| We Bid Farewell to Rev. Mark G. Bidwell MCC mourns the loss of Rev. Mark Bidwell as he transitioned from this life to the next on Tuesday, 3 January 2012. He was born on 28 December 1958. Mark was ordained into MCC in 1997, serving as the Senior Pastor of MCC Detroit (Michigan) from then until 2011. He served as an Interim Pastoral Leader for the 4 years prior and was active in MCC conferences. Mark was trained as MCC Supervising Clergy and "very much appreciated the opportunity to invest in the future clergy of MCC," as noted by Mark himself in his last clergy renewal form. He had "a great appreciation for religious diversity" as well. Mark also served on the MCC U.S. Board of Pensions from 2007 to 2011.
Rev. Elder Diane Fisher remembers Mark fondly: "He had a pastor's heart. He touched so many lives with his care at MCC Detroit. His ability to meet people where they were made him a great asset during a trip to Eastern Europe. Mark's greatest joy was his children."
 | | Rev. Mark Bidwell and Rev. Axel Schwaigert - Bucharest (Romania) Pride 2007 |
The funeral service will be held this Saturday, 7 January, at 2pm at Lynch and Sons Funeral Home, 1368 North Crooks Road, Clawson, Michigan 48017. Visitation will take place prior, beginning at 12noon.
In lieu of flowers, Mark's family has requested that memorials be made to the Ruth Ellis Center, 77 Victor Street, Highland Park, Michigan 48203. http://www.ruthelliscenter.org/
As stated on their facebook page: "The Ruth Ellis Center provides long and short-term safe space and support services for runaway, homeless and at-risk LGBTQ youth in Detroit and Southeastern Michigan, and is the midwest's only agency dedicated to serving homeless LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-atractional, Transgender and Questioning) youth." Mark served on their Board of Directors for many years.
 | | Local press interviews Rev. Mark Bidwell - Riga (Latvia) 2007 |
Mark, you will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends during this difficult time.
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