Join as we pray for the Ukraine.
“This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Creator, our God is with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:9
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STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST February 25, 2022
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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Time Sensitive Information |
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Rev. Craig, along with MCC and Equality FL, is working to put together a protest march at the state Capitol building in Tallahassee on Monday, March 7th. This would include a press conference and possible meetings with State legislators.
If you are interested in going, please notify the Church as soon as possible. We are planning on leaving March 6 after Worship and carpooling. Individuals will be responsible for costs.
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Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson
Senior Pastor
Rev. Rick Rhen-Sosbe
Assistant Pastor
SunCoast MCC
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Join us this
Sunday, February 27 at
10 AM
for In-Person or Virtual Worship
Discipleship By the Sea: “Let’s Go”
Jesus says to the disciples, “Let us go...” The call to go is for all of us. It is a call to go and share the good news of God’s love.
Here are some questions we will consider as we ponder the call to “go.” Why is it important to go? Will there be storms or opposition when we go? When we go, what are the different ways we can demonstrate God’s love?
Join us Sunday to hear the answers to these questions and more!
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Let’s Get Ready for Lent 2022 at SunCoast MCC!
A GOOD ENOUGH FAITH
Imagine – a faith that does not just make us feel guilty, but that asks us to offer more grace to ourselves and others!
We will explore Gospel Stories, Ash Wednesday through Good Friday that remind us that:
Perfection is impossible, but transformation is not. Sometimes, taking smaller, more manageable steps of faith is more life-giving. Ordinary lives can be holy!
In these days, when so much seems out of our control, we can learn to breathe, and give ourselves and others a break. We can admit that sometimes we need support, that “It takes a Village” to be healthy and whole.
The sights and sounds of worship will open our hearts to grace, and experience that “God is Here, and That is Good Enough!”
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Celebrating Black History Month |
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As we come to the end of February, we hope that learning about the impact Blacks have made to our history will continue and not just be confined to one month a year.
We would like to say thank you to all who have made so many contributions as we continue to pursue racial equity and equality.
Below is a link to an article recently published in The New York Times titled "Black History Month is About Seeing America Clearly".
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Thank you to all the Black Clergy and Lay people who have paved the way for others and continue to fight for racial equality and equity.
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The following is a list of names of black MCC leaders who have made a difference and enormous contributions to MCC and through their involvement with the People of African Descent (PAD) conferences.
Rev. Cathy Alexander
Rev. Delores Berry (deceased)
Rev. Brendan Boone
Rev. Onetta Brooks
Michelle Burnett
Fred Cannady
Rev. Dr. DeWayne Davis
Robert Ferguson
Rev. Wanda Floyd
Reece Jackson-Whitaker
Rev. Elder Darlene Garner
Rev. Vickey Gibbs (deceased)
Rev. Tijuana Gray
Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin
Sheryl Griffin
Less Henderson
Rev. Candy Holmes
Barry Hundley
Rev. Denise Junious
Rev. Dr. William Knight
Dr. Janice Merritt
Rev. Adrian Mobley-Bowie
Rev. Carolyn Mobley-Bowie
Kareem Murphy
Valerie Parson
Franc Perry
Orgena Rose
Rev. Elder Margarita Sánchez de Léon
Rev. Mykal Slack
Roland Smith
Rev. Dr. Roland Stringfellow
Elisa Vega-Burns
Rev. Marsha Warren
Cassandra White
Dr. David Williams
Rev. Doretha Williams-Flournoy
Anita Wright-Jones
Shannon Young
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Black Clergy and Lay Leaders:
Below is the beginning of a list of other black leaders in MCC. Information about these people may be found in the MCC Polity Class, in some of Troy Perry’s books, the MCC Memorial Wall (on our website www.mccchurch.net), LGBT Religious Archives, Facebook, and through Google. The names below are not in a particular order.
Willie White (deceased)
Rev. Sandy Robinson
Rev. LaPaula Turner
Rev. Renae McCoy
Rev. Carlton Rutherford
Rev. Lucia Chappelle
Herman Simpson
Rev. Nokuthula Dhladhla
Rev. Marlowe Valentine
Rev. Nokuthula Sikobi (deceased)
Rev. Victoria Burson
James Chavez
Rev. Jeffrey Jordan-Pickett
Rev. Dr. A. Leon Tredwell
Rev. Philip Venson Matthews
Dr. Carla Sherrill
Rev. Barbara Haynes
Rev. Bernie Barbour
Kedric Brown
Rev. Gina Durbin
Kathy Beasley
Rev. Magora Kennedy
Source: MCC Resources for Churches
Thank you, Rebecca Wilson and Rev. Wanda Floyd for sharing these resources with us!
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Stay up to date with all the exciting activities happening at SunCoast MCC and the community. Download March Month at a Glance using the link below. |
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SunCoast MCC Celebrating 27 Years Strong in the Community
Join us for Worship on February 27 at 10 AM as we celebrate the 27th Anniversary of SunCoast MCC.
We hope you will come as we remember, rejoice and gather to celebrate the work of SunCoast MCC and dream about the future of our Church.
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Project Pride and Equality Florida has invited Venice Pride, Inc and SunCoast MCC to participate in an emergency rally this Sunday, February 27! This rally is in response to the bill making its way through Florida's legislature impacting the LGBTQ Community, racial inequities and other topics that will hurt those who are marginalized.
Join Project Pride SRQ and Equality Florida as we proudly and loudly SAY GAY and unveil the world's largest progress pride flag--700 feet "The Grand Flag" across the John Ringling Bridge!
Event details:
Sunday, February 27, 2022
12:30-1:30 PM
John Ringling Bridge, Downtown Sarasota
Parking available at Bayfront Park or at the bridge.
We hope to see you there! Bring friends!
Contact Linda Staib if you are attending.
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The Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for this Monday, February 28 at 4:30 PM. The meetings are held at the Church are open to all who would like to learn about the Church operations and to see our leaders at work.
Please keep our Board members in your prayers as they do the work of the Church.
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Ash Wednesday Service
On the first day of Lent, Christians attend liturgical activities and receive ashes on our foreheads in the form of a cross, signaling a sign of our faith and a reminder of remorse for our sins. When we receive the ashes, we are reminded: “Repent and believe in the gospel”; “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return”; “From the blessed earth you came and to the blessed earth you shall return”.
Join us as we take time for reflection and prayer as we enter the Lenten season.
March 2 @ 7 PM
This will be an in-person Worship service only.
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Upcoming Lenten Book Study |
As Lent is a time of searching for meaning and connection, we are excited to offer a seven-week book study on Wednesdays 3:00-4:30 PM, from March 2 through April 13 led by Cindy Duranko and Rev. Rick. This class will be in-person only.
Brené Brown’s “Braving the Wilderness” is an easy read that explores the relationship among spirituality, authenticity and connection, and offers strategies for helping ourselves and all who come through our doors feel a sense of true belonging. The class will focus on exploring how authenticity and spirituality strengthen connection in our cherished community.
Please call the Church or see Kim if you would like to purchase a book. We have ordered several. The paperback books are $8 and the hardcover is $12.
We need a minimum of 10 participants, with a maximum of 20. If you have questions, you can contact Cindy at cduranko@hotmail.com
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Suncoast MCC will be resuming choir and drumming rehearsals
When: March 9, 2022
Drumming: 6 - 6:30 PM
Choir: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
We will sing and drum in worship beginning Sunday, March 20 as we share in the joy of music ministry in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday!
Please e-mail our music director, Dr. David Katz, if you plan to attend rehearsal on March 9 at drdavidkatz@suncoastmcc.com indicating which group you wish to participate in (or both).
Please click the link below to review safety protocols for participation in both these groups.
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Volunteers Needed
The landscaping team will be working on Saturday, March 12 starting at
8:30 AM.
If you can join the team for the entire time or just a portion, please consider helping to spruce up our beautiful property.
Please bring gloves and any tools that you may have to help the team.
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Upcoming Membership Class
Are you interested in learning more about MCC and SunCoast MCC? We will be having our next membership class on Sunday, March 20, 2022 immediately after workship.
At that time, you can join others in fellowship, learning about SunCoast and ways to get involved.
A light lunch will be served.
If you are interested, please call the Church Office, signup in the Lobby or use the electronic form below.
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CHAPS is in need of hygiene products for their families. Due to the rising cost of items in our economy, CHAPS is running low on these types of items.
Hygiene items include (full size, not travel size):
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Shampoo and Condition
- Soap
- Bleach
- Lotion
- Laundry detergent and Laundry softener
- Cleaning Supplies
- Toilet Paper and Paper Towels
Please consider picking up some of the items the next time you are at the store and drop them off at the Church.
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Luck of the Irish Fundraiser |
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Feeling Lucky? Buy a ticket and you have a chance to take home the pot of gold!
The winning ticket will get half of the money raised from ticket sales, up to $1,500. The other half stays with the church.
Tickets are $20 each and are on sale through March 20, 2022. The drawing will take place on Sunday, March 20, 2022 during Worship. You do not have to be present to win!
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To purchase a ticket. see any member of the Fundraising team, use the link or the QR code.
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Weekly Offering and Attendance Information |
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Thank you for your continued support and generosity of your time, talents and financial support.
For the week of
February 14 to February 20,
our income and expenses were:
Weekly contributions were $2,655 which is $2,079 short of the budget of $4734
and
Year to Date (YTD) total is $29,472 received which is $5,016 less than the estimated expenses of $34,488 YTD.
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Attendance Week of
February 20, 2022
53 in person
29 families live streaming
19 YouTube views from February 13 to February 19
101+ In person & online, we're One Body
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United in the Power of Prayer |
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Update from Your Pastoral
& Congregational Care Team
In Charity, kindly remember in prayer members and friends of our SunCoast Community – those who are confined to home, in a health care facility or hospital
and those who are alone. May Almighty God, Physician of souls and bodies, extend healing to ease their every pain and suffering.
May they, may we, be granted healing, strength, and spiritual comfort.
We ask everyone to join us in prayer for:
Randy M & Tim M * BJ H & Denise W * Joe D & Tim H * Bill B * Ron S * Paula J * Marty S * Jerry F * Bruce C * Mayra * Zami * Laura M * Greg H * Nikki L * Family of John G * Phyllis M * Barbara S * Judy * Gracie M * Joffrey S * Terrie B * Pam C * Lorna H * Karen & Lucy * George W * Dorothy B * Woody * Eleanor *
Teresa H * Christine * Tally N * Kathi K * Ann P * Ginny W & Doreen S *
Dallas B & Family
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If you have someone in need of prayer to be placed on our Prayer List
or if you would like to become a member of our Prayer Team
Please Contact:
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Updated SunCoast MCC Protocols for Onsite Worship |
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The Board of Directors regularly revisits the safety protocols in relation to COVID-19. We continue to monitor the local statistics and will make changes when possible.
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We will facilitate social distancing at indoor and outdoor gatherings (indoors, people will be encouraged to sit with people they feel comfortable sitting near, people can sit farther apart, ushers will help people who need it). Chairs will be further apart outside, in small clusters. |
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In order to attend indoor worship, you must be fully vaccinated. |
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Masks are required for indoor services.
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During outside worship, people will need to wear masks while singing as well as entering and leaving the Worship area. If you feel comfortable, you may remove your mask during outside worship. |
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February 20, 2022 Worship Recording |
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Recorded Worship Service
If you were unable to join us last Sunday, we missed you.
You can use the link to watch a recording of the February 20 Worship Service.
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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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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: Office is closed
Tuesday thru Thursday: 10 AM to 3 PM
Friday: Noon to 3 PM
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