Special Edition of Staying Connected with SunCoast MCC

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST MCC, DECEMBER 24, 2020

A welcoming, diverse and active community. We share God's love in a spiritual environment offering truth, trust and transformation.

Rev. Vickie Miller and Rev. Nancy Wilson

Join us for worship on

Sunday, December 27 at 10AM

"Angels Among Us: "Get Up and Go! Life!"

The story of the birth of Jesus ends with this strange tale of Wise Ones – some might call them magicians or sorcerers, maybe “shamans” – who follow a star to the manger. Then they are told, in a dream, to “Get up and Go!” another way home, to not report back to wicked Herod. They vanish off the stage of the Nativity, and foil his plans.

Meanwhile, Joseph is also visited in a dream by an angel, telling him to “bundle up” Mary and the baby, and escape to Egypt, from Herod’s wrath.

All this, in the service of LIFE, in the service of the future, protecting the life of Jesus whose life, message and followers would “turn the world upside down.”

How is life calling to you?

Come and hear our Drama group, SunCoast Drum Circle, and our ASL multi-church choir, as we recognize volunteers and share the final service of 2020 -- let’s celebrate LIFE!

Click HERE to Watch Our Worship Service

Click HERE for a Special Message from the Moderator

REV. ELDER CECILIA EGGLESTON

Moderator of MCC

MCC Council of Elders

What Can I Give?

By: Fran Peck

Published: December 21, 2018

I went to church on Christmas morn to hear the angels sing.

My heart was lifted with every chorus; the rafters, they did ring.

I sang along with joy in my heart, the greatest sound I've ever heard.

From "O Holy Night" to "What Child is This?" I cherished every word.

I celebrated the King's lowly birth; I shouted and danced about.

Then came along a "Little Drummer Boy," and I knew I was without.

What had I given the babe this year? A panic crossed my mind.

I tried to think of what I had given, but there was none to find.

Did I find a child and clothe him well? Did I seek a widow to bless?

Did I go to someone sick in their bed and try to ease their death?

Did I ask a sinner to say a prayer or tell him the Good News?

Did I give a beggar something to eat or at least buy him some shoes?

I bowed my head as the drummer boy played; my tears started to fall.

I didn't even give Him my best, let alone give Him my all.

So this Christmas, Jesus, I bring you my drum, the very beat of my heart.

I ask Your forgiveness, for things undone; it's the only place I can start.

About this Annual Christmas Stocking Offering

What is our 2020 goal?

This year we hope to raise $25,000, so we can end the year in the black. As of today, you have generously given over $12,000. We hope you can help us reach our goal by the New Year.

How will the Offering be used?

Due to the pandemic, we have not been able to hold our typical fundraising events. A portion will be used to support our general fund. In addition, we are committed to giving a total of 10% of what we raise to two special charities. This is one way to share the blessings of the season with others in the community.

Through your generosity we will use the Christmas Offering:

To support our friends at CHAPS (Charlotte Co. HIV AIDS People Support) by donating Walmart gift cards for kids of families impacted by HIV AIDS. Cards can be dropped off at SunCoast.
To support Family Promise. This organization works in transforming the lives of families experiencing homelessness...Every child deserves a home!
To help SunCoast MCC close out the year in the black and begin the New Year with bills paid.

Perhaps you contribute to several organizations during the holiday season. We pray that you consider SunCoast as one of your charities.

We ask you to consider giving a year-end gift to SunCoast MCC to get us on the best financial footing going into 2021.

Maybe you need to catch up on your giving to the church? This is a way to do it!
Maybe you prefer to give once a year to the church? This is the time to do it!

Whatever you put in your stocking will be up to you. We are very appreciative of your gifts.

Donate to the Annual Christmas Offering HERE

Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones from the SunCoast MCC Board and Staff!! We look forward to continuing to serve you in 2021.

Click HERE for the Christmas In July Cookbook

SunCoast Christmas

in July Cookbook

During our virtual Christmas In July celebration, we asked members and friends to submit family holiday recipes. Awaken your inner Chef and try some of these delicious dishes during the holidays.

Thank you to all who submitted recipes!

Board of Directors Update

Weekly Offering

Thank you for your continued support and generosity, especially in light of these challenging times. Based on our new monthly mortgage, we are updating the weekly expense needed to $4,800. For the week ending December 19th, we collected $1,677 for General Fund* and $575 for Pillars**. Together, let’s keep our General Fund and Pillars accounts liquid.

(*Funds the church's operating expenses (i.e., utilities, salaries, maintenance of property, worship/multi-media expenses, bank fees, internet, copier, office supplies, tithe, etc. **Funds the church's mortgage, insurance & taxes.)

Donate HERE

From Your Pastoral

and Congregational Care Team

Your need for comforting and lifting prayers are important to us. We ask everyone to

join us in prayer for:

Dave W. • Laura M. • Darwin B.•

Bill B. • Zami • Joe • Greg H. • Tim H. •

Joe D. • Doug B. • Micki H. • Bruce. O

• Betty • Yolanda • Beth • Randy M. • Tim M. • Karen • Lou.• Diane T.• John F.

PET PHOTO

CONTEST VOTING

Voting is open for your favorite pet photo through January 11.

Please, one vote per category and an email address is required (call the church office if you do not have an email address and leave your name and number and we will contact you during business hours to record your votes).

Thank you to everyone who took part in this heart-warming event submitting copies of our fur family members.

Remember to submit your vote no later than January 11, 2021 using the link below.

Remember to submit your vote for each category here

Save the Date

Murder Mystery Experience

Do you like figuring things out? Are mysteries your thing? Join us virtually for three consecutive Monday’s at 6pm to participate in a Zoom Murder Mystery experience where characters will be assigned among participants and we will explore clues to solve a murder.

January 11

January 18 (even though a holiday)

January 25