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An Open & Affirming Community of Faith
We Welcome All Beliefs!
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UPCOMING NEWS
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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, April 2nd, 7pm via Teams
- Good Friday Service at Plymouth Place, April 3rd at 7pm. Would you like to be a reader? Pleas
- Next Board meeting is April 16th via Teams Meeting at 7pm
- Memorial for Karen Valient is April 18th at 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!
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Support Holy Covenant MCC
with Your Generosity Today!
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Giving Needed Weekly (5 WEEKS) $280 -
The end of the month difference is $410
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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.
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SEASON OF LENT - FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
BY ELDER VELMA GARCIA
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Reading 1: Ezekiel 37: 1-14
Reading 2: Luke 1:26-38
The Valley of Dry Bones and the Annunciation might seem like an unlikely pairing—one a scene of desolation, the other a moment of divine promise whispered into a young woman’s life. Yet together they speak a word the MCC community knows well: God brings life where the world insists life is impossible.
Ezekiel stands in a valley littered with what used to be—dreams, communities, bodies, hopes. God asks him a question that still echoes in our own valleys: “Can these bones live?” It is not a question about biology. It is a question about imagination, courage, and trust. It is a question about whether we believe God’s Spirit can breathe again into places that feel exhausted, fractured, or forgotten.
And then we meet Mary—a young, marginalized woman in an occupied land—greeted with a message that defies logic: “You will conceive… the Holy One will be born in you.” She responds not with certainty, but with courageous openness: “Let it be with me according to your word.”
Between Ezekiel and Mary, we hear two invitations:
• Speak life into what looks lifeless.
• Say yes to a future that has not yet taken shape.
For MCC, these texts remind us that resurrection is not a single event but a pattern God keeps repeating. Dry bones become a living people. A young woman becomes a bearer of liberation. A community like ours—diverse, resilient, justice-seeking—becomes a sign of God’s ongoing promise to breathe life into everybody and every story.
As we move toward Holy Week, we stand with Ezekiel in the valley and with Mary in the moment of annunciation. We dare to believe that God is still speaking, still breathing, still creating. And we answer with our own Lenten courage: “Spirit, breathe on us.” “Let it be with us according to your word.” May it be so. Ashe. Aho. and Amen.
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THRIVE WITH PRIDE/AGING CARE CONNECTIONS EVENTS
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CAREGIVER EDUCATION SERIES
TUESDAYS 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/ALZEmpoweredCaregvier
or call 800-272-3900.
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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.
March meeting:
Tuesday, April 21st
Time: 12:00 pm
In-Person or Zoom
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Thriving Aging Survey Open through April 3
Are you an LGBTQ+ older adult in suburban Cook County or an older adult ally to this community? If you were not able or did not feel comfortable sharing your wants, needs and ideas for affirming aging experiences at our recent community roundtables, AgeOptions still wants to hear from you! Be a part of the changes you wish to see in your community as you age!
Questions are based off those asked during recent live listening sessions. Responses are optional and anonymous. Complete as much or as little as you'd like before Friday, April 3, by clicking here.
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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!
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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
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WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
Catharina "Toto" Koopman
October 28, 1908 - August 27,1991
Catharina "Toto" Koopman was a Dutch-Javanese model who worked in Paris prior to World War II. During that war she served as a spy for the Italian Resistance and was captured and held prisoner in the Ravensbrück concentration camp. She later helped establish the Hanover Gallery as one of the most influential art galleries in Europe in the 1950s.
Born in Java in 1908, Koopman was the daughter of the Dutch cavalry officer Jan George Koopman and Catharina Johanna Westrik, of Dutch and Javanese descent.
She was named Catharina, but came to prefer Toto, her childhood nickname after her father's favorite horse. Her only sibling, Henry, nicknamed Ody Koopman (1902–1949), became a successful tennis player. Koopman left Java in 1920 to attend a boarding school in the Netherlands where she developed a talent for languages and became fluent in English, French, German and Italian. After a year at an English finishing school, she moved to Paris to work as a model.
In Paris, Koopman worked as a house model for Coco Chanel but quit after only six months. She worked for the designers Rochas, Mainbocher and Madeleine Vionnet, appeared regularly in Vogue Paris and was photographed by Edward Steichen and George Hoyningen-Huene.
Koopman had a small part in the film The Private Life of Don Juan and although this was cut from the final production she still attended the film's premiere with Tallulah Bankhead, who introduced her to Lord Beaverbrook. Although Beaverbrook was thirty years her senior, he and Koopman began, in 1934, an affair that lasted some years. He was happy to pay for her travels throughout Europe in the 1930s and she often attended opera performances in Germany and Italy. When Beaverbrook discovered that Koopman was also in a relationship with his son, Max Aitken, he ran a series of stories in the newspapers he owned, including the Daily Express and the London Evening Standard, that made Koopman an outcast in London high-society. Koopman and the younger Aitken lived together for four years but he ended the relationship when she refused to marry him. In fact Koopman had signed an agreement with Beaverbrook which granted her a pension for life from him provided she did not marry his son.
Koopman left London in 1939 to live in Italy. There she began a relationship with a leader of the anti-Mussolini resistance. When World War II broke out, she agreed to use her contacts and language skills to spy for the Italian Resistance. She infiltrated meetings of the Black Shirts but was captured. After spells in prisons in Milan and Lazio she was sent to the Massa Martina detention camp but escaped and hid in the mountains around Perugia, where she worked with a local resistance group. She was recaptured, promptly escaped again, and made her way to Venice. There, in October 1944, Koopman was caught spying on high-ranking German officers in the Danieli Hotel and quickly deported to the Ravensbrück concentration camp. Very shortly before the camp was liberated in April 1945, the Nazi authorities released several hundred prisoners, including Koopman, to the care of the Red Cross in Sweden. A former boyfriend, Randolph Churchill went to Gothenburg and helped the emaciated Koopman obtain new clothes, a new passport and a wig for her shaved head.
While recuperating in Ascona in 1945, Koopman met the art dealer Erica Brausen. The two became lovers and would remain together for the rest of their lives. Brausen was about to open her own commercial gallery in London, and the two women worked to get the Hanover Gallery established. In due course the Hanover became one of the most influential galleries in Europe, most notably by nurturing the early career of Francis Bacon. During the 1950s Koopman studied at the University of London and took part in several archaeological excavations. She made a donation of books to the Institute of Archaeology in London. In 1959 Koopman and Brausen bought a property on the island of Panarea where they built six villas amongst extensive gardens and entertained very lavishly. They continued to live together until Koopman's death in August 1991, eighteen months before Brausen's death.
Toto Koopman in Wikipedia
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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.
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POTLUCK MARCH 22nd
"FOOD FROM YOUR HERITAGE"
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PIEROGI'S? TACOS? IRISH STEW? LASAGNA? KIBBIE?
Food has a beautiful way of telling our stories. Every recipe carries memories — grandparents in the kitchen, holiday tables filled with laughter, and traditions passed from one generation to the next. A Heritage Potluck gives us the chance to honor those memories and celebrate the diversity, history, and culture within our church community.
Each person is invited to bring a dish that reflects their family background, ancestry, or cultural traditions. It might be a recipe passed down through generations, a favorite childhood meal, or something that represents the country or region your family calls home. When we gather this way, an ordinary shared meal becomes a powerful experience of storytelling and connection.
A heritage‑themed potluck does more than fill plates — it builds bridges.
- It honors identity — reminding us that every person has a story worth sharing.
- It fosters understanding — as we taste and learn about one another’s cultures.
- It strengthens community — because gathering around the table helps us remember that we belong to one another.
- It sparks conversation — where “What’s in this?” becomes “Tell me about your family.”
In our faith community, sharing food reflects hospitality, unity, and gratitude. When dishes from around the world come together, we catch a glimpse of the beauty of diversity. The table becomes a place where differences are celebrated and common ground is discovered.
A Heritage Potluck is more than a meal — it’s an opportunity to listen, to learn, and to love one another more deeply.
So set the table, open the doors, and bring a piece of your story. Together, we’ll create a meal — and a moment — worth remembering.
| | 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 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!
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HOLY COVENANT BOARD MEETING
APRIL 16th VIA TEAM MEETING
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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
REV. NILSA IRIZARRY - CELEBRANT
10:00 AM CST
LENT 5 - "THE POWER OF RESURRECTION HOPE, RESILIENCE, GRIEF AND LOVE"
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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, March 22, 2026
John 11: 1-45
Wisdom from Maya Angelou
Message "The Power of Resurrection, Hope, Resilience, Grief, and Love "
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.
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Want to help with service: reading, offering prayer, usher etc. Click on this link and sign up for MARCH!
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Join us all month long for informative seminars, health programs, fitness, entertainment, and more!
Hello Neighbors! Below is our March 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!
West Suburban February Activity & Neighborhood Events - Meal Calendar
West Suburban Senior Services website click here
WSSS Facebook Page click here
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AMAZON HAS OUR LIST OF NEEDS!
UPDATED LIST! CLICK HERE TO SEE IT!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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/
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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 comfort for Barbara R.1
Prayers of thanksgiving that the lesion on Karen B's liver has disappeared.2
Prayers for Suzi B. who has colon issues.2
Prayers for the victims of the war in Iran including our troops.3
Prayers for Cathy's eye surgery to be successful so she can see again.2
Prayers for Tony & Jim's friend John R.3
Prayers for all who are ill.
Prayers for all who are traveling.
Prayers that all that are unemployed or underemployed find gainful employment.
Prayers for those with harden 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!
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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
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Every day brings something new—
and God is with us always!
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9145 Grant Ave
Brookfield, IL 60513
Phone: 708.387.1611
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