Staying Connected with SunCoast MCC May 14, 2021

Photo Credit: Park Showalter

"So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God." ~Mark 16:19

STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST May 14, 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

Join us this Sunday

May 16th at 10AM

In-Person or Via Live Stream Worship

Dare to Dance Again! Series

“Gone Up with a Shout: Clap Your Hands”

On this Ascension Sunday we recall that as Jesus prepares to leave the disciples, he blesses them and opens their minds. The Gospels tell us that they then return to Jerusalem with great joy and continually worship and bless God in the temple.

What happens when we come down from the mountain enlightened and with a new vision? It calls us to trust in the Spirit with hope, to celebrate with abandon, and even when rain sets in to open those umbrellas of gratitude and set out anyway.

Scriptures: Psalm 47 and Luke 24:44-53

Inclement Weather: If the outdoor Worship Service is canceled, 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.

Board of Directors Updates

"Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to."

-Deuteronomy 15:10

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. For the weeks of May 2nd and May 9th, we received $5,121 for the General Fund and $660 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.

The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for May 24th at 4:30PM. Anyone is able to join and watch our dedicated leaders as they take care of the Church business.

If you are interested in attending as an observer, please email the church office at info@suncoastmcc.com and the link to the Zoom meeting will be sent to you prior to the start of the meeting.

Don’t forget to book your meeting in advance with the Office Manager,

Kim Rabon-Noyce by emailing her HERE or calling the Church office.

Ministry Leaders and Volunteers:

Do you Need to Host an In-Person Meeting at SunCoast MCC?

Are you a ministry leader or a volunteer who needs to have an in-person meeting with no more than 15 persons?

That is now an option at SunCoast MCC.

Please read the Guidelines HERE to learn more what protocols we are following.

Reopen Team Updates

We Are Returning Indoors!

The Board approved moving indoors for Worship on Sunday, May 30 at 10AM. We don't have all the details worked out just yet. Please stay tuned for a Special Edition of Staying Connected soon.

Here is what we know:

You will see a freshly painted Sanctuary, new floors and an open space that has been refreshed. This was only possible due to your generous donations and many volunteers.

We hope you will feel joy, pride and safe when you enter the Church building again.

We rejoice and are blessed that our Church community and family is coming together indoors again.

With God’s help, we had to find new ways to Worship safely this past year – and now, we are glad to be back.

During this time of transition, please remember that we still need to be careful and keep each other safe. Here are the protocols for our upcoming outdoor services on May 16 and May 23.

Register in advance HERE.
When you arrive, you will be greeted by a volunteer who will take attendance.
We ask that you wear a mask to “Enter” and “Exit” the Church grounds. However, while you are listening to the Service, you may remove your mask but maintain social distancing.
Wait for instructions from the Ushers on exiting and use the designated containers for donations and for your empty communion cups.
If you are not feeling well, have symptoms of COVID or have tested positive for COVID, please do not enter the church building or attend our outdoor event.

May 30 – Our Church Sanctuary is Open Again!! We will provide more information soon! We will be wearing masks and following social distancing.

Thank you for your continued support as we work through all the steps we will be taking to Worship indoors safely. More information soon! Any questions contact the reopen team.

Calling All Volunteers!

It is time to get the Sanctuary ready for your return. The floors are new and the walls are freshly painted.

We need your help to do a deep cleaning and move the furniture back into the Sanctuary!

May 17th we will gather to clean, dust, wash windows, etc. in the Sanctuary.
May 18th we need volunteers to help move the furniture back and prepare the Church for your return.
We will begin working both days at 9:30AM.

Please email Kim at Info@suncoastmcc.com if you are able to help.

Upcoming Events at SunCoast MCC

Monday Night at 6PM

Join us for an hour of fun, friendly competition and fellowship

Meeting ID: 941 8828 9799

Passcode: 399572

Link for Virtual Trivia

Are you interested in learning more about SunCoast MCC, the Denomination and how to become a member of the Church? We are holding a class after Worship one Sunday in May.

If you are interested in attending, please use the link below. The date will be determined once we identify those who are interested in attending.

Join us for a socially distanced brown bag lunch after Worship this Sunday, May 16th

We all long for connection and fellowship during these trying times. We have been exploring safe and fun outdoor in-person activities to help us reconnect.

We ask that you bring your own food and we will have water.

People will need to stay 6 feet apart and wear masks when exiting.

Remember and Honoring

We Honor and Remember David Waldron

In honor of Deacon Emeritus David Waldron, we would like to place a leaf on the Tree of Life Memorial in the Church.

If you would like to make a donation in honor of David's dedication to our Church, community and to spreading the word of the Gospel, please use the link below.

A Memorial Service will be held in June.

Use the LINK to make a Donation to the David Waldron Memorial

A Memorial Service will be held for Eve on May 15, 2021 at 10AM outside. Throughout her life, Eve was privately an active member of the transgender community on the weekends, breaking barriers, traveling and teaching many about what it meant to be trans. However, she was not fully out to family and friends until the age of 77. Finding SunCoast MCC helped her to live into her full identity with pride and confidence. She will be greatly missed by her family and all the communities of which she was a vital part.

Please use the link below to register for the Memorial Service.

If you would like to make a donation for a Leaf in memory of Eve to be placed on the Tree of Life, you can drop it by the Church office or use the link below..

Link to Register for Eve Burchert Memorial Service

Use the LINK to make a Donation to the Eve Burchert Memorial

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:

Laura M • Darwin B • Bill B • Joe

Greg H • Tim H • Joe D • Doug B

John • Micki H • Julia G • Randy M

Sharon F • Carla P • Maggie B

Margie • Ryan C • BJ H • Kathi K

Ed • Rev. Nancy W. • Margie

Albee • Tina B • Kathy H • Gailand K

• Janine M • Charlene B • Tim M

Tara W • Paula S • Kim & Tammy R-N

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

Submit a Prayer Request HERE

Ways to Help the Church and the Community

Calling all Office Angels

Do you have some time on your hands and would like to find something meaningful to fill your day?

Do you like talking to people and telling people about SunCoast MCC?

We are looking for any interested volunteers who might be willing to help in the office when needed. Please email Kim HERE and let her know if you are interested in becoming part of this ministry.

Community Support

CHAPS needs Hygiene products. Please consider picking up items during your next trip to the store and bringing the items to church on Sunday.

They need regular size items, not travel size.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.-.Galatians 6:2

National Mental Health Awarness Month

Happy Mental Health Month! We’ve all been through a lot lately. As we continue to persevere, let’s find joy in making our mental health a priority. What makes you happy?

Celebrate Mental Health Month by taking a few minutes each day for yourself. Whether it’s a 5-minute meditation or walk around the block, be sure to prioritize your mental health.

Mental Health Facts & Figures

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.

Celebrate Pride Month

VENICE PRIDE, INC. INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH

"RIDE FOR PRIDE CAR PARADE"

SATURDAY, JUNE 5 AT 1PM

SPONSORS: deadline to register is Saturday, May 25.

Please join us as we celebrate Pride Month! Venice Pride, Inc. is hosting its second car parade in downtown Venice, FL. All are welcome.

Registration is easy! Please use the link below to let Venice Pride, Inc. know that you will be attending. Venice Pride, Inc. is also looking for sponsors. The Deadline to register as a Sponsor is May 25th . We look forward to seeing you. If you are interested in becoming a Ride for Pride Sponsor, please use the link below.