Embracing Change: 2022 Year-End Board Report – FMCSC Board of Administration

May 19, 2023

The 2022 Year-End Board Report from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California (FMCSC) offers a unique window into the transformative actions, exciting opportunities, and significant milestones that have marked this year. Led by Colleen Hurley-Bates, the Chair of the Board of Administration, the FMCSC is steadily navigating the path of change while staying true to its principles of love, commitment, and discipleship.

This video presents a comprehensive review of the year, detailing key leadership transitions, including the move to a single superintendent model, strategic hirings, and board restructuring. It also addresses the Board’s commitment to continuous improvement, illustrated by new guidelines for pastoral transitions, grant applications, and sabbaticals.

Furthermore, it provides an update on the church’s healthy financial standing and the decisions supporting that, such as approving budgets for various groups and grants for church facilities. As the FMCSC navigates transitions, including property sales and changes in fellowship, it remains committed to its core mission: to Love God, Love People, and Make Disciples.

We invite you to join us in this journey. Stay tuned for more updates on how the FMCSC is living out its mission and creating a strong, supportive community.

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The Diversity of Unity: Are Catholics Christians? – w/ Michael Donaldson
The Diversity of Unity: Are Catholics Christians? – w/ Michael Donaldson

In this episode of “Anchored & Reaching,” host Kevin Mannoia engages in a conversation with Michael Donaldson, senior director for the Office of Life, Justice and Peace, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, about the common misconceptions surrounding Catholicism and Christianity. They discuss various aspects of the Catholic faith, clarifying common misunderstandings and highlighting the core Christian beliefs that Catholics and Protestants share. Through a respectful dialogue, they explore topics such as the veneration of Mary and the saints, the significance of confession, the symbolism of incense in worship, and the role of sacraments in expressing and reaffirming one’s faith in Christ.Key TakeawaysClarifying Catholic Beliefs: Understanding the Catholic perspective on Mary, the saints, and sacraments, emphasizing that Catholics do not worship Mary or the saints but honor them as role models of faith.Symbolism in Worship: Exploring the meaning behind the use of incense in Catholic worship as a symbol of prayers rising to heaven and creating a sacred space.Confession and Intercession: Discussing the role of confession in Catholicism, where the priest acts as a vessel for God’s forgiveness, and the concept of saints interceding on behalf of believers.Daily Affirmation of Faith: Highlighting the Catholic practice of daily affirming faith in Christ, especially through the Eucharist, reinforcing the idea that conversion and salvation are ongoing processes.Helpful Bible ReferencesHebrews 12:1: The “cloud of witnesses” representing the communion of saints.Luke 1:38: Mary’s example of faith and submission to God’s will.James 5:16: The importance of confessing sins to one another.KeywordsUnity, Diversity, Catholicism, Christianity, Faith, Sacraments, Mary, Saints, Confession, Eucharist, WorshipHelpful LinksKevin’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com Office of Life, Justice, and Peace, Archdiocese of Los Angeles: https://lifejusticeandpeace.lacatholics.org/ One Life L.A.: https://www.onelifela.org/ By Your Side, Los Angeles: https://www.byyoursidela.org/ About the Podcast”Anchored & Reaching” is a thought-provoking weekly podcast designed for curious Christians who aspire to impact the world while remaining deeply rooted in their faith. Hosted by Kevin Mannoia, each episode features engaging conversations, practical insights, and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders who embody the dual values of being anchored in Christ and actively reaching out to the world. Join Kevin every week as he encourages you to live a dynamic Christian life, grounded in biblical truth and fueled by a passion for positive change.Email: [email protected]: https://anchoredandreaching.com

The Diversity of Unity: Can Calvinists and Others Be Friends? – w/ Rev. Randall Discher
The Diversity of Unity: Can Calvinists and Others Be Friends? – w/ Rev. Randall Discher

In this episode, Kevin Mannoia engages with Pastor Randy Discher about whether adherents of Calvinism can maintain genuine friendships with those of differing theological perspectives. They explore the Calvinist system, its five pillars (TULIP), and how these doctrines might impact relationships. They emphasize the importance of relationship over doctrine, the diversity within the evangelical free church, and the practice of agreeing to disagree to maintain unity in diversity.Key TakeawaysThe Calvinist belief system, centered around the TULIP acronym, can create barriers in friendships due to its integrated and definitive nature.Friendships across theological lines are possible through mutual respect, understanding, and focusing on relational aspects over propositional sets.The “significance of silence” in the Free Church allows room for varying beliefs, fostering an environment where different theological views can coexist.Helpful Bible ReferencesRomans 3:23 – Discusses total depravity, a key component of Calvinist doctrine.Ephesians 1:4-5 – Pertains to unconditional election and predestination.John 6:44 – Ties into irresistible grace and God’s role in salvation.KeywordsCalvinism, TULIP, evangelical free church, unity in diversity, theological friendship, predestination, total depravityHelpful LinksKevin’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com/ Chosen But Free: A Balanced View of God’s Sovereignty and Free Will, by Norman L. Geisler: https://www.amazon.com/Chosen-But-Free-Balanced-Sovereignty-dp-0764208446/dp/0764208446/ About Anchored & Reaching”Anchored & Reaching” is a thought-provoking weekly podcast designed for curious Christians who aspire to impact the world while remaining deeply rooted in their faith. Hosted by Kevin Mannoia, each episode features engaging conversations, practical insights, and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders who embody the dual values of being anchored in Christ and actively reaching out to the world. Join Kevin every week as he encourages you to live a dynamic Christian life, grounded in biblical truth and fueled by a passion for positive change.Email: [email protected]: https://anchoredandreaching.com

The Diversity of Unity: Is the Black Church Cultural? – w/ Rev John Cager
The Diversity of Unity: Is the Black Church Cultural? – w/ Rev John Cager

In this episode, Kevin Mannoia interviews Rev. John Cager, the presiding elder of the Midwest North District in the AME Church. Rev. Cager shares the history and uniqueness of the Black Church, which was founded due to racial segregation. He explains that the Black Church became a place of self-actualization for African Americans who faced oppression and discrimination in society. The church served not only as a place of worship but also as a center for education, communication, and acceptance. Rev. Cager also discusses the influence of the Holiness Movement on the Black Church, which led to more lively and expressive worship styles. He emphasizes the importance of the church empowering people and meeting their needs beyond just providing a place to shout and celebrate.Key TakeawaysThe Black Church was founded due to racial segregation and discrimination.The church became a place of self-actualization for African Americans who faced oppression in society.The Black Church served as a center for education, communication, and acceptance within the community.The Holiness Movement influenced the lively and expressive worship styles in the Black Church.The church must continue to empower people and meet their needs beyond just providing a place for celebration.Helpful Bible ReferencesGalatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”Acts 2:1-47 – Demonstrates the unity and diversity of the early church, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Black Church.1 Corinthians 12:12-27 – The church as one body with many diverse parts, all equally important and necessary.KeywordsBlack Church, AME Church, racial segregation, cultural expression, Holiness Movement, self-actualization, worship, diversity, unityLinks and ResourcesKevin Mannoia’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com/About the Podcast”Anchored & Reaching” is a weekly podcast for those eager to explore God’s ongoing story and find their place in it. Host Kevin Mannoia engages in thought-provoking conversations, offering practical insights and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders. The podcast aims to inspire listeners to live dynamically, rooted in faith while actively engaging with the world.

Email: [email protected] Website: https://anchoredandreaching.com