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Dear Founders,
Wow, again! I am just reeling from this last weekend!
Trans*Pride was wonderful. I was so moved by the family (mother, father, trans-son) that came up to me to ask if I was a priest. (I was wearing a tee shirt with the title of Rev. Troy Perry's first book on it: The Lord Is My Shepherd And He Knows I'm Gay.) I told them I was a minister. The father said he had expected to see religious protesters OUTSIDE the Trans Pride area, but instead he found me inside CELEBRATING on the INSIDE with our trans siblings! Ain't God good?!
Then, last Sunday's worship. Oh my goodness! The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, Niki and Vinny Mohr, Glenn Hill - All bringing music and dance to a whole 'nother level in our worship. Having a 12 year old trans young man join our church, and the video from Rev. Andi Woodworth from Atlanta...my soul felt raptured! In addition, we were able to honor our fathers for Father's Day with the beautiful flowers and celebrate a Juneteenth Communion led by Rev. Onetta Brooks. And the amazing setting - our worship space prepared by Larry Rodriguez and Mary Margaret Smith. Thank you to ALL who made our worship so special!
This Sunday, we will continue our Pride Month worship with a message entitled, Just As I Am. If you'd like to read ahead, check out Mark 4:35-41 (Common English Version). I can't wait to see what the Spirit has in store for us this week!
Pastor Keith
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Reading is taken from Mark, Chapter 4, Verses 35 through 41 (The Common English Version)
Later that day, when evening came, Jesus said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” They left the crowd and took him in the boat just as he was. Other boats followed along.
Gale-force winds arose, and waves crashed against the boat so that the boat was swamped. But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a leather pillow. They woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re drowning?”
He got up and gave orders to the wind, and he said to the lake, “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down and there was a great calm. Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?”
Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”
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New show at the Skylight Theatre just around the corner from the church at Skylight Theatre. Link for more info and tickets: The Sandwich Ministry by Miranda Rose Hall - Skylight Theatre Company
Come see The Sandwich Ministry this Monday, June 24, 2024 at 7:30PM and stay after the show to help make sandwiches for those in need. Upon Box Office check in, inform the host you are here to volunteer post show and you will receive one complimentary ticket OR use code: VOLUNTEER to reserve your ticket ahead of time. Instructions will be given at the theater.
Here’s the link for more information: https://skylighttheatre.org/event/the-sandwich-ministry-2/
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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.
NO GIFT IS TOO SMALL ! ! !
OUR GOAL TO REPLACE THE ROOF $78,100.00
GIVEN LAST WEEK $1,120.00
MATCHED LAST WEEK $1,120.00
REMAINING NEEDED $75,860.00
An additional $5,000. was added this week for a TOTAL MATCH AVAILABLE OF $20,000.00
$10 becomes $20.
$25 becomes $50.
$50 becomes $100.
Every gift will be matched to meet the URGENT NEED to replace our roof!
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I'm a gay filmmaker from New York coming to Los Angeles with the world premiere of the LGBTQ feature REGARDING US. She will make her Los Angeles debut at Dances with Films, presented by Outfest, on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. at the historic TCL Chinese Theatres.
It's about faith within the LGBTQ+ community and family. Our stars, including Alexandra Grey, will be there! After the screening there is a party and you are all invited.
LOUIS RAMIREZ SAYS: "I just saw the trailer and it's moving and powerful... I'm going to go see this!!"
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc7ZfwWsN2s
Tickets: https://danceswithfilms.com/REGARDING-US/
Website: www.regardingus.com
TODAY, June 20th is the last day to get discounted $20 tickets to Regarding Us, featuring Alexandra Grey. Show is on the 27th. Go to www.regardingus.com for discounted tickets.
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Founders MCC Open Board Meeting Tonight @ 6:30 p.m.
Our monthly Board Meeting is tonight at 6:30 p.m.
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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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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Celebrating the Life of Scott Nash
Viewing & Visitation: Wednesday, June 26, 2024,
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary
3801 W. Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, Ca. 90305
Graveside Service
Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 12 p.m.
(If Possible, please arrive at 11:45 a.m.)
Inglewood Park Cemetery
720 E. Florence Ave., Inglewood, Ca. 90301
At the Mortuary’s request, anyone who would like to send flowers: Please have them delivered by:
Wednesday, June 26, 2024,
between 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary
3801 W. Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, Ca. 90305
Repast to follow at the residence of Scott Nash
7028 2nd Avenue, Los Angeles, Ca. 90043
We would love for you to join and share your stories and favorite memories of Scott. Please feel free to forward this information to all who loved Scott. The family thanks you for your love and support in celebrating a beautiful life.
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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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Our “Opportunity for Chance” drawings to raise scholarship funds for MCC’s PAD Conference continue! On Sunday, June 23, we’ll choose a winner for tickets to “Mrs. Doubtfire” (June 26th), and on Sunday, July 14, the prize will be tickets to “Peter Pan” (July 24). You don’t need to be present to win. To order chances send your name, phone number, postal and email addresses and the number of chances requested with your donation to PAD Raffle, Founders MCC, 4607 Prospect Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027.
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
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June 30th: Ramirez Brothers in Ministry.
Daniel and Jonathon Ramirez will join Louis in ministering through testimony, the Word and song! This is a one-time event that you don't want to miss!!
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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. | |
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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HThank 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: 06-16-2024: $6,149.00
Tithing: $3,020.00
Facility Rental: $1,575.00
Helping Hands: $254.00
Roofing Challenge Matching Gift: $1,300.00
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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. | | | | |
