Photo Credit: Cindy Duranko

"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55: 10-11
STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST MCC, FEBRUARY 12, 2021
A welcoming, diverse and active community. We share God's love in a spiritual environment offering truth, trust and transformation.
Sandi Patty - Love In Any Language
Please use the link below to view the beautiful song "Love In Any Language" By Sandi Patty as we prepare our hearts to worship and celebrate Love this Sunday.
Join Us for Ash Wednesday Virtual Service
February 17 at 7PM
Ash Wednesday is a time of naming brokenness. As we enter the season of Lent, we commit to enter also into a season of healing and recovery that requires the naming of what has been shattered as a first step. We take “the yoke” of responsibility as disciples of Jesus to be the Body of Christ–a body of those who need healing and offer healing in the world. The promise of Jesus is that He is with us in our weariness and burdens.
As you watch this video, take a the time to reflect and prepare your heart and mind for Lent
Join Us for our Lent Series
Advance Registration for our Lent Series is Required!
Sign up in advance either online (using the links below) or by calling the church office.

In-Person Outdoors Small Groups (limited to 10 people per group):

Wednesday, February 24 at 10AM
Sign up by February 21

Tuesday, March 2 at 2PM                         
Sign up by February 28 

Monday, March 8 at 2PM                        
Sign up by March 5 

Thursday, March 18 at 10AM                 
Sign up by March 15

Virtual Session:
Use the Link Below to Join the Group
Thursday, March 25 at 7PM  

Meeting ID: 811 6073 1125
Passcode: 292001

Each of us is created as a precious and holy vessel of embodied love. We have been through a harrowing time since last Lent that has shattered our sense of wholeness–body, mind, and spirit–like a glass vessel fractured into pieces. In this Lenten “season of recovery” for our physical, communal, mental, intellectual, and environmental health, we will explore the healing narratives of Jesus that tell of divine solidarity with human suffering and remind us that we can begin a journey toward making something beautiful from that which is seemingly broken. Beach glass offers us a multifaceted symbol of this transformative process.

We encourage everyone in the congregation to take on this 40-day Lenten practice: 

  1. Read the daily devotion and
  2. Commit to attending one small group discussion/gathering. 
A special gift for you ...
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you are unable to attend church on February 14th, you can come by the church during office hours to pick up your Lenten supplies or call the church to arrange for someone to deliver them to you before Ash Wednesday.
As we gather in person and virtually during this Lenten season, 
we have prepared a package to guide you through this journey. 

As we progress together, you will learn about each item and its purpose.

  • A daily devotional series booklet 
  • A container of sand
  • A piece of sea glass
  • Order of Worship for Ash Wednesday
Celebrate Black History Month
Profiles in perseverance
"You may not know their names. But these courageous Black Americans changed history."
(Picture of Eunice Hunton Carter)
Published February 1, 2021
Every Black History Month, we tend to celebrate the same cast of historic figures. This year CNN has a series of articles for each day of the month focusing on 28 Black people who have made a significant impact and who most people have never heard of or know about their contributions to our country and Use the link below to see each of those being honored throughout the month.


Source: CNN (Link Below to view entire article).
The Man Behind Black History Month
"Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) dedicated his life to educating African Americans about the achievements and contributions of their ancestors."

Woodson pushed for schools and organizations to participate in programs to encourage the study of African American history, which began in February 1926 with Negro History Week which later became Black History Month.

But why February? February was chosen to honor the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln

Important Updates and Reports
From Your Board of Directors
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 February 7, 2021, we collected $3,937 for General Fund* and $405 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.
“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” 1 Peter 4:10
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. •  Anne • Joe • Greg H. •
Tim H. • Joe D • .
Doug B. • Micki H. • Julia G.•
Randy M. • Tony •
Tim M. • Karen • Lou •
 Diane T. •  John F. • 
Cindy L.  • Nick • Kathleen •
Leslie V
From the Reopen Team
Distance
If you are not feeling well, or have symptoms of COVID, please do not come into the church building or to our outdoor events until you have quarantined for 14 days or test negative.  

If you have tested positive for COVID, please do not enter the church building until you have tested negative for the virus. Also, do not come to our outdoor events if you are positive and until you have tested negative.
  • Registration is required. Attendance will be taken when you arrive.
  • Maintain 6 feet distancing and wear a mask at all times.
  • Follow instructions by Ushers.
  • Do not move the chairs. They have been sanitized and properly spaced.
  • Restrooms are available on a limited basis.
  • Use designated containers to dispose your empty communion cups when you exit.
From the Programming Team
Thursday
February 11 at 6PM

We are forming a new class. Please join us as we learn a new song and enjoy a time of fellowship.
Mondays
February 15 and 22
at 6PM

Lots of fun. No experience necessary.
Meeting ID: 991 4134 5023
Passcode: suncoast
From Our Denomination (MCC)
Support Your Church and Community
As we have more in-person events, it is important to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy.
Next time you are at the store, we could use:

  • Pump Hand soap
  • Disinfection Spray
  • Disinfectant Cleaning Sprays
  • Pump Hand Sanitizer

Please drop them off at the church office or leave them with a volunteer when checking in for in-person worship.
CHAPS can always use our support! If you have any food or hygiene items, please drop them off at the church office during office hours or give them to a volunteer when attending outdoor worship.
Items they can use include:
shampoo, dandruff shampoo, conditioner, disposable razors, women's body wash, alcohol, peroxide, bar soap, sanitary napkins, panty liners, tampons cleaning products such as disinfectant sprays, wipes, and cleaners. Please no travel size.
It is time to update our records and make sure we have the most current information from our members, families and friends.

Please take a minute to complete the contact information form that can be found using the link below.

This information will not be shared in the directory without your permission.
Let's Reimagine & Connect to Keep our Church Community Strong
  • Have you been thinking about learning some new skill?
  • Have you been wondering how you can contribute your talents and skills but remain safe?
  • Are you missing your community and are ready to reengage in a safe way?
  • Are you looking for an opportunity that is meaningful to you but can be done safely?

We are reimagining new BUT safe ways to support our church family. Let's explore together some possibilities. Please reach-out:
Call us at (941) 484-7068
Email us HERE
We Care: We are here to support you! Click on the links below to contact these ministries.
3276 E. Venice Avenue, Venice, FL 34292
(941) 484-7068
Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 10AM to 3PM