Sunday, July 12, 2026

Hello, I'm Reverend Elder Cecilia Eggleston, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches. And today, I want to share some personal news and ask for your support. It's interesting how many things can be true at the same time. I'm in a great space emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I feel great, and at the same time, I've been having some medical tests. These medical tests have shown a diagnosis of cancer. The prognosis is good. It's perfectly treatable. But obviously, I'm going to need some time—time to be treated and take some time off work. That treatment initially will be radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and it will start soon. I'm going to work for as long as I can. I anticipate taking all of August off because we know these treatments can knock us about a bit. And then I will be returning to work, as and when I'm able, during the rest of the year.

The MCC Staff, the Governing Board, the Council of Elders, Network Leaders, Flourish Expanse Coordinators—they are still there to help and support you, provide resources, guidance, etcetera—just as they do every day. And the Governing Board, the Council of Elders, and the MCC staff will work together more closely during this time. The National Health Service in the UK is fantastic, so I'll be in really good hands. I'm surrounded by a wonderful and huge family and great friends who are going to support me at this time.

And now I'm wondering if you will support me too. Here are three things that I'd really appreciate if you would work with me on. So the first is prayer. I love prayer. I think it's so important. I'm a great believer in it. And it's so uplifting to me whenever someone says to me: “you know, I pray for you on a regular basis.” So please hold me and the medical team, hold my family and friends in prayer at this time.

Secondly, privacy, or “PRY-vuh-see”—depending on what you like. In the UK, medical records are private, just as I'm sure that's how it is where you are. So during this time, just give me some space. I'd appreciate that. And I know that you want to share those cancer stories of your own. Just now, I need to make my own cancer story. So just put those stories on hold for now. Thank you.

And thirdly, positive news. Every day around the world, MCC is making a difference. Your ministry is saving and changing lives. And I want to hear about it. So, send it to me in an email. Headline it: “Positive News.” It may be a small thing, a private thing. You know, perhaps you worked really hard on a sermon or a Bible study, and you got some really great feedback that you'd like to share. Perhaps it's a huge thing: your biggest attendance at Pride, some civic awards that the congregation has been given, or maybe you've got a grant or a new ministry has really taken flight. Let me know. Whether you're a layperson, whether you're a clergy person—really doesn't matter. Just headline it: “Positive News.” Send it to me in an email. And my amazing executive assistant, Tammy Rabon-Noyce, will forward it to me so I can read it at my leisure and rejoice in your success.

The prognosis is good. I'm in a good space. You are going to continue to do the work of MCC around the world. And as I go on this journey over the next few months, I know that God will continue to bless me and continue to bless you, because it takes all of us to be MCC. God bless.

Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston

Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches

Giving Needed Weekly (4 WEEKS) $350 

The end-of-the-month difference is -$330

Our bills are listed for June 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. 

Current Designated Bank Balance 6/17/26 = $2,301.19 (in QB & FNBB)

A huge thank‑you to everyone who contributed, walked, and drove with Holy Covenant MCC in the Brookfield 4th of July Parade!

We were greeted with warm smiles and cheers all along the route.

Andrew kept us refreshed by pulling a wagon filled with cold water, while Karen & Sue Callahan’s family handed out candy, flags, and red‑white‑and‑blue beads. 


The first few blocks were quiet—but once Barbara Adams’s car turned up the music, the celebration truly began! From that point on, we were dancing in the street and in the car, and the crowd joined right in.


Thank you to Sue, Karen, Laura, Patti, Andrew, Barbara, Holly, and the Callahan family for bringing joy, color, and community spirit to this year’s parade.


You made freedom and pride shine together!

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 of thanksgiving that Roxann V. has found a job that fits her.₁

Prayers for the LGBTQ+ community of Niger who are now being arrested and killed or punished for being gay.₁

Prayers for continued healing for Jim's mom. May everything come together for her to come to Chicago to live with Jim and Tony.₁

Prayers for the Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston as she starts her battle with cancer.₁

Prayers for Karen C, that the recent shot will help her back.₂
Prayers for Gary, who is in the hospital.₂
Prayers for Susie, who is in the hospital.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 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.