Photo Credit: Yolanda deJesus

For wisdom will enter your heart; And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
-Proverbs 2:10
STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST MCC, March 5, 2021
A welcoming, diverse and active community. We share God's love in a spiritual environment offering truth, trust and transformation!
Sunday Worship Information
Rev. Vickie Miller | Rev. Nancy Wilson
Sr. Co-Pastors, SunCoast MCC
(also live-streamed)

Register in advance so we are able to properly plan for a safe and socially distanced Service.
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.
Did you know we are holding
In-Person Worship Services on Sundays on our Church Grounds Outdoors?
Join Us for Worship on
Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 10AM

Holy Vessels: Different Pictures
(Intellectual Health) 
Each of us is created a precious and holy vessel, yet at times we experience prolonged periods of difficulty. Our minds are frequently bombarded by untruths and the chaos around us. 

We need to create a different picture. We need to reach out for a touch of truth, trust and transformation, as we hear in this week’s healing story. 

We need our intellect and imagination renewed so that we can re-engage with others. In community when we offer our collective brokenness, God creates beauty, just as a mosaic artist creates beauty from broken pieces of glass.

Scripture: Philippians 4:8-13, Matthew 9:18-26
REMINDERS!!! (More details below)

  • Don't Forget to Purchase Your "Luck of the Irish Raffle Ticket" (Win half of the pot!)
  • 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
Note From our Volunteers
Jacquie, Debi and Santa
"It was a labor of love-we love our Church, we love our Pastors and we love our Congregants"!!!
Join the SunCoast MCC
Virtual Choir
The Choir will be rehearsing and recording "God Is We."

If you would like to take part, please let
Dr. Katz know ASAP. The recording and rehearsal schedule:

  • Sunday, March 7 at 7PM - Rehearsal on Zoom (Link will be sent later)
  • Wednesday, March 10 at 7PM - Record Part 1
  • Wednesday, March 24 at 7PM - Record Part 2
Holy Vessels: Safe Keeping
Don't Forget! Community Health Homework Challenge

Last Sunday, 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 
IMPORTANT DATES
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
New Virtual ASL Class
Thursday, March 11 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
Sunday
March 14 at 10AM

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.
Bible Mystery: Who was the Beloved Disciple?

Tuesday, March 9th at 7PM

Tradition says that the Beloved Disciple, who the Gospel of John says, “lay on the breast of Jesus” during the last supper, was John.

But was it? And, why does it matter?

There are other theories about who the Beloved Disciple might have been . . .

Join Rev. Nancy and others for time of fellowship and sharing of this mystery that comes up during Lent every year. Bring your Bible and an open mind!
BELOW IS THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR HOLY WEEK!!
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 new monthly mortgage, we are updating the weekly expense needed to $4,800. For the week ending February 28th, we collected $2,962 for the General Fund* and $320 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.
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 • .
Doug B • Micki H • Julia G •
Randy M • Sharon F • 
 Carla P • Maggie B • Margie • Petra • John
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.
Holy Week
Saturday, March 27 at
9AM to 11AM

The Gospel of Mark: 
A Spiritual Practice for Lent
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.
Sunday, March 28 at 10AM

Palm Sunday Worship Service
In-Person and via Live Stream
“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!" 

Please use the link below to register for the Service.
Space is Limited.
Only 10 SunCoast MCC members and families will be allowed to be in the Sanctuary each hour.
Good Friday, April 2
A Special Time for Prayer and Reflection
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 your need during your designated hour.
Virtual Service
Good Friday
April 2 at 7PM
In-Person Service
Easter Sunday
April 4 at 10AM
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):

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

Celebrate Women's History Month
The purpose of Women's History Month is to increase consciousness and knowledge of women's history: to take one month of the year to remember the contributions of notable and ordinary women, in hopes that the day will soon come when it's impossible to teach or learn history without remembering these contributions.

Some Ways You Can Celebrate Women's History Month

  • Support a women-owned business
  • Look for a local women's shelter, women's organization or a women's health clinic and volunteer in your community.
  • Mentor a young woman and share your experience and expertise.
Celebrating the Work of
Rev. Carolyn J. Mobley-Bowie
Below is a Video message from Rev. Elder Carolyn shared during Worship on Sunday, February 28th
Rev Carolyn was ordained as a Christian Minister in 1995 by the General Conference of Metropolitan Community Churches, held that year in Atlanta, Georgia.  

She has served our denomination and movement as staff, supporting the Clergy Connection Program, as an Interim Pastor in Tulsa, OK, in Richmond, VA, and in Waterford, MI. 
 
While living in Richmond, Rev. Carolyn and her life-partner, Rev. Adrian were legally married, twenty plus years after their original Service of Holy Union. Presently she serves as Co-Leader of the North Central US Network of MCC.
From the Reopen Team
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.
Support Your Church
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 $660 (extended from last year's postponed St. Patrick's Day raffle).  Let's keep the pot-growing!  

Drawing on March 21 during worship
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.

“God is in all creatures, even in the smallest flowers.” — Martin Luther
MCC Update
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For Your Information
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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