The First Time We Met

I did not know Rev. Jeri Ann well at all. I watched her from a distance, a few times, when I was blessed to attend a service where she preached and offered healing prayer. The longest conversation I had with her was no more than two or three minutes — and that included a prayer. But I am certain that I will never forget it.

She had preached and I felt compelled to go to her for prayer afterward. There is no way, that I know of, that she could have known anything about me, except by revelation. As soon as I reached her, she took both of my hands in hers, and looked in (or through, as it felt) my eyes and she said, “You are called to be an ordained minister of this church. And you must. We need you.” Then she prayed for me and for my ministry, which did not yet exist in the form for which she prayed. When she was done, she said, “You will be a pastor. And those will be the best years of your life.”

That was approximately five years ago when, unknown to her, I had just been accepted at Duke Divinity School. My life since then has been a walk guided much more by faith than by sight. I was ordained last year and installed as pastor of MCC-New Haven last month. And I cannot remember a time, when I have felt apprehensive or uncertain about it all, when that memory has not come back to me, especially the words, “You will be a pastor. And those will be the best years of your life.”

While sad for us, I rejoice in knowing that Jeri Ann is now living the best years of hers.

God bless you, Rev. Jeri Ann, and thank you.

Marilyn

I first met Jeri Ann is a small storefront church in Houston, Tx. (MCC of the Resurrection) in 1975. I had no idea who this scraggly haired butch was at the time, only to learn she was a student clergy from Oklahoma who was visiting as part of her training. Later, as a member of the BOD I was pleased to vote with the rest of the board to bring her to Houston as Pastor. I watched her grow over the years and benefited greatly from her spirit, her knowledge and her friendship. I had the joy of knowing her through good and bad times and was saddened when she left Houston for more challenging pastures. Stories I could tell! and pictures to back them! Those memories are flooding back today and mixing with the tears. I thank God for each and every contact I had with Jeri Ann over the years and remember fondly the last time I saw her in Little Rock, AR when she came and preached for MCC of the Rock’s anniversery service. She got off the plane with that “bitchin”(her words) white stripe in her hair and bowled me over. As the song says “There’s a hole in the floor of heaven, and she’s watching over you and me.” Jeri Ann, sing and dance with the angels. JUDY APPLIN

I just found out today that my dear and precious sister went Home to the arms of The Saviour she loved and served so well here.

I met Rev. Jerri when I was a deacon and then student clergy at MCC Worcester then became MorningStar MCC under Rev. Emmet J. Watkins. I had “stars” in my eyes back then! She was the person I looked up too and, the person who taught me humility! I can remember one day, when I was in tears, over the “trials” of student clergy. She ever so tenderly in her motherly, yet stern, way that she had and said, “honey, what are you crying for?” Did Jesus call you into the ministry? Tearfully I answered, “yes, but…” “No buts”, she said because when Jesus calls there is not a man or woman on earth that can stop it!

My spouse Glenda and I remember another special time riding with them one Saturday just laughing. She had a wonderful, infectious and, yes, spiritual laugh! We stopped in a park or something and there was a stream and Jerri Ann decided that she was just going to play!

Glenda remembers interviewing her for the church newsletter. Other than Pastor Watkins, she was the only other pastor who Glenda credits for leading her to Christ!

On one other occassion we remember going for breakfast with her and Gill at Big Boys restaurant in Worcester. In those days, as I shared, I was a scared and insecure woman. I too had a vision the first of course to be a pastor but, my second was to have a program for homeless glbt and straight teens. I was in the process of writing my senior thesis “Good News Home from Vision to Reality.” I asked her if she would mind reading just a couple of pages and tell me what she thought. She replied, “honey, why would I do that?” “Give it to me and I will read it all!” I was so very, very blessed to think that she would do that for me.

To wrap this up, Rev. Watkins passed and I stayed and, after Nancy Alairie also went home I served with two others on the Interim Pastoral Team. It was then that I most certainly knew that I was in the right place. MCC Richmond, VA was canditating and my spouse and I went down. Once again, there was Jerri Ann! She pulled me aside and prayed with me and, while I didn’t get that call, she told me that “God will show you where you need to go, you know that.” She was right! The very next year my thesis became a reality when I received funding to open Good News Ministry in Richmond! The program ran for almost four years when the Government Funding ran out. That was not a bad thing, however because, once again her words returned. God very clearly spoke to me, “I told you to write the vision I never told you to run it! There are a people in need of a shepherd now go there will be someone else to carry on Good News.”

I left MCC admist many mixed emotions but I never forgot the lessons I learned there! I was invited to a retreat of The Alliance of Christian Churches and I knew this was what my sister was saying! I was home. I was ordained and served a pastor of Heaven’s Tableland Christian Church in Williamsburg, VA for 10 years. Two years ago Glenda and I came back to Massachusetts and I am still active in ministry both in Bible Studies and counseling.

When I received the news about my sister I cried from both, sadness and thankfulness that God allowed me to be blessed by knowing Rev. Jerri Ann Harvey!! Thank you my sister and I will see you at, “THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT!”

Just as a side note, some of you may remember me as “Candy” Buteau. I legally changed my name to my birth name and my brother’s Kenn last name of Barr.

God be with you Rev. Gillian and with the family you will be in my thoughts and my prayers! Thank you for sharing her with me and, indeed, with all of us!

In His Service,
Adelle

Jeri Ann and I were friends. Our 7 year old inner children connected in a very playful way. One night we were shopping for deals at Big Lots with our other 7 year old friend, Ann Vassilaros. When our spouses found out, they were scared. Very scared, because we had no adult supervision!

I loved her laugh, her love for life, her exuberance when she saw me and I loved sharing “Minkey” days with her. We were family to each other.

Jeri Ann was happy to see Nancy become Moderator but secretly she was happier that I became “First Lady.”

Gill: I mourn with you and celebrate Jeri Ann’s life with you. I can’t even imagine what you are going through. I wish I were there to comfort you and support you as you go through this dramatic life transition. Know I love you and you are in my thoughts.

I look forward to reading everyone’s comments because if you knew Jeri Ann you have a story to tell. She loved telling stories and I know she would appreciate all of the stories we can tell about her.

Jeri Ann was larger than life and her presence and leadership will be dearly missed. But for me I will also miss Jeri Ann’s humanity. I was challenged and blessed to get to know Jeri ann when I did my clergy candidacy with Rev. Elder Gill Storey as my supervisor. As I have reflected over the past two days, I have found myself smiling at those “real” moments – when Jeri’s cell phone went off during my first sermon or the kitten who scratched her face because she got to close (even though she was alergic) and so many more special moments. From Jeri I learned about healing prayer, was encouraged to take chances beyond my comfort zone, and came to a greater capacity of understanding to hang on and to never lose hope. Because there is always hope. I will miss you Jeri Ann.

Gill, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.

So many wonderful memories of Jeri Ann. Like Bruce said, Gil and Jeri were tied at the hip. My (then) husband, Keith and I first joined MCC it was the feeling of warmth from both of them that helped us to go back. Our two kids, Emma and Jordan, thought of them as adopted grandparents. They were true friends. When keith and I split up, it was Gil and Jeri Ann that were there for both of us, even though they were miles away. I remember Stephanie’s sermon and Jeri’s phone ringing. Jeri exclaimed “There is God calling now!” There were times when we were out on the portico of the church hiding Gil from Jeri. They had a playful relationship and a loving one. An inspiration for Keith and I. I think my favorite memories of her will be her sitting in the front pew while we were in the choir loft singing. There was such bliss and understanding on her face. The Spirits of Joy seemed to give her spirit a lift.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about Jeri and Gil.

Gil I want you to know that you are still in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you both. Jeri was a team player, a true member, a champion of mine and i will always treasure her.

Bubba if you are reading this, I remember how heartbroken you were when Jeri and Gil left. Even though this isn’t easy for you, I w3ould like to think that God called Jeri home so that she could watch over you and the rest of us, from where ever we are.

Much love to you Jeri, Gil, Bubba, and members of MCCR and MCC

Michael J. Sargent
Dexter, Maine

I’m a deacon at Church of the Trinity UFMCC, Sarasota, Fl. I’ve only known Jeri Ann Harvey since 1990, but the impact she made on my life is not measured by time or place but by passion for life.

I’m saddened by what I consider the loss of a matriarch for UFMCC.
Jeri Ann Harvey was one of the reasons I knew God’s hand was on this Fellowship. One could not attend a healing service with Jeri Ann without experiencing the power of God’s Healing Spirit and the energy coming from this woman to all who would receive it. She was without a doubt what we call “a character”. Her passion and energy just burst forth! But Jeri Ann could also be serious about getting the word out that God’s inclusive love and justice was here and now! I

t happened that my partner’s 98 year old uncle and her 94 year old Mother passed on the same week, in fact her Mother died the same day as Jeri Ann. It was incredible to lose the three patriarch/ matriarchs in a few days. I felt the same sense of family loss; spiritual as well as birth families. For truly Jeri Ann was part of my spiritual family.

My heart lifts when I think of all the difference she made to so many in our Beloved Family. I know many, including myself have been blessed physically and spiritually to have known her and that she’s still running things from the Gates of Heaven!

God blessed Jeri Ann!

From one of the ‘Clowns’

Remembering Rev. Elder Jeri Ann Harvey

I remember the first time I laid eyes on Jeri Ann Harvey; she scared the hell out of me. And maybe as it turns out, that wasn’t such a bad thing considering all the baggage I was carrying in. This was a severe looking dyke, even with a paisley print shirt on, with this white swoop of hair feathered to the back of her head. But the deep lines on her face told me there was wisdom there too. It was my first time going to MCC Richmond, and as is too typical, I took a seat on the next to the back pew for quick escape if need be. I wanted to make a very inconspicuous presence and wasn’t even sure I’d even admit to being there. I was virtually bowled over by this little dynamo they called Rev. Gill Storey, but still there was this other woman and the rest of the folks I wasn’t so sure about. A few weeks past and I agreed to meet up with my new friend Donnie at church. This time it was different, Donnie introduced me to many of the people he knew and waited till after service to introduce me to Gill and Jeri Ann. The sermon was awesome, and communion was something sorely missing in my life. Witnessing the people waiting their turn for special prayers, with this “retired” Elder, was moving. She held each one with such love and compassion that I yearned to be in her arms. When we were introduced, and each spoke with such beckoning love, all fear melted away. I’ve been there ever since.
Time passed and I met George and he started attending church with me. He was smitten right away. Jeri was scheduled to preach one morning. As she made her way down to the front pew, she overheard some giggling and snickering from a few of the youngsters seated with their families. When she got up to preach, she spun around and said, “I’m not particularly offended by the rude comments I heard earlier, but I want to clear something up for you.” You could hear a pin drop on the carpet. She continued, “I am not a fat woman, I am a SUBSTANTIAL WOMAN…” Hallelujah! Amen sister! We rolled laughing as she retorted, “…and you’ll do best to remember that!” Touché in deed!
It was dress rehearsal night for MCCR’s Christmas Cantata ‘A Family Christmas.’ Jeri Ann was about to find out what I had just learned a few weeks earlier. She had been secretly scheduled to perform with the elusive (long retired, as far as anyone knew), legendary drag queen- Miss Joanna Powers, who’d won just about every drag title there was. Joanna burst into the Celebration Hall where Gill was standing next to Jeri sitting by the door, with a slight wave, never above the crown, she smartly spun around searching for a chair to put on her nails and left. “Who the hell was that?” Jeri quipped. “That was Miss Joanna, she’s in the show.” Gill answered. “Who?” Jeri exclaimed. “Love, you know David,” Gill asked. “Yes darlin’ I know David.” Gill continued, “And you know George, David’s partner?” “Yes Gill,” with some slight irritation Jeri responded. “Well that’s not George but Miss Joanna.” Gill explained. “NO! Well I’ll be…” Jeri mused. The two performers would astound the crowd as the drums began to boom-ba-boom to Miss Joanna strutting down the isle as the ‘Snow Princess,’ the crowd erupted in applause, everyone thought she was the queen. When Jeri Ann entered the room, draped in white tulle and tiara the crowd roared with excitement, she was ‘The Queen.’ It was a re-coming out for both divas and the beginning of an unbreakable bond. The four of us would spend hours on the speaker-phone sharing stories, they on their patio, we on our deck, all, with an inner presence of sharing.
When Gill answered the call to serve the fellowship as Elder for Region7, it was hard to let them go, but God’s purpose needed to be met. Gill and I promised each other not to say good-bye, but fair-well, as we held back the tears that day in the Celebration Hall.
Throngs of people made their way up to the salon where the ‘Healing Service’ was to take place in Calgary. The room soon filled to overflowing with over 500 wanting to be present. Jeri Ann, her voice now weaker offered a message of hope and prayers of healing to the gathering. The cadre of prayer ministers and catchers formed a line across the front of the room, flanking the frail Cherokee woman, who had pastored the ‘Mother Church’ decades before. A true American woman who was a daughter, descended from the ‘Trail of Tears,’ a mother to generations to come, a lover that shared the most intimate of feelings, a soldier who fought against injustice, a pastor, a healer and a friend, it seemed impossible that she would be the one. As I stepped forward toward the end of the long line that crowded the isle, the sea parted, and there sat the woman whose arms I longed to be in. Without me saying anything more than I want to pray for you too; she raised her weary hand to the cross hanging from my neck, pressed gently into the shirt that shrouded the eight inch scar and said, “I know why you’ve come. You need healing of the heart and also the soul. God has touched your heart because you’ve given yourself to God. Your journey is not done and Jesus will see you through…” Boom, the next I know I’m looking up at the chandelier, looking down at me. I get up and look into the eyes of this dear sage, tranquility surrounds me, and I am moved.
History is not often made where we are; sometimes we need to get up and go make it. A bus load of us rode up 95 to the National Cathedral one late October morning in 2005. We would join MCCers from all over the world to pay tribute and witness the installation of Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson to the helm of our movement. Miss Joanna Powers, the reigning Miss MCC Richmond- crowned by Rev. Gill Storey on Pride Sunday 2001, stepped off the bus wearing a new ensemble, Dianna would have been proud of this drag queen. As the Elders recessed that historic event, Rev. Elder Troy Perry- founder of MCC, nodded to Miss Joanna (she had previously serenaded him during our Silver Anniversary with ‘I Still Have A Dream’ by Marsha Stevens), and Rev. Elder Gill Storey grabbed her hand. “There’s my girl!” Jeri said as Joanna and I broke through the crowd. Joanna knelt down before our ailing friend and kissed her hand. The four of us embraced and wept. Somehow we knew that this was to be the last time we’d be together in this life.
Jim ‘Bubba’ Bruce called me to tell me of Jeri’s passing. I met him at church shortly after and he shared with me the conversation he’d had with Gill. The scene she described to him, of her day was surreal. The stormy morning would be different. Jeri’s face was peaceful for tea. Gill canceled her normal errands she’d scheduled that day to stay with Jeri. The two shared the moment and conversed for a time. Gill looked over; her beloved Jeri Ann had slipped the bonds of her earthly journey, into the arms of Eternity. Calm had filled the room as Gill collected herself; she peered out the window and beheld rainbows filled the sky. From every window the picture was the same. She stepped outside and there were rainbows upon rainbows. Jeri Ann had crossed the Rainbow Bridge; she was safely home. Well done dear friend- God’s faithful servant. I will never see rainbows the same again.
Gill: You were her sunshine as she was yours; you both remain the wind beneath our wings.

Forever Yours,
David R. Wilson
MCC Richmond