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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!
- Next Board meeting is August 20th via Teams Meeting at 7 pm.
- Next Potluck is August 30th - Suggestions?
- Worship Team Meeting Thursday, September 3rd, 7 pm via Teams
- North Halsted Market Days is August 7th-9th!
- Maple Ave Under Construction - See below!
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We are now on LinkedIn. Follow us here!
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Maple Ave Construction
(Because even streets need a glow‑up)
Starting August 10, Maple Ave will begin its grand journey into construction chaos — sewer upgrades, roadway improvements, and enough orange cones to make you think you’ve wandered into a Halloween parade.
Here’s the thrilling blockbuster plot:
- The crew starts at Veterans Circle, heading south to Brookfield Ave (yes, the street after the train tracks — the place where trains take their sweet time just to test your patience).
- Once that stretch is beautified, they’ll jump to the north side of Veterans Circle and work their way up to 31st St.
- If the weather behaves, the equipment doesn’t unionize, and nobody uncovers a secret tunnel from the 1920s, the whole project should wrap up by the end of November.
Now for the congregation Public Service Announcement:
🚫 Please do NOT park your cars, clunkers, classics, or “my cousin said this was a good deal” vehicles on our side of Maple!
It’s marked. It’s clear. It’s not optional. The construction crew needs the space, and your car does not need to become part of the obstacle course.
And for the skeptics, doubters, and “I need to see it in writing” folks:
📄 If you don’t believe us and want to read the two‑page document, well, download it here.
Now, a special message for our beloved church family:
🙏 We will not accept “construction issues” as an excuse for being late to church.
If you can navigate detours, cones, trains, and flashing lights, you can navigate yourself into a chair on time. Bring yourself — and bring the donuts.
Jesus may forgive tardiness, but we’re not promising the same when it comes to donut shortages. You know how everyone looks forward to chit-chat, coffee, and donuts after services in Fellowship Hall!
| | | Health Update, July-August 2026 | | |
Hello, everyone! I'm Reverend Elder Cecilia Eggleston, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, and I just want to give you a quick health update before I go on leave. I'm about halfway through my chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment for cancer. It's going well, and I'm also starting to feel that fatigue that so many of the medical team have told me about. So, I'll be finishing the rest of my treatments and taking some time off for August. I just want to thank all of you for your prayers, your support, your positive news, and for giving me a bit of space and privacy. I really appreciate that.
And what great news—all sorts of things are going on! We had the People of African Descent Conference in Brazil, which was a huge success. Part of the conference was the ordination of Reverend Haroldo André Garcia, so congratulations to you, Reverend Haroldo! We've also had news that MCC Detroit has finally gotten the keys to its new property—go, MCC Detroit! At Church of the Trinity MCC in Sarasota, USA, the food program that the church supports has just been growing, and the outreach program to young people is flourishing, too. These are amazing things taking place around the world.
Additionally, we have two delegates to the World AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro: Reverend Paul Mokgethi-Heath and Doctor Léo Rossetti. MCC is out and proud; AIDS and HIV are part of our heritage and ministry, and it's wonderful that we have two delegates there to give our voice.
It takes all of us to be MCC. Remember the story of our founding, when Reverend Troy Perry heard that still small voice of God saying, “Troy, I love you. I don't have any stepsons or stepdaughters”. Troy put that advert in The Advocate, the national LGBT+ magazine for the USA, and nearly 60 years later, The Advocate is still rating MCC as the top church for the LGBT+ community and allies. You are making a huge difference where you are every day.
You're not going to hear from me for a little while, but the Governing Board, the Council of Elders, the MCC Staff, the Network Leaders, the Flourish Coordinators, and the Vocational Leadership Coordinators are all there to serve, support, and resource you—so be in touch with them for what you need, and keep sharing your positive news.
I also want to give a big shout-out to my colleagues on staff who have been getting up for meetings at 4:30, 5:30, or 6:30 in the morning their time just to meet with me and continue the ministry of MCC before I go for my daily treatment at the hospital. Thank you so much for doing that, because that's what it means to be global, to be in each other's time zones, and to support each other.
I'm so excited to continue receiving your positive news. Email me (RevCeciliaEggleston@MCCchurch.net)—and enjoy your ministry knowing that you are making a difference. I look forward to coming back in September and learning all about it.
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston
Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches
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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 -$163
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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)
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THRIVE WITH PRIDE/AGING CARE CONNECTIONS EVENTS
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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 their Monthly Book Club, moderated by Frank Serafino, lecturer at College of DuPage. Next up will be Magnus Hirschfeld: The Origins of the Gay Liberation Movement by Ralf Dose on August 18, followed by The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain on September 15. Those who prefer to join online should email Eric at (evironet@cmsschicago.org) for the Zoom link.
Click on the image to download the flyer.
August meeting:
Tuesday, August 18th
Time: 12:00 pm CST
In-Person or Zoom
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T-SHIRTS FOR HOLY COVENANT
🎉 NOW AVAILABLE — ORDER YOUR SHIRT! 🎉
👕 Get your Holy Covenant T‑shirt today!
Wear it while you volunteer at the garage sale, or grab one simply to show your support for our community. There are many sizes, styles, and colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect fit.
These shirts aren’t just for one event—they’ll be used throughout the year at Pride parades, festivals, and future garage sales so our neighbors can easily spot our joyful, welcoming presence.
💛 A small portion of every sale goes directly to Holy Covenant, helping support our ministries and outreach.
Click here to order! https://www.bonfire.com/holy-covenant-mcc/
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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 AUGUST 30TH
"MAKE A SUGGESTION"
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WHAT SHOULD WE HAVE??
August potluck is coming up, and our brains are fried after this hot July! So what is your suggestion for our August potluck? Last week to give us your suggestions. Please answer the poll!
| | What should we have for the August Potluck? | | | | 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
AUGUST 20th VIA TEAM MEETING
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The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, August 20th, 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 Meeting agendas, minutes, and church financials here
| | WEEKLY SERVICE INFORMATION | | |
HYBRID - IN PERSON AND ON YOUTUBE
JJIM ULISSE - CELEBRANT
10:00 AM CST
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Our worship celebration this Sunday is at 10:00 am CST. If you would like to join us, you may do so in person or visit our YouTube page to watch the service or previous services.
Sunday, August 09, 2026
Today's Reading
Ruth 1:16-17
2Samuel 1:26
Sermon Message:
"Queer Eye Hebrew Scriptures Edition"
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 email 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 AUGUST!
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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.
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💛HELP FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY WITH
SHARE FOOD, SHARE LOVE FOOD PANTRY
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Food insecurity is hitting families hard, especially with recent SNAP cuts — but we can make a real difference. Our partner, Share Food Share Love, is doing incredible work, and they need our support more than ever.
Just $1 provides THREE meals to a family. Your small gift becomes a lifeline for neighbors facing hunger every day. You can give directly at church or through their website.
You can drop off non‑perishable food at Tischler’s outdoor box or right here at the church. Your kindness truly matters.
They’ve also launched an Amazon Wish List for pantry needs and a Families First Wish List supporting mothers and young children. Anything you order ships straight to the pantry.
New at SFSL:
They’re building a Spice Rack to help families cook flavorful meals. You can order spices from their Amazon list or buy them locally and bring them to church. Barbara will deliver them, or you can drop them in the box at Tischler Foods. Any spices are welcome!
Together, we can help smash food insecurity and show our community we’re all in this together.
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 August Food Calendar - Click Here
West Suburban August Activities Calendar - Click Here
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? | | | | 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 Joann will come back to church.1
Prayers of thanksgiving that Roxann's first week at work was successful.1
Prayers for Colin, who turned 19 on August 3rd.1
Prayers for Biance, Laura, and Jim.1
Prayers that everyone who has no power from the storms on Monday will have power soon.2
Prayers for Cathy, whose mother with dementia is not doing well.2
Prayers for Laura M., who has been sick lately with vertigo.2
Prayers that Jim's mom will come to Chicago to live with him and Tony.2
Prayers for Jody Muzika, who had to lay to rest her precious cat, Wembly.3
Prayers for all detained by ICE.3
Prayers for Barbara A.'s family as her Uncle Jim was recently placed in hospice in MD.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.
| | 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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