Meet Charter Members
Mark and Patty Thompson

Mark and Patty Thompson are proud allies of the LGBTQ+ community, a commitment that deepened during their time at Cross Creek United Church of Christ. Their journey of advocacy began close to home—with a gay son—and was shaped and strengthened by the welcoming, justice-driven spirit of Cross Creek.

At Cross Creek, they discovered not only a spiritual home but also new paths for engagement, including organizations like PFLAG that helped them better support their son and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Drawn to a congregation rooted in Progressive Christianity and dedicated to social justice, they quickly found connection and purpose among like-minded members and visionary leaders.

As active volunteers and influential leaders, the Thompsons offered their time, talent, and treasure to help nurture a dynamic, forward-thinking faith community. Their impact as co-chairs of the Building Committee was so meaningful that a room was named in their honor.

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They were also regular attendees of the Saturday evening services. These often followed the church’s quarterly Weekend Intensives, where international speakers delivered sermons and led rich, generative conversations on spirituality, justice, and community. These gatherings became incubators for bold ideas and helped build a vibrant culture of learning and reflection, establishing Cross Creek as a beacon for Progressive Christian thought.

When the church's leadership made the decision to leave its unconventional setting on State Route 725 and relocate to the more traditional Oak Creek UCC campus, it was a difficult transition for the Thompsons. They had not been drawn to traditional church spaces and felt that the move represented a shift away from the community-centered, progressive ethos they had helped cultivate.

Today, Mark and Patty continue their generous support of Harmony Creek Church, though they no longer attend weekly services. Their passion for inclusive, justice-focused communities remains strong. They continue to champion faith communities that foster transformation, equity, and bold responses to the challenges facing society.

Their story is one of growth, conviction, and enduring faith in the power of inclusive community.