Council Article -How I came to CGS

How I came to CGS

My husband John Haselden & I were searching for a social justice, Christian faith-based community.  John had been raised by a devout Southern Baptist family and I was raised by a devout Catholic family. 

We were members of MCC, {Metropolitan Community Church} until sadly it closed, for many years. MCC was a small social justice and LGBGTQ Christian church where all were welcomed.  We tried to make a difference, and succeeded some times.   From prison ministry, to giving care packages to homeless on street corner, we representing MCC in Pride parades.  At Christmas we started a gift drive for youth who were affected by HIV and AIDS or family member especially if parents were affected. Sponsored by the Jerry Larson Foodbank. I continued this on to Stanford Biology Dept. then partnered with to CGS. The foodbank no longer focuses on that purpose.  CGS is turning to The Family Giving Tree to help us direct Christmas Giving to children in need again this year.  More on that later.

We first attended CGS on Palm Sunday 2013, and became members in October 2013. A close friend know we were looking for a Christian community since the closure of MCC and told us he thought we might like CGS and did we ever!  We had attended several other congregations before CGS but we had not felt a connection.  From the moment we walked in and sat in our pews we both felt at home.  People was very friendly and genuinely interest in us! Not since MCC had we experience this.  I remember the Interim Pastor Levitica’s serum that Sunday personally spoke to me, {do not ask me the topic I cannot remember I just remember how it felt at the time}, plus the music and choir were wonderful. 

Since joining CGS, I first joined the property commit and we achieved many goals during the time as a member. I have been a member of the mixed choir since Daniel Thomas came to CGS. I have serviced 2 terms on the council and now on my 3rd.  John and I have been very blessed to be a part of this community and look forward to active and contributing to for many years to come.

​Thank you, and may God bless you all.
Joe Shackelford