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Dear Founders,
Hallelujah! What a wonderful Sunday last week! Not only did we have many people, we had the sweet, sweet Spirit of God in our presence! Aren't you glad you're in a church where we not only trust by faith that God is present, but we can FEEL the presence and power of the Holy Spirit?!
I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving Day. While there is much chaos in the world, my hope is that we ALL took out ONE DAY, Thanksgiving Day, to actually let go of the chaos, the worries, the fears... and just gave thanks that no matter what Life brings, God is with us.
Speaking of "God with us," this Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, a time preceding Christmas, where we prepare our hearts once again for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In fact, our theme for Advent 2024 is, Emmanuel: God With Us. We'll light the first candle of Advent, the candle of HOPE. It's a reminder that no matter what Life brings, we have the "shocking hope" of Jesus living in and through us.
We will also honor World AIDS Day, an event started by the late Rev. David Ferral (who pastored MCC San Diego), that then spread throughout the world.
Don't forget to start inviting people to our upcoming celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12th at 7:00 p.m. You don't want to miss the Mariachi Arcoiris presentation!
The first message of Advent is entitled, Emmanuel: A Shocking Hope. If you'd like to read ahead, check out Isaiah 7:10-16 (Amplified Version). Come expecting a blessing!
Pastor Keith
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Reading is taken from
Isaiah, Chapter 7, Verses 10 through 16
(The Amplified Version)
Then the Lord spoke again to King Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God [one that will convince you that God has spoken and will keep God’s word]; make your request as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!” Then Isaiah said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too small a thing for you to try the patience of humans, but will you try the patience of my God as well? Therefore God will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call his name Emmanuel (God with us). He will eat curds and honey when he knows enough to refuse evil and choose good. For before the child will know enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land (Canaan) whose two kings you dread will be deserted [both Ephraim and Aram].
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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 Nov. 24th. =$89,042.00
REMAINING NEED =$57,154.00
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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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Hoodies now available for the LOW price of $40. Proceeds will go towards the LatinX Ministry. Sign-up sheets are available. Hoodies can be purchased by cash or PushPay, using "Special Offering / Other Designated Funds" | |
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FMCC/ICMF is joining City X1 (services for LA's unhoused and at-risk youth) in providing supplies for pets of unhoused youth this holiday season. Items needed:
dog food (wet/dry)
cat food (wet/dry)
dog collars/harnesses/leashes
flea meds
gift cards for Petco or PetSmart
pet toys
Items may be brought to the church to put under the Christmas Tree and will be donated during the New Year/Epiphany Season.
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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFERING FOR PASTORAL STAFF
Especially at Christmas, we appreciate our Pastor and Church Staff for all that they do for us throughout the year. The Board of Directors set Sunday, December 15, in both the 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. services, to receive a Special Christmas Offering to bless our Pastor and Church Staff with holiday love and appreciation.
Please come prepared on Sunday, December 15 to participate in this offering as we give with generosity to those who have given so much to us. For those giving virtually or joining online, you may give through the PushPay app by texting Founders MCC to 77977 and use the Special Offering Fund to designate your gift. Together, let’s make this a special Christmas for our Pastor and Church Staff.
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Dec. 1st also starts our Advent Season: Emmanuel, God With Us. On Dec 1st, we celebrate Hope. | |
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Yard Sale this Saturday, November 30th
from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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World AIDs Day, Dec 1 will be celebrated here at church
Dear Founders MCC,
THE LAVENDER EFFECT invites you to the Young City at War Exhibit Launch & Reception on December 1st, 2024, at 3:30 PM. West Hollywood Park (under the grand stairs) 647 N San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069. The exhibit will be open for several months if you are not able to join us on World AIDS Day.
Young City at War: Stories from West Hollywood during the AIDS Epidemic features the dramatic and poignant story of a diverse community's response to the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. During the outbreak of AIDS in the 1980s, diagnosis was a likely death sentence with the average life expectancy nine months. The public viewed AIDS as a gay-related disease and the government was unresponsive. As a result, the turmoil of loss and survival became integral to the identity of West Hollywood, a city to be an oasis for LGBTQ+ people. Those who survived this catastrophic epidemic hold a fragile cultural memory.
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This public installation honors the warriors of the past and present, as well as showcases the power of community. It celebrates the leadership, strength, and endurance of the people and City of West Hollywood. It also provides awareness, inspiration, and wisdom for new generations. This project is made possible by the City of West Hollywood.
EXHIBIT INFO & RSVP
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Day of Guadalupe, Dec 12. Mariachis, tamales, etc. All invited. | |
Flourish is new!
We are so excited to share that leadership development for all MCC churches is now coordinated through FLOURISH. The focus of the program is to support all clergy and ministry leaders, (no matter the geographical location) particularly those who are experiencing change. Change comes in a variety of ways that includes both professional and personal.
We took the best of our former efforts in Thriving in Ministry (from the Lilly Endowment grant funding) and added funds designated by the Governing Board to ensure we can offer leadership development around the globe for our churches.
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Focusing on Leadership Development
Flourish is committed to providing Leadership Development for both clergy and lay leaders. Leadership development is a process that helps people improve their skills, knowledge, and confidence to perform in leadership roles.
Some of the benefits of Leadership development can help people develop the following capabilities:
- Self-awareness: Being aware of oneself and how one interacts with others
- Resilience: Being able to adapt to challenges and
- Influence: Being able to impact the thoughts and actions of others
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Rev. Cathy Alexander (She/Her)
Vocational Leadership
Coordinator, Director of FLOURISH program
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Marie Tasker (She/Her)
Flourish Program Manager
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Meet the Flourish Coordinators
Rev. Elder Tony Freeman (He/him/his)
Expanse Coordinator-USA
Since 1995, Tony has served in a variety of leadership roles in the local church (pastoring in all of the different church “sizes”), and at the denominational level in both volunteer and staff roles.
Denominationally, he served a variety of roles, including Vice Chair of the inaugural Governing Board, on the Council of Elders, and a a paid staff member. In 2016, he was a Moderator candidate.
In 2021, Tony retired from the full-time ministry and is currently living in Tucson, Arizona (USA) where he and his son Mario look forward to weekly trips to try out new local restaurants.
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Pastor Leticia Souza (She/Her)
Expanse Coordinator-Brazil
Leticia is a lesbian woman, teacher, theology graduate and student at the Darlene Garner Institute.
She serves as pastor of the Sol da Justiça Metropolitan Community Church (Cabo Frio - interior of the state of Rio de Janeiro) and as coordinator of "Delas", the Women's Ministry of the MCC in Brazil.
Married to Deaconess Mariah and passionate about paws. She came to the MCC at a time of great pain due to homophobia and says that here she found healing, life and freedom.
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Rev. Josh Mavamo (He/him/his)
Expanse Coordinator-Spanish Speaking Countries
Josh Mavamo, born in Mexico, with two decades of ordained ministry and much more time sharing the joy of the Gospel to others.
Ministry has led him to spend periods in other places and cultures, which have enriched me greatly in the appreciation and inclusion of others.
Sharing talents and efforts with the Metropolitan Community Church to make known the radically inclusive love of the Divine is a great joy. As well as collaborating in the growth of leadership in the local communities.
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Programs sponsored by Flourish
- Mentoring
- Respite for Clergy
- Spiritual Direction
- Strength Finder 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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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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REGISTRATION FOR
GENERAL CONFERENCE TRANSFORMATIONAL WEEKEND IS OPEN!
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JOIN US AS WE CREATE OASIS!
Come . . . and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Reunion | Refreshment | Revival
3-6 JULY 2025
Scottsdale, AZ. USA
Don't miss the Early Bird Registration rates!
Early Bird Rate available until 31 December 2024.
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Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston's invitation to all of us to join her in Scottsdale, AZ, USA for 2025 General Conference. | |
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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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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.
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Come early or stay a few days after the Transformational Weekend and take in the history and culture of Scottsdale, AZ.
A few top places to visit:
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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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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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Engaging Programming
Reunion | Refreshment | Revival
We are excited to have Rev. Dr. Claudio Carvalhaes join us for the Transformational Weekend as our keynote speaker aiding us as we open ourselves and each other into the possibilities of what it means to be church today.
Look for more speakers and events to be announced in coming emails!
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General Conference Business Meeting
Registration for the Business Meeting will open in January 2025!
The Business Forum will be held on 31st May 2025 and the Business Meeting will be held online on 7th June 2025.
Watch for more information about the Discussion Circles being hosted prior to the Business Meeting.
There will be no cost to register for the Business Meeting.
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Stay Informed
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!
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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: 11-24-2024: $8,319.00
Roofing Challenge: $4,119.00
Tithing: $2,885.00
Facility Rental: $815.00
Christine Daniels Scholorship Fund: $500.00
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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. | | | | |
