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Sunday, April 26, 2026

Lesbian Visability Week Ends

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!
Next Board meeting is May 21st via Teams Meeting at 7 pm.
Next Potluck is May 31st
Worship Team Meeting Thursday, May 7th, 7pm via Team
Check our website for Pride events
Save the date! Garage sale is June 6th! More info coming!

Support Holy Covenant MCC

with Your Generosity Today!

MAKE A DONATION TODAY!

Giving Needed Weekly (4 WEEKS) $350 -

The end of the month difference is -$358

Our bills are listed for the month of April 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.

THRIVE WITH PRIDE/AGING CARE CONNECTIONS EVENTS

OLDER AMERICANS MONTH CELEBRATION

Older Americans Month (OAM) is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities. This year's theme, "Champion Your Health," encourages older adults to take an active role in their health - advocating for themselves, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support independence. What better way to do so than learn about the aging programs and services that already exist in your communities?

Thrive with Pride invites you to a brief overview of the Aging Network, followed by a lightning round of Jeopardy to test your knowledge!

Click on the image to download the flyer.

To register, click on the QR code, Click Here or
call 708-383-025.

GRIEF GROUP

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.

May's book is Out and Proud in Chicago. Those who prefer to join online should email Eric at evironet@cmsschicago.org.

Click on the image to download the flyer.

May meeting:

Tuesday, May 19th

Time: 12:00 pm CST

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

Click on the flyer to download the PDF. Still have questions? Contact Laona at laona.fleischer@ageoptions.org

LGBTQ+ SENIOR

RESOURCE FAIR

Wednesday, May 6th 2026

Time: 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Presented By:

Center on Halsted

Location:

30 E. Lake St, Chicago, IL

Description:

Join Center on Halsted for the LGBTQ+ Senior Resource Fair on May 6 from 9:30 AM–2:30 PM at Harold Washington College, a half-day event focused on connection, learning, and community.

Please see the schedule below:

Check-in desk is open:
9:30 am – 12 pm

Vendor Fair is open:
9:30 am – 10:15 am

Workshops and Presentations: 10:15-11:45 am

Lunch and Vendor Fair:
11:45 am-1 pm

Workshop and Closing Panel: 1 pm-2:30 pm

Featuring:

LGBTQ+ Aging Workshops and panel

Vendor Fair – Community partners & health resources

Health Station – Screenings + COVID-19 vaccines

Complimentary Lunch – Catered by Harold’s Chicken (alternative meal options provided by request)

Door prizes will be given to the first 60 attendees, and two $50 Jewel Gift Cards will be raffled off.

Questions? Contact Britta Larson, Senior Director of Pride in Aging, at blarson@centeronhalsted.org.

Fee: Free

END-OF-LIFE
LEARNING WEBINAR

Join SAGEYou for a conversation with Kendall Walton (she/her/hers) to introduce our new End-of-Life Learning Series. Learn about how the videos, discussion guides, and glossary in Sage's End-of-Life Learning Series can support you as an older LGBTQ+ person, caregiver, or loved one preparing for conversations and decisions around end of life, death and dying.

When: May 6th

Where: Online

Time: 3 pm to 4 pm CST

AREA PLAN ON AGING

VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING

LEARN about services

SHARE your ideas

HELP us improve

AgeOptions will share its proposed FY2027 Area Plan on Aging Public Information Document. The document outlines how state and federal funding will be used to serve and spport older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in subruban Cook County. Your contribution can help influence how services are provided at local, state and national levels!

If you're unable to attend a hearing, you can still submit your comments through our online form. We value your thoughts and ideas about our proposed plan. Questions? Email jason.echols@ageoptions.org

Submit a comment Online HERE

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 26TH

"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!

MAY	BIRTHDAY	ANNIVERSARY
Karina Klans	05/02
Jim Ulisse	05/07
Eve Gordon	05/10	Barb & Mar 05/10 43 yrs
Laura Mariotti	05/30

HOLY COVENANT BOARD MEETING

MAY 21st VIA TEAM MEETING

The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, May 21st, 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

Susan Calahan - CELEBRANT

10:00 AM CST

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 visit our YouTube page and click to watch the service or previous services.

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Acts 2: 42 - 47
Psalm 23
Theodore Roosevelt

Message "Pick and Choose"

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.

Want to help with service: reading, offering prayer, usher, etc. Click on this link and sign up for MAY!

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!

VOLUNTEER AT SHARE FOOD SHARE LOVE

DONATE TO SHARE FOOD SHARE LOVE

SFSL FAMILIES FIRST WISH LIST

SFSL AMAZON WISH LIST

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 April Calendar - Click Here

West Suburban Senior Services website: Click Here

WSSS Facebook Page click here

PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO HOLY COVENANT TODAY!

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.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

August 2025 marked the statewide launch of Illinois Pride Connect - a new resource hub and free, confidential legal hotline for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans.

The resources can be access at:

IL Pride Connect Resource Hub www.ilprideconnect.org
Legal Hotline: 855-805-9200
(Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.)

NEED POWER OF ATTORNEY OR WILL?

Contact the Center for Disability & Elder Law at Center for Disability and Elder Law. Click this link to see more information and links.

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 for Susan and Mary.₁

Prayers for Sabra with a variety of health problems.₁

Prayers that Betty's heart procedure went well this week.₁

Prayers for good results on Barbara's stress test next week.₁

Prayers for thanksgiving for Barbara R's continued healing from skin cancer.₁

Prayers for Patti and Laura to get better.₁

Prayers for Ruth's healing from heart irregularities.₂

Prayers for the healing of her back Debbie G.₁

Prayers for Jim & Tony's neighbor Ann.₂

Prayers for John Regan.₂

Prayers for Tony and Jim's Mom.₂

Prayers for Patti & Laura, whose cousin Peter passed away after having a heart attack.₃

Prayers for healing and comfort for Karen B. as she undergoes cancer treatment.₃

Prayers for Bianca to find a new job.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 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