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Dear Founders,
Last weekend, I celebrated the 6th anniversary of being the Sr. Pastor of Founders MCC. I can only begin to tell you how much I enjoy being your pastor and traveling on this journey of life with YOU. Each of you is special to me in your own way, and I want you to know how much I love you all. I look forward to more time with you, as God leads us into the future. I read a meme online recently that said that many go to seminary and it's like going to culinary school - you learn a lot about how to create these amazing dishes. However, when you pastor, it's more like the show, "Chopped," where you're given all these ingredients that don't make a lot of sense, but somehow you make it work!
While I totally agree with this description, some weeks are easier than others. Last weekend, the experience was more enhanced. We had an amazing multilingual worship service on Saturday, prepared by our amazing Creative Worship Team. (Special thanks to Raul Radilla and Patricia Wahle for sharing THEIR stories!) After service, I went to the hospital to visit Scott Nash, one of our faithful Praise Team members for many years, who was in bad shape. Sunday morning, I got word that he had little time left, and I wrestled with getting to the hospital or staying with the church for the parade. After praying with family on the phone, they insisted I stay and carry Scott's spirit with us through the parade. A few minutes later, he was gone.
As we marched, I had a smile on my face, but my heart was aching. That's the "Chopped" part of my job... just being present in the moment with those that need me and those that I need. While I was sad, I was kept turning around to look at our parade contingent, at the group of people assembled to represent FMCC. Some were new, some were long-timers, all were excited! I can't tell you how proud I am of Oriel Briguela Mueller and Fernando Alfaro for their leadership of our Pride Team! I'm proud of the whole team!!! Thank you to all who planned, prepared, and marched last weekend, as well as all who will be out with us THIS Sunday to march in the LA Pride Parade, the one started by Rev. Troy Perry and two other Community leaders.
God is Good. All the Time. Amen?
Pastor Keith
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The reading is taken from Ephesians, Chapter 6, Verses 10 through 17 (The Voice Version):
Finally, siblings, draw your strength and might from God. Put on the full armor of God to protect yourselves from evil and evil schemes. We’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural powers and demon princes that slither in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that lurk about in heavenly places.
And this is why you need to be head-to-toe in the full armor of God: so you can resist during these evil days and be fully prepared to hold your ground. Yes, stand—truth banded around your waist, righteousness as your chest plate, and feet protected in preparation to proclaim the good news of peace. Don’t forget to raise the shield of faith above all else, so you will be able to extinguish flaming spears hurled at you from the wicked. Take also the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of 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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The show is called 638: An Uncommonly Comical Review of an Accidental Assassination Attempt on Fidel Castro
It is a Farce about 1 of the 638 assasination attempts on Fidel Castro.
Below is a little synopsis so you have more of an idea of what the show is about:
1963, Havana. At an engagement party, a father attempts to protect his family by marrying his daughter off to a high level member of the regime, but when Fidel Castro makes a surprise appearance, a series of events inadvertently lead to his death, the father must don the beard and pose as the dictator for the evening.
Throughout his life, there were 638 assassination attempts on Fidel Castro. In this farce, a fourth wall breaking narrator guides us through one fictional attempt in the spring of 1963, replete with slamming doors, slapstick schemes, miscommunications, raging hormones, and a drink switcheroo.
Thank You!
Jair Bula
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Pride Worship/Event Schedule
June 8 Multilingual All-Church Worship 10:00 a.m.
June 9 LA Pride Parade
LA Pride Info for Sunday Morning: Our meet up time is 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. on Highland Ave. between Fountain Ave. and De Longpre Ave. Look for a large truck with the number 69 on it.
*We are needing Pride volunteers for assembling the float, and marching in the parade. Please see Oriel Mueller and Fernando Alfaro.*
June 15 Trans Pride
June 22 Santa Monica Pride
Note: There is only one combined service with the English and Spanish Congregations this Saturday, June 8th @10 a.m.
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Please join us this Saturday, June 8th for our Saturday Night Spiritual with Rev. Sheena Metal at 5 p.m. This is an online service on our Facebook Live Platform. Come hear an uplifting message from our Interfaith Minister. | |
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Hi wonderful folx,
Gina here, writing to you from our Trans*Lounge offices as we finalize preparations for the 25th anniversary of Trans Pride LA!
It is my pleasure to announce that Trans Pride LA will take place on Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15! All events will take place at the Center’s Village at Ed Gould Plaza and Anita May Rosenstein Campus in Hollywood. Admission is completely FREE all weekend.
Friday evening will host a vibrant TPLA Welcome Mixer, followed by a line dancing lesson by Stud Country instructors Kira and Abigail and a viewing of the new gallery exhibition Ides of Gender by artist Zach Oren. N/A beverage options available!
On Saturday, the Trans Pride Festival will once again take over The Village and McCadden Pl. with interactive workshops; 40+ market vendors and resource partners; six different food vendors; a portrait studio by photographer Devyn Galindo; and a Trans Pride Talent Showcase featuring the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, Fei Hernandez, Amilia, Bailey Moses, and more.
ASL and bilingual (Spanish/English) interpretation will be available both days. For a full schedule of events or to RSVP, visit
lalgbtcenter.org/tpla2024.
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June 16th we are celebrating Father's Day, Trans Pride, and Juneteenth. Our special musical guests will include The Trans Chorus of LA, Vinny and Niki Mohr, and Glenn Hill. | |
All Saints Pasadena will be hosting our annual Interfaith Pride Prayer Service on June 30th. It's a wonderful opportunity for different faith communities to come together and celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month in a spirit of unity and inclusion. | |
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PAD Conference 'Family Reunion'
July 26 - 28, Detroit, MI, USA
MCC's People of African Descent: The Next Generation presents an amazing weekend in concert with North America's longest running Black Pride celebration in Detroit, entitled "Hotter Than July." Join the activities for PAD and allies including worship, workshops, fun — and of course, plenty of Motown! Click here for more information:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mcc-people-of-african-descent-the-next-generation-2024-conference-tickets-875584606127
Pad Donation Information:
FMCC's PAD Conference Sponsorship & Donations will help send people to the event.
PRIZES:
2 pairs of tickets to A Strange Loop
2 pairs of tickets to Peter Pan
Suggested Donation: $20.00
TICKETS:
May be purchased in person or by
mailing the information below:
Founders MCC PAD Donation Information
NAME
PHONE NUMBER(S)
EMAIL ADDRESS
HOME ADDRESS
NUMBER OF TICKETS REQUESTED
Please send the Founders PAD Donation Information with your check or money order to the church's address below:
Founders MCC PAD Donation
4607 Prospect Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
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Council of Elders
End of Term Report - January 2023 to March 2024
View as Webpage
The Council of Elders is grateful to the fellowship of MCC for trusting us to minister and attend with you. We spent our third year maturing and stretching into the responsibilities of Elders.
Our work is only truly possible with the support, collaboration, and communication of MCC Staff. We are deeply grateful to these staff, directors, and volunteers for the quantity and quality of work and service, known and unknown, provided to the people of MCC.
The following includes those efforts recorded by the Council of Elders between January 2023 and March 2024, which may not constitute all service of the Council. It was an honor and a privilege to serve in this role.
Prayer and pastoral messages and group offerings continue to be a pillar of the Council.
- Elders organized and facilitated monthly virtual gatherings of Tea Time for devotional reflection and prayer.
- Elders provided monthly reflection Calls to Prayer, seasonal prayers, and occasional prayers and videos for electronic distribution, such as Advent, Lenten, and other important dates and holiday observances.
- Elders provided occasional ceremonial prayers for events such as the Brazilian Conference, occasional ceremonial prayers for church anniversary events and markers (3), and appeared monthly to open with prayer at the meetings of Governing Board.
- In February 2023, Elders hosted rolling prayer vigils for a 24-hour period through the global time zones.
- An Elder co-leads MCC’s Trans Kinship Group with Rev. Jakob Hero and serves with European RevM.
- Elders organized and provided a series Spiritual Practice webinars offering prayerful reflection and centering.
- Elders presided in-person and virtually to mark the life of congregations through ordinations and installations (5), funerals (2), and to bestow MCC Awards.
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Elders were engaged with marking and supporting global ecclesial events that included MCC 50 Years in Europe, Northern Lights Pride History, Gold Coast Australia, and clergy peer networking.
A core piece of the Council’s denominational role is to provide spiritual support to clergy, chaplains, spiritual leaders, and congregations.
- Elders receive frequent email concerning needs and affirmations for and feedback from MCC congregants and leaders. These concern surviving partners and congregations of clergy and leaders who have died; those experiencing natural disasters or acts of violence; those discerning or moving toward closing; and clergy ordinations, installations, and retirement.
- Requests are sent to the Council of Elders by congregations, leaders, and MCC Staff and others for Elder support. Each message is important and attended to carefully.
- Elders provided pastoral support to leadership experiencing personal or professional crisis (11) and their congregations (5). Elders provided sermons and messages, particularly for congregations in transition (31).
- Elders provided training and support for congregational Boards of Directors, sometimes in partnership with MCC Staff (2).
- In 2023, Elders received Staff support to personally reach out and thank all MCC clergy and leaders for their ministries.
- Elders provided letters of recommendation and other support to new churches and ministries. An Elder provided extensive pastoral support to a transgender group from Uganda. Individual congregations (5).
- The Council of Elders FaceBook page was maintained to share weekly prayers, Elders statements, and Elder pastoral events and activities. Positive and critical feedback is received through this tool, and each receives a respectful acknowledgement. When our profile was raised by involvement with the European Conversion study and the Brazilian Black History series, the social media point elder worked to address anonymous harassment and other online violence.
Self-Care:
- Elders planned and joined for a Council of Elders Retreat led by Rev. Dr. Kerr Mesner to build relationship, attend to and model spiritual self-care, and address group needs.
Drafted statements to inform about and elevate matter of importance:
- Elder's statement on Protection of Journalists
- Elder's statement on Anti-Transgender Attacks
- Elder's statement Against Death Penalty
- Elder's statement on Gaza
Review and response to denominational policies in collaboration with the Governing Board, participate in or liaise with global teams, and proposal consideration:
- In 2023, Elders attended and facilitated three informational global webinar presentations on the updated MCC Clergy Sexual Conduct Policy.
- Elders participated and took leadership Report on MCC Core Values.
- Elders drafted a revision and update of the MCC Professional Ethics policy and forwarded to the Governing Board.
- Elders provided support for MCC’s Dreams for the Future of MCC initiative.
Program and systems strengthening (Administrative)
- Elders participated in and provided support for systems infrastructure and programming efforts.
- Elders met with, helped to coordinate, and supported MCC Theologies Team efforts.
- Elders created and coordinated a speaker series highlighting Theology From the Margins including inviting, prepping, and supporting speakers Rev. Dr. Ana Ester; Professor Revelation Velunta; Professor Kakay Pamaran; and Rev. Elder Carmenmargarita Sánchez DeLeón
- Elders participated in general Strategic Planning meetings and engaged in Committee work to support the initiative.
- Elders were active with global spiritual efforts, including Place for Hope training in Europe, outreach to clergy and leader networks, Brazilian Black Awareness, and advocacy with global churches considering affiliation.
- Elders participated in and contributed organizationally to two spiritual webinar panel discussions of spirituality and sexuality called Angels & Saints.
- Elders were active in supporting and contributing to MCC LEAD initiatives.
- Elders were active in supporting and contributing to Thriving in Ministry initiatives.
- Elders were active in supporting and contributing to the Moderator-led MCC Dream sessions.
- Elders were active in supporting and contributing to MCC’s Courageous Leadership and Partners in Hope initiatives.
- Elders were active in supporting and contributing to the work of the Pathways to Healing Commission.
- Elders were active in supporting and contributing to the work of People of African Descent (PAD).
- Elders were active in supporting and contributing to the work of 2024-2026 Elder town halls, transition efforts, and skills- and systems-sharing. Most Elders remained active into and through March 2024 to facilitate a warm and smooth transition for MCC Churches and to the new Council.
Local initiatives to strengthen protections for LGBTQ peoples:
Elders were engaged throughout the world in large- and small-scale work to address queer, genderqueer, HIV-related, and other relvant education, policy shaping, and awareness work. Some Elders were targeted because of these efforts for harassment and other online violence.
These local and broader initiatives included the following:
- United Kingdom Charter for Compassion
- Expert Advisory Group for the Scottish Government on banning Conversion Therapy
- United Nations advocacy against conversion practices
- Audit for the Registrar of Scotland
- Scotland’s Marriage Licenses policies
- European “The Gathering”
- Flag Raising (Pennsylvania, USA)
- Trans Day of Visibility vigil (Edinburgh, Scotland, UK; Pennsylvania, USA)
- Los Angeles Trans Pride (USA)
- Educational Speaking (Pennsylvania, USA)
- Gay and Sikh Conference (Edinburgh, Scotland, UK)
- CDT Europe
- European Safeguarding
- MCCDC Trans Spirituality Panel
In peace,
Rev. Elder Alejandro Escoto
Elder Velma Garcia
Rev. Elder Goudy
Rev. Elder Karl Hand
Rev. Elder Miller Hoffman
Rev. Elder Carolyn Mobley-Bowie
Rev. Elder Maxwell Reay
Rev. Elder Roy Treash
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston
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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: 06-01-2024: $8,745.00
Tithing: $3,946.00
Facility Rental: $3260.00
Pride Fundraising: $1255.00
Helping Hands: $284.00
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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. | | | | |
