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Dear Founders,
11:30 is the time for this Sunday's service!!! Don't show up at 10:00 a.m. ready for church, or you'll have awhile to wait for the amazing production of The Passion of Christ (The Final Days, a New Beginning). Our congregants, led by Rev. Eric Buter, have put in an enormous amount of hours and energy, as well as our Music Director, Louis Ramirez, to make this production meaningful and powerful for all of us. We'll have a special treat, too, with Peter Kirkpatrick joining Louis Ramirez on stage accompanying the music. We are in for a treat! Please invite family and friends to join us for this service. While the production will happen in Spanish, there will be some English, along with English subtitles. Also, there will be food after service!
As we wind down the season of Lent, we usher in Holy Week with the production on Palm (Passion) Sunday. Next week, April 18, we'll meet again for another production on Good Friday at 7:30 p.m. Rev. Eric Buter is also directing that play, Into The Void. Then, we'll celebrate together again on Easter Sunday!
Thank you for continuing to make our Sunday gatherings special. The worship last Sunday was superb, and the food afterward was wonderful. We continue to grow in number, spirit, and hospitality! Let's keep it going!
I look forward to seeing you THIS SUNDAY at 11:30 a.m.!!!
Pastor Keith
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Sunday Opportunity
Our Latinx Ministry will offer opportunities for a chance at a countertop ice maker. Tickets will be available after worship during our hospitality time. Proceeds will be for the Latinx Ministry for future special guests, such as Mariachis Arcoiris.
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Our Latinx siblings, who worship at our 1:30 p.m. Spanish-speaking service, have had a long tradition of presenting a production depicting the events of Holy Week. Many of us have been awed by the incredible set they create on our chancel area. However, some of us have never experienced the grandeur and heartfelt efforts of the actual production, the language barrier playing a part. That changes this year! We may all share in this labor of love as it will be presented on Palm Sunday, April 13th, at a blended service of both congregations.
This service will be at 11:30 a.m. and will take the place of our 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. services. There are some unique and new aspects to this production, including making it multi-lingual. Our 1:30 pm folks are so excited to be sharing this with us, and also for the opportunity for the two congregations to get to know each other better.
They have graciously and warmly invited Reverend Eric Buter from our 10:00 a.m. service to direct this year's production. They have also invited any of you who might like to participate to join them in this dramatic celebration. You do not have to speak Spanish! If you are interested or have any questions, please see Reverend Eric. We hope that you will support, attend, and be blessed by The Passion of Christ (The Final Days, A New Beginning).
| | On Good Friday, April 18th, at 7:30 pm, Rev Eric Buter is presenting his drama, "Into The Void." Our drama ministry has been busy rehearsing and you don't want to miss this excellence! Your quiet entrance and exit is encouraged. | | Friday, April 20th. Resurrection Sunday Celebration!! Come ready to celebrate and rejoice in the Risen Christ! We will have lively and victorious, celebration music from our choir and soloists, as well as a timely and challenging sermon from our own beloved pastor, Rev. Keith!! | | Our Spring Congregational Meeting will be Sunday, May 4th, between the 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. services, starting at approximately 11:30 a.m. At the meeting, we will receive reports, give a financial update, and elect a member of the Board of Directors. If you are interested in applying for the Board position, please fill out the application on our website (foundersmcc.org) and return it to revkeith@mccla.org by April 16th. | | We need additional volunteers to help in the sound booth (see Don Mueller) and broadcast booth (see Sandra Contreras) | | |
With God All Things Are Possible (Matthew 19:26)
TOTAL ROOFING COST $146,196
GIVEN AS OF April. 9th. $134,951
REMAINING NEED $11,245
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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: 04-06-2025: $9,067.00
Roofing Fund: $125.00
Facility Rental: $2,489.00
General Fund: $3,219.00
Tithing: $3,234.00
| | 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! | | 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" | | 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)
| | Dean Coffey (Vice Moderator) | | |
Ed Shaughnessy (Treasurer) | |
Ina Serene - Trans* Unity | |
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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Palm Sunday | Rev. Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla
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Advanced Copy
Greetings to everyone. I am Rev Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla.
Matthew 21:8-9 - speaks about Jesus entering Jerusalem. It is a story about Palm Sunday that is what I want to speak about.
Palm Sunday is a day of both joy and deep reflection. The palm branches symbolize victory, peace, and triumph, but they are also a cry for salvation and justice. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people rejoiced, shouting "Hosanna!"-- a plea for deliverance.
Yet, even as we remember this moment of celebration, can we truly rejoice when the world is filled with so much injustice? We see hate where there should be love, exclusion where there should be welcome. The LGBTIQ+ community, especially our trans siblings—face immense suffering. They, too, cry out Hosanna! Save us now! Longing for justice, dignity, and recognition of their sacred worth.
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was not a display of earthly power, but an important act of humility. He rode on a donkey, not a war horse, showing that His kingdom is one of love, peace, and justice. His mission was not for the privileged few, but for all people: the outcast, the oppressed, and the rejected.
Palm Sunday is not just about celebrating Jesus’ triumphal entry; it is a call to reflect and act. The same Jesus who was welcomed with shouts of joy was later betrayed, rejected, and crucified. He suffered for all, including those whom society refuses to see.
The palm branches symbolize victory, peace, and triumph, yet we must ask: Where is that victory when so many are still suffering? Where is that peace when we see injustices continue?
I ask us today to stand in solidarity with those who are hurting, just as Jesus did.
To remember that Christ’s sacrifice was for all people, regardless of who they are or how the world sees them. To embody Christ’s humility. To resist the misuse of faith as so many injustices are committed “in the name of God,” but the true message of the Gospel is love, not exclusion.
This is not just a day of waving palms it is a day of profound reflection and recommitment to justice, love, and the full inclusion of all God’s people. Just as the people shouted "Hosanna! Save us now!"-- we, too, cry out for salvation not just for ourselves, but for a world that desperately needs Christ’s love in action.
May this Palm Sunday ignite within us a deeper commitment to love, justice, and the radical inclusion that Jesus lived and died for.
As we remember His sacrifice, may we also remember our calling: To be voices of justice where there is oppression. To be hands of love where there is rejection. To be agents of hope where there is despair.
May the palm branch we hold not just be symbols of celebration but also a reminder of our commitment to love as Jesus loved, to welcome as Jesus welcomed, and to fight for justice as Jesus did.
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REGISTRATION FOR
GENERAL CONFERENCE TRANSFORMATIONAL WEEKEND IS OPEN!
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The Moderator Nominating Committee asked each Candidate to create a video to introduce themselves and provide a summary of their vision for MCC. Please take a moment to view each video below. You will have a time to meet each Candidate and ask questions during the "Meet the Candidate" Webinars. More information about the webinars can be found on the GC2025 Website using this LINK and below.
Rev. Craig Cranston
Moderator Candidate Introduction Video
| | Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston Moderator Candidate Introduction Video | |
Three Meet the Moderator Candidates webinars have been scheduled where candidates will have an opportunity to
introduce themselves.
There will also be a time for you to ask questions of the candidates. These will take place at the following times on the 29th and 30th of April, 2025.
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If you haven't yet, there is still time to register for our denominational conference in Scottsdale, AZ over the July 4th weekend. The Board of Directors is in the process of leasing a bus for those who are attending.
We have been asked if there is a way to support some who are planning to attend the General Conference but may find it difficult to cover all costs (travel, lodging, meals). Contributions can now be made through PushPay and there is now a designation to select: "Conference."
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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.
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
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Registration for the Transformational Weekend
03-06 July, 2025
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.
| | 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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Ash Wednesday | Elder Velma Garcia
Watch on YouTube | Watch on Vimeo
Advanced Copy
Spiritual Gifts from the desert, and the oasis, for Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a significant period in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter. It's observed by many denominations, including MCCs, Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and Methodists.
On this day, churchgoers receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads, symbolizing a period of reflection and preparation for Easter, commemorating Jesus Christ's 40 days of fasting in the desert.
I can’t help but wonder how Jesus spent his days in the desert. Did he have an oasis to rely on? You know that fertile area in a desert environment, often with a natural water source like a spring, nature's little miracles in the midst of vast desert expanses or did he just do without?
Matthew 6:19 -21-- Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
I believe that the spiritual gifts from the desert and the oasis are: Spiritual Nourishment: Just as an oasis provides physical sustenance in the desert, spiritual practices like fasting and focusing on heavenly treasures (as mentioned in Matthew 6:19-21) provide spiritual nourishment. In times of hardship and testing (symbolized by the desert), turning to God and prioritizing spiritual growth can be a source of strength and renewal.
Temporary vs. Eternal: The desert's harsh conditions and the fleeting nature of material possessions highlight the contrast between temporary and eternal. An oasis, though vital, is a temporary relief in the vastness of the desert. Similarly, material wealth is temporary, while spiritual treasures are eternal.
Resilience and Faith: Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the desert demonstrate the importance of resilience and faith. Just as travelers rely on an oasis for survival, believers rely on their faith and spiritual practices to navigate life's challenges and remain focused on their spiritual journey.
In essence, these gifts reflect the journey of life, marked by challenges and trials, spiritual growth, and reliance on God to provide the sustenance and strength needed to thrive and find true fulfillment.
As children of God, all these gifts are available to us as well, no matter what challenges or trials land at our feet. May we continue to rely on God’s providence to strengthen and sustain us. May it be so! Ashe, Aho, and Amen.
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