First, can I remind you that daylight savings finishes this Sunday and our clocks will “spring forward” one hour on Saturday night. Remember to do this so that you arrive on time for church on Sunday!

During this season of Lent we have been focusing on a deeper and closer connection within our own bodies in our relationship with God. Lent is a reminder of Jesus’ experience in the wilderness, being tempted by the evil one who wanted him to give up his purpose, to give up his relationship with God and to bow down to the ways of the world. Jesus was confronted by the desire to bow down to worldly power and authority and to abandon his own sense of self and the need to do that which is right and good and holy.

I believe that we are all confronted by these desires in our lives. The desire to conform; the desire to win popularity and friends; the desire to be “naughty” and to leave behind us the road that is less traveled – one that leads us to greater things in the long term. Sometimes it really feels that the road God invites us on is one far more challenging than far more hard work!

Lent offers us the chance to become refreshed and refocused on our purpose and our desire to follow the pathway of our faith and to build ourselves up in faith and character in order that we might have the courage, the strength and the desire to do the right thing,

Just recently our Board of Directors met for a weekend retreat and during our time together we shared some of the stories of our lives. We talked about how difficult it can be to hold on to our faith and spirituality in a world that seems to have lost its focus. We talked about how we can hold on to these basic needs in our own lives and how to keep it simple – not over complicating it. One of our Board members told us that before he goes to bed at night, as he reflects on the day gone by, he asks himself a simple question, “Did I bring more harm than good to this world today?” In asking this question he reflects on the day and is challenges to ensure that his actions are purposefully directed to bringing more good than harm. To bring more love, more healing, more forgiveness, more blessing.

In many ways this question is the essence of our faith and live experience. That no matter what is happening our own lives or in the bigger world, we are called to follow in the steps of Jesus and bring love, healing, forgiveness and blessing. To ensure that our lives have purpose and to make that purpose real as we live our individual lives together.

When Jesus was confronted by the thought of losing his purpose or surrendering it to the desires of the evil one, he said, “Get behind me, Satan”. I believe that today, when we are tempted to abandon our purpose or to live a “convenient life” rather than a “purposeful one” we should remind ourselves of the Christ who trailed the pathway for us and to stop, put our feet back on that path and practice spiritual principles that will lead us back to the path which ultimately leads us to eternal life.

In our Lent we have called God our “CEO” our director and author of our faith. We have faced some tough questions and called ourselves back to the courage to live. This Sunday we will complete our series with the theme of surrender and I sincerely hope that you will join us at one of the worship services this Sunday.

Next Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday which is followed by Holy Week and Easter Resurrection. Please do take a look at the special services that are being planned to help us spiritually prepare to encounter the risen Christ.

May God continue to bless your life and in that blessing make it possible for each of us to bless others.

Peace,

Reverend Neil G. Thomas, MCCLA Senior Pastor

The Reverend Neil G Thomas
Senior Pastor

Check out our website for up to date details of events and services. Information about our “Elder Connections”, “Godspell, the Concert”, “Holy Week”, On Line Worship and much, much more. www.mccla.org.

2. What's Going On At MCCLA

Vox Femina in Concert - This Saturday, March 8

The next regular concert of Vox Femina, the premier women's chorus of LA, will be Saturday, March 8 at 8 PM. The location is Wilshire United Methodist Church, 4350 Wilshire Boulevard. The church is next to the Wilshire Ebell Theater. There is ample street parking in the neighborhood. Prices are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Daylight Savings Time Begins - This Sunday, March 9

Don't forget to set your clocks AHEAD one hour Saturday night before retiring, or you'll be an hour late for church on Sunday morning!

Next Brown Bag Sunday - This Sunday, March 9

Please bring your donations to buy food and plan to help make and deliver sandwiches to the needy in Los Angeles. Drivers are especially needed, so if you have a car or, especially, a van or SUV please contact Deacon Garret about helping, at garretinweho@aol.com.

Azania - People of African Descent -This Sunday, March 9

Please join Azania - People of African Descent, for their monthly meeting at 12:30 PM, immediately following the 11:00 AM service, in the second floor social hall.

Easter Bonnets - Sundays, March 9 & 16

Make your own bonnet...March 9 & March 16 before and after the 11:00 AM worship, we will have items available for you if you would like to create your very own EASTER BONNET for Easter!! See Michael/Bambi for more information

Next Inquirer/Membership Class - Monday, March 10

Want to know more about MCCLA? Thinking about becoming a member? Join us on Monday, March 10 at 7:00 PM to learn more. NO OBLIGATION! Please call the church office to let us know you will be coming and get some information to look over. New Members will be taken in on the fourth Sunday of every month. We hope you will consider joining MCCLA's community!

3. At Church This Week

FRIDAY MARCH 7
7:30 PM – The Tribe – 2nd Floor Social Hall

SATURDAY MARCH 8
10:30 AM - 11 AM Choir Rehearsal (alt for Wed Rehearsal)

SUNDAY MARCH 9
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS THIS WEEKEND !!
Brown Bag Sunday
Please Bring Your Donations!

A Baby Changing Nursery is available during 9 & 11 AM services
on the 2nd Floor; a live video feed of the service is provided

9:00 AM
Early Risers' Traditional Service

11:00 AM
Sign Language Interpreted
Kids’ Club for 4-11 Years Old

12:30 PM
Azania (People of African Descent) Meeting

1:30 PM
Iglesia Comunitaria Metropolitana (En Español l)
(Every 4th Sunday of the month is Bilingual)

MONDAY MARCH 10
No Events Scheduled

TUESDAY MARCH 11
7:00 PM - Lenten Study Series - N. Hollywood
(See Details in Newsletter)
8:00 PM - Spiritual Growth & Healing Group - 2nd Floor Social Hall

WEDNESDAY MARCH 12
7:00 PM - Lenten Study Series - at MCCLA - 2nd Floor Social Hall
(See Details in Newsletter)

THURSDAY MARCH 13
7:00 PM - Lenten Study Series - Eagle Rock
(See Details in Newsletter)
7:00 PM - ICM Coro Rehearsal - Sanctuary

FRIDAY MARCH 14
7:00 PM - Estudios bíblicos para la Cuaresma - En Español
(See Details in Newsletter)
7:30 PM – The Tribe – 2nd Floor Social Hall
8:00 PM - Music of Godspell - Sanctuary
(see details in Newsletter)

SATURDAY MARCH 15
10:30 AM - 11 AM Choir Rehearsal (alt for Wed Rehearsal)
4:00 PM - Music of Godspell - Sanctuary
(see details in Newsletter)
8:00 PM - Music of Godspell - Sanctuary
(see details in Newsletter)

SUNDAY MARCH 16
A Baby Changing Nursery is available during 9 & 11 AM services
on the 2nd Floor; a live video feed of the service is provided

9:00 AM
Early Risers' Traditional Service

11:00 AM
Celebration Service
Sign Language Interpreted
Kids’ Club for 4-11 Years Old

12:30 PM
Men's Group Steppin' Out Brunch
at Bossa Nova Restaurant

1:30 PM
Iglesia Comunitaria Metropolitana (En Español)
(Every 4th Sunday of the month is Bilingual)

4. Save These Dates

MCCLA Music Department Presents "Godspell - The Concert" - Friday-Saturday, March 14-15

Join us as MCCLA's Music Department presents "Godspell - The Concert" on Friday, March 14 at 8:00 PM, and Saturday, March 15 at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. This is a wonderful concert featuring the music of Godspell. And it's a fundraiser for the music department, so please plan to come for fun and to show your support for our wonderful musical team!

Men's Group Meetings - Sunday, March 16

Join the men of our congregation on the 1st Sunday of the month for their 12:45 PM Faith Sharing in the Gathering Room on the first floor of the church and on the 3rd Sunday of the month, at 12:45 PM for their Steppin' Out Brunch. Share in Personal Stories of Inspiration and Strength the First Sunday of every month at the Men’s Group “Faith Sharing”. This Sunday March 2, the Speaker will be John Allen. Join MCCLA's men for Laughter, Camaraderie, and Gossip with The Men’s Group “Stepping Out,” where every Third Sunday of the month they hit a local restaurant for Brunch and Fellowship. Sunday March 16 after the 11:00 AM service they will meet at Bossa Nova on Robertson and Santa Monica. It’s a great way to put names to those faces! Please see Cory Saucier for more information

Lenten Series 2008: God is my CEO

Please join us for MCCLA's Five Week Small Group In-Home Study Series, from 7:00 – 8:15 PM at the following locations:

Tuesdays, Beginning February 12: North Hollywood area at Joel & John’s
Wednesdays, beginning February 13: At MCCLA, 2nd floor
Thursdays, beginning February 14: Eagle Rock area at Pam & Jane’s
Fridays, beginning February 15: Estudios bíblicos para la Cuaresma - En Espanol - en la casa de María y Marlene

The topics are:

Week 1 - Feb 12-15 - Success: From success to significance

Week 2 - Feb 19-22 - Tough Decision: From giving into discouragement to living with hope

Week 3 - Feb 26-29 - Patience: From sprinting under pressure to running with purpose

Week 4 - Mar 4-7 - Courage: From choosing the easier of the wrong decisions to making the tougher right decision

Week 5 - Mar 11-14 - Yielding Control: From “surrender means defeat” to "surrender means victory”

For more detail on this really exciting series, including addresses of meeting locations, please contact Rev. Pat at revpat@mccla.org or by calling 310-854-9110, ext. 108.

Holy Week Events Schedule

Sunday, March 16 – Palm Sunday
Worship Services at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM (en Español)

Maundy Thursday – March 20
Celebrate Purim with Congregation Kol Ami and BCC at MCCLA, 7:00 PM

Good Friday – March 21
Stations of the Cross (English / Español), 7:30 PM

Easter Sunday – March 23
Sunrise Service at Griffith Park, 6:00 AM, immediately followed by potluck. Celebration Services at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:30 PM (en Español).

5. Special Announcements

People of African Descent Conference - April 17-19

MCCLA will hold its People of African Descent Conference in St. Louis, April 17-19, 2008. The conference will have dynamic speakers, great workshops and inspiring worship. For more information, please go to the Conference web page at MCCchurch.org/PAD2008.

Please Help with Spring Baskets and more for our Elders - The Elder Connection

We are thrilled to introduce to you a new program/ministry we are organizing to be of assistance to our GLBT Seniors, especially those who are residents at Triangle Square Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing). Rev. Alejandro and Rev. Pat met with Julissa Espinoza, Program Director at GLEH this last week. We spoke with her about the residents' needs and how we can be of assistance. We made a list of very tangible ways that we can help on the short term as well as the long term. The first thing we would like to do is to provide Spring Baskets filled with sundries:
For the Kitchen: dish soap, sponges for washing dishes, kitchen cleaner (ie, 409 or the like), a set of Dish towels (4 wash clothes/4 dish towels)

For the Bathroom: shower cleanser, Body Wash Soap, Shampoo, Bath Towels and wash cloths, Tooth brush/paste, Denture cleaner (ie, Polident), Deodorant

Also: Socks, Gift Certificates to either Food 4 Less, Ralph's or Trader Joes ($15)

This might seem like a simple list, but the majority of folks are on fixed incomes and any little bit would be greatly appreciated. We would like to host a Spring Fling at the end of March/Beginning of April to deliver these baskets. (We have other GLBT faith communities joining us on this endeavor, about which we are thrilled!)

Future projects:
- Fulfill "wish lists" from the residents...for instance, some don't have beds or sofas or tables...we'd like to help as we can

- Create Emergency Kits to be delivered in the Summer: First Aid supplies, Flash Lights, Batteries, Water, etc.

- Sponsor a night a month to do activities (ie, bingo, movie nights, etc)

- Host a monthly breakfast at our new location before the 9:00 AM service, especially inviting the Seniors.

- and more as the imagination permits.

If you have items for the Spring Baskets, please deliver them to the church in care of Rev. Pat. We can also accept financial donations, please indicate that the donation is for ELDER CONNECTION. Together we continue to make a difference!

You Can Help by Donating Food to the MCCLA Food Pantry

Deacon Garret Klindt reports that more people are now using our Pantry and Food Cart than ever before...not only those on Sunday but throughout the week. If you are able to make a contribution it would be much appreciated by all. It is a wonderful thing that our church is helping those in need. Gifts that would be particularly welcome include:

- Boost. (Chocolate preferred, but all flavors appreciated. Boost is the desired nutritional supplement as it doesn't need to be refrigerated to taste good).
- Canned vegetables or foods.
- Applesauce
- Hygienic products. (Soaps, toothbrush/toothpaste, combs).
- Bottled water.

Submission of Items to be Included in the Sunday Bulletin & Newsletter

Please submit items for inclusion in the Sunday bulletin to Reverend Pat Langlois no later than noon Monday of the week prior to the Sunday the item is to appear. Be sure to include all pertinent information and a contact name and phone number or email address.

Can You Sing? We Need You in the MCCLA Choir!

ATTENTION: SOPORANOS & ALTOS - We are looking for a few good singers! Requirements: Be Able to Sing in Key, Commit to EITHER Wednesday evening practice (7-9 PM) or Saturday morning practice (10:30 AM - 12:30 PM), Attend 11:00 am Sunday Services, Sight reading a plus, but not required. Contact Mark Brown at 310-854-9110 or markbrown@mccla.org.

Baby Changing Nursery Available during MCCLA Services

A nursery for changing babies is available on the 2nd floor of the church, with a video feed of the service provided.

Shop at Ralphs or Food for Less? - You Can Contribute $$$ to MCCLA!

Sign up at www.ralphs.com and register for a shoppers card. Then, every time you shop at either Ralphs or Food 4 Less, MCCLA will receive a donation from the grocery stores, at no cost to you. What could be easier? Please, do it now!

Would You Like to Volunteer at MCCLA?

The Church Office is seeking reliable volunteers to help out during the week. You will be a blessing ... and will be blessed! Contact the church office at 310-854-9110 for details.

MCCLA Seeks "Angels Within Our Midst"

Here at MCCLA, you are a vital part of our family and community and that's why it's important to reach out to us when you are in need. Please call the church office at 310-854-9110 if you are in need. Equally important is participating in your community. If you would like to help doing an occasional hospital visit, buying groceries for someone who is unable, or running an occasional errand, please let Rev. Alejandro know at revalejandro@mccla.org or call 310-854-9110, ext. 107. We are all angels and can all reach out at one moment of another to help someone in need.

Say It With Flowers!

Every week we have the opportunity to be able to say “I Love You,” “Happy Birthday,” “Thank You,” “Happy Anniversary,” “In Loving Memory, ” and more … with the beauty of flowers at the altar. To order flowers or find out more information, leave a message for Jeremy at 310-854-9110.

Parking on Sundays - Available at 24 Hour Fitness

Parking: is available at 24 Hour Fitness on Sundays. $3 for 4 hours, with validated ticket (bring to front desk after service…there is no cost to the church). If you park in the church Parking Lot, please park only in designated parking slots. Do not obstruct any entrances or driveways.

Order CD, Cassette Tape, or DVD Copies of MCCLA Services on Sunday or on our Website Online

See Keith at the Reception Desk in the lobby after the 11 AM Service for information on how to order CDs, DVDs, and videotapes of our 11 AM Celebration Service. Relive a service or sermon you really enjoyed and share it with others! Check it out and share MCCLA with your friends and family!

In response to your many requests, our online store is now open for those of you who are not in the Los Angeles area, or who would prefer to order via credit card from our secure online store. Simply visit www.mccla.org and click on the "Watch Internet Television" icon on the right side of your screen, then the "Online DVD Store" button on the left side of the screen and you're just a click away from ordering parts of MCCLA history, old and new!

MCCLA-TV Available on Cable TV in LA and on the Internet around the World

If you live in the greater Los Angeles area you can watch us on cable access television right now. To find out the exact times and channels that MCCLA-TV shows in your neighborhood, please check the program guide on our website, www.mccla.org. If your cable company is not listed in this guide, please email MCCLA-TV Producer, Sebastian at sebastian@mccla.org. We will work on getting TV Coverage in your area!

However, until we do, we hope you will enjoy our Online TV Shows and that you'll invite your friends who are online, to experience the "Virtual MCCLA" via our Internet Television Ministry. Did you know that you can watch the worship at MCCLA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year? Just go to www.mccla.org to see the latest shows.

6. Newsletter Archives

2008 Archives

MCCLA CONTACT INFORMATION

8714 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Phone:
310.854.9110
Fax
310.854.9119
Email
info@mccla.org