Photo Credit: Yolanda deJesus
Then the Creator said, “Let the waters below the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. God called the dry land earth, and the gathering of the waters were called seas; and God saw that it was good. ~Genesis 1:9-10
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STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST MCC, APRIL 30, 2021
A welcoming, diverse and active community. We share God's love in a spiritual environment offering truth, trust and transformation!
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Sunday Worship Information
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Join us this Sunday in welcoming Elder Nancy Maxwell and her wife,
Rev. Ana Ester. They will be co-celebrating communion for us, so let's welcome them warmly!
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Easter Series Continues ...
Dare to Dance Again!
This week's Dance Break reminds us to Do What the Spirit Says... !
What is the Spirit telling you to do for the Church, community and world?
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Rev. Vickie Miller | Rev. Nancy Wilson
Sr. Co-Pastors, SunCoast MCC
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Join us this Sunday
“Dare to Dance!” Easter Theme Continues
May 2nd 10AM
In-Person or Via Live Stream Worship
Dare to Dance: “Guide my Steps”
This Sunday we will consider the story in Acts 18: 26-40 of the Ethiopian Eunuch. The Holy Spirit invites Philip the deacon and the Eunuch who is returning from Jerusalem to his home in Africa, to a life-changing encounter.
This story has it all! Dramatic, even magical comings and goings, someone who has been a seeker of the Divine all his life, who finally experiences all the barriers to his inclusion coming down! The Eunuch’s haunting question, “What is to prevent me from being baptized?” rings true today. The Spirit guides the step of this seeker, and the story ends with a journey that continues, in a joyful dance.
What is preventing you from accepting your baptism, and from dancing with the Spirit?
Dance with us this Sunday, in person or online.
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Inclement Weather: If the outdoor Worship Service is canceled, we will Live Stream it. Join us at 10AM for a live Service. If you have difficulty with the Live Stream, the recorded Service will be available on the website and YouTube after 4PM on Sunday. |
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Reminders for Attending
Worship on Sunday, May 2 at 10AM
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Register in advance. HERE
- When you arrive, you will be greeted by a volunteer who will take attendance.
- Wear a mask since not all of our members are fully vaccinated. We appreciate your patience while we work through some of these details.
- Maintain 6 feet distancing.
- Wait for instructions from the Ushers on exiting and use the designated containers for donations and for your empty communion cups.
- If you are not feeling well, have symptoms of COVID or have tested positive for COVID, please do not enter the church building or attend our outdoor event.
The Outward Bound ministry will be available should you need any assistance. We look forward to seeing you in person or on live stream.
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Board of Directors Updates |
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"Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to."
-Deuteronomy 15:10
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Weekly Offering
Thank you for your continued support and generosity, especially in light of these challenging times. Based on our monthly mortgage and expenses, we need $4,800 each week. For the weeks of April 11th, 18th and 25th, we collected $7,186 for the General Fund and $1,850 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.
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If you were unable to attend the Quarterly Forum, we missed you!! You can review the documents discussed by visiting the Members Page on our Website by using the link below. It requires a password. If you have forgotten the password, please email the church office. |
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Quarterly Forum Update
On April 28 we held our Quarterly Forum with 24 members in attendance. Vice Moderator, Kathy Hanas facilitated the meeting and presented the agenda.
- Rev. Nancy reviewed the Pastors accomplishments for the first quarter of 2021
- Rev. Vickie spoke to the Pastors expectations for the next quarter.
- Linda Staib addressed the Board’s accomplishments and expectations.
- Beth Ryan presented the Financials from the first quarter.
- Scott Swonger explained the Strategic plan.
- Mary Convy gave an update on the Sanctuary renovations.
- Yolanda deJesus gave a report from the Reopen team and reviewed a summary of the 3 Surveys.
- George Ward spoke about Venice Pride Inc. becoming a 5013C and the plans for the future.
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Exciting News!
The Board of Directors has approved opening the building for business/small meetings. For now, masks are still required indoors. The Board of Directors has also asked the Reopen team for a plan of action for moving our Sunday worship back inside. Please stay tuned for more details soon!!
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Happy Anniversary to our Pastors
Please wish Rev. Vickie and Rev. Nancy a 4th special anniversary. On May 6, 2017, we were blessed with their installation as our Senior Co-Pastors. Their love, guidance and dedication to our Church and community has enriched so many throughout our area and the world.
The Board of Directors will recognize them during an upcoming Worship Service. We would like to encourage everyone to send them a card or a quick email to celebrate this anniversary and their service to the life of SunCoast MCC. Let them know what they mean to you.
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“And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders, who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love”
~1Thessalonians 5:12-13
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Join our Private Facebook Group
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AmazonSmile
It is free and easy, and a portion of your purchase will be included as an automatic donation to Suncoast MCC.
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Special Appreciation for Nurses & Teachers |
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Where there is love of Nursing, there is love for Humankind.
Thank you to all the nurses who have worked day and night taking care of us.
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"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."
-Henry Adams
Thank you to all the teachers present and retired that have made it possible for us to have faith in our future.
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A Special Thank You to Amazing Volunteers |
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A BIG thank you to the following people who volunteered their time, muscles and energy to prepare the Sanctuary for the upcoming renovations!
Jay Pennell
Connie Kennedy
Linda Staib
Santa Pandolfo
Pat Boyd
George Ward
Kathy Hanas
Jim Hamilton
Scott Bickert
Bill Smith
Mary Convy
Tammy Rabon-Noyce
And Rev. Gene Hutter who sorted and cleaned out the two storage areas in the Sanctuary.
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Please help us thank Tina Bieryla for leading the Card Ministry.
Tina has been the person behind the birthday and anniversary cards along with sending special notes of encouragement when someone needed a smile or a prayer.
Tina is stepping down as the Ministry Leader and we are greatly thankful for her leadership and playing such a vital role in the Congregational Care team activities.
Thank you Tina!!
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Pictures Due by May 5
May 9th is Mother's Day and we want to recognize all of the mothers who have given so much for us to be who we are today. We are asking people to send us pictures of your mom. We will create a tribute to all the mothers and include it in our next Staying Connected.
We need all pictures by Wednesday, May 5th. You can either email them to the church or drop them off during Office Hours. Please make sure you include the following information: Mother's name, Your name, and indicate in memory of or living.
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Upcoming Events at SunCoast MCC |
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Monday Nights at 6PM
Join us for an hour of fun, friendly competition and fellowship
Meeting ID: 941 8828 9799
Passcode: 399572
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Are you interested in learning more about SunCoast MCC, the Denomination and how to become a member of the Church? We are holding a class after Worship one Sunday in May.
If you are interested in attending, please use the link below. The date will be determined once we identify those who are interested in attending.
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Bible Mystery: Mary Magdalene
Tuesday, May 4 at 7PM
Who was she really? Are the rumors true? Was she framed? What is her special contribution to the gospel and to the Easter message?
Led by Rev. Nancy Wilson
Meeting ID: 943 3238 3039
Passcode: 742181
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Join us for a socially distanced brown bag lunch after Worship on
Sunday, May 16
We all long for connection and fellowship during these trying times. We have been exploring safe and fun outdoor in-person activities to help us reconnect.
We ask that you bring your own food and we will have water.
People will need to stay 6 feet apart and wear masks when not eating.
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Church Family News and Updates |
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02 Bill Burckhardt & Rev. Gene Hutter
12 Raquel Castro & Laura Montanez
19 Tim Mitchell & Randy McGuire
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02 Robert Izzo
07 Dennis Roos
08 Leona DeVore
10 Joe Shields
12 Susie Brenner
15 Rhonda Difranco
21 Kathy Vooris
21 Denise Witkop
25 Park Showalter
26 Kevin Flaherty
27 Joe Davis
29 Peter Braman
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We Honor and Remember David Waldron
In honor of Deacon Emeritus David Waldron, we would like to place a leaf on the Tree of Life Memorial in the Church.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of David's dedication to our Church, community and to spreading the word of the Gospel, please use the link below.
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Unite in the Power of Prayer |
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Update from Your Pastoral
& Congregational Care Team
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Your need for comforting and lifting prayers is important to us. We ask everyone to join us in prayer for:
Laura M • Darwin B • Bill B • Joe
Greg H • Tim H • Joe D • Doug B
John • Micki H • Julia G • Randy M
Sharon F • Carla P • Maggie B
Margie • Ryan C • BJ H • Kathi K
Ed • Rev. Nancy W. • Margie
Albee • Tina B • Kathy H • Gailand K
• Janine M • Charlene B.
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National Day of Prayer
May 6, 2021
The 2021 National Day of Prayer theme prays:
”LORD pour out Your LOVE, LIFE, and LIBERTY.”
Once again praying and proclaiming a promise of God in our theme verse,
2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Let’s begin praying …
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VENICE PRIDE, INC. INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH
"RIDE FOR PRIDE CAR PARADE"
SATURDAY, JUNE 5 AT 1PM
SPONSORS: deadline to register is Saturday, May 8.
Please join us as we celebrate Pride Month! Venice Pride, Inc. is hosting its second car parade in downtown Venice, FL. All are welcome.
Registration is easy! Please use the link below to let Venice Pride, Inc. know that you will be attending. Venice Pride, Inc. is also looking for sponsors. The Deadline to register as a Sponsor is Saturday, May 8. We look forward to seeing you. Support Venice Pride, Inc.
If you are interested in becoming a Ride for Pride Sponsor, please use the link below.
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Updates from our Community |
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CHAPS needs Hygiene products. Please consider picking up items during your next trip to the store and bringing the items to church on Sunday.
They need regular size items, not travel size.
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.-.Galatians 6:2
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We Care: We are here to support you! Click on the links below to contact these ministries.
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3276 E. Venice Avenue, Venice, FL 34292
(941) 484-7068
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 10AM to 3PM
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