Staying Connected with SunCoast MCC August 6, 2021

Photo Credit: Charlene Bisordi

God said, "This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth."

~Genesis 9:12-13

STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST August 6, 2021

We are 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

Take a minute to prepare your heart for Worship by listening to the second video by Rick Steves as he talks about how during travel, the encounters he had made a profound impact on his relationship with God.

“Video clip used with permission from GBHEM, UMC. Full webinar available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ3sL-RKnTM"

Rev. Vickie Miller

Rev. Nancy Wilson

Sr. Co-Pastors

SunCoast MCC

Join us this Sunday

August 8th at 10AM

In-Person or Live Stream Worship

Quest: Travel as a Spiritual Act

“The Encounter”

Jesus often crossed paths with others not from his “tribe.” Actually, he most often sought out these opportunities, meeting people in their daily lives and locales, such as the Samaritan woman at the well and her community.

When we seek out and are open to new encounters, new people, new relationships, we allow ourselves a spiritual rendezvous with humanity.

How can we shift our perception, redefining “strangers” as “friends we have not yet met?”

Scripture: John 4:7-40

Watch the Sunday Service HERE

August 1st Worship Recording

August 1st Worship Service

If you were unable to join us last Sunday, we missed you.

You can use the link to watch the recording of the August 1st Worship Service.

SunCoast MCC Worship August 1, 2021 Quest Series

Second Sunday Celebrations

On the Second Sunday of each month, we ask for your help by focusing your prayers and gifts on the following:

CHAPS: Consider bringing in hygiene items for the families they assist.

Pillars Mortgage: Consider giving a little extra to help fund the mortgage

Birthday and Anniversary Recognition:

We will honor those celebrating in August and each will receive a special treat!

Upcoming Events at SunCoast MCC

Stretching Your Spirit

SunCoast Summer Class Series

Blended Class (In-person and Zoom) class led by

Rev. Vickie

Wednesday, August 11th at 10AM

Reflective Bible Reading

The scriptures are full of encouragement, wisdom and guidance. In this class we will practice the ancient act of lectio divina or divine reading. As we take time to reflect and contemplate on scripture, we will open ourselves up to the presence and message of God.

Use this LINK to join the Reflective Bible Reading Class

Worship Lector Training:

August 22, 2021 after Worship (bring a snack)

Would you like to serve in this special role of reading scripture during Worship Service?

We are happy to welcome new individuals to this ministry and hope for a variety of voices and individuals.

Please either call the Church office or email us at info@suncoastmcc.com if you would like to attend.

SunCoast MCC Homecoming

Homecoming Weekend Events

Saturday, September 18th:

Community Dinner and Activities

4PM- 7PM

Sunday, September 19th:

Worship: 10AM

Conversations with Rev. McLaren:

11:30AM - 12:30PM

SunCoast MCC Homecoming

"United Around the Table"

September

18 & 19, 2021

Come home to SunCoast or come for the first time to learn about our church, events, and services.

Our special guest for the weekend will be Brian McLaren, who is a well-known theologian, author, speaker and activist.

SunCoast MCC Tree of Life Memorial

Remembering those on the

Tree of Life

Beginning August 1st, we will be starting a new tradition at SunCoast MCC.

Each month, we ask people to place a white ribbon on the leaf of your loved one or friend honoring a birthday, anniversary or an anniversary of a loved one's passing. The ribbons will be provided and located at the Welcome Desk.

At the end of each month, we will remove the ribbons and ask people to do the same for the next month.

Honoring Our Loved Ones and Friends

If you are interested in placing a leaf on the tree in memory of a loved one, you can print and return the completed form below to the Church office or call the Church for additional information.

Tree of Life Memorial Form

Re-Open Team Updated Protocols

We can do this but we need your help. With the rise in COVID cases, the Re-Open Team has updated our safety protocols. Please take a minute to review the changes below.

We are asking that everyone resume wearing a mask while in the Church. This is for your safety and the safety of others.

We will resume greeting each other from a distance for now with no handshakes, hugs, fist pumps or elbow bumps.

Our Emerge Team will continue to offer to escort you to a seat, and if you prefer to maintain social distance, they will assist you.

There will be limited congregational singing.

We ask you to continue to avoid congregating around the lobby, sound booth and offices.

And, of course, if you are sick or feel symptoms of COVID, please stay home and enjoy the service online or on YouTube.

We hope that these revisions will be temporary and that we will be able to lessen the restrictions soon. Thank you all for your patience and cooperation.

Supporting our Community Needs

Family Promise of South Sarasota County is an organization that helps families find housing. They work with families to ensure all children have a safe and stable place they can call home.

You can use the link below to read more about Family promise and the wonderful work they do!

They are in need of several items. If you are able, please pickup some of this supplies needed and bring them to the Church. We will make sure they are delivered.

Hurricane kits
Emergency Flashlight/Radio
Flashlights and batteries

LINK to the July 2021 Family Promise Newsletter

Board of Directors Updates

"Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, crushed down, full and running over, they will give to you. For in the same measure as you give, it will be given to you again." ~Luke 6:38

Donate HERE

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. The counts for the week of

August 1st are $2,862 for the General Fund* and $785 for the Pillars Fund**.

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

**Pillar Funds the church's mortgage, insurance & taxes.

Special Letter from the Board of Directors

SUNCOAST MEMBERS AND FRIENDS: A SMALL BUT IMPORTANT PROJECT!

August 6, 2021

So, what is a COMPRESSOR anyway, why do we need one and what does it do?

Answer: An air compressor keeps the air inside the pipe until a sprinkler head activates, filling the system with water. The air compressor is an integral component to the fire protection system.

Part of owning a beautiful piece of property and a lovely building is the responsibility to ensure proper maintenance, even of things we may never see in action.

Estimates for a new compressor are at about $3,000. The really good news is that a generous couple in our church has donated $1,500. And we have so far raised an additional $200.

So, let’s pitch in this summer and get it done! We would love to be able to announce by August 15^th that we have achieved our goal! You can help by dropping your donation by the Church office, mailing it or using Easy Tithe.

And, please remember, if you are on vacation, and do not already use EZ tithe, consider signing up, or remembering us in your giving this summer.

Bless you, whether you are traveling, or worshiping from home. . . you are always in our prayers!

Unite in the Power of Prayer

Update from Your Pastoral

& Congregational Care Team

Your need for comforting and lifting prayers is important to us.

We ask everyone to join us in prayer for:

Bill B • Joe S • Tim H

Joe D • Micki H • Randy M • Tim M

• Maggie B • BJ H

Margie S • Gailand K

Tara W • Paula S •

Greg H • Marsha P-S •

Julia & Family • Edison & Bill •

Rev. Ruth J-F • :Laura M •

Doug B • Kelly S • Betty R

Use this LINK to read the Weekly Call to Prayer from the Elders

Submit a Prayer Request HERE

MCC Updates and Information

MCC Global Conference Update

Use the link below to learn more about the 2022 Conference.

MCC Global Conference Information

LINK to Read the June and July Governing Board Updates

SunCoast MCC Family Travel Photos Needed!

Travel Photos Still Needed!

We are asking that our SunCoast family and friends share their travel pictures (past or present) with us. Send us photos of your staycations or long distant adventures so we can collect some of your memories.

Please send your pictures along with a brief description about the adventure to the email below.

SunCoast Vacation Photos

Venice FL Pride, Inc Festival

The Venice FL Pride, Inc (VPI) Board of Directors and Festival Committee are well into the planning stages of the upcoming Festival on November 20, 2021.

If you or someone you know would like to be a Sponsor or serve as a Vendor at this exciting event, you can use the links below or visit the VPI website at VeniceFLPride.com.