Sunday, August 30, 2026

Across generations and across every place our people have gathered to pray, to heal, and to rise again, we have learned this truth: democracy is a spiritual practice. Voting is one of the ways we incarnate our faith in public life. It is how we honor the ancestors who could not vote, and how we protect the children who will inherit what we choose.

Scripture teaches us that “we are to bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). In this season, that burden-bearing looks like helping one another reach the ballot box — offering clarity, companionship, and courage. It looks like showing up even when we are tired, and helping someone else show up when they are unsure.

We remember the wisdom of Proverbs: “Speak out for those who cannot speak… defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8–9). Voting is one of the ways we speak out. It is one of the ways we defend. It is one of the ways we ensure that the voices of the vulnerable are not erased from the public square.

And we remember that Jesus sent the disciples two by two (Luke 10:1). Not alone. Not isolated. But in companionship, solidarity, and shared purpose. So we say to our communities, with the authority of our history and the tenderness of our calling:

• Show up. And bring a friend. 
• Bring someone who is unsure. 
• Bring someone who is tired. 
• Bring someone who has never voted before. 
• Walk together. Stand together. Witness together. 

Because voting is not only a civic duty — it is a communal ritual of liberation.

• Every ballot cast is a prayer for the world we long for. 
• Every vote is a declaration that our voices matter. 
• Every shared trip to the polls is a reminder that we are not alone.

As the Council of Elders of Metropolitan Community Churches, we affirm that participating in elections is a nonpartisan act of moral responsibility. We do not speak for parties — we speak for people. We speak for the dignity of every body, every family, every beloved community striving for safety, justice, and flourishing.

Let us vote with clarity. Let us vote with courage. Let us vote with the unshakeable conviction that our collective presence can bend the arc toward justice.

And let us go together — one body, one people, one hope — bringing a friend, a neighbor, a beloved along the way. May it be so! A’ho, Ashe, and Amen.

Ashe, Aho, and Amen.

In Peace, the MCC Council of Elders:

Elder Hattie Alexander-Key

Rev. Elder Mark Byrd

Rev. Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla

Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston

Elder Velma Garcia

Rev. Elder Rich Hendricks

Rev. Elder Aaron Miller

Rev. Elder Elaine Saralegui Caraballo

Rev. Elder Stuart Sutherland

Giving Needed Weekly (5 WEEKS) $280 

The end-of-the-month difference is -$543


We are sharing the detailed list of our financial obligations for August 2026, which YOU CAN CLICK TO DOWNLOAD for your convenience. Your generosity plays a crucial role in ensuring that Holy Covenant MCC can meet these obligations and continue to thrive as a welcoming community.

We truly appreciate any contribution, no matter how small, as it collectively adds up to make a significant impact. If you feel moved to support a specific bill, we invite you to designate your donation accordingly, fostering a spirit of collaboration within our community.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity; together, we can uphold our church's mission and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Current Designated Bank Balance 8/19/2026 = $2,051.19 (in QB)  $2,051.19 (in FNBB)

THRIVE WITH PRIDE

SAVE THE DATE!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7

TIME: 12:30 - 2:30 PM

WHERE: OAKTON COLLEGE

We will be reuniting with our friends at Center of Concern, Oakton College, and Gerber-Hart Library to bring you another intergenerational event this fall. Stay tuned for more details!

MEDICARE & TRANSGENDER OLDER ADULTS: WHAT ADVOCATES NEED TO KNOW: SAGE AND JUSTICE IN AGING

Transgender older adults are navigating health systems that can be complex. This resource explains what to expect from Medicare coverage. 
Click here to download the fact sheet in PDF.

POTLUCK AUGUST 30TH

"SCHOOL LUNCH BOX ITEMS"

WHAT DID YOU BRING TO SCHOOL FOR LUNCH?


RECREATE YOUR SCHOOL LUNCH BOX ITEMS FOR OUR NEXT POTLUCK!

Our next potluck is officially a three‑decade field trip, so buckle up. We’re diving into the 60s, 70s, and 80s school lunch box experience, which means you should prepare for culinary flashbacks, questionable food choices, and the kind of nostalgia that makes you say, “I can’t believe we ate that.”


From the 1960s, expect the classics: metal lunch boxes decorated with The Jetsons, The Beatles, or whatever TV show your parents claimed was wholesome. Sandwiches wrapped in wax paper, apples that somehow bruised themselves, and milk that came in tiny glass bottles if your school was fancy—or in cartons that tasted like the carton if your school wasn’t. If someone brings a Spam sandwich, just nod respectfully. That was a whole personality trait in 1964.


Sliding into the 1970s, things get groovier and slightly more suspicious. Bologna sandwiches were still a thing, but now they came with a side of “Is this safe?” The rise of the thermos meant you could bring soup, chili, or whatever your mom thought was appropriate to pour into a container shaped like a rocket. And of course, fruit cocktail—with that one lonely cherry—was practically a food group. If someone brings Tang, salute them. They’re honoring the decade that believed powdered orange drink could take us to the moon.


Then we hit the 1980s, where lunch boxes became neon, hair was big, and snacks were even bigger. This was the golden age of Lunchables, Capri Sun pouches that required Olympic‑level straw precision, and pudding cups that finally came with foil lids instead of paper you had to gnaw off. Chips were louder, cookies were sweeter, and every kid had at least one friend who packed a Pop‑Tart and called it “breakfast AND lunch.” If someone brings a Hostess cupcake, please refrain from reenacting the dramatic “I’ll trade you my Twinkie for your Ding Dong” negotiations of 1987.


Trading is encouraged, but please keep it civil. We do not need a reenactment of the Great Milk Carton Explosion of ’78, nor do we need anyone dramatically slamming their lunch box shut like they did in 1982 when someone stole their cheese stick. We’re older now. Our backs crack when we sneeze.


So come hungry, come nostalgic, and come ready to laugh your way through three decades of lunchroom memories. Whether you bring something groovy, funky, or totally rad, it’s all welcome at the table. After all, nothing bonds a community like shared memories of cafeteria chaos.

Attention all members of the Holy Covenant community! We've heard your voices loud and clear - birthdays and anniversaries deserve to be celebrated and recognized. That's why we're excited to announce that we will begin posting these special occasions in the upcoming weeks, using the records we have at hand. If you want your milestone to be included, 
simply drop us an email at socialmedia@holycovenantmcc.org with your name, the details you want to share, and the important dates. Remember, years are optional for birthdays. Let's make every celebration count!

WEEKLY SERVICE INFORMATION

Join us all month long for informative seminars, health programs, fitness, entertainment, and more!

Hello Neighbors! Below is our August 2026 schedule. Join us all month long for informative seminars, brain health programs, fitness, history, entertainment, and more online and in person! Just click here for the list of classes.

We encourage you to share our class schedule with friends, family, and neighbors, near & far, of any age – everyone is welcome to join us! All of our classes are free & no advance registration is required. We hope to see you soon on Zoom!

Thank you all for being a part of the Aging Well Neighborhood!

For questions about the programs listed, please email AWN@agingcareconnections.org.

FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN BY CLICKING HERE!

We mourn and pray for all the families who have suffered personal losses from gun violence at our schools, churches, hospitals, public venues, and other places.

Prayers that Patti's brother Tim's housing issues will be resolved this week and that God will bring him peace.₁

Prayers for John, who found out that his grandson has brain cancer.₁
Prayers for Rita for her sister who has been in rehab for over a month and now is going to hospice and is not doing well.₁
Prayers for Colleen, whose mother, Sandy, is in hospice and is preparing to leave this earth, and for Mary Ann Latsaras who lovingly cared for Sandy for many months.₁

Prayers for Katie J., who has gone into hospice and has stopped dialysis, and for her partner Karon. May they both find peace.₂

Prayers for Barbara R. and everyone affected by the wildfires in the Northwest.₂
Prayers of safety for the firefighters who are fighting all the forest fires.₂

Prayers for Jim's Mom, who had money stolen from her. May the police in Cleveland find the offender and bring them to justice.₂

Prayers for healing for Judy and Ann, who both had surgery.₂
Prayers for Abe B., who will have a pacemaker and defibrillator put in on 8/31, and for his wife Jean for peace.₂


Prayers for Laura healing with Vertigo.₃

Prayers for Jim's Mom, Judy, Ann, Susan, Mary, and Tony.₃
Prayers for Jen and Brad.₃

Prayers for Debbie G. & Lisa that they get their power back in Indiana soon.₃

Prayers for all who are ill.

Prayers for all who are traveling.

Prayers that all who are unemployed or underemployed find gainful employment.

Prayers for those with hardened hearts who feel the need to deface places of worship.

Prayers and strength for Ukraine, for those who are relocating, and to end the war and unnecessary deaths.

Prayers for all our first responders that they stay safe while helping others.

Prayers that God will provide for those who are hungry, unemployed, and homeless,

or in financial difficulties.

All those affected by HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, COVID-19, and other life-threatening illnesses.

All communities of faith.