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Dear Founders,
First, I want to thank you for your prayers for my brother. He is doing much better, though he still has a long road to recovery. At least, he was well enough that I felt comfortable coming back to Los Angeles! Fairfax and I had a great trip, overall.
I want to thank both Eric Buter and Patricia Wahle for their anointed messages on the two Sundays I was away. Weren't they wonderful? And I want to thank Dean Coffey for the awesome job he did in moderating the two services. I worshipped with you online both Sundays, and I so proud and so blessed! Thanks to all of you who made the services so amazing. I also want to thank the Board of Directors for all the extra work they have done over the last few weeks; they have given a lot of their time and talents, along with their negotiating skills to make sure we are good stewards of our finances. Thanks, Board of Directors!
As you know, we began a new sermon series last Sunday entitled, Our Recovery. Patricia preached a message covering the first three steps of the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-Step Program. This Sunday, I will be back in the pulpit and continue the series with steps four, five, six, and seven with a message entitled, Go Ahead And Admit It! If you'd like to read ahead, check out James 5:13-20 (Message Version).
I look forward to seeing you Sunday!
Pastor Keith
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Readings & Scripture:
The first reading is taken from Steps 4, 5, 6, & 7 from Alcoholics Anonymous
Step 4: Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Step 6: Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Step 7: Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
The second reading is taken from James, Chapter 5, Verses 13 through 20 (The Message Version)
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Healer. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out.
Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn’t rain, and it didn’t—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again.
My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
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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! | |
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My God shall supply all your need according to God’s riches in glory
(Phil. 4:19)
TOTAL ROOFING COST =$146,196
GIVEN AS OF SEPT. 5 =$56,503
REMAINING NEED =$89,693
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Greetings everyone,
September 7th we will meet virtually from 9- 10:30am
To join the meeting on Google Meet, click this link:
https://meet.google.com/tsc-rmph-eub
Or open Meet and enter this code: tsc-rmph-eub
Virtually, we will meet for an hour followed by a 15 minute meditation that you can enjoy in your home or car or any other quiet place you have accessible. Lastly, we will leave the last 15 minutes of group for any questions or additional need for support.
I look forward to seeing you all virtually this month.
Warmly,
Patrice Ford
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Next Saturday, September 14th we will have our monthly Saturday Night Spiritual Service with Rev. Sheena Metal at 5 pm. on Facebook Live. Come here an uplifting and positive message that will inspire you! | |
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Being MCC in Politically Perilous Times in the U.S.A.
Moving from Independence to Interdependence
Attention U.S. Pastors, Pastoral Leaders, Network Leaders, and Lay Delegates:
This Message is for YOU!
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While on our journey of faith, those who live in the U.S. now find ourselves in politically perilous times. And, we know that MCCers are always STRONGER TOGETHER when we share our journey in faith, prayer, and love.
So we, the Council of Elders, invite you to join us as we explore what we carry in our ‘spiritual backpack’ on this journey and choose to move from independence to interdependence through listening, prayer, action, and hope. We are indeed stronger together and even stronger with love.
The first meeting will include an introduction and invite feedback. We hope you will join us:
Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87363356214?pwd=TzhldUkyZmJsWkNPNi9pd3dERTREZz09
Future meetings will be held on the following Saturdays, same time, using the same Zoom link:
September 21 / October 26 / November 16
(a post-election debrief).
If you believe this is a good idea but are unable to attend, please let us know by emailing the Council of Elders at: [coe@mccchurch.net]. And, we welcome your suggestions regarding what is important and helpful to you on this journey toward the U.S. elections.
Please note: this U.S. gathering is the first of several that are being considered globally.
Faithfully, the MCC Council of Elders:
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, Moderator
Elder Hattie Alexander-Key
Rev. Elder Mark Byrd
Rev. Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla
Elder Velma Garcia
Rev. Elder Rich Hendricks
Rev. Elder Aaron Miller
Rev. Elder Elaine Saralegui Caraballo
Rev. Elder Stuart Sutherland
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Metropolitan Community Churches is one chapter in the story of the Church, the Body of Christ. We are people on a journey, learning to live into our spirituality, while affirming our bodies, our genders, our sexualities. We don’t all believe exactly the same things. And yet in the midst of our diversity, we build community, grounded in God’s radically inclusive love for all people. We are part of an ongoing conversation on matters of belief and faith, shaped by scripture and the historic creeds, building on those who have come before us. Our chapter begins when God says to us: “Come, taste, and see.”
When I think about our Statement of Faith, I realize that we are a diverse community, we are not monolithic. We’ve come from different faith traditions, backgrounds and spiritual practices. We’ve come from different creeds, ethnicities and nationalities. All of that is part of this beautiful garden of diversity that God has created.
We are an ever-evolving group. We are not the same people we were as children and we’re not still practicing our faith the way we did as young adults. We are changing and learning to live into our own belief systems and practices. As we grow and live into what God intends for each of us, we must be open to include the differences of others.
Jesus invites us to come to this open and affirming table that is set with Love, for all who seek a relationship with the Divine.
I pray that God will bless, strengthen and keep us on our journey and open our eyes to see the oneness of the Spirit in each of us. Amen.
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Latinx Conference 2024
September 27 to 29, 2024 • MCC San Antonio, TX, USA
This event is designed to: Inspire latino/a/e/as/xs leadership development to build vibrant latinxs faith communities that are empowered to transform the world.
We are MCC Latino/a/e/os/as/xs people and allies who bring robust life, faith and social experiences called to...
- Provide training, mentoring and resources.
- Enhance strengths and skills while embracing cultural heritage.
- Cultivate a culture of holistic wellness to uplift our latinxs
- identities.
Interested in helping some 1:30 P.M. Latinx Service members attend? See Lucia or Louis about how you can help.
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Latino/a/e/as/xs Survey
Metropolitan Community Churches is looking to be more dedicated to seeking, forming, instructing, and empowering Latino ministry within our local congregations.
Take The Survey
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General Conference 2025!
View as Webpage
EXPERIENCE A DESERT OASIS!
In one year, we will be in the middle of our Transformational Weekend, which will be held 3-6 July 2025! General Conference will again take place in two parts:
Part 1: Business Discussion Circles, Forum and Meeting
In the months leading up to General Conference, there will be many Discussion Circles, webinars, documents and emails to inform you of the business of General Conference. There will be many opportunities for you to provide input.
At a meeting in June 2024 between the Governing Board and Governance Committee, the Governing Board voted to hold both the General Conference Business Meeting and Business Forum online. The Business Forum will be held on 31st May 2025 and the Business Meeting will be held 7th June 2025. Watch for more information about the content of these sessions.
Part 2: Transformational Gathering
The 2025 conference will definitely have a retreat feel lasting 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 enrich and extend your experience. As mentioned above, all business will take place online and not during this in-person gathering. This creates a perfect opportunity for many different members of your congregation to retreat in the desert. Elements of this conference will be live streamed, recorded, and online allowing a hybrid experience for those unable to travel. Our conference app will bridge the online and in-person participants and increase involvement, engagement, and communication between everyone.
TRANSFORMATIONAL WEEKEND SCHEDULE
We are excited to announce the broad schedule for the Transformational Weekend!
Thursday, July 3, 2025
- Afternoon: Check-in and Welcome Reception
- Evening: Grounding Worship & Social Time
Friday, July 4, 2025
- Morning: Opening Worship
- Afternoon: Plenary, Small Groups, and Free Time
- Evening: Reception & Social Time
Saturday, July 5: 2025
- Morning: Worship and Plenary
- Afternoon: Small Groups and Free Time
- Evening: Dinner Church Style Worship (included in your registration)
Sunday, July 6, 2025:
- Morning: Closing Worship with Installation of the Moderator, blessing over the incoming Governing Board, current and outgoing Council of Elders.
- Afternoon: Optional Excursions
Before and after General Conference, several institutes will take place. Watch for more details on those before airline tickets become available.
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Hotel Information
The in-person portion of the conference is taking over Scottsdale, Arizona, USA at the Embassy Suites Resort. It is walking distance from the historic district, Old Town Scottsdale, and the arts and entertainment district.
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 $119/night which 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.
You can book your room today by following this link:
BOOK YOUR ROOM!
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REGISTRATION
Although registration will not open until October, we want to help you plan and budget. Below are the Early Bird (first 90 days) and regular registration rates for General Conference:
In-Person Rates:
Sponsor Rate: $425 USD; €395; $7710 MEX; R$2370
This rate is for those who want to help subsidize other registration rates making it more affordable for others to attend General Conference.
Early Bird Rate: $325 USD; €305; $5880MEX; R$1810
This rate is the Early Bird rate for General Conference which includes dinner one night. This rate will be available for the first 90 days when registration opens.
Regular Rate: $400 USD; €370; $7255 MEX; R$2225
This rate will be after the 90 days Early Bird rate.
Online Rates:
Sponsor Online Rate: $300 USD; €280; $5445 MEX; R$1670
This rate is for those who those who want to help subsidize other registration rates making it more affordable for others to attend General Conference and only have access to the online portions of the General Conference like worship, plenaries, and online social connections. Note: We will not be hosting a 24-hour all-access conference like 202.
Online Rate: $200 USD; €185; $3630MEX; R$1115
This rate is for those who will only have access to the online portions of the General Conference like worship, plenaries, and online social connections. Note: We will not be hosting a 24-hour all-access conference like 2022.
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SEE YOU IN SCOTTSDALE!
More details about speakers, pre and post-conference institutes, worship, and content for the business meeting will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, mark your calendars, book your hotel, 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 to ensure you get all of the information about this next General Conference. Click the button below and add your email if you haven’t already!
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 | |
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: 09-01-2024: $11,575.00
Tithing: $4,535.00
Facility Rental: $4,110.00
Roofing Challenge Matching Gift: $2,410.00
Special Offering: $520.00
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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. | | | | |
