Emerald City MCC FAQs
Q: Is everyone really welcome?
A: Absolutely! All who are fully respectful of others are welcome to attend, participate, receive Holy Communion, and become members. We are a primarily LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community, but cisgender heterosexuals are fully welcome as well. If you do not identify as Christian, you are fully welcome without pressure to believe anything in particular. Whoever you are outside the church, we want to celebrate that person inside!
Q: What is your dress code?
A: Most people dress casually. You are welcome to dress up, but it is not an expectation. Transgender and gender-queer folks are welcome and encouraged to dress according to gender identity and expression. Our church is a safe space to explore your gender expression!
Q: Where are you located?
A: The Wesley Club, 1414 NE 42nd St #202, Seattle, WA 98105 (15th Ave. entrance), a part of Russel Hall.
Q: Do you have parking?
A: Street parking is available for free on Sundays. The University Bookstore lot is also available for a small fee or a bookstore purchase
Q: Is the church handicap accessible?
A: Yes! There is an elevator to the Wesley Club from the 42nd St. entrance. It is helpful to let us know ahead of time if you require the elevator. If not, ring the doorbell when you arrive.
Q: Are you a ‘Christ-centered’ church?
A: We are a Progressive Christian church, centered in the loving teachings and spirituality of Jesus Christ. We do not identify as evangelical, but those who do identify as such are welcome.
Q: Are you a ‘Bible-based’ church?
A: We teach that the Bible is a human document, written by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit within the cultural context of the Ancient Near East. We do not read the Bible literally, but rather seek wisdom from it in order to build relationship with God. We never use the Bible to oppress anyone, as we know has been done too often. We also do not treat the Bible as the fourth member of the Trinity.
Q: What Bible translations do you use?
A: The most scholarly personal bible is the New Revised Standard Version (updated edition), as well as the Common English Bible, both of which are available to read for free on Bible Gateway. We also use The Inclusive Bible by Priests for Equality. In worship, we use A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church by Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney.
Q: Are you a ‘Spirit-filled’ church?
A: We are not a Pentecostal/Holiness church. However, we certainly affirm the moving of the Holy Spirit in our worship and in our lives.
Q: Do you perform weddings?
A: Yes! Our Pastor, Rev. Brian Hutchison is available to perform same-gender or heterosexual weddings or holy unions / relationship blessings.
Q: Do you perform baptisms?
A: Yes! All who seek relationship with God through Jesus Christ are welcome to be baptized in the name of the Creator, Christ, and Holy Spirit. We will also baptize infants and children, though we also offer a Dedication to Christian Life if parents would like children to choose baptism when they are older. We typically baptize by sprinkling/pouring water on the head, though immersion could be arranged. Holy Baptism is a Sacrament in MCC, which is an outer sign of an inner transformation. The baptized affirms new life in Christ, leaving behind ego-centered living.
Q: Do you provide counseling?
A: We do not provide certified psychotherapy or counseling, but our Pastor is happy to provide spiritual guidance for individuals and relationships. He is available to visit you at a coffee house, in the hospital, or at home.
Q: Are you a family church?
A: We affirm many configurations of family from traditional to polyamorous. Some of our members have children who participate regularly in worship. We anticipate creating a new children’s ministry soon.