Members of aChurch4Me?, a Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in Lakeview, will temporarily meet at Second Stage Theatre, 3408 N. Sheffield Ave.
What originally started as a small Bible study at the Center on Halsted in 200, blossomed into an MCC congregation hosting worship services for more than 70 members at National Pastime Theater in Lakeview.
The theater abruptly moved locations, so aChurch4Me? scrambled to find a new venue, leasing Second Stage Theatre for six weeks. Because the temporary space only seats 57 people, Sunday worship services have been split into 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. sessions.
"We call it 'church in a box,'" said Pastor Rachelle Brown. "Pretty much, we have things in totes and they go down in the basement. We bring it up and set up."
During this temporary move, the church will assess the congregation's needs, and decide on possibly renting a permanent space full time. In the meantime, they will also host weekly Bible studies in six different neighborhoods.
"We see [the move] as an opportunity to see what other organizations like us and are looking for larger space like we are, with the same vision of helping people, social justice and that are making space available for folks that are GLBT, so they don't even thinking twice about walking in the church," said Brown.
Gay men who were kicked out of their own churches because of their sexuality founded MCC in 1968. MCC prides itself on non-traditional, contemporary spirituality worship.
"Christianity is missing something very big. We're not interested in reforming any particular Christian church, we're interested in reforming Christianity, and opening the door and saying, 'The way people have read the Bible about sexuality in the past is completely inaccurate to the intent of the way it was written,'" said Brown.
In that way, MCC is a unique religious denomination, because it is founded by and for the LGBT community. Although, Brown stresses that everyone is welcome at aChurch4Me?
"They feel the need to explore spirituality in a safe way," said Brown. "While churches may be open, may be welcoming, we understand that sometimes the welcome comes with a 'but we don't really understand you.' There's a discomfort sometimes."
The church is using Facebook, email and phone calls to update members on the venue change.