Dear Founders,
What a week this has been! Whatever we had planned this week most likely got changed as the fires around Los Angeles have raged. I hope this finds you safe and sound. I know the fires have claimed a lot of territory, and I'm still trying to assess what people have lost, what people need. Please reach out to me to let me know of your loss and how the church and I can help you. (revkeith@mccla.org)
I'm so thankful that God gave me the word, "courage" for this year. We've needed it this week, haven't we? Each day, I reminded myself of the Advent theme - Emmanuel: God With Us. No matter what comes our way, God is sure with us. We may need courage to handle it, but we don't have to handle it alone! Thank you, Spirit!
This Sunday, we will display the Black Christ as we acknowledge the "Black Christ of Esquipulas," one of the famed black Christological images of Latin America. We celebrate with many of pilgrims who will travel to see the image and worship at the Cathedral Basilica of Esquipulas in Esquipulas, Guatemala, where the image is enshrined.
My message this week is entitled, Rethink Everything. Jesus came to his cousin John to be baptized, but John didn't feel worthy to do that. Jesus told him he had to rethink that! We, too, need to rethink when we don't feel worthy. If you'd like to read ahead, check out Luke 3:15-22 (Voice version). I look forward to worship with you Sunday.
Pastor Keith
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Luke, Chapter 3, Verses 15 through 22
(The Voice Version)
John’s bold message seized public attention, and many began wondering if John might himself be the Anointed One promised by God.
John responded, "I baptize you with water, but One is coming—One far more powerful than I, One whose sandals I am not worthy to untie—who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is coming like a farmer at harvest time, tools in hand to separate the wheat from the chaff. He will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire, and He will gather the genuine wheat into His barn.”
He preached with many other provocative figures of speech and so conveyed God’s message to the people—the time had come to rethink everything. But John’s public preaching ended when he confronted Herod, the ruler of Galilee, for his many corrupt deeds, including taking Herodias, the ruler’s sister-in-law, as his own wife. Herod responded by throwing John into prison.
But before John’s imprisonment, when he was still preaching and ritually cleansing through baptism the people in the Jordan River, Jesus also came to him to be baptized. As Jesus prayed, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit came upon Him in a physical manifestation that resembled a dove. A voice echoed out from heaven, "You are My Child, the Child I love, and in You I take great pleasure.”
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Historical Information regarding
our Founder Rev. Troy Perry!
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Powerful Old Photograph of Troy Perry at Burned Down MCC Sanctuary To Be Featured in Upcoming Exhibition
Metropolitan Community Church in Los Angeles, USA (the first MCC church) is considered to be the first LGBTQIA+ affirming Christian denomination in the United States. And it was around 2AM on January 27, 1973, when it caught fire (later suspected to be arson).
A few hours later, a community organizer phone called Anthony Friedkin, a photographer, and asked him to capture images of the charred rubble with MCC's founder, Reverend Troy Perry.
The powerful photograph, featuring Rev. Perry standing in the middle of the burned down sanctuary, wearing black clergy attire with his arms folded and a somber expression, now part of the Getty Museum's collection, is also to be featured in the upcoming exhibition and publication Queer lens: A History of Photography - which will showcase how the art of photography played an important role in the LGBTQIA+ movement.
Read More
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This has been a week that we will likely not soon forget. Some of us have lost homes, cars, and other material things. Most of us have also lost our sense of personal security as the fires have covered so much of our beautiful city. We have had to depend on one another, perhaps in ways that we haven't before. And for some, this is just the beginning, or maybe a re-beginning.
This Sunday, we want to make a special effort to "be there" for one another. We may want to wear masks because of the air quality, but we may just need a few more hugs than usual. After our morning worship, we'll have a time of hospitality in the courtyard, and we'll invite those who can't join us in person to join us online for some "togetherness." We'll have a monitor set up so we can join our community of faith, near and far, and they can join us.
As we gather, please let us know of your needs. Some needs are immediately evident; others may arise days, weeks, even months from now. Please stay in touch with your Founders MCC community. We are here for one another. (Link below.)
Pastor Keith
Launch Meeting - Zoom
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Pre-Inauguration Conversation - January 14, 10:15 a.m. PST
Feeling anxious, fearful, and hopeless since the election? Oppressive power seeks to render us powerless by creating confusion and isolating us from one another. Join us for a theological conversation about our current conjuncture and what might be on the horizon nationally and globally. How are you "discerning the spirits" and what does it look like for you to act faithfully with others today?
Gather onsite and online with Rev. Dr. Ry Siggelkow, director of United's Leadership Center for Social Justice, and Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis, director of our Social Transformation program, for a conversation about this fraught moment in US history and how we can move through grief and anger to affirm the exigency of justice.
Link: https://www.unitedseminary.edu/event/social-transformation-lunch-pre-inauguration-conversation/
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BOD meeting announcement, Jan 16th | |
Jerry Silverstein, a long-time member of Founders MCC Los Angeles, passed away on November 30th after a brief illness. A memorial will be held on January 25th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at MCC UCC in the Valley, 5730 Cahuenga Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601. | |
With God All Things Are Possible (Matthew 19:26)
TOTAL ROOFING COST =$146,196.00
GIVEN AS OF Dec. 29th. =$97,079.00
REMAINING NEED =$49,122.00
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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: 01-05-2025: $13,830.00
Roofing Challenge: $3,030.00
Tithing: $4,942.00
Facility Rental: $4,989.00
Special Offering $851.00
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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" | |
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! | |
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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Rev. Keith Mozingo (Moderator)
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Dean Coffey (Vice Moderator) | |
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Ed Shaughnessy (Treasurer)
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Ina Serene - Trans* Unity
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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. | |
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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MCC Moderator Application Deadline 11th January 2025
Applications for Moderator may be submitted up to and including 11th January 2025. For more information, please click the button below:
More Information
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REGISTRATION FOR
GENERAL CONFERENCE TRANSFORMATIONAL WEEKEND IS OPEN!
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MCC General Conference 2025 registration discount. Our denomination's General Conference is fast approaching. The Creating Oasis Transformational Weekend will transpire July 3-6, 2025 in Scottsdale AZ in a beautiful resort that the denomination has reserved for us
(More information from the denomination is included further below).
Pastor Keith would love to see a large contingent represent Founders MCC, the Mother church of our denomination.
If enough of us go, maybe we can go via a large passenger van, or even a coach that we can maybe also offer to our sister church in North Hollywood.
General Conference will be transpiring in early July. Now is a good time to make your reservations and book your hotel.
Over the past 10 days we have had an incredible number of people register for the General Conference Transformational weekend using the Early Bird Rate. Given the great response and because of the Christmas and New Year's holidays, we are excited to announce that we will be extending the Early Bird Rate for both the Onsite and Online registration until January 15, 2025. The rate will increase on January 16, 2025.
If you have any questions about registration, please contact us at conferences@mccchurch.net
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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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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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Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston's invitation to all of us to join her in Scottsdale, AZ, USA for 2025 General Conference. | |
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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“Don’t Forget to Laugh”
A parrot in Tom Robbins’ novels refrains: “People of zee wurl –relax!” That parrot has great advice for us today. After all, Angels can fly only because they take themselves so lightly! The saying I keep on my bathroom wall is: “Jesus promised those who would follow only three things: that they should be absurdly happy; entirely FEARLESS; and always in TROUBLE.”
So don’t forget to laugh! Let us pray: O Clown of God, You call us not according to the wisdom of the world, but to be fools for Christ. May our lives bring smiles and laughter to your divine mouth, as we celebrate the joy of our salvation. Give us the grace to laugh at ourselves! AMEN.
According to Anne Lamott, God is not an old man or woman in the sky, but may possibly be a drag queen/golden retriever mix!
FUN and LAUGHTER are biblical concepts. Prov. 17:22 : “A merry heart is good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.” Can you imagine, a God without a sense of humor? EWWW! Who would want to follow such a God?
OUR God created such absurdities as aardvarks and ostriches and the platypus! OUR God prophesies to Balaam, through the mouth of a DONKEY in Numbers 22. ---And people have been speaking out of their asses every since!
God sends us this Jesus: surprise! Neither a ruler nor priest but a BABY; a messy, cooing with cuteness ball of human weakness who is entirely dependent upon others. Grown up Jesus’ first miracle is changing water into wine at a party –always invite Jesus to your holiday parties, because you never know! Jesus never condemned fun but poked fun at those who refused to dance.
Jesus was a storyteller who gave us laugh out loud images like a camel going through the eye of a needle and “remove the log in your own eye” before you judge others.
Jesus’ smiles drew children to him and Jesus tells us we need to be more child-like to inhabit God’s Kin-dom.
Jesus is GOOD NEWS!!! YAY! So we should be willing to be holy fools. People who don’t care so much what other people think of us because we know that God truly and completely loves us, warts and all.
So when all of the presents have been unwrapped and you begin to feel a little down this time of year: Don’t forget to laugh, because laughter is carbonated holiness. Don’t forget to laugh because that baby Jesus came that our joy might be in full measure, complete and overflowing.
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