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Greetings!
Happy New Year!
I hope that you had a safe and happy beginning of the new year this week! Fairfax and I spent New Year's Eve at home, staying up to watch the ball drop in New York. I was thinking about years gone by that I would have been "out on the town" dancing the night away (and hoping to get kissed at midnight!). These days, I'm so happy with being at home with my dog and telling him at midnight that I love him. We may all change how we celebrate holidays through the years, but one thing I pray we all keep in mind - to give God thanks for a new year, a new beginning. It's a time for us to all evaluate the year we are leaving and the year we are heading into.
As we begin this new year, I believe the Spirit has some wonderful things in store for us. One of those wonderful things is this: We will transition Bam Noriega from Student Clergy to Assistant Pastor! Yes, this Sunday we will lay hands on Bam, anointing them for this special ministry. Thank you, Bam, for being willing to join the FMCC staff in this position. I look forward to continuing working with them in ministry!
Many thanks to Rev. Cindy Solomon-Klebba for her message last Sunday, getting us ready for the New Year. Several of you came by to tell me you were going to rewatch the service online, as Rev. Cindy gave us such a powerful word. I agree with you - I'll be listening to it again, too. I'm thrilled that Rev. Cindy has agreed to join Rev. Barbara Haynes, Rev. Steve Swafford, Pastor Lucia Chappelle, and Rev. Wayne Lindsey as our Volunteer Staff. Also, many thanks to Curly Solomon-Klebba for interpreting Sunday's service to the deaf and hearing-impaired. What a blessing!
This Sunday, we have a special message from our denomination's Moderator, Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston. Those of you that were at General Conference in Scottsdale in July were able to meet Rev. Cecilia, so this will be an even bigger treat for you. We will also hear the message in the 1:30 p.m. service, as Rev. Cecilia sent it out to the whole denomination. Thanks to our Creative Worship Team for making sure we have a translated version for our 1:30 p.m. service.
One last thing: Thank you all for the Christmas bonus to our staff. Each one has contacted me to say how much they appreciate it. I join them in thanking you for the bonus, along with Christmas gifts, cards, and notes. You have truly blessed us all.
It's 2026! Are we ready for where the Spirit will lead us this year???
Pastor Keith
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Reading is taken from Matthew,
Chapter 2, Verses 1 through 2 and 9 through 11
(The New King James Version)
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”
And behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
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Thanks, Rev. Eric Buter!
We want to say big THANK YOU to Rev. Eric Buter who has been leading the online midweek services over the last few months. Our last service was last Wednesday, but don't worry - they are on our social media outlets forever! Rev. Eric put a lot of time and talent into making these services fulfilling. We also thank those of you who helped create each part of the services. Job well done, Rev. Eric!
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As is also our tradition here at ICMF/FMCC, in the 1:30 Spanish-speaking service on Jan 11th, we will celebrate "El Cristo Negro de Esquipulas" (the Black Christ) from the Guatemalan tradition.
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Come watch our own Vinny Mohr dance and help fund his college tuition so he can pursue his dreams! Saturday, January 17, 7-8 pm, Founders MCC. He will be performing another one-man show with different dances than from last year's FMCC performance. Additionally, this year's performance will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in-person. This event will be streamed online too.
RSVP at tinyurl.com/tuitiontendu2026
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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: 12-28-2025: $8,223.00
Facility Rentals: $560.00
Tithing: $7,663.00
| | 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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View as Webpage / Ver como página web / Ver como uma página da web
New Year's Day
Rev. Elder Stuart Sutherland
Advanced Copy
Watch on YouTube | Watch on Vimeo
(Subtitles available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese)
Hi, I’m Reverend Elder Stuart Sutherland and Happy New Year from the Council of Elders.
At the Elder’s Retreat at General Conference we spoke about the book, “St George and the Quest for the Holy Grail”, by Edward Hays. The book tells us about the quest of George to find the Holy Grail. His Saturdays spent in the garage on his own and away from distractions, speaking with a magical Dragon which was very much like speaking to God.
In the book the Dragon tells George, “Look into the mirror and be alone, be quiet and you will see a shadow side of yourself which is usually invisible. You will see that what you consciously deny is there, the petty weakness, the fears and doubts, the flirtations with evil. Time alone can allow you to help confront those things inside you which prevent you from finding the Holy Grail.”
It takes humility to look in that mirror and to acknowledge that the face marred with those weaknesses is yours. The reflection in the mirror are us, our maps are our holy books, our Gospels. These are the books that lead us to the Holy Grail.
The books continue, “Today as I look in the mirror I see something ugly, I have never seen before, it’s an image of myself as superior to others, more loved by God, more important. It’s a disturbing view of me that I hadn’t been aware of. Each hour alone I begin to see more of my hidden self. The most surprising part is that I’m learning to love even the dark side of myself. The turning over of the mirror brings the light– the light that we are the Holy Grail.”
In this New Year we are all on a new journey– a journey to reflect on ourselves, to see the good, the bad, and the ugly. Is the ugly that we see in the mirror, what we feel to be superior to others and does the mirror reflect that we are more loved by God. This is a time to look in your mirror for love and peace and to follow our own quest. To follow the Gospels and to find our real hidden self not to be more important than others but to follow the light, the light that shines for all of us to follow.
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You are invited!
Making MCC Visible: Easy Ways to Use Local Media to Amplify Your MCC's Voice
Is Your Church’s Best-Kept Secret… Your Church?
We do incredible work in our communities, but sometimes it feels like nobody knows we’re here. It’s time to change that narrative.
Join James Hartman and Rev. Elder Rich Hendricks for a practical, hands-on workshop: "Making MCC Visible: Easy Ways to Use Local Media to Amplify Your MCC's Voice."
You don't need a big budget or a professional PR team to make headlines. Learn simple, effective strategies to connect with local newspapers, TV stations, and radio to spread the message of inclusive love.
Schedule:
17th January at 7am PT, 8am MT, 9am CT, 10am ET, 12pm BRT, 3pm GMT, 4pm CET, 5pm SAST, 11pm PHT, 18th January at 2am AEDT (see other time zones)
22nd January at 4pm PT, 5pm MT, 6pm CT, 7pm ET, 9pm BRT, 23rd January at 12am GMT, 1am CET, 2am SAST, 8am PHT, 11am AEDT (see other time zones)
Making MCC Visible (January 17 & 22)
Time Zone Converter – Time Difference Calculator
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Exciting News from Flourish!
In the December Newsletter:
Flourish Challenge Matching Funds Donation
Flourish Work in 2024 and 2025
Resources for Clergy and Lay Leaders
Celebrating MCC Leaders
2026 Planning Questionnaire
How Flourish can Support Networks and Kinship Groups
Flourish Resources
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$25,000 (USD) Flourish
Challenge Match
Ending 31st December 2025
Funds Raised to Date:$9,334.54 USD
Thank you to all who have donated!
An anonymous donor has stepped forward and is offering a $25,000 (USD) challenge match for Flourish. Flourish is MCC’s leadership development program to not only train and develop existing clergy and laity. Please make a difference in the life and ministry of MCC by ensuring we equip the leaders needed for today and also for tomorrow.
Donation Form
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Five (5) Key Objectives of Flourish:
Mentorship
Convening Spaces
Respite
Equitable Resources
Infrastructure
Learn more about Flourish and how the program has supported Churches, Clergy and Lay Leaders in 2024 and 2025 by downloading an information sheet using the link below.
What is Flourish.pdf
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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;
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 of the classes are online.
The workshops are designed for Christian preachers, seminarians, and anyone else interested in the art of preaching from a queer perspective! To learn more, you can download the flyer using this LINK.
CLGS Queering the Word preaching workshop _2_.pdf
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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.
This month, we are celebrating the ministry and advocacy of Rev. Dr. Joe Cobb.
\We also want to recognize all of you for your efforts in social justice, humanitarian aid, and in supporting marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those living in unsafe or hostile environments around the world.
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
Congratulations Rev. Dr. Joe Cobb
Rev. Dr. Cobb has been appointed to the transition committees for both Governor-elect Spanberger and Lt. Gov-elect Hashmi in Virginia. Too learn more about the work of Joe and his journey, click on the link below.
Rev. Dr. Joe Cobb.pdf
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As we approach the end of 2025, Flourish is focusing on how we can best uplift and support leadership within the MCC community. We would appreciate your input on what you need and how we can help all leaders thrive.
2026 Flourish Programing/Support Requests
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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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