MCCLA Weekly News - 9th May 2008
Worship Every Sunday
Services at 9am, 11am (English) and 1.30pm (Spanish)
4953 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
TELEPHONE: 323 669 3434 Fax: 323 669 3004
Email: admin@mccla.org : www.mccla.org
1. Dear Friends
Dear Friends
There are always so many reasons to celebrate with our community of faith and over the past few weeks we have had the opportunity to celebrate the building that was our home for more than eleven years as well as to offer thanks for the building that has become our new home at 4953 Franklin Avenue in the community of Los Feliz, Los Angeles.
Last Sunday nearly 300 people gathered to offer thanks and to bless our new home and I believe that all of us were delighted to be a part of this celebration. For me, our new home is a wonderful sanctuary and I know that God is going to bless us abundantly as we continue to be faithful to the mission and vision that we embrace together. Pictures and video presentations of our new home, as well as the closing service at 8714 Santa Monica Blvd., are now on our website at www.mccla.org.
This Sunday we have yet another reason to celebrate God’s goodness. Not only is it Mother’s Day and the 16th anniversary service of our Spanish Speaking Ministry, this Sunday is also Pentecost Sunday and it is on this day that we honor the presence of the Holy Spirit that anointed the early disciples and followers of Jesus, turning them into faith-filled and faithful participants in God’s plan, enabling all people to know God’s love, grace and mercy. It was the gift of the Holy Spirit that would enable them to become like Jesus, helping them to realize that with this power they were able to carry out the mission and vision that Jesus had taught them.
Today, this same Spirit is present in our church and calls us to not just worship Jesus but to become like Jesus. We often talk about being the hands, feet, heart and mouth of Jesus in the world today and this is only possible as we embrace the Spirit of God that was poured out upon those early disciples and is poured out upon us today. It is with this Spirit within us that we are able to become transformed ourselves and because we are transformed we are able to lead our world into transformation as well. It is with this Spirit within us that we are assured of love for self, love for God and love for our neighbor, being able to fulfill our purpose and God’s purpose.
This is the same Spirit that God breathed into the world at the very beginning of Creation, that blessed Mary with the strength to carry Jesus into the world, that blessed the early church leaders, that anointed Reverend Troy Perry, leading him to create the Metropolitan Community Church here in Los Angeles and ultimately Metropolitan Community Churches that are now serving in many countries around the world. It is this same Spirit that causes us to celebrate God in our worship, in our lives and in our acts of grace and love toward one another.
I want to invite you to come and celebrate Pentecost with us at MCCLA this Sunday at the 9am, 11am and 1.30pm services.
I am also delighted to welcome Reverend Elder Dr. Troy Perry to our 11am worship this Sunday. We welcome him home to be among us.
As we prepare to honor the Holy Spirit this Sunday, let us remember that it is this same Spirit that has been in the world from the beginning of creation and who is with us every time we intentionally live lives that carry the hallmark of the values that Jesus teaches us.
Happy Pentecost. I do hope to see you Sunday.
The Reverend Neil G Thomas
Senior Pastor
2. Remembering Mother's Day
When someone believes in us, when someone is in our corner, we feel strengthened. We feel encouraged. We feel confident. We believe we can make it, and we experience victory! When that someone is our Mother, we are even more joyfully confident.
Dear God, thank You so much for the gift of our Mothers. Thank You for their faith in us, their hopes for us, and their love for us. They mirror Mary's love for Your Son Jesus, standing behind us in our hopes and dreams, as she supported Jesus, and standing next to us in our trials and struggles, as she stood by her Son at the cross. They rejoice with us in our successes, as Mary rejoiced with exceeding joy in her risen Son.
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, we ask You to bless all Mothers with the gift of Your love this Mother's Day. May each of them feel Your love in their hearts, Your peace in their minds, and Your joy in their spirits. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen |
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3. Urgent Prayer & Action Request (from MCC Headquarters)
Safety, Lives of LGBT Moldovans Under Immediate Threat; Action Needed Now!
A C T I O N A L E R T | Your Help Urgently Needed
The safety and human rights of LGBT people in the Eastern European nation of Moldova are under threat right now.
The government of Moldova is threatening to arrest Rev. Elder Diane Fisher and Eastern European LGBT activist Florin Buhuceanu if they hold worship services for the LGBT community this weekend.
And they are refusing to provide police protection, despite numerous death threats made against Diane and Florin and the LGBT community there.
The government is also refusing police protection for this weekend’s LGBT Pride March in Moldova’s capital city of Chisinau, where members of the International Lesbian and Gay Association of Europe and Romania’s human rights organization, ACCEPT, are also gathered. All legal procedures were followed to obtain the appropriate permits, and despite early promises, the mayor of Chisinau has withdrawn approval for the march permits.
At last report, the government will allow a maximum of 50 LGBT people and their supporters to march – but will allow an unlimited number of anti-gay protestors to gather – all without police protection.
Moldova’s government urgently needs to hear – NOW! – from people of goodwill around the globe!
Your e-mails will help to protect LGBT Moldovans and their supporters who are taking the first bold steps toward forming a community and seeking equality under the law.
And your e-mails can help stop the threats of arrest and harassment made against Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, activist Florin Buhuceanu, and Moldova’s growing, fledgling LGBT community.
Here are four steps you can take to make an immediate difference:
1. Write a brief e-mail to the Moldovan government. Ask them to honor their nation’s laws and to allow the peaceful gathering of LGBT people and their supporters. Ask that the rights of LGBT people be protected. Let them know the eyes of the world are focused on Moldova this week.
2. Send your e-mail to as many of the following contacts as possible:
-- Moldovan Ministry of Justice – secretariat@justice.gov.md
-- Moldovan Ministry of Social Protection – lucia.gavrilita@mpsfc.gov.md
-- Moldovan Advocate for Human Rights – cpdom@mdl.net
-- Moldova’s Embassy in Washington, DC – washington@mfa.md
-- Chisinau City Hall (Moldova’s Capital City) – primaria@pmc.md
3. Forward this Action Alert to friends, LGBT groups, and listservs.
4. All people of faith are encouraged to hold LGBT Moldovans and their supporters in your prayers, and to pray for a breakthrough from the Moldovan government.
The situation is critical. Time is of the essence. Your help can make a difference. Please, please take action now.
From the MCC Global Justice Team
The Reverend Pat Bumgardner, Chair
4. Your MCC Calendar
ICMLA Celebrates its 16th Anniversary -This Sunday, May 11
Please plan to join our Spanish-speaking ministry's 16th anniversary celebration at their 1:30 PM Service on Sunday, May 11. This service will be bi-lingual with English translation and will be followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome and encouraged to attend as we celebrate 16 years of ministry in the Los Angeles community.
Brown Bag Sunday - This Sunday, May 11
Today is Brown Bag Sunday. Please bring your monetary donations as well as bottled water and blankets today. Next Sunday, help make and distribute sandwiches for those in need.
Azania-People of African Descent Meeting - This Sunday, May 11
Azania will hold their monthly meeting at 12:45 PM, in the Upper Room, after the 11 AM service, on Sunday, May 11.
Next Inquirer/Memebership Class - Monday, May 12
Want to know more about MCCLA? Thinking about becoming a Member? Our next inquirer/membership class will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, May 12 in the Upper Room at our new church building on Franklin Avenue and Kenmore in Los Feliz. Please call the Church Office at (323) 669-3434 to let us know you will be attending. New Members will be received into membership on the fourth Sunday of every month.
Bible Study Resumes - Wednesday, May 14
The weekly Wednesday Bible Study resumes with a new series, “Queer Blessings: A study of the Beatitudes," led by Rev. Pat Langlois beginning on Wednesday, May 14, in the Upper Room at our new church building at 7 :00 PM.
Next Board of Directors Meeting - Thursday, May 15
The MCCLA Board of Directors will hold its next meeting on Thursday, May 15 at 7:00 PM in the Upper Room of the church. All are welcome to attend to learn more about the business of our church.
Wake Up Los Angeles – Saturday, May 17
Meeting at the Pacific Design Center, Silver Screen Theater at 10 AM. Wake Up Los Angeles, “To a Love that Has no Limits” – Pre-conference session
Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood. Jay Bakker will be the keynote speaker, followed by panel discussion by both religious conservatives and LGBT affirming Christians. For more details please visit www.wakeupcampaign.org.
Church Campus Information
The Fellowship Hall (on the ground floor) can be entered from either Franklin Avenue or from the Parking Lot.
The Upper Room can be accessed via the stairway located at the south end of the Fellowship Hall.
Restrooms are located inside the north and south entrances to the Fellowship Hall.
The Nursery is available during Worship Services. The Nursery is located off the southeast corner of the Fellowship Hall.
The Kids Club is located in the Upper Room.
The Church Offices are located in the small building north of the Sanctuary. Enter through the Kenmore Avenue entrance.
5. At Church This Week
FRIDAY MAY 9
7:30 PM – The Tribe
(Please see Joel Wilsey for Meeting Location)
SATURDAY MAY 10
10:30 AM - 11 AM Choir Rehearsal (alt for Wed Rehearsal)
SUNDAY MAY 11 - MOTHERS' DAY & PENTECOST SUNDAY
Brown Bag Sunday;
Please Bring Your Donations
and Help Us Make and Distribute Sandwiches
9:00 AM
Early Risers' Traditional Service
11:00 AM
Celebration Service:
Kid's Time!
Sign Language Interpreted!
Kids’ Club for 4-11 Years Old
12:45 PM
Azania - People of African Descent - Upper Room
1:30 PM
Iglesia Comunitaria Metropolitana (En Español)
Special 16th Anniversary Service
(Every 4th Sunday of the month is Bilingual)
MONDAY MAY 12
7:00 PM - Inquirer's Membership Class - Upper Room
TUESDAY MAY 13
No Events Scheduled
WEDNESDAY MAY 14
7:00 PM - Bible Study - Upper Room
7:00 PM - 11 AM Choir Rehearsal (alt for Saturday Rehearsal)
THURSDAY MAY 15
7:00 PM - Board of Directors Meeting - Upper Room
7:00 PM - ICM Coro Rehearsal - Sanctuary
FRIDAY MAY 16
7:30 PM – The Tribe Meeting
(Please see Joel Wilsey for Meeting Location)
SATURDAY MAY 17
10:00 AM – Wake Up Los Angeles, “To a Love that Has no Limits” – Pre-conference session
Silver Screen Theater, Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood. Jay Bakker will be the keynote speaker, followed by panel discussion by both religious conservatives and LGBT affirming Christians. For more details please visit www.wakeupcampaign.org.
10:30 AM - 11 AM Choir Rehearsal (alt for Wed Rehearsal) – Sanctuary
SUNDAY MAY 18
9:00 AM
Early Risers' Traditional Service
11:00 AM
Celebration Service:
Sign Language Interpreted;
Kids’ Club for 4-11 Years Old
12:45 PM
Men's Group Trip to the Poppy Festival
(see details in Newsletter)
1:30 PM
Iglesia Comunitaria Metropolitana (En Español) (Every 4th Sunday of the month is Bilingual)
6. Save These Dates
Social Butterflies Meeting - Saturday, May 17
MCCLA's social butterflies networking group will hold its second monthly meeting on Saturday, May 17 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the church.
Men's Group Trip to the Poppy Festival - Sunday, May 18
On Sunday, May 18, join MCCLA's Men’s Group’s trip to the Poppy Festival, after the 11:00 AM Worship Service. Contact Corey Saucier for more details at (213) 595-9383
Worship Team Meeting - Thursday, May 22
If you're involved in any way with worship at MCCLA (or would like to be!), this meeting is for you. Join us at 7:15 PM at the church on Thursday, May 22.
Memorial Day Holiday - Monday, May 26
The church offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
A BALANCED LIFE - Finding Balance Between Career, Loved Ones and Self - Thursday, May 29
This exciting workshop will take place on Thursday, May 29, from 7:00 - 9:30 PM at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Everything in the universe is perfectly balanced. Humans need balanced living to survive. The problem today is how to acquire balance when we live in such a fast paced world filled with distractions, personal gaps and aching problems. This workshop will help you learn how to balance three main areas of your life: your career, your relationships and your personal fulfillment. By the end of this workshop you will see all of these challenging areas of your life very differently and start on your way to living a more balanced life. Presented by Rick Fernandez M.A., ULC, SDB. Rick is a minister, college professor and featured speaker/presenter. Registration is required and is $25 at the center on online for $21.50. Go to http://www.lagaycenter.org to register. Enrollment closes at 5:00 PM on May 28
Pride Sunday - June 8
On Sunday, June 8 (Pride Sunday), our normal schedule of services will take place at the church. An Interfaith Service will be held in our "old neighborhood" at the intersection of La Cienega and Santa Monica, at 10:45 AM. Watch this space for more details.
Soulforce's American Family Outing - June 13-16
Information about the American Family Outing and the visit to Saddleback, CA on June 13-16,is now available on the Soulforce website at www.soulforce.org. Same-sex couples with or without children, single parent families, supportive straight couples and families, as well as individuals who want to participate with a member of their extended family are all welcome. Soulforce has made contact with Saddleback and will be nailing down the details of their visit in a few weeks when Rick Warren and his assistant return from an out of country trip. Please, if you are a same-sex couple, consider joining us. More information will be available here in the Newsletter in the coming weeks. Please watch for it!
If you'd like to support Soulforce and Chuck Phelan and his partner Steve McIntyre's participation in the American Family Outing at Saddleback, you can make an online donation to Soulforce. To read Chuck & Steve's message and make an online donation of any size (EVERY donation helps!), please go to: https://www.soulforce.org/application.php?application=sponsorafo&afo_id=22
7. Special Announcements
MCCLAers in this Year's AIDS LifeCycle Ride
MCCLA's Dan Cox is participating in the 2008 Aids LifeCycle Ride. That means that he will be sitting on a bicycle seat for almost 550 miles! For seven days! He has committed to raising a great deal of money for the Aids Service Programs of the LA Gay & Lesbian Center and he needs your help! $5, $50, $500? Every dollar counts and is greatly appreciated, if you'd like to help. Please visit his AIDS LifeCycle homepage for more information and to make a tax deductible donation: www.aidslifecycle.org/5018. Additionally Rolando Lira, Mario Perez and Steven Stokes are volunteering as Roadies and David Raybould is providing all video and sound for the AIDS LifeCycle Ride.
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 323-669-3434 for details.
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 323-669-3434 or markbrown@mccla.org.
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!
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 323-669-3434 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 323-669-3434, 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 Joel Wilsey or Rev. Pat at the church office at 323-669-3434.
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.
8. Newsletter Archives
2008 Archives:
May 2, 2008
April 25, 2008
April 19, 2008
April 11, 2008
April 4, 2008
March 28, 2008
March 21, 2008
March 14, 2008
March 7, 2008
February 29, 2008
February 22, 2008
February 15, 2008
February 9, 2008
January 31, 2008
January 25, 2008
2007 Archives
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