community, or any to participate in this sacrament. All the children of God are welcome at this table and YOU are a child of God. In order that everyone may feel welcome we serve a non-alcoholic cup (Grape juice). We serve by "intinction" which means we break off a piece of Communion bread or take a Communion wafer, dip it in the cup and serve you. It is our custom to offer a prayer of blessing with Communion. If you would only like a prayer of blessing, let us know as you approach. If you prefer to take Communion yourself, in the quiet of your own heart, there will be a "Silent Holder" standing with a cup and plate in the foyer.  Just take a piece of bread or Communion wafer, dip it in the cup, and serve yourself.  If you'd like to join us in Communion an usher will direct you. Also, Communion is optional, depending on your preference.

Q: How many people attend a Sunday service?

A: On average around  60.

Q: What ratio identify as men and women?

A: This can vary but there is generally a good mix.

Q: Is everyone Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgendered?

A: No. We are a Christian church with a special outreach to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Affirming community, their family and friends.

Q: What ratio of Straight to LGBT?

A: This can vary but there is generally a good mix.

Q: Is there parking available?

A: Yes, there is a parking lot next to the church.

Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?

A: The Sanctuary, Kitchen and Social Hall are accessible. The restrooms are unfortunately not yet fully accessible, neither are the administrative offices (upstairs). There are designated handicap parking spaces available.

Q: What time does the building open on Sundays?

A: The sanctuary is open from 10am

Q: What time does the service start?

A: 10:30am

Q: How long is the service?

A: The entire service is usually completed by about 11:45am

Q: What style of music do you have?

A: We have a mix of traditional hymns and praise and worship songs.

Q: What is the dress code?

A: Casual

Q: What other activities and ministries do you have?

A: New Light is happy to host groups that do not have space of their own. We also have a number of ministries run by deacons and other members of the church.  Check here for a listing. 

We hope to see you soon!