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Dear Founders,
Wow! This month of Pride has just flown by, and each week seemed busier than the previous one. This week was no different! It started with a powerful worship service Sunday, with Spirit speaking to us that, like Jesus who the disciples took over to the other side of the lake JUST AS HE WAS, we too accept that we are OK, just as we are. Louis Ramirez blessed us with his rendition of "Peace Be Still": when he thought he was done, the Spirit said, "not yet!"
We then participated with the "Sandwich Ministry" project on Monday, providing them the fruit for the bag lunches assembled that night. Wednesday was the viewing for our dearly departed brother, Scott Nash. On Thursday, we had the graveside service for him, which I was asked to lead, followed by a repast at his house. Many of our members were able to participate in all this, with Roger Owens majorly assisting the family. Later that night, some of our members saw the premiere of the movie, Regarding Us, whose main character was a trans woman abruptly fired from her parochial teaching job when it was learned she was trans; and, dealing with the aftermath and pain of that, it challenged her faith. But she (BRILLIANTLY played by our own Alexandra Grey), was able to rise victoriously and testify that it was not religion, but faith that gave her strength to overcome! It was very moving! Several of us shared that we shed some tears as well as laughs. I highly recommend that you go see it!
I am SO excited to share that this coming Sunday we will be blessed with the powerful and harmonious ministry of the Ramirez Family. Two of Louis' brothers, and his sister-in-law will join him. I am expecting a powerful move of the Spirit. You can come expecting it too!!
Pastor Keith & Louis Ramirez
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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
NO GIFT IS TOO SMALL ! ! !
OUR GOAL TO REPLACE THE ROOF $78,100.
GIVEN TO DATE 6/25 $5,345.
MATCHED TO DATE 6/25 $5,345.
REMAINING NEEDED $67,410.
An additional $8,000. was added this week for a TOTAL MATCH AVAILABLE OF $28,000.
$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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2024 Pride Season Thank You!! | |
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Thank You, Oriel and Fernando!
Many thanks to our Pride Team for all the hard work done over the whole month of June. A special THANK YOU goes to the two co-leaders of the Pride Team: Oriel Briguela Mueller and Fernando Alfaro! We were well represented at multiple Pride events all over Los Angeles, and the team kept us in the limelight. Thanks again, team!
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This Sunday, June 30th: Ramirez Family in Ministry.
I am SO excited to share that this coming Sunday we will be blessed with the powerful and harmonious ministry of the Ramirez Family. Two of Louis’ brothers, and his sister-in-law will join him. I am expecting a powerful move of the Spirit. You can come expecting it too!!
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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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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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CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF
Rev. Steve Pieters
Theologian • Pastor • Activist
You are invited to an event celebrating the life of Rev Steve Pieters: Theologian, Pastor, Activist, highlighting the publication of his autobiography - "Love is Greater Than AIDS: A Memoir of Survival, Healing and Hope" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024).
Come hear an appreciation of Steve's scholarship and spirituality by several of his peers, including Mona West, Bob Shore-Goss, Lucia Chappelle, Nancy Radclyffe, Keith Mozingo, Justin Sabia-Tanis, Robert Griffin, Nancy WIlson, Karen Ziegler. The panelist will respond to the book and dialogue with each other about the multiple contributions made by Steve in a lifetime of ministry.
Hosted by: Hector Gutierrez and Jim Mitulski
Schedule: Saturday / July 13, 2024
5PM ET / 4PM CT / 3PM MT / 2PM PT
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Book Study on the Book of Revelation
For 7 Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, starting 7/9/24, we will be holding a book study over Zoom for Dr. Patricia Wahle’s books: A Revelation to Patricia and Taking Revelation Back. Zoom link will be provided the week before the first session.
Jesus said, “ALL Scriptures hinge on loving God and loving one another.” (Matthew 22:34-40) If we reread Revelation with the understanding that it MUST, according to Jesus, be a message of loving one another, we realize that it doesn’t say what we’ve been told it says. We will point out how, in the book of Revelation, God is not active in any of the scenes of destruction and torment. God is trying to call our attention to ways we are hurting one another to teach us to repent and do better. The original Scripture is written to 7 churches, and the only admonition is given to the churches for straying from the message of love they had started out with.
A Revelation to Patricia by Dr. Patricia Wahle, is a modern revelation following the format of the biblical book of Revelation with a study guide section at the end tying A Revelation to Patricia back to the Bible book, The Revelation to John.
Taking Revelation Back is a shorter (and therefore cheaper) book that is more of an official Bible commentary on The Revelation to John. The commentary follows the pattern of the study questions in the back of A Revelation to Patricia, so either book can be used.
Both books are available as an e-book or large print paperback at amazon.com. You probably have to search with the author’s name “Patricia Wahle” in addition to the titles to bring up the books, or if you click on “Books à Religion and Spirituality” after the initial search for the titles, the correct books will come toward the top of the results. If you would like to join the book study and can’t afford to purchase the book, please let the church know and Patricia will provide a copy for you.
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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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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: 06-23-2024: $12,597.00
Tithing: $3,382.00
Pride Fundraising: $385.00
Deaf Ministry: $410.00
Roofing Challenge Matching Gift: $8,420.00
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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. | | | | |
