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Greetings!
With all that happened last week, I was sure in need of spending time in worship with you all last Sunday! It always amazes me how, no matter what has happened, when I am in church worshipping with my Faith Community, it changes everything. Sunday is still my favorite day of the week! I hope it's yours, too.
February is upon us - yes, a whole month of 2026 is gone. (Wasn't Christmas just last week? It seems like it.) Anyway, February is the month we look at several things: Black History, Valentine's Day (complete with a Blessing of Relationships on February 15th), Ash Wednesday (February 18th), and the beginning of the season of Lent. While our January "Breaking Bread" event was this week, our February "Breaking Bread" event will be on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). February is the shortest month, but we find a way to pack it full of celebrations!
As we look to the season of Lent, I want to ask you to begin praying. We'll have a Lenten Sermon Series entitled, Changing The World. That seems like a big task, but, just as Jesus changed the world of his day that sent ripples of change ever since, we are also called to continue that ministry and change the world of our day.
This Sunday, I will be preaching a message entitled, Called To Community. If you'd like to read ahead, check out Matthew 4:18-23 (Voice Version). I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Pastor Keith
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Reading is taken from
Matthew, Chapter 4, Verses 18 through 23 (The Voice Version)
One day Jesus was walking along the Sea of Galilee when He saw Simon (also called Peter) and Andrew throwing their nets into the water. They were, of course, fishermen.
Jesus called to them, saying, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of humans."
Immediately Peter and Andrew left their fishnets and followed Jesus.
Going on from there, Jesus saw two more brothers, James the son of Zebedee and his brother John. They, too, were fishermen. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee getting their nets ready to fish. Jesus summoned them, just as He had called to Peter and Andrew, and immediately they left their boat and their father to follow Jesus.
And so Jesus went throughout Galilee. He taught in the synagogues. He preached the good news of God's realm, and He healed people, ridding their bodies of sickness and disease.
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This past Wednesday, about 20 people attended the Breaking Bread event at the Coral Cafe. Make plans to attend the next one--it will be at an exciting venue.
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Passion Play. Those who are interested in participating or volunteering, please see Rev. Eric Buter after service.
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FMCC/ICMF is joining forces in the month of February with CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) who has launched a New Drive to Support Our Immigrant Community
FROM CLUE: Since early 2025, the uncertainty, intimidation, and direct attacks on immigrants living in our communities have created new and urgent challenges. In response, CLUE has continued to adapt and expand our support mission through programs that provide food assistance, housing support, and legal defense for those living in fear due to the cruel tactics of the current administration.
As we receive referrals through our clergy partners, we are encountering many families with children—including babies—who are in need of essential items.
Because of this, we are launching a Beginning-of-the-Year Drive and are inviting our generous partner congregations to engage your communities in collecting the following items:
NEW toys for children of any age
NEW baby items, including diapers, formula (liquid or powdered), wipes, and shampoo
NEW blankets
Car seats and booster seats, either new or in good condition (clean and with all parts intact)
Strollers, either new or clean and in good working order
Diapers size 2 and up
Full-sized adult toiletries
FMCC/ICMF will collect starting Sunday, Feb 1.
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Our Assistant Pastor, Bam Noriega is calling for the 1st planning meeting for the Pride Ministry. Pride month will be upon us before you know it and we want to be ready! All those with ideas and would like to participate, please meet with them after the worship service on Sunday, February 1.
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We will be having our First Trans*Unity Yard Sale Today, February 7th from 7:30am-10:30am at Founders MCC! All Volunteers are welcome to come and forward our great work and ministry with the Transgender and Non-Binary Community!
| | Feb 8, there will be a baby shower for Maria Eugenia Zamorita's expected baby boy after the 1:30 service. | | |
With the ICE, Homeland Security, and Border Patrol raids occurring so frequently here in Los Angeles, we at FMCC/ICMF realize the fear that many of our congregants have in leaving their homes. We are initializing an immediate ministry called, ANGELS. This ministry is for those who may be fearful of going to the grocery store, the pharmacy, and the department store and need to reach out to an ANGEL for help. It is also for people who may be willing to run these errands (for those too fearful to leave home currently) to let us know you're willing to BE an ANGEL. So, if you need an ANGEL, or if you're willing to be an ANGEL, please contact us at care@mccla.org and we'll match you up if at all possible.
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Rapid Response Network Launches Hotline to Protect Immigrants From ICE Raids in Los Angeles, 888-624-4752
There continues to be a need for a "White Wall" to help protect the attendees of our 1:30 Spanish-speaking service. Please see Pastor Keith.
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Join CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) and other social justice groups who have been gathering weekly in Los Angeles to pray for the return of family members who have been detained or deported.
We invite people of all genders to accompany them and hold our disappeared community members in prayer. We are hurting along with them, and we have their backs.
This vigil takes place every Tuesday, Noon at the Los Angeles Federal Building.
Bam Noriega
Founders MCCLA
Student Clergy
(480)773-0527
| | Order your shirts today from Lulu Madrid for only $25! | | We need additional volunteers to help in the sound booth (see Don Mueller) and broadcast booth (see Sandra Contreras) | | |
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: 1-25-2026: $42,812.00
Facility Rentals: $1,511.00
Security Grant Reimbursement: $35, 821.00
Tithing: $5,480.00
| | 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! | | 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! | |
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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Rev. Keith Mozingo (Moderator)
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Dean Coffey -
Vice Moderator
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Ed Shaughnessy - Treasurer
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MCC Kinship Groups
Kinship Groups offer a safe space of connecting with other people of similar struggles and challenges. We have groups for Trans, PAD, API, God-Talk, and Latinx.
If you have any questions, are interested in a particular Kinship group, or interested in forming another Kinship group, you may email Rev. Hector Gutierrez.
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Let’s Get CONNECTed: Invite More MCCers to Subscribe to this Newsletter!
As the recent General Conference 2025 has just been concluded, and as the spirit of connectedness within our denomination is still in the air, we encourage you to invite more MCCers to subscribe to our denomination’s newsletter.
We are delighted to grow our community by sharing our good news and stories with one another via this platform.
We invite all MCCers to subscribe to our denomination e-news by clicking on the following link: bit.ly/connect-mcc
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Learn How MCC Is Achieving
Goals Through Flourish
In the January Newsletter:
- Thank You to Donors
- Council of Elders Prayer Vigil (24th January)
- Learn More About Flourish
- Welcome Rev. Elder Carolyn Mobley-Bowie
- Celebrating MCC Leaders: January - Rev. Alycia Erickson
- Resources for Clergy and Lay Leaders
- How Flourish can Support Networks and Kinship Groups
- Flourish Resources
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Through your generosity, $22,170.69 USD was donated to support MCC in achieving its mission through Flourish! That means, with the anonymous donor match of $25,000 USD, a total of $47,170.69 USD was raised!
We are deeply grateful for your commitment and support. Your generosity will have meaningful impact across MCC communities around the world.
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Five (5) Key Objectives of Flourish:
Mentorship
Convening Spaces
Respite
Equitable Resources
Infrastructure
Learn how MCC is advancing the mission and goals of the denomination through Flourish by downloading the information page below.
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Welcome Rev. Elder Carolyn Mobley-Bowie
as the Flourish Expanse Coordinator for the MCC Retiree Program.
Hear from Rev. Elder Carolyn about this new program by watching the video.
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Celebrating MCC Clergy and Lay Leaders for their
work in the community!
Flourish is honored and excited to highlight the leadership within MCC. The work of MCC is not confined to a building; it reaches into communities and extends around the globe.
We also celebrate and recognize each of you for your commitment to social justice, humanitarian aid, and the ongoing support of marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those living in unsafe or hostile environments worldwide.
This month, we are recognizing the work of
Rev. Alycia Erickson
We invite you to share your story and your work—or to lift up someone whose contributions should be recognized—by emailing Flourish@mccchurch.net.
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Rev. Alycia Erickson was ordained in MCC in 2010. She has served churches in Austin, TX, USA, and Colorado Springs, CO, USA. After leaving Pikes Peak MCC in early 2025, she and Christine Mendoza created the podcast, "Religious Rejects." She is also learning how to do short-form video content for social media.
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Religious Rejects is a space for those who have felt unheard in religious communities. We’re a community of ex-evangelicals, progressive Christians, and spiritual seekers exploring faith beyond rejection. Hosts Christine Mendoza, an ex-evangelical, and Alycia Erickson, an LGBTQ+ pastor, bring different perspectives but share a common goal: to rethink faith, challenge harmful theology, and make room for those on their own spiritual deconstruction journey. Join the conversation - watch full episodes on YouTube, or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Website: ReligiousRejects.com
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Every Wednesday, the Lewis Center shares Leading Ideas, a free e-newsletter offering practical insights from innovative leaders on navigating change, reaching new generations, financing ministry, and communicating effectively. Grounded in the belief that leaders need the right questions as much as the right answers, Leading Ideas supports vital and fruitful leadership.
Use this LINK to see past issues.
Learn more about the Lewis Center with this LINK.
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Did you miss the Faith & Ministry in the Age of AI Webinar presented by Rev. Wanda Floyd? You can access the recording and PowerPoint using the link below. 1 CEU is available.
AI Webinar Resources LINK
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Thrive & Cultivate is an organization that was established in 2020 to support non-profits and clergy. Their mission is to provide Christian leaders with webinars, mental-health support and other resources to face the challenges of those in ministry.
To learn more about Thrive & Cultivate, visit the website at; https://www.thriveandcultivate.com/about
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The Center for LGBTQ & Gender Studies In Religion has partnered with Metropolitan Community Churches to present a series of classes titled "CLGS Queering the Word Preaching Workshop Series." All classes are online.
The next workshop is on 28 January 2026 1pm (Pacific Time) - Rev. Dr. Tijuana Gray and Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw as the instructors:
Lenten Preaching | A CLGS and MCC Queering the Word Workshop.
Use this LINK to learn more and participate.
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Supporting MCC Networks and Kinship Groups
Did you know that Flourish helps support MCC’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and creating meaningful spaces to gather?
Use this FLOURISH - Google Drive to learn how Flourish can support the work and to request financial support for your 2026 gatherings.
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Respite Program For Clergy and Lay Leaders
"Respite" is an interval of rest or relief. The Flourish Program recognizes the need for self-care and taking moments of respite during your ministry.
If you are in need of support for a time of respite, please complete the application found in the link below:
Use this Respite Application Form_Formularios de solicitud de respeto - Google Drive to complete the Respite application
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Programs sponsored by Flourish
Mentoring
Respite for Clergy and Lay Leaders
Spiritual Direction
Strength Finder training
Board Training
Individualize programming meeting your needs as a leader.
Would you like more information about Flourish. Contact the Program Manager at Flourish@mccchurch.net.
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