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Dear Founders,
What a blessed weekend!
Thanks to all of you who have already turned in their Stewardship Commitment forms for 2025. We were so blessed to culminate our Stewardship Campaign this year with so many people committing their time, talents, tithes, and testimonies! The board of directors will look at the financial part, but I am thrilled to read the rest of the commitments. Our Student Clergy, Bam Noriega, and I will be going over your input over the next few weeks and seeing how we can keep you encouraged in your vision for our church!
I want to say a special thank you to those who represented our church last weekend at Models of Pride over at the LGBT Center. Special thanks to Pedro Lopez, Omar Oyanguren, Mary Margaret Smith, Eileen Cusimano, and Bam and Maria Noriega for staffing our table. I want to thank Bam and Maria Noriega, Louis Ramires, and Reyna Montoya for their assistance at the Pet Blessings last Saturday, as well as Byron Josh Reyes of BJRMedia.com for amazing professional photos of the event.
This weekend, we have a team of people from our Latinx Ministry preparing a Dia de los muertes altar at the Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade (Saturday: 2-8 p.m.) and our altar here at the church. (Pictures will be provided next week!) In addition, we'll honor Filipino American History Month with members of our Bayanihan Ministry. All of these people have exhibited amazing STEWARDSHIP. This is what it's all about! I'm so proud of you.
This Sunday, we will continue our 56th Anniversary Month celebration with another member who has been involved in MCC for over 50 years: Mark Hahn. (We've already heard from Rev. Troy Perry, Elder Larry Rodriguez, and Pastor Lucia Chappelle.) We also have a special guest speaker, Rev. Jim Mitulski, a long-time MCC minister. His message is entitled, Bring MCC. If you'd like to read ahead, check out Matthew 10:25-31 (New Revised Standard Version).
Come expecting a blessing!
Pastor Keith
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Reading is taken from Matthew,
Chapter 10, Verses 26 through 31
(The New Revised Standard Version)
Jesus said, ‘So have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear one who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Creator. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
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Interested in Church Membership? Or, maybe, you just want to know more about our church's core beliefs and history. Set up an online meeting with Rev. Steve Swafford at membership@mccla.org for an individualized study! | |
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With God All Things Are Possible (Matthew 19:26)
TOTAL ROOFING COST =$146,196.00
GIVEN AS OF Oct. 25th =$79,071.00
REMAINING NEED =$67,125.00
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Does anyone have a spare bass guitar laying around the house, or know of someone who does and is willing to donate it to the Music Ministry here at FMCC/ICMF? Please contact our Minister of Music, Louis Ramirez. (Also needing a bass amplifier.) | |
Student Clergy Bam Noriega and Rev. Keith made many new canine friends and one feline friend at our Blessing of the Animals last Saturday. Thanks to all who participated, especially Louis Ramirez, Reyna Montoya, and Maria Noriega. Also, thanks to professional photographer Byron Josh Reyes of BJRMedia.com for taking and sharing all the beautiful pictures! | |
Thanks to all the volunteers who set up and staffed our table at Models of Pride at the LGBT Center last Sunday: Bam and Maria Noriega, Peter Lopez, Omar Oyanguren, Mary Margaret Smith, and Eileen Cusimano. This is our Church Outside the Walls! | |
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Dear friends:
Thank you again for your support of the "Tailoring Our Way to Freedom" project in Uganda last year. As you know, the project was launched successfully, then co-founder Steven Kabuye was brutally attacked on January 3rd.
* Please see Steven's message below.
As a result of your support, we launched the first Troy Perry Legacy Grants program!
We are now expanding our 7th annual OUR PRIDE Shorts & Arts Fest to support the Troy Perry Legacy Grants & Awards programs. This year we've expanded to a full 31 DAY festival, the entire month of LGBTQ History Month, October 1-31, including 120+ Shorts & Feature Films from 25+ Countries, with 30+ Viewing Hours.
The festival is viewable worldwide on Roku, AppleTV, FireTV, iOS, Andorid, the Web, and at OurPride.org. The ALL ACCESS PASS is $20 and proceeds go to the Troy Perry Legacy Grants & Awards programs.
Please consider getting your ALL ACCESS PASS at OurPride.org.
Check out the film trailers and details!
We're expanding our festival to include Musical Artists.
Solo artists and groups may submit their videos here: http://ourpride.org/music-artists
Thought you might like to check out a local LA artist: Johnny Schaefer:
https://www.ourpride.org/post/johnny-schaefer
Also, we're slashing prices for African All Access Passes by 50%.... $10 for an All-Access Pass.
Thanks for your support and sharing this festival widely!
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Update from Steven Kabuye
Hello friends:
Thank you for your support of the "Tailoring Our Way to Freedom" project in late 2023.
As you are aware, I was nearly killed in a homophobic stabbing just as we were producing our first products in the Tailoring project.
Additionally, my co-founder, Eugene Ntambi, was arrested, and our offices, tailoring premises, and homes were raided by the police and army. They were searching for evidence to falsely charge us with recruiting children into homosexuality and spreading homosexuality. As a result, our successful Tailoring project came to a standstill.
Before these events, we had secured a two-room rented premise for our training, purchased three high-quality electric industrial sewing machines, materials, and recruited two expert teachers in fashion, tailoring, and design. We had enrolled five students for the first cohort, and training was scheduled to begin on January 4, 2024.
We had accounted for 67% of the grant funds and were left with 33% to cover the first training session.
By January 5, 2024, our landlord, neighbors, and community leaders had discovered our sexual orientation and evicted us immediately. The police continued to intimidate and track us, preventing us from continuing the project for the first three months.
However, at the start of this month, our top management resolved to restart the project discreetly. We aim to train 60 LGBTQ young people in tailoring from September this year to September 2025.
Our main challenges now are the lack of training materials, as the police confiscated most of our belongings, and the need for rent and other resources to support the trainers and run the project. We believe the "Tailoring Our Way to Freedom" project, under the name Liberation Designs, can revolutionize our struggle for freedom, empower us, and change the lives of ordinary LGBTQ Ugandans.
We still have our machines, trainers, and trainees, and we are determined to see this project succeed and transform lives.
Regarding Eugene's health, he remains seriously unwell. Please keep him in your prayers for an advanced checkup to determine what happened to him while in custody on January 3, 2024.
Please consider purchasing a $20 ALL ACCESS PASS at OurPride.org for the OUR PRIDE 2024 Shorts & Arts Fest. Your ticket purchase will support the next Troy Perry Legacy Grant for Phase II of the "Tailoring" project.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Steven Kabuye
President, Coloured Voices Media Foundation, Uganda
ColouredVoices.org
OUR PRIDE LGBTQ Short Films & Arts Festival / Rainbow Advocacy
DONTATE HERE: TROY PERRY LEGACY GRANTS
Support Us | OUR PRIDE
Our Pride Shorts and Art Fest during the month of October benefitting the
Troy Perry Legacy Grants.
(1946 movie is part of this Festival)
Tickets are now linked from the website and live on eoFlix for 1946 Movie:
https://app.entertainmentoxygen.com/festivals/ourpride/events/eb77602c-88dc-4c02-9146-6882eec3aedb/ticket-packs/26075a43-0de6-4a86-bd05-fd1ea95e78bb?filmId=e2cf8e3f-c840-4565-ac81-4ec5a97848cc
johnboz@ourpride.org
ourpride.org
http://rainbowadvocacy.org
Website
www.1946themovie.com
LinkTree
https://linktr.ee/1946themovie
Tiktok
https://www.tiktok.com/@1946themovie/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/1946themovie/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/1946themovie/
Twitter / X
https://twitter.com/1946themovie
https://x.com/1946themovie
Women Make Movies - Fiscal Sponsor
https://www.wmm.com/sponsored-project/1946-the-mistranslation-that-shifted-culture/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRvD_2aLSAuWaoTs1h9kakA
MCC denomination will be promoting the film to their churches and members.
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Our own Daniel Franzese is part of the cast of Blood/Love "Rock Popera." It is playing through November 2. For tickets and synopsis, go to bloodlove.com. (graphics attached).
Blood/Love announcements...the last two winners will be announced this Sunday after the 10 am service.
Oct26 Today!!
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Oct30
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Oct31
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Nov1
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Nov2
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
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Being MCC in Politically Perilous Times in the U.S.A.
Moving from Independence to Interdependence
Attention U.S. Pastors, Pastoral Leaders, Network Leaders, and Lay Delegates:
This Message is for YOU!
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While on our journey of faith, those who live in the U.S. now find ourselves in politically perilous times. And, we know that MCCers are always STRONGER TOGETHER when we share our journey in faith, prayer, and love.
So we, the Council of Elders, invite you to join us as we explore what we carry in our ‘spiritual backpack’ on this journey and choose to move from independence to interdependence through listening, prayer, action, and hope. We are indeed stronger together and even stronger with love.
The first meeting will include an introduction and invite feedback. We hope you will join us:
Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87363356214?pwd=TzhldUkyZmJsWkNPNi9pd3dERTREZz09
Future meetings will be held on the following Saturdays, same time, using the same Zoom link:
October 26 / November 16
(post-election debriefs).
If you believe this is a good idea but are unable to attend, please let us know by emailing the Council of Elders at: [coe@mccchurch.net]. And, we welcome your suggestions regarding what is important and helpful to you on this journey toward the U.S. elections.
Please note: this U.S. gathering is the first of several that are being considered globally.
Faithfully, the MCC Council of Elders:
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, Moderator
Elder Hattie Alexander-Key
Rev. Elder Mark Byrd
Rev. Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla
Elder Velma Garcia
Rev. Elder Rich Hendricks
Rev. Elder Aaron Miller
Rev. Elder Elaine Saralegui Caraballo
Rev. Elder Stuart Sutherland
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Today!! Dia De Los Muertos, Santa Monica 3rd St Promenade, Oct 26, 2 - 8pm. We will have a table set up there manned by ICMF members
Dia De Los Muertos, at Founders, Oct 27
Members of our Latin congregation will set up a Dia De Los Muertos altar in the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, It will be viewable from 2pm to 8pm. They will then reassemble the altar in our sanctuary tomorrow, Sunday morning, October 27th. They will also decorate the outside front of our church.
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We will celebrate Filipino American History Month. Members of the Bayanihan Ministry group will be participating in the 10am service tomorrow, Sunday, October 27th. | |
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This is taking place tomorrow, Sunday, October 27th at 3:00 p.m.
I hope you are doing well! It is a pleasure to virtually meet you. Jim and I are looking forward to presenting our workshop at MCCLA on October 27th. I've attached relevant promotional materials for you to feature in the bulletin. Thank you for having us!
My best,
Thomas
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All Ministry Plese Leaders please have your reports in by tomorrow, Sunday, Oct 27th at 5 p.m. in preparation for our November Congregational Meeting. Thank you so much for your ministry! | |
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Your freedom to marry is on the ballot!
Join us for the Yes on Prop 3 Community Town Hall event!
On Monday Oct 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM we invite the entire community to gather at St. Thomas the Apostle on Hollywood Boulevard, one of the most beautiful and LGBTQ inclusive venues in Hollywood, to discuss what you can do to preserve our right in California to marry whomever we love.
We gather to support marriage equality and celebrate love in all its forms.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to make your voice heard and stand up for what you believe in.
The event includes a moderated panel and community mixer:
Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang;
TransLatin@ Coalition VP/COO Maria Roman Taylorson;
ACLU of Southern California Deputy Director of Advocacy Amanda Goad
Los Angeles Blade Publisher Troy Masters will formally welcome Gisselle Palomera as the newspaper's News Editor. Masters will also welcome Latino Media Collaborative's Calo News, the newspaper's new media partner.
A brief reception will be held in the courtyard after the event.
RSVP HERE
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Saturday, Nov 2: Turn clocks back one hour before going to bed.
(You gain one hour)
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Next Sunday, Nov 3: Azariah Southworth will be the special guest preacher. Azariah Southworth is an American writer and former television presenter of The Remix - a syndicated reality show on the NRB, TBN, JCTV, and VTN networks. The Remix featured Christian artists such as Jars of Clay, Rachael Lampa, Shane & Shane and was watched by more than 200,000 viewers a week. This new member of our church hosts the entertaining podcast, "Yass Jesus!" along with fellow church member, Daniel Franzese. Come hear this amazing young man! | |
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Link: https://mobilize.us/s/wZuzif
Information: justice@mccla.org
Vote, Vote, Vote!
Tuesday, Nov 5; The chapel will be open for those who would like to silently pray regarding the election. Noon to 5 pm
Tuesday, Nov 5 (7pm to 11pm) and Wednesday, Nov 6 (9am to noon): Zoom watch parties for election results. The Zoom links will be on the FMCC Facebook page on Monday.
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We expect to see Your reign on earth as it is in heaven, and we will work toward a world where everyone has enough, wars cease, and all creation lives in harmony.
Hi I’m the Reverend Stuart Sutherland serving on the Council of Elders. I’m from Down Under Sydney Australia. In the Statement of Faith, “We expect to see Your reign on earth as it is in heaven, and we will work toward a world where everyone has enough, wars cease, and all creation lives in harmony.”
In the Lord's Prayer, we recite, "Your kingdom come, yours will be done on earth as it is in heaven." This profound petition reflects a deep yearning for a world where God's reign manifests in every facet of our existence. As we reflect on these words, we are called to envision and strive for a reality where divine justice, peace, and harmony prevail. It is a call to action, a directive to work tirelessly toward a world where everyone has enough, wars cease, and all creation lives in harmony.
When we pray for God's kingdom to come, we are invoking a vision of abundance. In heaven, there is no lack or suffering; every need is met, and every soul is fulfilled. This heavenly abundance is not just spiritual but also material, encompassing the basic needs of all creation. On earth, this translates to a world where resources are shared equitably, ensuring that no one goes hungry or lacks shelter, education, or healthcare.
This heavenly vision also includes the cessation of all conflict. In Isaiah 2:4, we read, "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." This prophetic imagery underscores the divine desire for peace, a peace that transcends mere absence of conflict and encompasses reconciliation and restorative justice. In our earthly realm, achieving this peace requires active peacemaking.
In heaven, there is no exploitation or destruction of the environment. Every part of creation exists in a symbiotic relationship, reflecting the Creator's intricate and loving design. On earth, we are called to mirror this divine ecology by caring for our planet and all its inhabitants.
In Australia, we love a sunburnt country, however we need to care for our Aboriginal First Nation Australians that have had a unique relationship with our land for over 50,000 years and was forcibly taken from them by colonialism. They suffered isolation and experienced the worst aspects of urbanisation. We need to work together with our First Nations people around the world. Here in Australia we have a wonderful outback of red soil, Uluru, kangaroos, the Great Barrier Reef these are all things created by God that we need to take care of respect their spirituality and their connection to our First Nations people.
MCC is about caring, a spiritual connection feeling included, equality, a spiritual home for all where everyone feels included and safe where we all live in harmony just like in our Statement of Faith.
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Donate Now to the MCC Disaster Relief Fund for those affected by Hurricane Helene & Milton
The recent Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton caused widespread damage and destruction. A number of families and communities have been affected, including some MCC churches in Florida, North Carolina, and other areas in the southeast of the United States.
We have been notified that disaster relief funds will be needed in both Florida and North Carolina and that we will be working to get these requests funded as soon as possible.
The MCC Disaster Relief Fund is an appeal which aims to support MCC churches affected by the recent hurricane, and any funds not used can be retained for future needs related to disaster relief.
Your generous donation to the MCC Disaster Relief Fund will provide critical support to those affected, helping them rebuild their lives and recover from this disaster.
Donate (paypal.com)
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Dear MCCers:
So many of you are reaching out after Hurricane Helene's & Hurricane Milton's destruction that has impacted such a large geographic area, many without warning that such devastation was imminent. We launched an appeal for donations to the disaster relief fund, which provides an opportunity for churches to seek assistance for their own repairs, as well as providing additional means to support congregants.
Several of you have asked what the specific needs are so that you and your local congregations may do more. We have not been able to communicate with all churches as the ongoing local conditions impede internet and cell service so this list may grow.
The need for support is both physical and spiritual in nature with basic needs being our first priority. In order to help restore the wellbeing of those directly impacted, our response will need to be immediate as well as sustained. One hundred percent of disaster relief donations are in a restricted fund and can only be used for for disaster relief efforts.
What we know right now is this:
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King of Peace MCC in St. Petersburg, Florida - Rev. Ray Simms -we have a number of people that were impacted seriously because they lived on the water in condos and some were on the ground floor. Three of our people lived in the same building and they think the building is condemned at this point. Other than that anybody else only had minor damage. There was no injury and certainly no loss of life.
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MCC of Our Redeemer in Augusta, Georgia - Rev. Dr. Marc Trimm -still widespread power outages; minimal damage to church; most congregants need food; two grocery stores have reopened for non-perishables; a gas depot has been set up for fuel and while these two steps are staving panic, it is perilous.
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Mountain Spirit MCC in Asheville, North Carolina - Rev. Pressley Sutherland - all congregants have been accounted for! There is still widespread power outages, complete losses of homes, food, lack of communication; widespread destruction - it is perilous.
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Trinity MCC in Gainesville, Florida - Rev. Catherine Dearlove - fairly widespread power outages, including Pastor, though she and animals are safe. Lots of limbs down on church property. Still assessing needs.
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Church of the Trinity MCC in Sarasota, Florida - Rev. Elder Lillie Brock - We have a few church members who had flooding issues but all in all, I think we fared well.
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SunCoast MCC in Venice, Florida - Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson - no damage to church property and no loss of power. Some congregants experienced flooding, several without a safe place to stay, one has lost everything.
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Please keep our siblings in Knoxville, Tennessee in prayer as the flood waters will cause their water levels to rise and while MCC Knoxville and congregants are okay now, we send prayers that they remain so.
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Donate Now to MCC Disaster Relief Fund
The MCC Disaster Relief Fund is an appeal which aims to support MCC churches affected by the recent hurricanes, and any funds not used can be retained for future needs related to disaster relief.
Your generous donation to the MCC Disaster Relief Fund will provide critical support to those affected, helping them rebuild their lives and recover from this disaster.
Donate Now
How To Apply - MCC Disaster Relief Fund
If your church or community is experiencing hardship because of Hurricane Helene, your church can apply for assistance by writing a letter (or an email if a letter is impossible at this time) to the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. The church must be in a declared disaster zone and have suffered effects at the church proper or have an isolated disaster/emergency which can be documented.
In the letter, please include the following:
- Description of the situation your church is experiencing.
- Goals/Purpose for the use of these funds
- Budget for the use of these funds
- Projected impact of these funds (the difference these funds will make to the church and your community)
The letter should come from either the Pastor, Vice Moderator, or the Board of Directors.
Examples of the use of these funds could be:
- Payment of your insurance deductible relating to a property insurance claim caused by Hurricane Helene
- Repairs to your church building
- Assistance for your church’s Benevolence Fund due to the increased demand for your church’s Food Pantry program
- Distribution of water in your community
Initially, application requests may be for amounts up to $1,000 (USD). Additional funding might be possible as additional funds come in.
Send your letter to [SLT@MCCchurch.net].
If you receive MCC Disaster Relief funds, the reporting requirements are:
- Final accounting of how the funds were used.
- Description of the outcomes and impact of the funds
- Photos and personal stories are encouraged.
Email Application
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General Conference 2025!
View as Webpage
EXPERIENCE A DESERT OASIS!
In one year, we will be in the middle of our Transformational Weekend, which will be held 3-6 July 2025! General Conference will again take place in two parts:
Part 1: Business Discussion Circles, Forum and Meeting
In the months leading up to General Conference, there will be many Discussion Circles, webinars, documents and emails to inform you of the business of General Conference. There will be many opportunities for you to provide input.
At a meeting in June 2024 between the Governing Board and Governance Committee, the Governing Board voted to hold both the General Conference Business Meeting and Business Forum online. The Business Forum will be held on 31st May 2025 and the Business Meeting will be held 7th June 2025. Watch for more information about the content of these sessions.
Part 2: Transformational Gathering
The 2025 conference will definitely have a retreat feel lasting 3 days instead of our typical 5 or 6-day conference that commingled business with worship and learning. In addition, there will be pre and post-conference activities to enrich and extend your experience. As mentioned above, all business will take place online and not during this in-person gathering. This creates a perfect opportunity for many different members of your congregation to retreat in the desert. Elements of this conference will be live streamed, recorded, and online allowing a hybrid experience for those unable to travel. Our conference app will bridge the online and in-person participants and increase involvement, engagement, and communication between everyone.
TRANSFORMATIONAL WEEKEND SCHEDULE
We are excited to announce the broad schedule for the Transformational Weekend!
Thursday, July 3, 2025
- Afternoon: Check-in and Welcome Reception
- Evening: Grounding Worship & Social Time
Friday, July 4, 2025
- Morning: Opening Worship
- Afternoon: Plenary, Small Groups, and Free Time
- Evening: Reception & Social Time
Saturday, July 5: 2025
- Morning: Worship and Plenary
- Afternoon: Small Groups and Free Time
- Evening: Dinner Church Style Worship (included in your registration)
Sunday, July 6, 2025:
- Morning: Closing Worship with Installation of the Moderator, blessing over the incoming Governing Board, current and outgoing Council of Elders.
- Afternoon: Optional Excursions
Before and after General Conference, several institutes will take place. Watch for more details on those before airline tickets become available.
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Hotel Information
The in-person portion of the conference is taking over Scottsdale, Arizona, USA at the Embassy Suites Resort. It is walking distance from the historic district, Old Town Scottsdale, and the arts and entertainment district.
Our host hotel is an amazing, accessible resort. It is beautiful with incredible views of Camelback Mountain, two refreshing outdoor pools, large suite style sleeping rooms, tennis and pickle ball courts, large conference center, onsite restaurant and bar, and beautiful landscaping. We searched to find not only an accessible hotel for physical accommodations, but also a financially accessible hotel. The Embassy Suites Scottsdale Resort is offering us an amazing rate of $119/night which includes free made to order breakfast, daily cocktail hour, and a complimentary shuttle to hundreds of local shops, restaurants, and activities. Every suite has a living room (with a pull-out couch), and kitchenette which easily accommodates multiple parties to maximize savings.
You can book your room today by following this link:
BOOK YOUR ROOM!
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REGISTRATION
Although registration will not open until October, we want to help you plan and budget. Below are the Early Bird (first 90 days) and regular registration rates for General Conference:
In-Person Rates:
Sponsor Rate: $425 USD; €395; $7710 MEX; R$2370
This rate is for those who want to help subsidize other registration rates making it more affordable for others to attend General Conference.
Early Bird Rate: $325 USD; €305; $5880MEX; R$1810
This rate is the Early Bird rate for General Conference which includes dinner one night. This rate will be available for the first 90 days when registration opens.
Regular Rate: $400 USD; €370; $7255 MEX; R$2225
This rate will be after the 90 days Early Bird rate.
Online Rates:
Sponsor Online Rate: $300 USD; €280; $5445 MEX; R$1670
This rate is for those who those who want to help subsidize other registration rates making it more affordable for others to attend General Conference and only have access to the online portions of the General Conference like worship, plenaries, and online social connections. Note: We will not be hosting a 24-hour all-access conference like 202.
Online Rate: $200 USD; €185; $3630MEX; R$1115
This rate is for those who will only have access to the online portions of the General Conference like worship, plenaries, and online social connections. Note: We will not be hosting a 24-hour all-access conference like 2022.
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SEE YOU IN SCOTTSDALE!
More details about speakers, pre and post-conference institutes, worship, and content for the business meeting will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, mark your calendars, book your hotel, and get ready to have some fun in the sun (or in the air conditioning) with us!
If you have any questions, you can always email us at: conferences@MCCchurch.net to ensure you get all of the information about this next General Conference. Click the button below and add your email if you haven’t already!
COUNT ME IN
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REGISTRATION FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE TRANSFORMATIONAL WEEKEND OPENS TODAY! | |
JOIN US AS WE CREATE OASIS!
Come . . . and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Reunion | Refreshment | Revival
Global General Conference 2025 is a continuation of experimenting to create a truly global General Conference. We continue to open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities. We are experiencing this and learning together. Sometimes it may require moving out of our comfort zones, being willing to engage in new ways, and being open enough to see how this global General Conference allows others to be part of the experience, often for the very first time.
The 2025 conference will definitely have a retreat feel lasting 3 days instead of our typical 5 or 6 day conference that commingled business with worship and learning. In addition, there will be pre and post-conference activities to enrich and extend your experience. As mentioned above, all business will take place online and not during this Transformational Weekend. This creates a perfect opportunity for many different members of your congregation to retreat in the desert. Elements of this conference will be live streamed, recorded, and online allowing a hybrid experience for those unable to travel. Our conference app will bridge the online and onsite participants and increase involvement, engagement, and communication between everyone.
All are welcome to attend the Global General Conference. You do not need to be a member of an MCC Church. In addition to clergy and lay delegates, all ministry leaders, staff, board members, musicians, regular congregants, visitors and friends are encouraged to register and participate.
**The registration link below is only for the Transformational Weekend. Registration for the Business Meeting will open in January 2025.
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Registration for the Transformational Weekend
03-06 July, 2025
"Early Bird" rates are available until
31 December 2024.
After that deadline, registration will increase.
Early Bird Onsite Rate: $325 USD
Early Bird Online Rate: $200 USD*
Regular Onsite Rate:$400 USD
Regular Online Rate: $225 USD*
Onsite Individual Day Attendance Rate: $200 USD per day
*Online experience will include General Sessions, pre-identified Programming Events, Workshops, and Worship Services. Additional connections to both those onsite and online will be made using the Whova app. We will not be hosting a 24-hour all-access conference like in 2022.
Use the link below to register for the Transformational Weekend.
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General Conference Business Meeting
Registration for the Business Meeting will open in January 2025!
At a meeting in June 2024 between the Governing Board and Governance Committee, the Governing Board voted to hold both the General Conference Business Meeting and Business Forum online.
The Business Forum will be held on 31st May 2025 and the Business Meeting will be held online on 7th June 2025.
In the months leading up to General Conference, there will be many Discussion Circles, webinars, documents and emails to inform you of the business of General Conference. There will be many opportunities for you to provide input.
Watch for more information about the content of these sessions.
There will be no cost to register for the Business Meeting.
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Want to help support someone attending conference? When registering there will be an option to give to the Go Global Fund. You may also donate directly by clicking the button below. A donation to the Go Global Fund will help subsidize other registration rates making it more affordable for others to attend General Conference, to provide online access to those outside the USA or to support Watch Parties in locations other than in the USA.
Donate Directly to the Go Global Fund
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Our host hotel is an amazing, accessible resort. It is beautiful with incredible views of Camelback Mountain, two refreshing outdoor pools, large suite style sleeping rooms, tennis and pickle ball courts, large conference center, onsite restaurant and bar, and beautiful landscaping. We searched to find not only an accessible hotel for physical accommodations, but also a financially accessible hotel. The Embassy Suites Scottsdale Resort is offering us an amazing rate of $119USD/night (plus taxes and fees) and includes free made to order breakfast, daily cocktail hour, and a complimentary shuttle to hundreds of local shops, restaurants, and activities. Every suite has a living room (with a pull-out couch), and kitchenette which easily accommodates multiple parties to maximize savings.
Make Hotel Reservations Using This Link
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Transformational Weekend Schedule
We are excited to announce an overview schedule for the Transformational Weekend!
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Reunion
- Afternoon: Check-in and Welcome Reception
- Evening: Opening Worship & Social Time
Friday, July 4, 2025
Reflection
- Morning: Morning Worship Celebration
- Afternoon: Plenary, Small Groups, and Free Time
- Evening: Reception & Social Time
Saturday, July 5, 2025
Refreshment
- Morning: Worship and Plenary
- Afternoon: Small Groups and Free Time
- Evening: Dinner Church Style Worship (included in your registration)
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Revival
- Morning: Closing Worship with Installation of the Moderator, blessing over the incoming Governing Board, current and outgoing Council of Elders.
- Afternoon: Optional Excursions
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Engaging Programming
We are excited that a main feature of our Transformational Weekend will be opening ourselves and each other into the possibilities of what it means to be community today -- what it means to be church in 2025. To help us steer the conversation, we are inviting the Rev. Dr. Claudio Carvalhaes to join us in Scottsdale. You might remember him from our online conference in 2022.
To stay up-to-date on all the planning and relevant information visit the conference website at
https://generalconference.mccchurch.org/
If you have any questions, ideas, or comments, start a conversation with us: conferences@MCCchurch.net.
We look forward to connecting with you during our Global General Conference 2025!
GC Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in how you can support General Conference by becoming a sponsor? Use the link below to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
GC 2025 Sponsorship Information
Click Here to Register for the Transformational Weekend
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Commitment forms for 2024. | |
Join us before and after worship for a time of Hospitality in the church courtyard. Martin Miny is heading a team of people to get coffee, juice, and pastries ready each Sunday. Volunteers are always welcome! | |
Monkey Pox Vaccine Available | |
Change In Covid-19 Protocols | |
As we continue to cope with Covid-19, we are changing our protocols. The new protocols are in line with the rest of LA County. Until further notice, here are our guidelines:
1. We will no longer require vaccinations and boosters for church attendance, though we highly encourage them.
2. We will make wearing masks optional. Please feel free to continue wearing masks as you feel comfortable.
3. We ask people that have symptoms of (or tested positive for) Covid, flu, monkeypox, or any other easily communicable disease to please refrain from attending until they are well.
As we have from the very beginning of the pandemic, we will continue to keep in line with the advice of the LA County Public Health Department. Thank you so much for your patience as we navigate new guidelines.
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Thank you to all who have given so generously through our online giving portal. Our church cannot function without your generosity!! Feel free to continue giving through our website (on PushPay) or simply sending a check in the mail (4607 Prospect Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027). Again, thank you.
Grand Total For Week Ending: 10-20-2024: $2,592.00
Tithing: $2,342.00
Facility Rental: $115.00
Building Fund: $35.00
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Rev. Keith Mozingo (Moderator)
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Dean Coffey (Vice Moderator) | |
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Ed Shaughnessy (Treasurer) | |
Ina Serene - Trans* Unity | |
Children's Hospital has so graciously volunteered up to 10 spaces for us to park. It is a small lot off Sunset Blvd., just beyond the Metro Station entrance. | | | | |
