A compilation album project to raise visibility of the issue of ordination of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer (GLBTQ) pastors and raise funds for scholarships and debt relief for the GLBTQ pastors that have chosen to be or have been forced outside of the ELCA roster of pastors.
Out of the Extraordinary features 14 songs that were genrously donated by artists and groups to support the vital work of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries. This diverse collection, features many famous Lutheran and GLBTQ artists, two renowned choral groups, a former LLGM Board member, a member of the ELM clergy roster, an ELM staff member, and a child of a former LLGM board member.
Playlist:
To the Tune of a Welcoming God, by poet, theologian, essayist, and activist David Weiss, explores the divisive questions of whether and how the church might welcome the GLBT Christians at its doorstep—and already in its pews. Writing with academic training, prophetic passion, and poetic insight, Weiss invites readers to revisit these questions through poems, essays, and hymns that are at once engaging and provocative. While rooted deeply in his own Lutheran context, Weiss’s words reach far beyond, challenging, encouraging, and empowering persons regardless of their particular tradition. With a forward by Pastor Anita Hill.
The MCC Toronto Choir is the Chancel Choir for the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, located at 115 Simpson Avenue.
The Choir is an integral part of the church community offering their voices at both Sunday Services, 9 am and 11 am.
The Choir has grown into a formidable group of talented vocalists under the leadership of Music Director, Diane Leah, and Associate Music Director, Dan Rutzen. The Choir has approximately 50 members, and has four vocal groups: Soprano, Tenor, Alto and Bass. Their musical style is eclectic, and Sunday Services incorporate both traditional hymns and contemporary music to suit all of the over 550 congregants that attend weekly. The Choir’s voices are not confined to the walls of the church however. The Choir performs at many different functions throughout each year, and they grow to include non-regular members and become known as The Festival Choir for such performances, including Church on The Street during Pride Toronto Festivities, and The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto’s Annual Christmas Eve Service at Roy Thomson Hall.