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Greetings!

Holy God! What an amazing time we had last weekend! Last Saturday, we had a "Visioning Day" that 35 people attended. One thing is for sure: this church has a lot of ideas, a lot of talent, and a lot of energy! It felt like people were sitting at a stop light, and it suddenly turned green! I want to thank my co-presenters, Bam Noriega and Jasmine Luna, as well as our behind-the-scenes theorists, Rev. Steve Swafford and Rex Ian Sayson. And - I want to thank all of you who came to share and to learn. The dreams we have for ministry through Founders MCC / ICM Fundadora can truly come to reality with all of us on board and going in the same direction.

Then, Sunday, we celebrated two things: the 85th birthday of our church's founder, Rev. Troy Perry, and the presentation of seven $1000 scholarships for very deserving LGBTQ+ students! We heard a message from Rev. Troy himself that showed much of where we've been but truly related to where we are and where we're heading! Thanks, Rev. Troy. After worship, we had a real treat - a full sit-down meal. Thanks to folks that cooked or purchased food and/or set up for the meal: Cesar Maldonado, Maria Noriega, Alice Rogers, Dean Coffey, Roger Owens, Ina Serene, Bam Noriega, Pam Fairbanks, Beverly Winters, Martin Miny, Alvaro Reyes, Tonia Luna, Lulu Madrid, and Brad Cory. Thanks also to Lulu Madrid for giving us a chance to have a mobile speaker - we raised $131 for the Latin Ministry!

I do want to say how proud I am of our Trans*Unity Ministry who work throughout each year to raise money for the Christine Daniels Scholarship Fund. The students that received the scholarships this year are quite amazing!

Last Sunday, we celebrated Rev. Troy's birthday, and this Sunday we get to celebrate the August birthdays including our wonderful Music Director, Louis Ramirez! Louis's birthday is this Saturday...Happy Birthday, Louis!

One of our long-term dreams has been to hire a Media Specialist. I'm so happy to announce that we have hired Sandra Contreras to fill this position. If you've been around awhile, you already know that Sandra has been doing the work on a volunteer basis. Now, we can expand our digital footprint (welcome to 2025!) by having a staff member specifically for this much-needed ministry! Welcome to the team, Sandra!

And let's not forget our worship - I could get used to seeing that Praise Team up front every week! Whew! They raised their voices in PRAISE! It just made me look forward to this week's service! My message this Sunday is entitled, Whatever We Need. If you'd like to read ahead, check out Luke 11:5-13 (Voice Version).

God bless.

Pastor Keith

Reading is taken from

Luke, Chaper 11, Verses 5 through 13

(The Voice Version)

Imagine that one of your friends comes over at midnight. They bang on the door and shout, “Friend, will you lend me three loaves of bread? A friend of mine just showed up unexpectedly from a journey, and I don’t have anything to feed them.” Would you shout out from your bed, “I’m already in bed, and so are the kids. I already locked the door. I can’t be bothered”? You know this as well as I do: even if you didn’t care that this person was your friend, if they keep knocking long enough, you’ll get up and give them whatever they need simply because of their brash persistence!

So listen: Keep on asking, and you will receive. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened for you. All who keep asking will receive, all who keep seeking will find, and doors will open to those who keep knocking.

Some of you are parents, so ask yourselves this: if your child comes up to you and asks for a fish for dinner, will you give them a snake instead? If your child wants an egg to eat, will you give them a scorpion? Look, all of you are flawed in so many ways, yet in spite of all your faults, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more will your Creator in heaven give the Holy Spirit to all who ask!

Congratulations, Grads! 

Thanks to the work of our Trans*Unity Ministry, the Christine Daniels Scholarship Fund gave seven $1000 scholarships this year. Congratulations to all the grads!

We're excited to announce that FMCC/ICMF has hired Sandra Contreras as our official Media Specialist! Sandra has given freely of her time and talents through the years, but as our ministry expands, we need more time than most people can volunteer. Sandra trains volunteers on the cameras for worship, created online announcement videos, and will soon be expanding our online presence, our app, and our website. Welcome (officially) to the staff, Sandra!

Happy Birthday, Louis Ramirez!

We want to wish our Music Director, Louis Ramirez, a very Happy Birthday! (August 2nd) We wish you many more!!!

These two weekly opportunities for sharing your insights on Sunday's message require no prior knowledge other than having

viewed the

Sunday 10 AM message. "Growing Deeper And Higher" will begin the week of August 10. The weekly gathering onsite will be on Sundays in the Education Center at 11:30 AM, beginning August 10. The weekly gathering online will be on Thursdays via Zoom at 7:00 PM PDT, beginning August 14. 

The Zoom link is: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85030319029?pwd=d3WuF91sKVXinDjUSIu6SeV1LLPBRF.1

In Memoriam: Cindy McAlister

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. 

Order your shirts today from Lulu Madrid for only $25! 

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. 

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: 07-27-2025: $4,071.00

Facility Rentals: $484.00

Building Fund: $135.00

Tithing: $3,452.00

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!

Change In 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.

Inviting all MCC Trans and Nonbinary People of Faith to a Monthly Online Gathering

We held our first gathering last month (June) and it became clear that more of these gatherings are needed and welcomed. With the relentless attack globally on Trans and Nonbinary people, many emotions are being experienced within our global MCC community.

Rev. Elder Aaron Miller, on behalf of the MCC Council of Elders, is offering to host monthly meetings on Zoom with co-facilitators Rev. Elder Maxwell Reay and Rev. Dawn Flynn through the end of this year.

Discussion topics:

• WHAT is happening and WHAT we are feeling -- in the place and country where we live
• HOW can we be safe/er during these times
• WHERE do we find grounding and spiritual renewal
• WHERE do we (and can we) -- find God in the midst of this?
• WHAT do we need and HOW can MCC help?

Please consider joining us for this much-needed time to gather. We know, as people of faith and Beloved of God, we are stronger when we center in love and for love, together.

Upcoming Schedule - 2PM ET, on these dates:

• August 25
• September 29
• October 27
• November 24
• December 29

(see other time zones)

Click Here for Zoom Link

 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/719817716

Veterans Kinship Group: Important Update

Veterans Kinship Group: This is a new group that was recently formed within MCC, where we invited those from any military service who completed their obligation and received an honorable discharge, to consider joining.

A vet from Chicago reminded the organizer about the historical fact that many LGBTQ+ service members were forced to accept other than honorable discharges simply because of who they were.

To correct this oversight, all who served in any military service and fulfilled their obligation (even if curtailed) are invited and welcome. If you are interested in joining, please email the following information to the group organizer, Rob Hill, at robrtmhill@gmail.com

Name

Service in which you served (AR, AF, NV, MC, CC)

Current MCC or other congregation, if applicable

City and State

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

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY OVER 'SENSITIVE LOCATIONS' POLICY

The global denomination of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) today joined more than half a dozen other religious organizations in a lawsuit against the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, asking federal courts to intervene against the new DHS policy regarding "sensitive locations."



For many years, federal policy limited enforcement of immigration violations at locations such as schools, hospitals and churches. Last winter, DHS changed its policy, allowing Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents and other law enforcement to disrupt worship services and otherwise invade sanctity of religious spaces.

MCC objects.

"[P]eople across the country, regardless of their immigration status, reasonably fear attending houses of worship," the complaint reads, in part. "Churches have seen both attendance and financial giving plummet. Congregations have gone underground to protect their parishioners, eschewing the in-person meetings that are central to their faith. Baptisms that previously would have been occasions for communal worship and celebration are now being held in private. Churches have quietly stopped advertising services in languages other than English."

Plaintiffs are asking the Court to rule the current DHS policy unconstitutional and to vacate it. The filing also demands a jury trial to address all complaints.

"This lawsuit is not about providing 'sanctuary' to criminals seeking to avoid arrest," said Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, global moderator of MCC. "We must act to protect the integrity of sacred spaces and the 'religious liberty' on which the Far Right hangs its hat far too often. No government should take action that discourages or prohibits freedom of assembly to worship and observe religious rites and deeply-held faith traditions. We pray – in both the spiritual and legal contexts – that U.S. Federal Courts will act to restore safety and sanity by voiding this unjust policy."

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Grace and peace to you in the liberating love of Christ.

We write to you as a community deeply committed to affirming the sacred worth of every person. In this time of increasing legislative activity around gender identity, we, as MCC leaders, are called to respond with courage, knowledge, and pastoral care.

Across our country, laws governing gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary minors are shifting rapidly. In many states, access to medical treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and affirming procedures is being restricted or criminalized. In others, care remains protected but politically contested. Amid these changes, our ministry must remain rooted in compassion, vigilance, and prophetic witness.

As MCC, we urge our churches, lay leaders, and clergy to:

• Know your state's laws. Legal landscapes vary widely. Use trusted sources such as KFF’s Policy Tracker and FindLaw’s State Guide to remain informed. Your awareness protects not only your congregants, but also your church’s integrity and legal safety.

• Practice pastoral vigilance. Be mindful of inquiries from unfamiliar individuals or organizations. There are anti-trans organizations that are intentionally seeking to entrap trans-supporting organizations and leaders through dishonest "inquiries" for pastoral care. These are helpful questions to ask to make sure you are dealing with a credible person:



• What’s your name?
• What organization/publication are you with?
• How will this video be used?
• What’s the angle of this story?
• Are you presenting “both sides”?
• Can I see your credentials?
• Can I see your ID?
• Hang on while I google you.

If they can’t or won’t answer those questions, move on.

If you think you may have been the target of a malicious enquiry, please let Rev. Dexter Brecht [revdexterbrecht@mccchurch.net] and James Hartman [jameshartman@mccchurch.net] know. James can also assist with press releases and checking the authenticity of journalists and reporters.

• Protect the privacy and safety of trans youth and families. When in doubt, consult with legal counsel, denominational leaders, or MCC’s Public Policy Team. There are significant risks for our clergy, lay leaders and congregations around minor children in the current climate and we must remain vigilant.

• Equip and educate your leadership. Offer training on gender identity, trauma-informed care, and legal rights. Let our churches be places where trans youth and their families know they are spiritually and practically supported. At the same time, be cautious around minor children and ensure they are accompanied by their legal guardian/s; using ‘parental/guardian consent forms’ when such care and practical support is indicated and appropriate.

• Affirm MCC’s legacy of justice. Since our founding, we have been pioneers in LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Let us continue this holy work by advocating for trans rights, educating our communities, and embodying Christ’s radical hospitality.

• Identify your local allies and stay in communication with them. Now more than ever we must realize that we are stronger together and accurate information empowers us to make wise decisions in regard to our ministry and those we serve.

As Scripture guides us: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8–9)

Holy One of Justice and Grace,

We lift our voices and hearts to you, burdened by laws that harm our beloveds.

Strengthen us to be vigilant and bold, compassionate and wise.

Give us holy discernment as we shepherd those entrusted to our care.

Bless our churches to be sanctuaries of truth, healing, and sacred affirmation.

And may your Spirit guide us as we rise for justice, speak in love,

and remain steadfast in our calling to affirm the divine in every child of God, regardless of age. In your many names we pray, Amen.