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Reading is taken from Acts,

Chapter 10, Verses 34 through 43

(The New Revised Standard Version)

Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every people anyone who fears God and practices righteousness is acceptable to God.

You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ who is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem.

They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Christ receives forgiveness of sins through Christ’s name.”

Gospel reading is taken from

Matthew, Chapter 28, Verses 1 through 10 (The New Revised Standard Version)

After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of God, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 

So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Our Founders MCC Podcast entitled "Queer Christian Faith" Podcast is on Spotify and our YouTube Channel MCCLATV mcclatv - YouTube

This year, Founders MCC will be leading a procession down Vermont on Good Friday, April 3rd at 6 pm.

Immediately after, we will meet together for a bilingual Good Friday service, "Stations of the Cross" in the Sanctuary.

The Stations of the Cross service will focus on current social justice issues we are experiencing, along with traditional scripture readings and music. The issues could consist of:

Gaza, the Supreme Court, erasure of trans people and American history, authoritarianism, transphobia/homophobia, ICE, immigration, environmental crisis, poverty, homelessness, hunger, and Christian nationalism.

If you feel called to speak in this service on any of these issues (Max 3 mins, English or Spanish), please let Rev. Eric Buter, Lucia Chappelle, or email at justice@foundersmcc.org.

This is a wonderful opportunity to share a message, thoughts, and feelings about what surrounds us in the world today.

Be sure to join us in our vibrant service on April 5th as we come together to celebrate the Risen Christ. We will have special music and a special Word from heaven. Indeed, our annual Easter service is not one to be missed!! 

At our upcoming (May 3rd, 2026) Congregational Meeting, we will vote on candidates for Board Members and Lay Delegates. Currently, there are two 3-year board positions and two 1-year board positions open. We also have two 3-year Lay Delegate positions open. All who are serving in these positions are eligible to re-run, though some have indicated they don't plan to do so. Are YOU feeling called to serve in one of these positions? Please prayerfully consider next steps. Applications can be found on the church website (www.foundersmcc.org). Completed applications should be returned to board@mccla.org by April 12th, 2026 in order for background checks and distribution of information ahead of the Congregational Meeting. 

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. 

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. 

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)

Tithes & Offerings

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: 03-29-2026: $5,668.00

Facility Rentals: $1,006.00

Deaf Ministry: $410.00

Tithing: $4,258.00

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!

Hospitality!

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!

Covid-19 Protocols

Dean Coffey -

Vice Moderator

Patricia Wahle - Clerk

Ed Shaughnessy - Treasurer

Roger Owens - Governance

Ina Serene - Trans Unity

Martin Miny - Facilities

Founders Metropolitan Community Church Address And Contact Info:

4607 Prospect Ave, Los Angeles CA 90027 | 323-669-3434

E-mail: info@foundersmcc.org

Website: www.foundersmcc.org

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.

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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Reflections about the Transgender Day of Visibility

31 March 2026

A global perspective offered by Elders in South Africa and the United States

Rev. Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla, South Africa 

The Transgender Day of Visibility is a day when we pause to see, honor, and lift up the living. It is a moment to recognize the courage of those who show up in the world as their authentic selves, even when the world does not always make space for them.

For me, visibility means showing up as I am without shrinking myself. It means refusing to hide the parts of my identity that society has often told us should remain silent or invisible. It means standing in the fullness of who I am as a woman of faith, as an African, as a queer person, and as a leader without apologizing for my existence.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to stand on different platforms, to speak in spaces of faith, advocacy, and leadership. Each time I show up visibly, I am reminded that visibility is not only about me. Often, when one person stands openly in their truth, it gives courage to others who may still be finding their voice. Sometimes visibility simply allows someone else to say, “If she can stand there, maybe I can also be who I am.”

But visibility is not always easy. In many parts of the world, including many African contexts, visibility can come with real risks. It can bring threats, rejection, and sometimes even violence. For many transgender people especially, being visible is not simply a personal choice it can be a matter of safety. That is why this day also calls us to reflect more deeply on what visibility means. Visibility is not only about those who stand on stages or speak loudly. Visibility takes many forms.

Some people are visible by speaking publicly, advocating, and taking leadership roles. Others are visible in quieter ways in their homes, in their communities, in small circles of trust, or simply in the quiet courage of living authentically in spaces where it is not always safe to do so.

All forms of visibility deserve to be honored.

On this Day of Visibility, we are reminded not only to celebrate those who stand in the light, but also to recognize and respect the many ways people live their truth. As people of faith, we believe that every person reflects the sacred image of God. Our calling is to create communities where people do not have to hide who they are in order to belong. So today we celebrate visibility in all its forms. We honor those who speak out, those who lead, those who quietly persist, and those who are still finding the courage to live more openly.

And we must also say this clearly, a world that demands that people hide who they are in order to be safe is a world that still needs healing. Our communities especially our faith communities must become places where people are not forced into silence, but are welcomed in truth and dignity.

In many African traditions we speak about Ubuntu, the understanding that “a person is a person through other people.” Our humanity is deeply interconnected. When we refuse to see someone fully, we diminish our shared humanity. But when we choose to recognize the dignity of another person, we restore something sacred within our communities 

Because when people are free to show up fully as themselves, our communities become more honest, more compassionate, and more human.

May we continue the work of building spaces where no one has to shrink themselves in order to belong. And may our courage to see one another fully become the beginning of a more just and compassionate world. Because visibility is not only about being seen it is about affirming that every life is worthy of dignity, safety, and love.

Rev. Elder Aaron Miller, United States 

It seems like only yesterday that we (trans people) in the United States were celebrating who we are --- out, proud, and able to gender transition and to be visible without fear. This year feels very different for much has changed. Or has it? Yes, each day the national news carries stories of legislators bringing forth anti-trans bills to criminalize health care, bathrooms, driving, sports, international travel (and more) with the intent to render us invisible and remove us from community life; state by state. And yet, in scripture we meet Lazarus who chose to walked out of the tomb where he had been placed, leaving behind his grave clothes, and never going back. New life waited beyond that tomb and Lazarus chose to live. We, in the trans community, will not return or retreat either—back to different ‘tombs’ many of us know well – a place where others seal us off from community and even from worship---a place without air, light, and life. 

It has always been the case that we (and everyone for that matter) must exercise caution regarding personal safety; something we have been taught from an early age. Yet, as people of faith, we know with certainty that love is much greater and more powerful than fear. Love always prevails. Jesus deeply loved Lazarus and raised him from the dead. God deeply loves us all and delights in our becoming; each of us uniquely a gift to us all. Beyond the cacophony of voices media, religious, familial, social, and more --- there is truth. The Good News that MCCs share freely around the world is that God’s unconditional love is for us, too and that our sanctuaries welcome all and offer a respite from what we see and hear.

Friends, like Lazarous, we have been set free! So, on this Transgender Day of Visibility---wherever you are on your spiritual and gender journeys, know that you are deeply loved as who (not what) you are…and becoming. We are been given the spiritual gift of courage to live authentically and freely as well as the spiritual gift of wisdom to discern when visibility may not be safe.

So, let us live -- and love (including ourselves). There are no tombs that can hold us. So, let us leave behind the death wraps and walk into the air, light, and life that waits for us each moment and day we ‘rise up’ like Lazarus. Praise God! 

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Maundy Thursday

Rev. Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla

Advanced Copy

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(Subtitles available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese)

Reading 1: Exodus 12:1-4; 11-14

Reading 2: John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Greeting Beloveds all over the world. My name is Rev Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla.

I bring you greetings from the Council of Elders of the Metropolitan Community Church.

As we enter this sacred season of Lent, we pause at the powerful moment of Maundy Thursday, and our Scripture comes from the Gospel of John 13:1–17, 31b–35.

John tells us that Jesus knew the hour had come. He knew betrayal was near. He knew violence was coming. And yet, “having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”

That is the atmosphere of this text: tension, uncertainty, and impending suffering.

In this passage, we see three sacred movements.

First, Jesus rises from the table.

In the middle of supper, in the middle of fear, Jesus stands up. Jesus is showing us that Love is not passive. Love does not remain seated when action is required. Sometimes love requires us to rise to interrupt comfort, to disrupt normality, to act even when the future feels fragile.

Second, Jesus kneels to wash their feet.

The Teacher kneels. The Lord becomes servant. He touches their feet that was covered with dust, those weary feet. He washes not only dirt, but anxiety and confusion. He redefines power. In God’s reign, greatness is expressed through service.

One of the Disciples Peter resisted and said . “You will never wash my feet.”

And we recognize ourselves there. We are often willing to serve but not always willing to receive healing. We fight for justice yet struggle to admit our own exhaustion. We advocate for others, yet hesitate to let Christ touch our wounds.

Jesus says, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.”

Beloved, in these times of global unrest, we must allow Christ to wash our despair, our anger, and even our numbness. Because numbness is dangerous. It tempts us to become spectators of suffering.

And this is where the prophetic call meets us.

After Judas leaves, Jesus gives the commandment: “Love one another. Just as I have loved you.”

This is not sentimental love. It is courageous love. It is public love. It is prophetic love.

We are living in a time when wars rage across nations. Innocent people—children, elders, families—are losing their lives. Communities are displaced. Fear is spreading. And sometimes, because these conflicts seem far from our own streets, we are tempted to think: it does not affect us.

But the Body of Christ has no distant members.

When one part suffers, all suffer.

As followers of Jesus—and as the Metropolitan Community Church—we cannot afford silence. We cannot watch as bystanders while human dignity is trampled. We cannot preach love inside our sanctuaries and remain quiet when bombs fall outside of them.

Prophetic love speaks.

Prophetic love laments.

Prophetic love challenges systems of violence and calls leaders to accountability.

Prophetic love stands with the vulnerable—even when it is uncomfortable.

Maundy Thursday teaches us that kneeling with a towel does not mean bowing to injustice. It means embodying a different kind of power. It means confronting hatred without becoming hateful. It means refusing to let violence define our discipleship.

When the world chooses domination, we choose service.

When the world chooses indifference, we choose solidarity.

When the world chooses silence, we choose a courageous, compassionate voice.

Jesus washed feet knowing the cross was near. He loved knowing betrayal was real. And he commanded love knowing empire was watching.

So what will we do?

We will rise from the table.

We will kneel with the towel.

And we will live the commandment—publicly and prophetically.

This Lent, may we allow Christ to wash away our fear of speaking out.

May we wash the feet of a wounded world through action and advocacy.

And may our love be so visible, so courageous, so unwavering, that the world will know we belong to Christ.

Beloved, this is not the time for bystanders.

This is the time for disciples.

Easter Appeal 2026: Doing Justice

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Imagine standing in the middle of a march for trans rights. The air is alive with hope, courage, and determination. You look around—and there it is. The MCC logo on T-shirts moving through the streets. Our name. Our witness. Our love in action.

Imagine the quiet pride of seeing an MCC Elder or Pastor step up to the microphone at an anti-racism rally, speaking words of truth, compassion, and holy resistance.

Imagine reading an article where the MCC Moderator boldly proclaims that justice is not optional for people of faith—it is our calling.

Imagine seeing members of MCC - lay people, pastors, chaplains, leaders or members showing up—at peaceful protests, at rallies, at school board meetings—standing beside those whose dignity is being questioned, whose rights are being threatened, whose voices are too often silenced.

This is what it means to live our Core Value of Justice.

Around the world, MCCers put love into action. We show up. We speak out. We stand alongside. We work to dismantle oppression and to build communities where every person is seen, affirmed, and celebrated as a beloved child of God.

Justice work is not abstract. It is deeply personal. It is about protecting trans youth who deserve to grow up safely. It is about confronting racism that wounds communities. It is about ensuring that no one is pushed to the margins because of who they are.

And this sacred work requires courage, commitment—and resources.

This Easter, as we celebrate the resurrection—the triumph of life over death, hope over despair—we are reminded that new life is possible. Resurrection is not only a story from long ago. It is a promise we live into when we choose justice, when we choose love, when we choose to act.

Rev. Vickie Miller shared this experience from being at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee USA, to lobby politicians on anti-LGBT+ legislation. 

At the very end of the event, a shy newly out trans woman thanked me for the church being present. Though she was in my small group, she was very withdrawn until the very end and I learned that she had grown up in church. I was able to give her an MCC card and encourage her to seek out King of Peace MCC

Your generosity is essential in allowing MCC to continue this vital work. By contributing to the Easter Offering, you play a critical role in sustaining and expanding our justice initiatives globally. Every gift, no matter the size, helps us reach more people and bring hope where it is needed most.

Together, we can ensure that wherever justice is needed, MCC is there.

This Easter, let us rise—together.

Donate Now

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Good Friday

Rev. Elder Stuart Sutherland

Advanced Copy

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(Subtitles available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese)

Reading 1: Isiah 52:13 – 53:12

Reading 2: John 18:1-19:42

Hi I’m the Reverend Elder Stuart Sutherland from Sydney Australia. There are days during the Christian calendar that need little explanation. Good Friday is one of them. The liturgical journey that we have been on since Advent is in many ways a familiar one that we know how to do. We know how to celebrate Christmas, Epiphany is nice. Think of something meaningful but not too difficult to abstain from during Lent. Then its Palm Sunday: Easter.

But on Good Friday we pause to observe and contemplate the suffering of Jesus. That’s the end. It is finished! The end. Good Friday is the end. But was it really finished. What was finished? What was this mission that was now finished? Why did Jesus come and then finish it?

We hear of God’s suffering in Isaiah, we hear the cry of dereliction in Psalm 22 and Peter’s denial, Pilate’s exasperation and Jesus’ calm commitment to the path before him in John. Today on this holiness on all days we hear all the voices.

Listen to God’s chosen servants. His humanness is indiscernible. He is utterly familiar with rolled eyes and pointed fingers. He is told that God has forsaken him. He bears the shortcomings of those who hate him. He swallows the rejection he is offered. He is taken before justice only to have it turned away. His innocence is a curse, his purity a burden. He provides no rebuttal yet he calls out in deafening and defiant silence. His future is his past. His demise is extricable tied to the righteousness of those who taunt and ridicule. Somehow his death is their gain. Are you listening?

Do you hear the voice of another servant? She admits that God is holy and enthroned on the praises of the people. She tells us of her ancestors trusted for generations and experienced deliverance and not shame. She recalls a time when God safe guarded her every move. But not now. She laments God’s absence. She wonders why God has stepped away in her moment of greatest need. Countless naysayers and enemies are closer to her than God. Her groans fall on deaf ears. Death is certain. She hopes for deliverance, for a future, to see the face of God again, yet her life is in God’s hands. Are you listening?

We hear a confused voice today? He is quick to draw his sword but slow to acknowledge the one for whom he draws it. He joins himself to the slaves and the police, to find anonymity and warmth. “I am not one of his disciples” he shouts and again. There is resentment to his voice and fear in his voice. A cock is crowing. Are you listening.

Hear another confused voice. He is trying to understand the situation. He can’t decide whether the follow the voice of reason or the cry of the crowd. He’s interrogating the accused about being “King of the Jews.” He finds no fault with the accused. He’s less insistent about being in control as the situation deteriorates. He shouts, “Here is the man! Here is the King! What is the truth? He knows he’s lost control. Are you listening.

Hear the last voice, “I am the one you are looking for.” Put your sword away. “My kingdom is not this world.” Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to me. Are you listening. 

These are the voices of rejection, suffering, confusion, pain, innocence, abandonment, anguish, searching, blaming, injustice, confidence and silence. As we think about the people maybe near us or around the world suffering. These are the voices of Good Friday. Are you listening. 

The Flags We Fly - Moderator's Reflection - March 2026

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Subtitles available in English, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Over the summer last year, a curious thing happened in England. The red and white flag of St George, the national flag of England, started appearing on lampposts and was painted onto the white centre of mini roundabouts.

 At first, I thought this was to celebrate the absolutely fantastic summer of women’s sport. The England Lionesses won the Euro football competition, and the England Red Roses won the rugby World Cup.

 It soon became apparent, however, that something else was going on. Individuals and self-organized groups were putting up these flags systemically, often in areas with a racially diverse population, saying that they wanted to “show pride in being English”.

 This sounds innocent enough, except that over many years, the flag of St George has been used by far-right movements to reclaim the “whiteness” of England.

 This surge in so-called patriotism was accompanied by groups of white people protesting and carrying out violent attacks on accommodation housing asylum seekers. All these actions were emboldened by the rise in popularity of a right-wing political party, Reform UK.

 Of course, St George was not from England and there are no accounts of him visiting. He was a soldier in the Roman Army who died as a Christian martyr. Records suggest that he was born in the Middle East or Turkey and probably spoke Greek, not English.

He would be defined as a person of colour today.

 Much of the rich diversity of twenty first century England, and other countries in Great Britain, stems from the brutal history of colonialism. British boots and bureaucracy spread out across the world. Millions of people were told that they were part of the British Empire – they fought and died in the two World wars as part of the British Forces. Afterwards, many came to Britain to fill gaps in the labour market and help rebuild the “mother country”, only to experience hostility and racism from her people.

 I sometimes wonder if the people who want a white England avoid eating any food that has enriched our national diet from these different communities.  

  I wonder if they only listen to lute music from medieval times, to avoid the influence of jazz, blues, reggae, bhangra and all the other genres that now are part of the British musical landscape.

 Racism has selective memory and co-opts stories and symbols to support its cause. The cross of St George, who died for his Christian faith, has been co-opted by those who do not love their neighbour, nor welcome the stranger. Images of Jesus have become white, even though the gospel tells us he was born in Palestine and spoke Aramaic and Hebrew.

 Look around the next time you go into a church building, visit an art gallery or watch a video about Jesus. Has Jesus been whitewashed? Even in countries where the majority of the population is not white, the colonial white image of Jesus is still evident. Scripture tells us that God made humans in God’s image, not the other way around. (Genesis 1:27)

 Today I invite you to celebrate the diversity of God’s people and a Christ born in Palestine.

 I invite you to give thanks for the different ways that MCC is addressing racism and oppression around the world, through the ministry of our MCC congregations and our leaders.

 I encourage you to do one thing today that challenges racism where you are.

God bless.

Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston

Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches

Justice Statement in Celebration of Women, during International Women’s Month of March

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Saints,

In this sacred season, we—the Council of Elders of Metropolitan Community Churches—lift our collective voice to honor the dignity, leadership, and holy brilliance of women across our global fellowship.

International Women’s Month is not merely a celebration; it is a summons to justice, a call to courage, and a charge to dismantle the systems of patriarchy and misogyny that continue to wound the Body of Christ.

Scripture proclaims: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). This truth is not symbolic—it is structural. It demands that we build communities where women are not diminished but radiant, not silenced but heard, not overlooked but honored as indispensable to the life and liberation of the Church.

With clarity and conviction, we declare: Patriarchy has no place in MCC.

Misogyny will not be tolerated in our pews, pulpits, councils, or communities.

We reject the spiritual violence that occurs when women’s callings are questioned, minimized, dismissed, or silenced. We confront the erasure that happens when women’s stories go untold, their labor unrecognized, their leadership uncelebrated. We stand against the global realities of gendered oppression—economic injustice, political violence, cultural silencing, and the policing of women’s bodies and identities.

Women’s voices are essential. Their wisdom, creativity, resilience, and prophetic imagination are not optional; they are foundational to the flourishing of our churches and the healing of the world.

Grounded in our core values of Inclusion, Community, Spiritual Transformation, and Justice, we covenant to:

Amplify women’s voices in every space of discernment, leadership, and decision-making.

Honor women’s leadership as pastors, prophets, elders, shamans, rabbis, teachers, organizers, healers, and visionaries.

Affirm women of every race, culture, ability, age, gender expression, and economic reality, including trans women, queer women, nonbinary, and all who live at the intersections of gender oppression.

Resist erasure by creating rituals, policies, and practices that embody visibility, dignity, and belonging.

Celebrate women’s contributions across generations and cultures, ensuring their stories are preserved, cherished, and taught.

Review and reshape our structures so that equity is not aspirational but embodied in our governance, our ministries, and our communal life.

Invest in leadership development that empowers women across our global movement.

Call to Action:

Thank a woman that has made a difference in your life

Pray for a woman who is in leadership

Pray for a woman who is struggling

We pledge ourselves to repentance where harm has been done, renewal where silence has prevailed, and courage where justice demands action. We will walk together in visibility and solidarity, dismantling barriers and embodying equity so that every woman in MCC—and every woman touched by our witness—knows she/her/they are seen, valued, and cherished. This is our covenant. This is our witness. This is our justice.

In Peace, the MCC Council of Elders:

Elder Hattie Alexander-Key

Rev. Elder Mark Byrd

Rev. Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla

Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston

Elder Velma Garcia

Rev. Elder Rich Hendricks

Rev. Elder Aaron Miller

Rev. Elder Elaine Saralegui Caraballo

Rev. Elder Stuart Sutherland

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Learn How MCC Is Achieving

Goals Through Flourish

In the March Newsletter:

• Easter Offering
• Trainings:
• CLGS Queering the Word Preaching Series
• The Sacred Pause Summer Retreats
• Clifton Strength Finders
• Spiritual Direction
• Mentoring Training
• Grant Support
• Celebrating MCC Leaders: March- Rev. Kenny Callahan and All God's Children MCC
• Resources for Clergy and Lay Leaders
• Important Links and Information

Five (5) Key FlourishObjectives:

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.

LINK to Flourish Information 

Workshop #4: LGBTQ+ Holydays/Holidays | A CLGS & MCC Queering the Word Workshop with Rev. Lauren Bennett, Rev. Dr. Tijuana Gray,

and Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw

Wednesday, 20 May 2026 at 11:30am (Pacific) | 2:30pm (Eastern)

Click here for more information!

The Sacred Pause:

A Renewal Retreat for Faith Leaders

Renew your spirit, restore your balance, and connect with inspiring faith leaders.

Join a 5-day immersive retreat in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Created by faith leaders for faith leaders, The Sacred Pause offers a space for wisdom-sharing across traditions.

• Each cohort is limited to 30 participants from geographically, ethnically, and spiritually diverse communities.
• Participants each bring 10+ years of experience in ministry, spiritual guidance, chaplaincy, or faith-based nonprofit leadership.
• An interfaith Advisory Committee selects each cohort to ensure balance, diversity, and a shared commitment to renewal and connection.

To learn more about this opportunity and apply for the retreat, please use the link below.

The Sacred Pause Summer Retreats for Clergy

Leadership Development Opportunities

for your Church -

What are your Strengths?

Flourish has a partnership with Gallup’s CliftonStrengths (formerly Clifton StrengthsFinder), a powerful assessment tool that helps churches identify and utilize the unique talents of their members, Board Members, and clergy.

Through this partnership, MCC churches around the world have been able to participate in the program at no cost to the church, equipping leaders and congregations to better understand their strengths and use them in ministry, leadership, and community building. Listen to Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson talking about how this program has been beneficial at SunCoast MCC, Venice, Florida USA.



Please email 

Flourish@mccchurch.net for additional information

Spiritual Direction Program

Flourish has been sponsoring the Spiritual Direction Program. Rev. Dr. Joe McMurray has served as Co-Lead and Administrator for the Spiritual Direction Initiative since its inception in 2022.

For additional information on the Spiritual Direction Program, email Rev. Dr. Joe at: joe.mcmurray53@gmail.com

Take a moment to hear Rev. Dr. Joe McMurray explain the program and how you can become involved by watching the video below. 

Interested in becoming a Mentor, or need a refresher on the MCC Mentor Program?

Mentoring is a meaningful relationship that fosters personal and professional growth through guidance, shared wisdom, and mutual trust. It strengthens both the mentor and the mentee while building a culture of learning and support across MCC.

We will be holding a Mentor Training webinar this spring. If you are interested, please complete the interest form using this LINK.

Is your church looking for funding for a

special project to support your ministry and community?



Flourish will partner with you in researching and give guidance in writing a grant to support your ministry and community impact.

If you would like assistance with grant research or the application process, please contact us at Flourish@mccchurch.net.

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 invite you to share your story and your work—or to lift up someone whose contributions should be recognized—by emailing Flourish@mccchurch.net.

This month, we recognize

Rev. Kenny Callaghan and

All God's Children MCC

AGCMCC is where justice and compassion meet in everyday acts: a hot meal, a clean pair of socks, a safe place to recover, a pastor who listens and responds, and a community that refuses to give up on anyone. And through it all, they work hard—and have a lot of fun doing it.



Link in English

Enlace em espanhol

Link em português

Ways Flourish can Support the work of MCC in your Church, Network and Community

• Mentoring
• Flourish will partner with you in researching and give guidance in writing a grant
• Respite for Clergy and Lay Leaders
• Spiritual Direction
• Strength Finder training
• Board Training

Individualize programming meeting your needs as a leader

Important Information and Links

Request funding to SupportMCC Networks and Kinship Groups: LINK

Respite Program For Clergy and Lay Leaders: LINK

Flourish Staff Information: Link

Would you like more information about Flourish. Contact the Program Manager at Flourish@mccchurch.net.

Learn how MCC is advancing the mission and goals of the denomination through Flourish by downloading the information page found HERE.