Sunday, July 26, 2026

Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) views the deepening Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda not only as a global health emergency, but as a profound moral failure driven by systemic global injustices.

We stand in prayerful solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda—especially the families who have lost loved ones, those who are ill, and the communities living with uncertainty and fear.

We honour the extraordinary courage and commitment of healthcare workers, community volunteers, faith leaders, and humanitarian organizations who continue to serve on the front lines, often with limited resources and at great personal risk. Their dedication is a powerful reminder that compassion and hope continue to shine even in the midst of crisis.

This outbreak cannot be separated from the broader realities that have shaped the African continent for generations. The legacy of colonialism, armed conflict, economic exploitation, underinvestment in public health systems, and unequal access to healthcare left many communities vulnerable long before an outbreak began. The slow and often inadequate international response to health emergencies in Africa continues to expose troubling disparities in whose lives are treated as urgent and worthy of protection.

We call upon world leaders to quickly deploy emergency medical resources, fund robust healthcare infrastructure, and eliminate the bureaucratic delays that cost human lives.

For too long, religious institutions have been among those who have "passed by on the other side" and looked the other way, remaining silent or absent when their voices and actions were most needed. Now, our voices must be raised.

The parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that faith is demonstrated through compassionate action. As followers of Christ, we are called not simply to observe suffering, but to respond with mercy, justice, accompaniment, and practical support. The Church must help combat fear, misinformation, and stigma while standing alongside those most affected.

Recent reductions in international development assistance, public health funding, and support for global health institutions have further weakened the world's capacity to respond rapidly and effectively to emerging outbreaks. These decisions have had real consequences for local clinics and humanitarian organizations, many of which continue to face shortages of personal protective equipment, testing capacity, trained personnel, and operational funding. Bureaucratic delays and inconsistent global commitments continue to cost lives.

For generations, international systems have devalued Black and Brown lives, leaving historic inequities in global healthcare access. The slow, inadequate initial response to outbreaks in African nations highlights a devastating double standard in how global health resources are allocated.

MCC therefore calls upon world leaders to urgently deploy emergency medical resources, strengthen international cooperation, fully support the World Health Organization and other public health partners, and invest in resilient healthcare systems that can prevent and respond to future outbreaks. We also call upon governments across the African continent to continue strengthening regional cooperation, investing in public health infrastructure, supporting healthcare workers, and prioritizing emergency preparedness so that African nations are better equipped to respond to future health crises.

As an international church committed to justice and human dignity, MCC also affirms the African value of Ubuntu—the understanding that "I am because we are." An outbreak affecting one nation is a concern for the entire continent and for the global community. Our shared humanity demands a shared responsibility to protect life, especially the lives of those who have too often been overlooked or undervalued.

Healthcare is not a privilege reserved for some; it is a fundamental human right. Every person bears the image of God and is worthy of dignity, compassion, and access to life-saving care. We therefore call upon governments, international institutions, faith communities, and civil society to work together to eliminate the inequities that continue to place African communities at greater risk.

Metropolitan Community Churches stand in solidarity with all those affected by this crisis. We pray for healing for those who are ill, comfort for grieving families, protection for healthcare workers and first responders, wisdom for leaders, and a renewed global commitment to justice, equity, and compassion. May we answer Christ's call to be neighbors to all, ensuring that no community is forgotten and that every life is valued equally.

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 (4 WEEKS) $350 

The end-of-the-month difference is -$681


We are sharing the detailed list of our financial obligations for July 2026, which YOU CAN CLICK ON 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 the mission of our church and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Current Designated Bank Balance 6/17/2026 = $2,301.19 (in QB)  $2,301.19 (in FNBB)

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 JULY 26TH

"COOL APPETIZERS AND DESSERTS"

Antipasto Skewers or Cupcakes? 
Deviled Eggs or Dump Cake?
Wiggly Jello or Shrimp Cocktail?

🌟 Hey there, fabulous foodies! 🌟

☀️ Cool Appetizers & Desserts to Beat the July Heat! ☀️

July's potluck is all about staying cool—literally! Join us for a refreshing feast filled with chilled appetizers, frosty desserts, and all the delicious treats that help us beat the summer heat.

We're talking crisp veggie trays with your favorite dips, fruit salads bursting with color, pasta salads fresh from the fridge, shrimp cocktail, pinwheels, cheese and crackers, watermelon slices, and anything else that tastes even better served cold.



And then... the desserts! Ice cream treats, no-bake cheesecakes, chilled pies, pudding cups, fruit parfaits, frozen goodies, and all those sweet creations that somehow disappear before everyone has had seconds.

Bring whatever cool appetizer or dessert makes your heart happy—homemade, store-bought, or "I picked it up on the way here." No judgment... only gratitude (and probably requests for the recipe).

Come hungry, bring a friend, and let's enjoy good food, good company, and a delicious way to stay cool this July!



❄️ See you at the Cool Appetizers & Desserts Potluck! 🍉


Pictures of the June Pride Potluck are below, and we also celebrated Pat McGrath's 90th birthday!

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 July 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 for Jody Muzika, who had to lay to rest her precious cat, Rupert.₁
Prayers for all detained by ICE.₁
Prayers for Barbara A.'s family as her Uncle Jim was recently placed in hospice in MD.₁

Prayers for continued healing for Jim's mom.₂
Prayers that Barbara R.'s surgery on Wednesday to remove the basal cells from her face goes well and she isn't left with any scarring.₂
Prayers for the Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston as she starts her battle with cancer.₂

Prayers for Katie as she leaves the hospital and now goes into rehab, and for her partner Karon.₂
Prayers for JW and Bev.₂

Prayers for the family and friends of Senator Graham.₂
Prayers of thanksgiving that Roxann V. has found a job that fits her.₂


Prayers for the LGBTQ+ community of Niger who are now being arrested and killed or punished for being gay.₃

Prayers for continued healing for Jim's mom. May everything come together for her to come to Chicago to live with Jim and Tony.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.