When read the portion of ARCs Constitution quoted in the lawsuit, Surratt said, Thats not true., When asked if the lawsuit misquoted ARCs bylaws, Surratt said, I dont know anything about that.. Nobody stood up for me when I was a kid, Dial said. For many of her teen years in the late 70s and early 80s, Huntington Beach resident endured sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of a youth pastor at North Long Beach Brethren, which later merged into Seacoast Grace megachurch in Cypress. He taught me to be coy; if you like someone, dont show it, she said. (Los Angeles, CA) Attorneys from Greenberg Gross LLP and Jeff Anderson & Associates filed two lawsuits today on behalf of plaintiffs Carrie Denise Dial and Julie Poole Lusk against Kenneth McCall and Seacoast Grace Church, formerly known as North Long Beach Brethren. There is some relief in just speaking my truth and having it heard, said Lusk, a family and marriage counselor in Huntington Beach. Lusk, the SeaCoast attorneys added, failed to use that degree of care and caution which a reasonably prudent person would have used under the same or similar circumstances.. It was planned that upon this location a school could be built which would eventually include kindergarten through high school. Public records and court searches did not turn up any lawsuits alleging sexual abuse against Mustard Seed Ranch. North Long Beach Brethren, now known as Seacoast Grace Church, is a tax-exempt religious institution that conducted youth and educational activities during the time of the abuse. McCall owes another $250,000. Its almost like this is a script on how they operate.. Later, the church merged with SeaCoast Grace in Cypress. Although not as despicable as the actual behaviors and lack of accountability, this also reveals an attitude that might be more prevalent than we want, that church leadership believes they are The ministry. "The bishop talked about forgiveness," according to court documents, but the assaults continued even with her mother's knowledge, according to the report. You know, everybody loved him. Frequently, McCall drove Dial home. North Long Beach Brethren, like any church, was supposed to be a safe place, said survivor Carrie Denise Dial. In 1987, North Long Beach Brethren consolidated with a Los Alamitos congregation, which soon became SeaCoast Grace in Cypress. Create event. The lawsuit against ARC and Newsound was filed March 17, 2021, in Floridas 15th Judicial Court. There are some big questions that we all want answers to: What is the best way to maintain a healthy relationship? When that happens, the nervous system experiences a variety of responses but the term most frequently understood is fight, flight or freeze. You dont get to choose how you respond, its a biochemical response. Frequently, McCall drove Dial home. M: 201-705-2194, Jeff Anderson & Associates Its time justice is served, said attorney Mike Reck of Jeff Anderson & Associates. Then he sat on top of me. The final authority in vision, direction and doctrine shall be vested in the Leadership Team of the ARC. In February, the church settled a lawsuit with Lusk and two other women for a total of $2,250,000. North Long Beach Brethren, like any church, was supposed to be a safe place, said survivor Carrie Denise Dial. According to the suit, Mauney hired Doe as his assistant at Newsound in 2019, and then groomed and exploited her to have sexual relations with him. Yet what about the ministry of the victims? I flipped out, Lusk said. It adds that Dailey then sent Doe a form to sign, stating that she would not sue Newsound nor speak to anyone about her abuse, and offering her $21,000 in severance. We wanted him to be held accountable, Dial said. It was the social gathering spot.. I remember watching myself from the corner of the room, as if it wasnt me. Also accused are three other pastors of ARC member megachurchesJustin Dailey, pastor of Action Church, in Orlando, Florida; Dave Sumrall, pastor of ITown Church, in Fishers, Indiana; and Shaun Nepstad pastor of Fellowship Church, in Antioch, California. I was 12, but I was the responsible party? 363 7th Ave, 12th Floor New York, NY 10001 646-759-2551, 366 Jackson Street Suite 100 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101, Sexual Abuse in the Music, Fashion, Film and Theater Industries. Rehab helped her recover. Additionally, Surratt said he chose to be an overseer for NewSound Church, but it was apart from my duties as (ARC) president.. Toward that end, the site requires that people use their full name when commenting. Susan was a longtime correspondent for People magazine before switching gears to earn a masters in education at UC Irvine. Looking back, my adult brain can see that. Eventually, he became director of Mustard Seed Ranch, a faith-based equestrian program for children in foster care. Location: SEACOAST GRACE CHURCH. In 2012, while pastoring The Healing Placean ARC member church in Baton Rouge, LouisianaRizzo admitted an inappropriate affair and stepped down. However, any lawsuit must be filed by December 31, 2022. I lost it.. Knowing that Ken hurt other girls besides me, and knowing that he is working with at-risk youth now, makes me sick. And during his time there, the suit alleges, Mauney raped and sexually assaulted Doe, his female assistant, on numerous occasions. Plaintiff knew of dangers and risks incident to her activity, but nevertheless freely and voluntarily exposed herself to all risks of harm, attorneys for SeaCoast wrote, referencing Lusk, in a response filed August of 2020 with Orange County Superior Court. "North Long Beach Brethren, like any church, was supposed to be a safe place, said survivor . Five years later, that camaraderie was shattered. Lusk and her husband chaperoned just about every activity their kids participated in. SCG Church Livestream. Smith added that hes also spoken to two other victims of Delgados, who say they reported Delgados sexual harassment toward them in 2016 and in 2018-2019. I was drawn to him. 44 reviews of Seacoast Grace Church "We first came to Seacoast Grace during a Thanksgiving service. . Lake Elsinore Woman Awarded $2.2B In Child Sexual Assault Lawsuit Ashley Ludwig LAKE ELSINORE, CA The stepdaughter of a former Lake Elsinore Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints elder. But Kenneth McCall took advantage of young girls like me, and the Church didnt do anything to prevent it from happening. lawsuit will put an end to that," said attorney Matthew Ingles of Greenberg Gross. In 2012, while pastoring The Healing Placean ARC member church in Baton Rouge, LouisianaRizzo admitted an inappropriate affair and stepped down. But my teenage brain couldnt., By 16, Lusk understood that she was not the sole focus of McCalls flirtations. McCall owes. Our founding pastor, Greg Surratt, has described Seacoast worship as "practical, spirit filled, but non-spooky, yet kind of mystical worship experience, done in multiple locations, very inexpensively.". I have been coming to this church for about 3 years now & I love. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. Rizzo has a history of sexual misconduct himself. North Long Beach Brethren, now known as Seacoast Grace Church, is a tax-exempt religious institution that conducted youth and educational activities during the time of the abuse. Kenneth McCall and Seacoast Grace Church, formerly known as North Long Beach Brethren. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. I said, Oops, and closed the door and left, he said. She was not yet a teenager when the abuse began. Keep in touch with Julie and get updates in your inbox! (I) couldnt leave my children in the nursery. During that time, he oversaw a number of the Churchs youth programs and initiated mentoring relationships with young girls, including both plaintiffs. Both plaintiffs filed their lawsuits under Californias Child Victims Act, which provides a three-year window for survivors of sexual abuse to bring previously time-barred claims. He/she doses it again. I was flabbergasted that the staff members couldnt see what was going on, Lusk said. My children and I have been members for 22+ years and we LOVE our. In February, the church settled a lawsuit with Lusk and two other women for a total of $2,250,000. Lusk contacted law enforcement, but at that time the statute of limitations prevented an investigation of an alleged 30-year-old crime. In depositions, witnesses expressed regret that they didnt go to authorities when the abuse occurred. This happened in Madison, Alabama a few years ago: http://thewartburgwatch.com/2017/01/16/did-you-hear-the-weird-story-about-pastor-david-pursifulls-resignation-from-the-arcs-building-church/. I was flabbergasted that the staff members couldnt see what was going on, Lusk said. McCall was employed as a pastor, teacher, and spiritual counselor, with access to parish minors in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Was she being threatened or coerced in someway? In 1987, North Long Beach Brethren consolidated with a Los Alamitos congregation, which soon became SeaCoast Grace in Cypress. The complaints explain how McCall began his pattern of grooming and assaulting both Ms. Lusk and Ms. The lawsuit was filed in Orange County Superior Court today. After the passage of AB-218 and its suspension of statutes rules they got their chance. Orange County Register also stated that multiple requests to SeaCoast's attorney went unanswered. At age 16, Lusk accused the churchs charming youth pastor, Kenneth McCall, then 27, of engaging in a long-time sexual relationship with her. A former staff member testified that he walked in on McCall cradling a girl in his office. The lawsuit stated that the ongoing acts of abuse brought the victim to the "brink of suicide.". All five men served as overseers of Newsound Church and were appointed by ARC, the suit says. The Florida suit names both ARC and Newsound Church as defendants. This Team will be made of the International Director, and at least four and not more than seven National Directors. Yet, ARC allowed Mauney to plant and lead Newsound Church (now Sound Church), a former ARC member church in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. A lot of us down here in Birmingham, Alabama would like for you to look into and report on the fact that Chris Hodges and Church of the Highlands have decided to spend millions of tithe money to build The Lodge, a facility to rehabilitate pastors who have had moral failings. We also asked Surratt about what happened at TurningPoint. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)]. A survivor of sexual assault is not culpable for the abuse theyve suffered, particularly when that abuse was inflicted on them as a child, said attorney Matthew Ingles of Greenberg Gross. And while theyve been successful in their careers, both women said they have yet to fully heal from McCalls abuse. Ways to Give | SeaCoast Grace Church GIVING Menu As part of our worship to Him, God calls on us to give regularly, generously and sacrificially as an expression of gratitude for all He has given us. McCall owes another $250,000. I remember watching myself from the corner of the room, as if it wasnt me. "There is some relief in just speaking my truth and having it heard," said Lusk, a family and marriage counselor in Huntington Beach. Orange County, California - Greenberg Gross Partner Brian Williams announced a $2.5 million settlement with Seacoast Grace Church in Cypress, California. I've been attending for over 4 years now and they never let up. Matthew Ingles The Leadership Team may appoint Regional Directors on a unanimous basis, with no opposing votes. I was drawn to him. They believe that going to church should be a joyful, transformative experience. One man, who worked at the church while attending college, dubbed McCall the Pied Piper.. After leaving the church on short notice, McCall found work in commercial real estate. I suspect a common reason behind this increasing phenomenon to either favor the pastor or rubber stamp a positive investigation is a goal to protect the ministry. He was a master manipulator, Lusk added. I went home with the intention of taking pills and killing myself, Lusk said. For Christian families, there are some simple yet fun activities for kids during the Lenten season. Their next service will be on Wednesday at New Philadelphia AME Church in Long Beach. During her junior year at Lakewood High, Lusk was outcast by old friends who sat in the bleachers with the 20-something man they believed she had mistreated. LAKE ELSINORE, CA The stepdaughter of a former Lake Elsinore Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) elder was awarded over $2.28 billion in damages this week in a civil lawsuit, her attorney Gary A. Dordick reported. McCall currently is the Program Director at Mustard Seed Ranch (San Juan . I dont make myself vulnerable, she added. There were no cases of sexual abuse against Mustard Seed Ranch for public records and court searches. Denise Dial, another plaintiff in the lawsuit, recalls having a nave crush similar to Lusks. The California Law allows victims of childhood sexual assault to take legal action against their perpetrator, or a person or entity who owed them a duty of care, regardless of when the actual assault occurred. Now, I am standing up for myself.. Disgusting. If I told him no, he would act like his feelings were hurt and stop talking to me, Lusk said. 12011 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 700 Los Angeles, CA 90049 310-357-2425 Yes, it was wrong, McCall testified. My goal wasnt and isnt division. Both plaintiffs allege the abuse happened with the full knowledge of the leadership of the Church, and that the environment fostered a pervasive and reckless environmentfor young girls. He oversaw the nonprofits San Juan Capistrano site for more than a decade, leaving in 2020 in the wake of the lawsuit filed by Lusk and others. The suit is the second lawsuit naming either ARC or its executives to recently come to light. When asked about Mauneys severance, Surratt claimed he didnt know about the severance because he resigned as an overseer of Newsound shortly after Mauney resigned. You know, everybody loved him. There is some relief in just speaking my truth and having it heard, said Lusk, a family and marriage counselor in Huntington Beach. She never told her parents, who were juggling two older children with disabilities. About 10 years ago, his face popped on on Facebook and I saw that he had a job at Mustard Seed Ranch, Lusk said. Concerts by Candlelight are usually held at the Los Angeles 'magical locations' where they pay tribute to famous artists and singers by performing their popular hits with musical instruments. All Rights Reserved. . The failure of North Long Beach Brethren to protect young parishioners and their failure to report the abuse of McCall exposed countless other young girls to possible abuse. Surratt, however, told The Roys Report that ARC has no culpability regarding its member churches because ARC has no ecclesiastical or legal authority over the churches it plants. ARC churches are all taught the same tactics of psychological abuse/brainwashing so even if she was raped multiple times and didnt file a police report DOES NOT mean it wasnt rape. Uncover why SeaCoast Grace Church is the best company for you. In February, the church settled a lawsuit with Lusk and two other women for a total of $2,250,000. LOS ANGELES (July 13, 2020) Attorneys from Greenberg Gross LLP and Jeff Anderson & Associates filed two lawsuits today on behalf of plaintiffs Carrie Denise Dial and Julie Poole Lusk against Kenneth McCall and Seacoast Grace Church, formerly known as North Long Beach Brethren. M: 714-742-6593, ATTORNEY ADVERTISING I want justice for us all.. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of Jesus v. Evangelicals: A Biblical Critique of a Wayward Movement by Constantine Campbell. Click here OR text SCGCHURCH to 77977 on your mobile device! Since then neither he or his wife have had any association with the church. expanded the definition of childhood sexual abuse to"sexual assault.". Mike Reck Grace Christian School 1944 The First Brethren Church of Long Beach, under the leadership of Dr. Louis S. Bauman, purchased 20 acres on Signal Hill in July. I lost it.. Rizzo has a history of sexual misconduct himself. Reflecting on how ARC has allegedly protected, and in some cases redeployed abusive pastors, Smith said: It looks like this is the pattern and practice that ARC and Dino (Rizzo) are engaged in . And the lack of accountability is multiplying this ministry impact when it becomes more than one victim. Rehab helped her recover. He was a master manipulator, Lusk added. ?Well, BUCKLE UP as we learn what it means to follow Jesus and:DO what Jesus. www.scgchurch.org. The other lawsuit involving ARC claims that a former intern at Vibrant Church, Laura Ashley Eagan, was sexually harassed by former Vibrant Church Pastor Jason Delgado. [PHOTO: The Seacoast Grace Church on West Cerritos Avenue in Cypress on Friday, April 22, 2022, in Cypress. Seacoast Church is a nondenominational church located in Cypress, California. Church was kind of the thing to do. Your tax-deductible gift helps our journalists report the truth and hold Christian leaders and organizations accountable. Both plaintiffs filed their lawsuits under Californias Child Victims Act, which provides a three-year window for survivors of sexual abuse to bring previously time-barred claims. Seacoast offers Junior High Ministry, which exists to raise the next generation in a God-honoring manner. Nevertheless, SeaCoasts recent defense rekindled feelings of guilt and abandonment for Lusk, echoing the blame-the-victim response shed endured as a teenager.