Photo Credit: Park Showalter
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30
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STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST MCC, MARCH 12, 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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Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 14!
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Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour so you are not late for Worship!
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Sunday Worship Information
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Rev. Vickie Miller | Rev. Nancy Wilson
Sr. Co-Pastors, SunCoast MCC
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In-Person or Via Live Stream Worship
Register in advance so we are able to properly plan for a safe and socially distanced Service
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Robert Rogers, Guest Speaker
Robert is the Director of Community Outreach at the Senior Friendship Center. In his work at the Center, Robert has focused on developing and programming for LGBTQ+ older adults, specifically within the context of emotional wellness. In addition to facilitating loss and growth support groups, he collaborates directly with community members to create cross-generational and cross-cultural conversations exploring the LGBTQ+ experience. Robert's other passion is supporting grassroots human services projects. An especially important part of his experience has been volunteering, something he has participated in since childhood. In his words, “Volunteering is a profoundly positive experience and brings so much clarity to the idea of community and the humanity that’s all around us.” Robert, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, studied Art History at NYU and also worked for museums and galleries in New York, London, Paris and Sao Paulo.
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Did you know we are holding
In-Person Worship Services on Sundays on our Church Grounds Outdoors?
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Join Us for Worship on
Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 10AM as we Welcome Robert Rogers.
Holy Vessels: Our Stories (Mental Health)
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Those who collect beach glass often seek out any markings or clues as to the story of the original piece. Like those pieces of glass, there are stories that have shaped our lives.
Sometimes the difficulty of those stories leave us without the ability to see who we truly are in the eyes of God or to speak the depth of our struggles.
This week we focus on the importance of recovery of mental health, reclaiming our sense of who we are and being able to proclaim new redemptive stories of divine worth.
Scripture: Matthew 9:27-33
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Inclement Weather: If the outdoor Worship Service is cancelled, 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!!! (More details below)
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Don't Forget to Purchase Your "Luck of the Irish Raffle Ticket" (Win half of the pot!)
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Take the Check-in Survey and let us know your feedback on a host of reopening topics.
- Join us during Holy Week. Many events are planned. Don't forget to register as needed.
- Send comforting prayers to those in our congregation who are experiencing hardships.
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Holy Vessels: Safe Keeping |
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Don't Forget! Community Health Homework Challenge
On February 28th, Rev. Nancy Wilson preached about economic recovery and healing, and about what people of faith can do to be engaged, and invited us to do some “homework” in the next few weeks.
Our own state of Florida passed a minimum wage of $15 an hour, that will go into effect in 2026, with increases along the way. We are one of only 7 states that has done this.
If you want to know more about how to support those who earn minimum wage in our country, here are two organizations you can connect to and learn more about the struggle and support them if you choose:
Meanwhile, be in prayer and contact your congressional representative as this may be a unique opportunity this year to move forward on this issue.
To find help in contacting your members of Congress, contact www.usa.gov
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IMPORTANT DATES
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
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Virtual Trivia is Back!!
Join us for an hour of fun, friendly competition and fellowship.
Monday Nights beginning March 15, 2021
at 6PM.
Use the link below to join the fun!
Meeting ID: 941 8828 9799
Passcode: 399572
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New Virtual ASL Class
Thursday, March 18 at 6PM
We will be learning a new song for Easter. We will be sending it to MCC for their Easter Concert. Hope to see you there! Use the link below to join the ZOOM class.
Meeting ID: 917 2672 6707
Passcode: suncoast
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There is 1 in-person Outdoors Small Group Bible Study remaning.
(limited to 10 people per group):
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
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During Sunday Worship on April 11, 2021 at 10AM, we will have a guest performance form Eirinn Abu a local musician and saxophonist.
Eirinn Abu and his wife, Brandy, enjoy visiting churches to worship and praise and share God’s music with everyone. Eirinn Abu has now performed and shared his testimony on how God saved his life in over 1,000 churches in the last ten years. You can expect a very blessed and moving experience that will warm your heart and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Take a moment to hear his work using the video link below.
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Update 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 monthly mortgage and expenses, we need $4,800 each week.. For the week ending March 7th, we collected $3,337 for the General Fund* and $360 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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Update from Your Pastoral & 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 • Joe • Greg H •
Tim H • Joe D • John •
Doug B • Micki H • Julia G •
Randy M • Sharon F •
Carla P • Maggie B • Margie • BJ • Ryan C
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We Need to Hear From You!
Take the Check-in Survey Now
We are for the third time since the pandemic asking you to complete a Check-in Survey to let us know how we are doing? Your feedback on how we should continue to worship and host events at Church, safely, is important as we make plans for 2021.
Please take a minute now to complete this survey by using the Link below. Each step of the way, since the pandemic, we have listened to your feedback. Your voice and opinion matters! Thank you.
Thank you to those who have taken the time to complete the survey. We want to hear from everyone
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BELOW IS THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR HOLY WEEK!! |
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Saturday, March 27 at
9AM to 11AM
The Gospel of Mark:
A Spiritual Practice for Lent
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As we prepare for Holy Week this year, we are going to have a special opportunity to read the entire Gospel of Mark together, on the Saturday before Palm Sunday.
We will gather outdoors, in the sanctuary area. There will be a podium with a large print version of the Gospel of Mark, and those in attendance can either just listen, or participate by taking turns, safely, reading pre-marked passages.
Our sole purpose will be to hear the story of Jesus – the shortest and easiest to read version -- in one setting. There is something powerful about just hearing the whole story, with all the drama, excitement and passion.
Join us for this simple, deeply spiritual experience. You do not need to bring a Bible, or anything. Just come, read and listen.
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Sunday, March 28 at 10AM
Palm Sunday Worship Service
In-Person and via Live Stream
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“They took palm branches and went out to meet Jesus shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the king of Israel!"
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Space is Limited.
Only 10 SunCoast MCC members and families will be allowed to be in the Sanctuary each hour.
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Good Friday, April 2
A Special Time for Prayer and Reflection
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The Church Sanctuary will be open for a time of quiet personal meditation from 11AM to 2PM.
We are allowing up to 10 people in each hour. The Outward Bound team will be assisting with checking temperatures, cleaning the chairs and ensuring all safety protocols are followed. You can spend as much time as you need during your designated hour.
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Virtual Service
Good Friday
April 2 at 7PM
The Link will be available on the Church Website and in Staying Connected.
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In-Person Service
Easter Sunday
April 4 at 10AM
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Special Easter Offering 2021 |
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Celebrate Women's History Month |
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What is the theme for women's History Month 2021?
The theme for 2021 National Women’s History Month captures the spirit of these challenging times. Since most 2020 women’s suffrage centennial celebrations were curtailed, the National Women’s History Alliance is extending the annual theme for 2021 which is
“Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.”
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Support Your Church and Community |
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Luck of the Irish Raffle
Win half of the pot!
Limited tickets for sale at $20 each. Purchase your ticket online or call the church office to arrange for an in-person purchase.
The pot already has $1100 (extended from last year's postponed St. Patrick's Day raffle), let's keep the pot-growing!
Drawing on March 21 during the Worship Service
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Help Decorate Our Altar For Easter Sunday
We are inviting you to participate in our Easter Sunday celebration by bringing an Easter plant to add to the beauty of the Greatest of All Feasts - the Resurrection of Christ.
Bring your plant with you on Easter Sunday. You will be able to take your plat home after the Easter Service.
“God is in all creatures, even in the smallest flowers.” — Martin Luther
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Family Promise of Sarasota needs our Help. They are in need of laundry detergent, fabric soften, shampoo and conditioner. If you can help, please drop the items by the church office and Rev. Nancy will deliver them to Family Promise. |
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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.
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- 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.
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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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