Sunday, April 05, 2026
EASTER SUNDAY
| | |
An Open & Affirming Community of Faith
We Welcome All Beliefs!
| |
|
UPCOMING NEWS
-
LGBTQ+ Hybrid Discussion Group (formerly Sage) meets every Friday at 1 PM. Check here for the church calendar for the link.
- We have updated our Amazon needs list. Please see below!
- Worship Team Meeting Thursday, May 7th, 7pm via Teams
-
Wear your EASTER BONNETS this Sunday!
- Next Board meeting is April 16th via Teams Meeting at 7pm
- Memorial for Karen Valient is April 18th at 11 am HC. More information to come.
- Open House Sunday, April 19, at Share Food Share Love, 12:30 to 2:30 PM
- Save the date! Garage sale is June 6th! More info coming!
| | | | |
Support Holy Covenant MCC
with Your Generosity Today!
| | |
|
Giving Needed Weekly (5 WEEKS) $280 -
The end of the month difference is $130
| | |
Our bills are listed for the month of March 2026. Your generosity helps us pay the bills. Any amount helps us meet our obligations.
If you would like to pay one of the bills,
please designate that in your donation.
| | |
EASTER SUNDAY
BY ELDER CECILIA EGGLESTON
| | |
Reading 1: Jeremiah 31: 1-6
Reading 2: John 20:1-18
Christ is Risen, Christ is Risen indeed Alleluia!
I am Reverend Elder Cecilia Eggleston, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, and I bring you Easter greetings from the Council of Elders, the Governing Board, and the MCC Staff.
Last year, I used an Advent candle for the first time in years.
I lit it every morning as part of my quiet time, when it was often still dark outside.
Somehow, lighting that candle every day gave me hope in the middle of the darkness and heaviness of the season.
When the winter solstice finally came in the northern hemisphere, I really felt triumphant. I had survived the miserable weather and the darkness of the winter, bolstered by that small companion of light.
It must have been so heavy and overwhelming for the disciples, having witnessed the death of their beloved Jesus. The time between his death and the astounding news from the women, who discovered the empty tomb, must have seemed like a lifetime.
Even in their grief and despair, the women had been faithful in their ministry to anoint the body of their dead friend and teacher. They were rewarded by being the first to witness the resurrection.
In the darkness of the tomb, light shone again. Life grew again. The impossible happened. Christ rose from the dead.
Like the women who went to anoint Jesus in the midst of their grief, we also stay faithful to our calling, even in difficult times.
The resurrection we experience is the light and new life that our ministry gives to others:
- The parent who can feed their children this week
- the trans teenager who has found
- a safe place to worship and just be themselves
- the protestors seeking justice who see pastors and other people of faith standing with them
- the person living in a country where to be LBGTQ+ is a crime, who attends MCC worship online, and hears for the first time that God loves them unconditionally
The risen Christ lives in the world through us.
What is bringing light and new life for you this Easter?
Give thanks to God for that.
Happy Easter
God bless
| | |
IT'S EASTER BONNET TIME!
This Sunday marks the joyous celebration of Easter, a time when the world awakens with the vibrant colors of spring flowers and the promise of renewal fills the air.
At Holy Covenant MCC, we eagerly anticipate the delightful tradition of Easter Bonnets! We invite you to dust off those cherished bonnets from yesteryear or unleash your creativity to craft a new, dazzling headpiece that reflects your unique spirit—bright, colorful, and fun!
Let your individuality shine as we come together to celebrate this special day, fostering a sense of belonging and joy within our inclusive community. Join us in this heartwarming celebration, where love and connection flourish, and let us all embrace the beauty of Easter together! Wear your hats!
| | | | FREE CONCERT - APRIL 11TH | | Click on the document above to download and print the flyer. | | |
THRIVE WITH PRIDE/AGING CARE CONNECTIONS EVENTS
| | CAREGIVER EDUCATION SERIES
WEDNESDAYS IN APRIL AT NOON ON ZOOM | | |
We invite you to join our friends at the Alzheimer's Association for this empowering educational series that teaches caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. You can register for individual courses to meet your needs or complete the entire series.
Topics include:
- Building Foundations of Caregiving (4/8)
- Supporting Independence (4/15)
- Communicating Effectively and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors (4/22)
- Exploring Care and Support Services (4/29)
Click on the image to download the flyer.
To register, visit bit.ly/ALZEmpoweredCaregvieor call 800-272-3900.
| |
| |
Are you grieving the death of someone you cared about? Do you feel like you could use support and community with others who are grieving?
Join our friends at The HAP Foundation for their monthly virtual grief circles offered in English and Spanish. These groups, facilitated by HAP Community Health Workers (CHWs), utilize a peer support model for honoring and processing grief. This group is open to any adult who is grieving the death of any person.
Held on the third Tuesday - English third Wednesday - Spanish at 6-7:30 pm on Zoom
Questions? Email English -mburns@thehapfoundation.org
Spanish - Email mgomez@thehapfoundation.org
| |  | LGBT+ PROGRAM MONTHLY BOOK CLUB | |
Join the West Suburban LGBT+ Program for the Monthly Book Club, moderated by Frank Serafino, lecturer at College of DuPage.
April's book is MILK: A Pictorial History of Harvey Milk. Those who prefer to join online should email Eric at evironet@cmsschicago.org.
Click on the image to download the flyer.
April meeting:
Tuesday, April 21st
Time: 12:00 pm
In-Person or Zoom
| | |
Illinois LGBTQ and HIV Long-Term Care Bill of Rights Fact Sheet
LGBTQ older adults and Illinoisans aging with HIV face significant disparities in access to care rooted in discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, racism, lack of legal and social recognition, reliance on chosen family, and other social determinants of health and well-being. These communities are more likely to rely on institutionalized settings for care because they lack adult children or other family members who can provide informal caregiving.
The Illinois LGBTQ+ and HIV Long-Term Care Bill of Rights protects residents of long-term care facilities from discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV status. The new legislation builds on existing protections...To view the full fact sheet, click here!
| | |
Learn Computer Basics
Ready to improve your computer skills? Join a free online training with assessments to take your knowledge to the next level! What's in it for you?
- Basic computer skills step-by-step
- Job search and resume skills
- Excel, Powerpoint, Word and Google Docs
- Computer skills employers value
- Email and social media
- Safety tips to avoid internet scams
To view or share AgeOptions informational flyer, click here. Still have questions? Contact Laona at laona.fleischer@ageoptions.org
| | | |
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 APRIL 22nd
"COPYCAT RECIPIES"
| | |
Zuppa Toscana? Wendy's Chili?
Cheddar Bisquits? Chicken Nuggets?
🌟 Hey there, fabulous foodies! 🌟 Have you ever munched on a dish from your favorite chain restaurant and thought, “Wow, I wish I could whip this up at home?” Whether it’s the crispy chicken from KFC, the oh-so-satisfying tacos from Jack-in-the-Box, or that creamy soup from Olive Garden that warms your soul, we’ve got an exciting potluck lined up just for you!
This month at Holy Covenant MCC, we’re diving into the delicious world of recreating those beloved treasures! 🥳 So put on your chef hats, grab your phones, and embark on a fun recipe research adventure! Let’s bring those mouthwatering flavors to our church tables and share them with our incredible community. And remember, the more, the merrier!
Don’t forget to bring your recipe cards to share the love and the know-how. Let’s come together, feast, and create unforgettable memories over our favorite dishes. It’s going to be an epic celebration of food and friendship that you won't want to miss! 🍽️💖
| | BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES | | |
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 atsocialmedia@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!
| | |
HOLY COVENANT BOARD MEETING
APRIL 16th VIA TEAM MEETING
| |
The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, April 16th, 7pm via Team Meeting. If you would like to attend a meeting, please contact Roxann Victory for the link so you can listen and observe.
You can find all the 2026 Board agenda, minutes and financials on our website. They are also posted on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.
You can find a PDF of the past Board Meetings Agenda, Minutes and church financials here
| | WEEKLY SERVICE INFORMATION | | |
HYBRID - IN PERSON AND ON YOUTUBE
Mary Ann Latsaras - CELEBRANT
10:00 AM CST - Easter SUNDAY
| |
Our worship celebration this Sunday is at 10:00 am CST. If you would like to join us, you may join us in person or go to our YouTube page and click to watch the service or previous services.
Sunday, April 05, 2026
Genesis 3: 17 - 19
John 14: 16
Acts 10: 34-43
Matthew 28: 1-10
Message "How Jesus's Resurrection Validated Christianity "
Have a candle ready to light, a cookie or bread, and a glass of your favorite libation for communion if you are watching online.
You can also find previous services on our YouTube Channel here.
If you have any pastoral needs, please send an email to board.hcmcc@outlook.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
| |
Want to help with service: reading, offering prayer, usher, etc. Click on this link and sign up for APRIL!
| | |
Join us all month long for informative seminars, health programs, fitness, entertainment, and more!
Hello Neighbors! Below is our April 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.
| | SHARE FOOD, SHARE LOVE FOOD PANTRY | |
Hey there, amazing community! Let's get real for a sec food insecurity is a major deal right now, and its hitting families hard, especially with those recent SNAP cuts. But guess what? We're not just going to sit around and let this happen! We have an incredible opportunity to come together and make a real difference through our awesome partner, Share Food Share Love. This organization is like a superhero for those in need, and they need our help more than ever!
Can you believe that with just a buck, you can provide THREE meals to a family? That's right! Your small change can become a big game-changer for someone struggling to put food on the table. It's not just about giving; it's about creating a lifeline for our neighbors who are facing hunger every single day. So, lets rally together and support the Share Food Share Love Food Pantry because every little bit helps, and together, we can totally smash food insecurity!
You can drop off your non-perishable food items at super easy locations like the outside box at Tischler's or right here at the church. Let's show our community that were all in this together, hand in hand, heart to heart. Thank you for being a hero in someone's story. Your kindness matters, and we appreciate every single one of you! Let's do this!
They have also launched an Amazon Wish List which a link is below and their new Families First Wishlist that provides essential early needs for mothers and young children. Anything you order for them on the wish list is automatically shipped straight to the pantry. Check out the list and see if you can help out with any needs.
Check out the new video from Share Food Share Love here.
If you are in need of food, you can stop in on Tuesday evenings 7 pm to 9 pm and Saturday mornings 10 am to 12 pm to apply and gather up some food for you and your family. If this is your first time, please have some identification with you. Please try to bring your own reusable bags but if you forget, we will have bags for you.
Thank you!
| | WSSS (SAGE) CALENDAR, EVENTS & MENU | |
West Suburban Senior Services (previously known as West Suburban SAGE) a social support group for LGBTQ seniors, meets both via ZOOM here and in person on Fridays at 1 pm.
For questions about lunch or activities, please contact Senior Center Director Maggie Dodd at 708-234-1869 or maggie.dodd@cmsschicago.org.
You can click on the blue links below to bring up each of them to see what is going on. We hope to see you soon at 439 Bohland Ave in Bellwood!
2026 Spring Music Event at Fitzgerald - Click Here
West Suburban April Calendar - Click Here
West Suburban Senior Services website: Click Here
WSSS Facebook Page click here
| |
|
AMAZON HAS OUR LIST OF NEEDS!
UPDATED LIST! CLICK HERE TO SEE IT!
| |
We have updated our "needs" list online at Amazon. We ask that you look at our list of what items we are in need of and purchase something for the church.
This list is available to see here HC Need List and is updated as needed. You can order and pay for anything off this list and have it shipped directly to the church. We appreciate anything you can order for us!
We thank you for your continued support of Holy Covenant!
| | | |
MAYO CLINIC
IMPROVING CANCER OUTCOMES FOR
LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES
Cancer experts know a lack of specialized care has contributed to poorer outcomes for people in the LGBTQ+ community. Mayo Clinic is working to change that. You can read more here.
| | | |
GRIEF GROUP FOR LGBTQ+
Center on Halsted is starting a new 10-week LGBTQ+ Grief Therapy Group. The group is for those 50+, is offered a no cost and will be held in-person at Center on Halsted starting in mid-January.
An intake is required for participation in the group. Please see additional info on the attached flyer and share with your networks. Click on the image to download the flyer.
| | |
NEED POWER OF ATTORNEY OR WILL? | | | |
T-SHIRTS FOR
HOLY COVENANT
NOW AVAILABLE! ORDER NOW! Show your support of Holy Covenant by buying a t-shirt. Many sizes, shirt types and colors to choose from. These shirts will be used throughout the year when we attend Pride parades or fests and for our garage sales so we are known to our neighbors. A small portion of the proceeds goes to Holy Covenant. Any questions please see Roxann Victory or email her at roxann.victory@outlook.com.
Click here to order! https://www.bonfire.com/holy-covenant-mcc/
| | |
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 of healing for Patti & Laura's friend Jeff, whose dog Mario had emergency surgery for bloat.1
Prayers for continued healing for Tony's finger.1
Prayers for Cathy's eye to heal.1
Prayers for Roxann to get a job very soon.1
Prayers of comfort, healing, and strength for Barbara R. as she begins her battle with skin cancer.2
Prayers of guidance for Roxann toward her destined job, and for her wisdom and humility to get by without employment benefits until then.2
Prayers of healing for Joanie and Tony.2
Prayers for Jeni's that her work will calm down a bit so she can unpack and assimilate to England.2
Prayers for positive test results for Rick and Tish.2
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 that 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.
| | LINKS AND OTHER INFORMATION | | There is a universal help line 211 for Cook County. They can help residents with housing, food, health services and more. It is a 24 hour seven day a week operation and have trained professionals answer the phone and are able to help you | | |
Missed a sermon?
Click here to catch up and watch on the Holy Covenant YouTube channel!
| | | |
If you or someone you know is in an emergency call 911 for help.
Need someone to talk to? Call the suicide lifeline by dialing 988.
NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Health
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Dial 988
Other Useful Links
| | | |
Every day brings something new—
and God is with us always!
| |
9145 Grant Ave
Brookfield, IL 60513
Phone: 708.387.1611
| |
| | | | |
