From a Small Gathering to a Thriving Community

In 2009, six people gathered to explore the creation of an MCC church in The Villages, Florida. By January 2010, 23 people came together for the first worship service of Open Circle Metropolitan Community Church in a shared space.

Rev. Sandra Emery

Interim Pastor of Open Circle MCC

Rev. Sandra Emery serves as the Interim Pastor of Open Circle Metropolitan Community Church in Belleview, Florida. Ordained in 2020 after accepting her call to ministry in 2018, she has also served in leadership roles within the Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, including Associate Pastor and Clerk of the Board. In addition to her pastoral ministry, Rev. Emery is the Associate Chief of Human Resource Management at the Malcolm Randall VA Health System in Gainesville, bringing over 20 years of Human Resources leadership experience and a distinguished 28-year career in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. She holds advanced degrees in Business Management and is currently a fourth-year Master of Divinity student at Mercer University. Rev. Emery is passionate about preaching a transformative Gospel rooted in faith, integrity, and compassion, and she cherishes time with her wife, Michele, and their shared commitment to service.

Smiling clergyman wearing green stole and cross necklace.
Smiling man with light hair and a goatee.

James Hunt

Vice Moderator/Board of Directors

James Hunt was born and raised in The Bronx, NYC along with his 5 brothers and a sister. He graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC in with a degree in Textiles and Merchandising. He was employed for 34 years as a buyer and senior buyer for both Filenes Basement and Syms clothing stores in NYC jointly until his move to Florida in 2010. He attended school to prepare for a position in healthcare at Hospice of Marion County in Ocala until his retirement in 2025. James attended a wedding at Open Circle MCC in 2016 as a guest and started attending services. He truly found his home there and loves the diversity of the congregation. In his spare time, he loves to spend time with his large family up North and traveling throughout Europe.

Jeanne Cooper

My Journey with Open Circle MCC

In 2018, I made the significant decision to move from Woodbridge, Connecticut, to The Villages, Florida. After settling in Florida, I began attending services at Open Circle MCC in 2019. My involvement with the church grew steadily, and I soon became a member. Following Pastor Rob’s departure, I became the third member of the Board, working alongside Lynne Jones and Helen Felicky.

Over the years, I have been actively involved in many aspects of church life at Open Circle MCC. I am a member of the sound and technology team and also contribute by helping with kitchen duties, participating in both holiday setup and takedown, and engaging in Sunday services as a reader and choir member. I have helped coordinate various fundraising events and assist with other responsibilities as needs arise.

Currently, I serve as Secretary on the Board of Directors. I have also represented our church as a Lay Delegate, attending the UFMCC National Conference in Arizona.

Open Circle MCC has provided a supportive and inclusive spiritual home where I can connect with others and deepen my faith.

Woman in white shirt stands near stained glass window.
Man smiling in front of a colorful circular stained glass window.

Angel Palermo

Treasurer/Board of Directors

Angel Palermo was born in the Bronx and raised in Queens, NYC along with his 2 brothers. He graduated Murry Bergtraum HS for business careers. He was a paralegal, then studied and became a NYC EMT-D. He left that and became a Director of Dining in NYC for over 10 years. He then moved to Florida to assist his aging parents. He first attended a service at Open Circle MCC in 2011 and joined that same year. He found his church home and participated as much as he could. He served on the board in the capacity of Clerk for 4 years. He played a large role in the construction of the new sanctuary. When the time came around again, he ran for and was elected to the Board of Directors in the capacity of Treasurer. He is dedicated to Open Circle.

A woman with white hair and glasses smiling indoors.

Katie

A Retired Letter Carrier

I was born in New York City, raised on Long Island, and spent most of my adult life in northern New Jersey, emigrating to Florida in 2018. A retired Letter Carrier, my proudest accomplishment was raising a family. Though life has thrown me many curve balls, I've always felt that there was something looking out for my well being. Finding Open Circle, MCC at the suggestion of a close friend, I have found a church that has welcomed me with open arms. I feel blessed to have gotten here.

Smiling clergyman wearing green stole and cross necklace.

Rev. Sandra Emery

Interim Pastor

Man in glasses and plaid shirt standing in front of a colorful circular window.

Angel Palermo

Treasurer/Board of Directors

Man standing in front of a colorful circular sign with 'Open Circle MCC' text.

James Hunt

Vice Moderator

A woman with white hair and glasses smiling indoors.

Katie Koehler

Lay Delegate

Woman in white shirt stands near stained glass window.

Jeanne Cooper

Clerk

A Permanent Home Built on Commitment

Through dedication to faith and community, land was purchased in July 2012. The existing buildings were renovated into administrative offices, meeting spaces, and a chapel. Today, we are a resilient and inclusive Christian community made up of people from many walks of life. All are welcomed, affirmed, and invited to belong.

Green building entrance with double doors and a handrail.

Love as the Foundation of Our Faith

Love is our greatest moral value, and resisting exclusion is central to our ministry. We are committed to living out a faith where everyone is included in the family of God.

Radical inclusion as a spiritual calling

Faith practiced through compassion and justice

Community grounded in belonging and grace

Leadership Rooted in Service and Experience

Rev. Sandra was born in Humboldt, Tennessee to the late Reverend and Mrs. A. D. Emery. She holds both a Bachelor's and a Master of Science in Business Management from Trident University International in Cypress, California.

An Open Table for All

All MCC churches practice open communion, meaning there are no barriers to participation. Communion is celebrated at every worship service and is available to all.

  • No membership requirements

  • No restrictions or exclusions

  • A shared sacred moment at every service

A group of people standing and listening at an indoor event.
Group enjoying a meal together in a cozy, warmly lit restaurant.

Education and Ongoing Ministry Formation

Rev. Sandra also holds a certification in Conflict Resolution from the Society of Human Resources Management.

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Management

  • Master of Science in Business Management

  • SHRM Certification in Conflict Resolution

  • Currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia

Join Our Faith Family

Ready to experience a church community where love transcends boundaries and every person matters deeply in our shared spiritual journey?