|
Dear Founders,
It's beginning to look a lot (more) like Christmas! Last week, I thanked a team of people for getting a major start on our holiday decorating, and I want to add a Thank You! to more folks that continued with the decorations this week. Our Latinx Ministry folks tackled the tree, and our Bayanihan Ministry tackled the vestibule. Thank you to ALL of you who spent so much time making our worship space so beautiful.
In addition, Thank You! to the team that also got our worship space ready for the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe this week! So much work has gone on behind the scenes to make this experience special for not only our congregation, but also the whole community that come to these special events. Whether it's the story of Our Lady, the amazing mariachis, or even the tamales that bring people to our church, it's the Spirit and our hospitality that truly minister to those who come seeking.
Thanks to all of you who have already contributed to our ongoing ministry of pet supplies for the companions of unhoused youth in our community. Our Student Clergy, Bam Noriega (and their wife, Maria!), and I went to the City X1 holiday gathering. We found that they currently need the items we've already listed, and they generally need more cat food and cat litter. Thanks in advance for the items that continue to come in!
As I've confessed to you, it is a stressful time for many of us as we contemplate an unsure future. There are moments, almost daily, that I fall prey to my own fears and uneasiness. Yet, I continue to prepare the messages that the Spirit planted in my heart back in August when God laid the, Emmanuel: God With Us, theme on my heart for this year's Advent Season. God knew I (we!) would need the reminder of Jesus's promise to be with us all the way to the end of the world!
So far, we have shared A Shocking Hope and Just Peace. This Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, we will share a message entitled, Emmanuel: Fierce Joy. If you'd like to read ahead, check out Matthew 1:18-24 (Voice Version). I look forward to worship with you again this Sunday!
Pastor Keith
| |
|
Reading is taken from
Matthew 1:18-24
(The Voice Version)
So here, finally, is the story of the birth of Jesus the Anointed (it is quite a remarkable story):
Mary was engaged to marry Joseph, son of David. They hadn’t married. And yet, sometime well before their wedding date, Mary learned that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph, because he was kind and upstanding and honorable, wanted to spare Mary shame.
He did not wish to cause her more embarrassment than necessary.
Now when Joseph had decided to act on his instincts, a messenger of the Lord came to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to wed Mary and bring her into your home and family as your wife.
She did not sneak off and sleep with someone else—rather, she conceived the baby she now carries through the miraculous wonderworking of the Holy Spirit. She will have a son, and you will name Him Jesus, which means ‘the Lord saves,’ because this Jesus is the person who will save all of His people from sin.”
Joseph woke up from his dream and did exactly what the messenger had told him to do: he married Mary and brought her into his home as his wife (though he did not consummate their marriage until after her son was born). And when the baby was born, Joseph named Him Jesus, Savior.
Years and years ago, Isaiah, a prophet of Israel, foretold the story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus:
A virgin will conceive and bear a Son, and His name will be Emmanuel (which is a Hebrew name that means “God with us”).
| |
|
With God All Things Are Possible (Matthew 19:26)
TOTAL ROOFING COST =$146,196.00
GIVEN AS OF Dec. 8th. =$92,452.00
REMAINING NEED =$53,744.00
| |
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.
| |
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" | |
|
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.
| |
Dec. 14th - Our monthly Saturday Night Spiritual will be tomorrow, Saturday, December 14th at 5 p.m. on Facebook Live. Come here an uplifting and inspirational message from our Interfaith Minister Rev. Sheena Metal! | |
|
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 today, 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 this coming 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.
| |
|
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!
Membership Inquirer's Class - 12/15/24
Interested in becoming a Member of Founders MCC? Or, want to know more about our church? Join Rev. Steve Swafford for our next Membership Inquirer's Class this Sunday, Dec. 15th after the 10:00 a.m. service. This class is both in-person and on Zoom (link below). (Note: You are not required to join the church if you attend the class, but you must attend the class before becoming a member.)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://pepperdine.zoom.us/j/85885823310
Meeting ID: 858 8582 3310
| |
|
Sunday, Dec 22, 10 am service:
"What If? (A Christ-less Christmas)" A Special Dramatic and Musical Presentation by Rev. Eric Buter and Founders MCC Drama & Music Departments
| |
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.
| |
|
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
| |
|
Rev. Cathy Alexander (She/Her)
Vocational Leadership
Coordinator, Director of FLOURISH program
| |
|
Marie Tasker (She/Her)
Flourish Program Manager
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
|
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
| |
|
REGISTRATION FOR
GENERAL CONFERENCE TRANSFORMATIONAL WEEKEND IS OPEN!
| |
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.
| |
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston's invitation to all of us to join her in Scottsdale, AZ, USA for 2025 General Conference. | |
|
|
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.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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:
| |
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
| |
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
| |
|
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
| |
|
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!
| |
|
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.
| |
|
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!
| |
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.
| |
|
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: 12-08-2024: $5,124.00
Roofing Challenge: $400.00
Tithing: $3,969.00
Facility Rental: $755.00
| |
Rev. Keith Mozingo (Moderator)
| |
Dean Coffey (Vice Moderator) | |
|
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. | | | | |
