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Dear Founders,
This week, I'm reminded of the words of an old song, "If You keep on blessing and blessing, O Lord, I don't know what I'm gonna do!" The Spirit just keeps on blessing us, doesn't She? Whew! And I'm so glad I get to share these blessing with you here at Founders!
This week, I traveled to North Carolina for a family gathering and vacation. While I will miss seeing you in person, I'll just keep getting my blessings with you online! Thank God for online worship!
While I'm away, I'm leaving you in the very capable hands of a couple of wonderful speakers. You are going to be BLESSED!!! This Sunday, we welcome to the pulpit, Phillip Picardi (Chief Strategy Officer, LA LGBT Center). The title of his message is "For the Love of God." If you'd like to read ahead, check out Song of Songs, Chapter 1, Verses 1 through 7.
As always, come expecting a blessing!
Pastor Keith
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Song of Songs 1:1-7
The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine; your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you. Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers.
We will exult and rejoice in you; we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you.
I am very dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. Do not gaze at me because I am dark, because the sun has looked upon me. My mother's sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept! Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you pasture your flock, where you make it lie down at noon; for why should I be like one who veils herself beside the flocks of your companions?
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Church Outside The Walls! | |
The Pride Shirts are available in English and in Spanish. | |
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FORIMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
John Boswell john@rainbowadvoacy.org
Founding Father of LGBTQIA+ Pride Movement Calls to Restore African Pride Rev. Troy Perry Urges Action to Oppose Religious Imperialism on 55th Anniversary of Stonewall Rebellion
As the 55th anniversary of the historic Stonewall uprising nears, one of the leading activists of the earliest public marches and gay rights social actions is calling on people of all faiths, sexual orientations and identities to oppose the escalating homophobia and anti-LGBTQ+ laws fueled by predominantly American religious extremists in the guise of Christianity.
Rev. Troy D. Perry is founder of the international Metropolitan Community Churches denomination who led the 1960’s public protests in Los Angeles preceding the Stonewall rebellion. He is leading this Call for Action in an initiative to uplift, protect, build resilience in the LGBTQIA+ community, and restore the embrace of sexual orientations and identities of pre-colonial Africa.
“We must voice our opposition to religious extremism that is leading to new African genocide,” says Rev. Perry. “For centuries, African Pride has been under assault by predominantly European colonizers, driven by the forces of economic, political and religious domination, even resulting in genocide,” he stated. “This is a centuries-long struggle which devastated African traditions and cultures by ruling colonial powers and corrupted religious institutions.”
Perry identifies the invaders as having enriched themselves for centuries, then “exported the African people themselves to dominate the North American continent as a proud indigenous people were facing their own genocide by these same invaders."
The recent rise in dangerous threats of anti-LGBTQ legislation and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people in Africa, according to Perry, can initially be traced to the pre-first World War period of New Imperialism with its rapid acceleration of colonization and laws. In 2024, Perry remarks, we are in the midst of a predominantly American Religious Imperialism instigated by a corrupt and oppressive theology.
The outcome of these past several decades of crusading extremists, says Perry, is “intensifying homophobia, hatred, violence, and state-sanctioned imprisonment and death.
” Perry is issuing a global Call to Action for people of all faiths to join together in solidarity to “uplift, protect, build resilience, and Restore African Pride."
An AFRICA PRIDE initiative is being launched to build a global coalition of individuals and organizations in support of the African LGBTQIA+ community living under rising threats of violence and the loss of legal and basic human rights protections.
In partnership with members of InterPride, the international organization of Pride event organizers, AFRICA PRIDE 2024 events are being planned as a continent-wide observance of the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.
AFRICA PRIDE 2024 events are to include online programs and a variety of public and private in-person gatherings, depending on local conditions, including safety and security issues. The events in Africa will be supplemented by supporters’ Pride events throughout the world and year-round.
“AFRICA PRIDE 2024 is unlike any other Pride event ever envisioned,” says Perry, who created the world’s first permitted Pride parade in Los Angeles in 1970 on the first anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion.
The gatherings across Africa will be in small, intimate groups of 2 or more people wherever they can safely join together. Private and secure online virtual spaces will enable participants to gather across the continent and globally, with interactive features and livestream events planned during the weekend.
In the spirit of the first Pride parade, individuals and organizations are invited to march in solidarity for the African LGBTQIA+ community who are unable to express themselves publicly.
“There are 11 major Pride parades on Stonewall Weekend, in Europe, the UK, the US, Mexico and South America.” Perry remarked. “We will be marching in solidarity to bring love, hope and joy to our brothers and sisters across Africa.”
“Our message is simple. LGBTQIA+ people have always been and will continue to be integral to the glorious tapestry of African culture. The good news of Christianity sets us all free,” Perry said. “We oppose the evil in corrupted theology which is now enslaving and threatening lives across the continent. Restore African Pride and set the people free.
Los Angeles-based InterPride member organization 501(c)(3) nonprofit Rainbow Advocacy http://rainbowadvocacy.org is sprearheading the Africa Pride initiative in collaboration with other InterPride member organizations and individuals in Africa and around the world.
Call for Action and Details at: http://africapride.org
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Saturday Night Spiritual with Rev. Sheena Metal this Saturday!
Due to a power outage, our Saturday Night Spiritual Interfaith service that was scheduled for last Saturday has been rescheduled for THIS Saturday, April 20th at 5:00 p.m. on our church Facebook page. Please join Rev. Sheena Metal for this wonderful service.
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Group Therapy and Zumba with Reece Whitaker Next Saturday Morning!
This Saturday, April 20th is our next Group Therapy Session and Zumba Class with Reece Whitaker in the Blackbox Theatre at Founders MCC. The Group Therapy is from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. and the Zumba Class is from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. These Classes are on the first and third Saturdays. Donations are welcome but not required.
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Phillip Picardi is an award-winning editor and journalist, best known for rebranding Teen Vogue from a fashion magazine into a force for social justice—a pivot that would make the publication the fastest growing women’s magazine in America for two years in a row. During his decade in the media, he also served as the editorial director of Allure, the editor-in-chief of Out, and the founder of them, Condé Nast’s first-ever LGBTQ+ publication. During the pandemic, Picardi felt called to “give God back to himself,” since he left the Catholic Church ahead of his Confirmation at the age of 14. He was accepted to and graduated from the inaugural cohort of Harvard Divinity School's Masters of Religion and Public Life, left the media industry, and now serves as the Chief Strategy Officer of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the world's largest LGBTQ+ nonprofit. His debut book, Is Jesus Kinda Hot?, is published via Simon & Schuster in 2025.
The Tile of My Message: For the Love of God
The Song of Songs, 1: 1—7
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song%20of%20Solomon%201&version=ESV
Phillip Picardi
Chief Strategy Officer
Senior Executive Team
Phone: +1 (213) 466-5046
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Daniel Franzese is our guest speaker next Sunday, April 28th.
Daniel Franzese is an American actor best known for his roles in the films Bully and Mean Girls. Franzese is the creator of several live comedy shows, including the 2011 rock opera Jersey Shoresical: A Frickin' Rock Opera! and his one-man stand-up performance I've Never Really Made the Kind of Money to Become a Mess in 2013.
After coming out as gay in 2014, Franzese became more active in the fight for civil and human rights in the LGBTQ community; and through his portrayal of the HIV-positive character Eddie in the second season of the HBO series Looking, and its subsequent series finale television film, Looking: The Movie, he has become a well known AIDS activist in the United States. In 2020, Franzese began hosting a weekly comedy and faith podcast, Yass, Jesus! with former Trinity Broadcasting Network host Azariah Southworth.
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Faith Climate Action Week: April 19-28
FMCC is again joining Interfaith Power and Light's annual call for congregations to get involved in climate justice issues. This year's theme is "Common Ground: Cultivating Connections Between Our Faith, Our Food, and the Climate."
We're seeking volunteers to help:
produce educational and promotional materials
staff information and petition table
organize and host online film screening
research corresponding community events
Contact justice@mccla.org for information
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The sun and moon got a lot of well-deserved attention on Monday – but Earth Day will be here soon!
Join us at noon on Monday, April 22nd for a special interfaith Earth Day blessing and an exclusive preview of the original song song "I wanna be cool" , featuring youth choirs and schools from around the world. I've seen the video and it's very inspiring and fun. You'll want to sing along – and share it with youth choirs or schools you may know so they can have their voices added in!
The Be Cool song was produced by our friends at the Be Cool! Campaign to engage young people in the climate movement through music and song. The song itself was written by two award-winning Nashville songwriters.
This will be a short 30-minute Zoom so bring your prayers and wishes for the Earth, and you will leave refreshed and inspired, ready for the work ahead to protect our planet.
Click here to reserve your spot.
Faithfully,
Susan Stephenson (she/her)
Executive Director
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I am Cristian Venegas, part of the LA Opera Marketing team. I'm reaching out because I wanted to introduce you to our upcoming production of La Traviata, one of the most enduring operas of all times about how a courtesan at the top of Parisian nightlife gives it all up for a chance of love.
La Traviata has received wide acclaim from its audience, and we would love to have your congregation and supporters join us. The Opera League of Los Angeles has generously partnered with us to host LGBTQ+ Night on April 24th. We're offering 20% off this performance only with the promo code PRIDENIGHT.
Along with the 20% discount, audience members who purchase tickets using this promo code also gain access to 2 private receptions during of the show's 2 intermissions. The private receptions will include some scrumptious finger foods, delectable sweets, champagne, and the opportunity to mingle in our gorgeous Stern Grand Hall.
We have invited many other LGBTQ+ focused organizations from the SoCal region to celebrate this special night together and connect with one another at the receptions. We would love to have you and your supporters join us for a beautiful production and an evening of togetherness.
Please let me know if you have any other questions! Thank you very much! Have a wonderful day!
Select your own seat | LA Opera
Thank you for your time. We hope to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Cristian Venegas
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Our Next Trans*Unity Yard Sale will be Tomorrow, Saturday, April 20th from 7 a.m. till noon. The Yard Sale will be held in Reseda, CA. | |
Interested in Church Membership? | |
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New members will be welcomed May 5th.
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!
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Our Mother's Day video tribute will be on Mother's Day, May 12th. If you want your mom's pic in the video, please submit it to pics@mccla.org NO LATER THAN 6PM, PST on May 6th. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS!!! | |
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Our Spring Congregational meeting will be on Sunday, May, 19th, 11:45 a.m. We will have a combined service with the Spanish-speaking congregation at 10am.
The Board of Directors of Founders Metropolitan Community Church of Los Angeles is pleased to announce that our 2024 Spring Congregational Meeting will be held at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 19. We will elect officers for the Board of Directors; receive ministry and financial reports; and adopt a budget for the remainder of 2024. The hybrid in person/Zoom meeting will follow the joint worship service to be held that day at 10 a.m. All members and friends of FMCC are welcome to attend. Only active members may vote in the election. Also, if one is interested in becoming a board member, the application can be found on our website: foundersmcc.org
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MCC’s Pathway to Transformation
Anywhere, anytime…. Leaders are needed
What is FLOURISH? FLOURISH is comprised of two main programs within MCC (Thriving in Ministry and Global Leadership Development). We are working to provide resourcing and programming to allow you to Flourish in your ministry.
It is the FLOURISH program’s goal to ensure all leaders, no matter their location, (laity and clergy) are resourced to enhance and develop their ministry.
As we begin a new year of Transformation, change abounds. It is important to implement the lesson learned so we can create the MCC that is yet to be.
We are keenly aware of the importance of culturally and contextually informed programming, noting the myriad of cultural differences within our denomination.
The Global Leadership Development Fund and the Lilly Endowment matching Grant will be used to sow the financial seeds to sustain FLOURISH. Please know that all of us are Fund Raisers, and we will match these funds to bring resources and programming to all corners of the globe. The benefits are immense! Be on the lookout for future updates on the FLOURISH program and how you can get engaged. Contact us at Flourish@mccchurch.net.
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Your help is needed to make FLOURISH happen. We need representation in all areas of the globe to weave the lesson learned. We are seeking people who will agree to serve as coordinators (stipend) for programming in specific geographic areas. For an application, please reach out to Flourish@mccchurch.net | |
JOIN US FOR A DESERT OASIS!
We are excited to announce that MCC's next General Conference Transformational Weekend will be held 3-6 July 2025! This time, our in-person portion of the conference is taking over Scottsdale, Arizona, USA at the Embassy Suites Resort -- walking distance from the historic district.
Our host hotel is an amazing, accessible resort. It is beautiful with views of Camelback Mountain, two pools, and beautiful landscaping. We tried hard to find not only an accessible hotel for physical accommodations, but a financially accessible hotel. The Embassy Suites hotel is offering us an amazing rate of $119/night which includes free breakfast, daily cocktail hour, and a complimentary shuttle to hundreds of local shops, restaurants, and activities. Each room has a living room (with a pull-out couch), and kitchenette easily accommodating multiple parties to maximize savings. In October 2024 we will send a unique link to reserve your room.
This conference will have a retreat feel being only 3 days instead of our typical 5 or 6-day conference that commingled business with worship and learning. In addition, there will be pre and post-conference activities to participate in. This time, all business will take place online and not during this in-person gathering, making it a perfect opportunity to invite different members of your congregation to retreat with you in the desert. Elements of this conference will be streamed and online allowing us to have a hybrid experience for those unable to travel.
More information about speakers, schedule, pre and post-conference institutes, worship and the dates of the business meeting will be shared in coming months. In the meantime, save the date and get ready to have some fun in the sun (or in the air conditioning) with us!
If you have any questions, you can always email us at: conferences@MCCchurch.net
Do you want to ensure you get all of the information about this next General Conference? Click the button and make sure you are on the email list! Registration and hotel reservations will open in October 2024.
COUNT ME IN
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Commitment forms for 2024. | |
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! | |
Monkey Pox Vaccine Available
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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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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: 04-14-2024: $5,779.00
Tithing: $4,271.00
Building Fund: $410.00
Facility Rentals: $865.00
Helping Hands Fund: $233.00
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Rev. Keith Mozingo (Moderator)
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Dean Coffey (Vice Moderator) | |
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Ed Shaughnessy (Treasurer) | |
Ina Serene - Trans* Unity | |
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. | | | | |
