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Dear Founders,
What a wonderful second 2024 Pride weekend! Wasn't our worship time amazing last Saturday? I loved the multilingual service, and Alexandra Grey's music had us on our feet! And Louis Ramirez, WOW!, he was on fire! Then Sunday, I watched our Pride Team, lead by Oriel Briguela Mueller and Fernando Alfara, put together a most impressive float for the LA Pride Parade. It was a special honor to march in this particular parade, since it is the one that started ALL Pride parades worldwide, and it was started by the same man that started this congregation, Rev. Troy Perry! Thank you to ALL who made this weekend so successful.
This coming weekend, we have LOTS going on. We'll be out at the LGBT Center on Saturday to celebrate Trans Pride. Our Trans*Unity Ministry will be out in full force, staffing a table to share the Good News to everyone. If you don't have (free) tickets, please go online to reserve a spot!
Sunday, we will celebrate three different events during worship: Father's Day, Trans Pride, and Juneteenth. We have some very exciting music planned for the service, including the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles. We always love it when they share their talents with us! We'll also hear from Niki and Vinny Mohr and from Glenn Hill. Another WOW weekend, indeed!
I want to thank Fernando Alfaro for translating during service last Sunday. I love the scripture that we used for the sermon that was entitled, Here's Where I Stand. After worship, I just felt like there was more I wanted to share on it. So, this Sunday, I'm using the same reading, but the title this week, the message is entitled, I'm Still Standing (yeah, yeah, yeah)! If you'd like to read ahead, check out Ephesians 6:10-17 (Voice Version).
Looking forward to seeing you again this Sunday!
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! | |
Special Announcement from Founders MCC Board of Directors | |
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Roof Replacement Update
The Board of Directors approved a change in the construction contract for replacement of the roof. Instead of replacing the skylights on top of the roof, the Board decided to roof over the skylight openings and install back lighting for the stained glass in the ceilings of the Sanctuary and Ryland Room. This change will save $12,000 in estimated cost for the entire project. The total cost is now estimated at $78,100. The construction is scheduled to take place this summer between August 15 and September 15.
This construction is urgently needed to prevent further water damage and to preserve the value of our church building if we stay in the building or sell it in the future. We also would like to avoid using reserve funds if possible. Raising funds for this project is an immediate need. To that end, two church members have stepped forward to offer an initial Challenge Matching Grant of $6,000. to match all donations up to $6,000 to get the ball rolling.
To give toward this project and monitor progress, a new designated option in PushPay, Roofing Challenge Gift, is being added. Please use this option to make special gifts and double your gift through the match offered!
At the direction of the Board, our Vice Moderator, Dean Coffey, is recruiting church members and friends to coordinate a Capital Campaign to raise funds for renovation and repair of interior spaces after the completion of the roof replacement. Thank you for your generosity and commitment of time and prayer to successfully complete these projects.
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Founders MCC is supporting Founders MCC Church Member Jair Bula who is performing in the above show.
The information is below:
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
*We are needing Pride volunteers. Please see Oriel Mueller and Fernando Alfaro.*
June 14-15 Trans Pride
Trans Pride Festival @ LGBT Center of LA
(Free Event)
Anita May Rosenstein Campus
1118 N McCadden Pl Los Angeles, CA 90038
Friday June 14th: 6-10 pm
Saturday, June 15th: 12-6 pm
June 22 Santa Monica Pride
Santa Monica Pride, Saturday June 22
(Free Event)
3rd St Promenade
2-8 pm
(Sign up to help at the booth with Oriel or Fernando)
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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. | |
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Our next Founders MCC Board Meeting is next Thursday, June 20th at 6:30 P.M. This is an open board meeting and all are welcome to attend.
Founders MCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: BOD meeting
Time: Jun 20, 2024 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89927525933?pwd=LfRsj1jBR2O3eEkj3HWhckCSLsv6jY.1
Meeting ID: 899 2752 5933
Passcode: 347292
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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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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: 06-08-2024: $5,001.00
Tithing: $4,256.00
Facility Rental: $410.00
Building Fund: $335.00
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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. | | | | |
