During an open period, people around our global MCC nominated individuals, ministries, and churches for the various awards. The Governing Board, Council of Elders, and MCC Staff were invited to vote on the nominees to see who would win the award. Congratulations to all the nominees and award winners!

Excellence in Diversity Award

ICM Séforas

São Paulo, Brasil

This award is given to honor a church that embodies and models MCC's commitment to diversity and inclusion. ICM Séforas is honored for their work with trans people in poverty.

JoNee Shelton Lay Leadership Award

JAY ALLEN CANNADY-KELDERMAN

St. John's MCC, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

This award is given to a long serving Lay Delegate. Having been a members at St. John's for 46 years, Jay has served in various roles including being the Lay Delegate consecutively for the past 10 years. Jay continues to provide valuable leadership keeping the congregation informed of MCC news. He demonstrates a deep love for MCC and his local congregation. 

Emerging Ministry Award

REV. DENIS IRAGUHA

MCC Kampala, Uganda

This award recognizes a person(s) and/or ministry that embodies MCC's vision and values and shows promise of growth and success. Pastor Denis has built MCC Kampala to see an average of 40-50 adults and 75-80 children weekly plus they serve a weekly meal and helped establish a hair salon that now employs 4 people and is self-sufficient. With support from outside sponsors, 14 children have their educational fees paid annually. The church and Pastor Denis also provide HIV education and referrals, women's groups, counseling services and more.

Rev. Vickey Gibbs Award

REV. ALEXYA SALVADOR

Mairiporã, São Paulo, Brasil

This award is given to honor an individual who embodies and models MCC's commitment to justice, diversity or children's ministry. This award winner was selected from the nominees by Cassandra White, the wife of Rev. Vickey Gibbs (deceased). A mother of three adopted children, Alexya was the first trans woman to obtain the right to adopt. Two of her children are trans girls and the third is a disabled boy. Alexya was vice-president of an important association of homoaffective and transaffective families in Brasil - ABRAFH. 

Rev. Elder Dr. Mona West Award

REV. DR. SANDRA BOCHONOK

Silverdale, Washington, USA

This award is given to honor individuals or congregations that are excelling in the area of spiritual development. This award winner was chosen by Rev. Elder Dr. Mona West in recognition of Sandra's faithful service as a spiritual director in the Office of Formation and Leadership Development's spiritual direction program. 

Excellence in Technology Ministry Award 

DAVID E. PICKETT

Whosoever MCC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

MCC KNOXVILLE AV TEAM

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

ST. JOHN'S MCC AV TEAM

Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

This award is given to a church technology minister/ministry or a ministry group that demonstrates excellence in the use of technology to further the mission of the church or group. This year, recognition is given to three technology ministries/ministers for their development of hybrid worship and digital outreach.

Bob Crocker Award for Excellence in Music Ministry 

ORGENA ROSE

Bristol, England

Named for Bob Crocker who led music at MCC San Francisco and at General Conference for many years, this award celebrates excellence in music ministry in a local or global context. Orgena Rose is recognized for her many contributions including her online concerts during the pandemic and the "We Are MCC" song and music video premiered at the 2022 General Conference. 

Outstanding Service Award for Music Ministry

JANE SYFTESTAD

Sarasota, Florida, USA

Outstanding Service awards may be given in different categories such as Music Ministry. This year we recognize Jane's service as Music Director for two General Conferences and for many years at Founders MCC (Los Angeles, California, USA).

The Ed Paul Award for Transitional Ministry 

LETICIA SOUZA

Cabo Frio (RJ), Brasil 

This award is given to an outstanding Interim Pastor. Leticia is recognized for her dedicated work with ICM Sol da Justiça. 

Jennifer Justice and Carlos Chavez Young Adult Award

LEO ROSSETTI

Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

This award is named for Carlos Chavez and Jennifer Justice, whose commitment to Young Adult leadership and inclusion in MCC has changed the denomination forever. This awards is given to young adults who demonstrate MCC’s values, and who show promise of future leadership in MCC. This year, we recognize a decade of service to ICM by Léo Rossetti.

Edith Allen Perry Award

BARB AND KEITH KOCIBA and FAMILY

Whosoever MCC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

This award is given to parents and/or family members who unconditionally love their LGBTQ+ children. The whole Kociba family is an example of family members supporting each other and embracing those who embrace their children.

Ecumenical Award

REV. DR. AXEL SCHWAIGERT

Salt of the Earth MCC, Stuttgart, Germany

This award recognizes leadership across ecumenical ministries. Rev. Schwaigert is recognized for his work with Rainbow Pilgrims of Faith and the World Council of Churches.  

Human Rights Award

REV. ALEXYA SALVADOR

Mairiporã, São Paulo, Brasil

This award is given in honor of outstanding contributions to the work of human rights including the connection of faith and human rights. We recognize Rev. Alexya's untiring work for the rights of trans people.

Purple Grass Award

REV. LUIZ GUSTAVO SILVA

ICM Rio de Janiero, Brasil

This award is named for a sermon preached by Rev. Elder Freda Smith, the first woman ordained in MCC and elected an Elder. It is given to persons who have a passion for Evangelism, and for sharing the vision and message of MCC in creative and innovative ways. Rev. Luiz is recognized for his effective sharing of the Inclusive Gospel through social media networks especiallyTikTok.  

Kerry Brown Award for Distinguished Leadership 

PASTOR VANCE HAYWOOD

St. John's MCC, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

This award is named after a pioneering lay leader, who, among many roles and offices she held, was a founder and mover of the pension plan for clergy in the US. This award honors outstanding service to MCC as a Lay Leader. As a Lay Pastoral Leader, Pastor Vance models invitation and engagement from coordinating a delegation to Washington DC for the Poor People's Campaign March, to rallies, and to providing leadership to a robust spiritual community.

Rev. John Hose Award for Dedicated and Faithful Service by a Clergy Person in MCC 

REV. MARTHA DANIELS

Brookfield, Illinois, USA

Named after Rev. Elder John H. Hose, one of the first MCC clergy who became part of the first Board of Elders, served as Treasurer of MCC, and who contributed a great deal to MCC’s Statement of Faith, this award honors outstanding service to MCC as Clergy. Rev. Martha is recognized for her outstanding work in prison ministry, for her passion, for successfully obtaining grants for prison ministry, and for coordinating with others who have a heart to share the God's love and acceptance to those in prison.

Network Ministry Award 

ICM BRASIL

This award is given to a Network for excellent service to its local churches and leaders. The Brasil network has been committed to developing their network including establishing the National Retreat. They assist with the formation of new groups and provide paths and protocols that bring ICM in Brasil closer together despite geographical distances. During the 2022 General Conference, they hosted an inspiring and effective gathering and streaming party.