Trinity Metropolitan Community Church of Gainesville (Trinity MCC)

James Edward Merritt, Jr.

Resume

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

OdysseyChurch MCC Jacksonville November 2008 – present   Teaching Pastor

            Marriage Equality Coordinator for MCC’s Global Justice Team

Marriage Equality and Adoptions Coordinator for MCC’s Public Policy Team

MCC of Boston September 2007 – May 2008   Field Education Clergy through Episcopal Divinity School

Joy Metropolitan Community Church January 2003 – July 2006

Interim Co-Pastor

Church of the Trinity, MCC                      January 2002 – December 2003

Transfer Clergy Candidate

Staff Clergy

Tampa Bay Academy (Residential Psychiatric Center) January 1990 – May 2008. Served in many positions, including Group Advisor, Hall Coordinator, Unit Coordinator, Milieu Coordinator, Professional Relations Representative and for seven years, Director of Admissions. Finally served as Consultant for Community Relations.

St. Stephen Catholic Church

Organist/Choir Director

First Baptist Church, Port Allen, Louisiana     April 1988 – December 1989

Associate Pastor

Venice-Nokomis United Methodist Church    June 1985 – December 1987

Minister of Music and Youth

First United Methodist Church, Eustis, Florida April 1984 – June 1985

Director of Music and Youth

Stetson Baptist Church, DeLand, Florida       1982 - 1984

Pastoral Intern

Deltona Lakes Baptist Church, Deltona, Florida 1981 – 1982

Associate Pastor for Music and Youth

COMMUNITY ACTIVISM

Massachusetts Trans Political Coalition

Massachusetts Trans Political Coalition – Interfaith Coalition

Orlando Against Discrimination Organization

City of Sarasota Human Relations Committee, Chair

Sarasota Equality Project, Founding President

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Noise Abatement Committee

Interpride, Inc. Board of Directors

Florida Triangle Democratic Caucus, President Emeritus

Florida Democratic Party Central Committee, Member

Florida Democratic Party Executive Committee, Member

Florida Democratic Party Affirmative Action Committee, Member

Florida Democratic Party Judiciary Council, Member

National Stonewall Democrats, Vice Chair

Hillsborough County Florida Democratic Executive Committee

Sarasota County Democratic Executive Committee

Sarasota County Democratic Executive Committee, Affirmative Action Committee Chair

Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, Tampa, Florida, Member

Hillsborough County Florida Children’s Committee

Hillsborough County Florida Local Planning Team

Manatee County Florida Local Planning Team, Chair

Sarasota County Local Planning Team, Vice-Chair

Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto Counties Florida Local Planning Teams

AIDS Manasota, Inc., Board of Directors

Equality Florida, Board of Directors

Sarasota Pride, Inc., Founding President

EDUCATION:

Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, MA Candidate for Doctor of Ministry degree May 2010

Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, MA M.Div. May 2008

Winner of the Alison B. Cheek Prize in Feminist Liberation Theology

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana. Completed 2 years of three year Master of Divinity degree. Left due to conflict with sexual orientation and the church.

Stetson University, DeLand, Florida           Bachelor of Music, Church Music    1988

References available upon Request

Contact: gmail.com@trinitymcc
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