Photo Credit: Rev. Nancy Wilson
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in our Creator. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. ~Psalm 62:5-6
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STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST October 15, 2021
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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Sunday Worship Information
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The tradition of blessing prayers has endured through centuries among the people called “Celts.”
Modern day prayer written in the form of blessings:
“Through the Day: Celebrating God’s Presence in Each Moment.”
A Blessing at Sunset
Bless, O God, this tender evening,
The trees, branches raised in praise,
The sky, soft glow darkening into dusk,
The homecoming of young and old.
Bless, O God, this sacred moment,
The quiet pause between day and night,
The birds, flying to safety in bush or brush.
The colors of the sunset –
Orange to red to purple to black –
Creeping across the sky.
Bless, O God, this night to come.
The safety of shelter, the supper to nourish.
Hearts of joy or souls bent in sorrow.
Renewing rest and hope for one more day.
Bless, O God. Bless.
From: Christ Beside Me, Christ Within me: Celtic Blessings
by Beth A. Richardson
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Rev. Vickie Miller
Rev. Nancy Wilson
Sr. Co-Pastors
SunCoast MCC
Join us this
Sunday, October 17th at 10 AM
In-Person or Live Stream Worship
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"Bless to Me"
The Struggling Times: Facing Illness, Loss and Grief
This week we continue our series on the many blessings in our lives. Too often we consider “blessings” to be just those things that feel “good” to us. And yet, the Celtic tradition extends blessing to especially times of loss.
What blessing might we find in those circumstances—not in spite of those circumstances but perhaps because of them?
Blessing does not deny sorrow but deepens and moves us through it.
Scriptures: Psalm 31 & II Corinthians 4:8-10
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Stewardship Campaign Update |
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SunCoast MCC Stewardship
Prayer 2021
BOUNTIFUL GOD, thank you for the many blessings You have bestowed on me and all those I love – especially the blessings of the Community and Ministries of SunCoast MCC.
I am grateful for the time, talent and treasure of those who preceded me at SunCoast MCC providing its blessings for me today. Grant me wisdom as I contemplate my financial
stewardship
obligations so that MCC may thrive today and be there in the future for those who need the blessings of this faithful Community and its many Ministries.
In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray.
Amen
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The Stewardship Campaign is in the 3rd week. We are so blessed that we have received over 30 commitment cards
Because of your commitment of time, talents and tithes, we will thrive today and be there in the future for those who need the blessings of this faithful Community and its many Ministries.
"A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great."
~Proverbs 11:25
Use the links below to read the Stewardship Letter and print a Commitment card.
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Help us fill the tree with Blessings.
During our Stewardship campaign, we are asking everyone to reflect on how SunCoast MCC has been a blessing to you and how you have been a blessing to the Church and community.
We all have so much to be thankful for and are blessed by so many. Please complete the card and bring it to Worship, drop it by the Church office or mail it to the Church.
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Breast Cancer Awareness
Let's All Wear Pink on Sunday, October 17th
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According to the CDC, other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.
Fast Facts About Breast Cancer
- Each year in the United States, about 255,000 women get breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease.
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Men also get breast cancer, but it is not very common. About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.
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Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women.
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Thank you Rev. Vickie Miller,
Rev. Nancy Wilson, Rev. Gene Hutter, Rev. Renae Phillips, and Rev. Naomi King for all you do!
For the lessons you teach, the faith you share, the hearts you reach, the ways you care….you are appreciated!
Happy Clergy Appreciation Month!
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SunCoast MCC Upcoming Events |
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Please join us at 6 PM on Monday for our last game night of the month.
10-18: Trivia
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"Bless to Me"
Classes-Blended
In-person and via Zoom
When: October 19th
Time: 6:30 PM
The class will be based on the book Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings by Beth A. Richardson.
The course will be taught by Rev. Vickie and Rev. Nancy in person at the church, or you may participate through zoom.
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When: October 21, 2021
Time: 6:30 PM
Blended Class: In-person or join virtually using the link below
Once a month we are gathering to learn and grow as we seek to overcome racism and be better allies to one another.
THIS MONTH – We will welcome a special guest, Shirley Bascom, founder and former President of Venice Interfaith Community Association, of which SunCoast MCC is a member.
Shirley will share how her Baha'i faith undergirds her decades of anti-racism work. She will share the story of how she came to understand white privilege and became activist.
If you join us on October 21, and have never been to one of our meetings, we would ask you to consider viewing this video in advance, which beautifully explains why Black Lives Matter and why it is so important for all of us to engage.
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SunCoast MCC Membership Class
October 24, 2021
at 11:30 AM
(after Worship)
Are you interested in learning more about our church and denomination, Metropolitan Community Church?
Our pastors will lead a class for those who are interested in knowing more and are considering joining the church.
We will also get to know each other and answer your questions.
Lunch will be provided.
If you are interested in attending, please call the Church office or email Kim at info@suncoastmcc.com
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Friendly Competition between other Churches?
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Road trip anyone?
We have been invited (challenged!) to an evening of “Family Feud” at King of Peace MCC in St. Pete, Thursday, October 28 at 7 PM.
We need players and spectators – they have a large sanctuary in which we can distance as we participate.
We will need a team of 5, or even 2 teams of 5 to compete.
Sign up in the church lobby or call the church office and let Rev. Nancy know you want to participate.
Several other MCC churches in the area will be participating... SunCoast, we can win this!!
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An Evening with Rev. Nancy Wilson |
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Save The Date!!
On November 1 at 7 PM we are hosting, “A Night with Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson.”
Rev. Nancy will share several of her stories from throughout her career as a Pastor in Los Angeles and as the immediate past Moderator for the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Church (UFMCC) Denomination.
Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson served as the head of the global denomination from 2005-2016, and is only one of three people to hold that position in the denomination’s 53 year history.
We hope you can join us as we learn from her vast life experiences. This will be a blended event. You can join us in-person or virtually by visiting our website.
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Board of Directors Updates |
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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. The counts for the week of October 10th are $2,592 for the General Fund* and $710 for the Pillars Fund**.
*Funds the church's expenses (i.e., utilities, salaries, maintenance of property, worship/multi-media expenses, bank fees, internet, copier, office supplies, tithe, etc.)
**Pillar Funds the church's mortgage, insurance & taxes.
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Board of Director Elections |
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Are you being called to serve on the SunCoast Board of Directors?
At our next Annual Meeting on Sunday, November 14, 2021, all active, voting members will have an opportunity to choose four Board members. We are accepting applications to fill these positions from October 10th through October 24th.
We invite interested individuals to pray about this potential call and complete an application.
For more information on becoming a board member, please use the link below. The applications will be on the website in the Members section or you can pick them up at the Church.
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MCC of New Orleans has been assessing the needs and designing plans for outreach and support in their communities. Attached is a flyer that promotes an event on October 9th. In partnership with local organizations and with generous support from St. John's MCC and other groups in North Carolina, MCC of New Orleans will be distributing food, water, and other building, cleaning, and general supplies to individuals and families still struggling to recover from the hurricane. The needs are many and the suffering is great. In addition to the damage and destruction to homes and possessions, many are unable to return to work and are without sustainable income and means of financial support.
For more information on how you can help, please use the link below. We will also have a basket at both exits for donations this Sunday.
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New SunCoast MCC Communication Tool |
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You asked for it and we made it happen. In November, we will begin publishing a "Month At A Glance" for you to print and hang on your refrigerator. The Month At A Glance will be included in the last Staying Connected Message of each month for the following month. You can also pick one up at Church on the last Sunday of the Month. Attached is a preview of what it will highlight each month. We always encourage you to check the website for details on all the exciting things happening at SunCoast MCC. |
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We will include a video celebration of our loved ones for All Saints Day in late October. If you have not previously sent your loved ones' name and photo, please use this email and send it by October 22.
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On Sunday, October 31st, we will be honoring Eve Burchert and others by placing their leaf on the Tree of Life.
If you are interested in honoring a loved one, please complete the form using the link below and drop it off with the memorial donation by October 22nd to allow time for the leaves to be inscribed.
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United in the Power of Prayer |
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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:
Randy M & Tim M •
BJ H & Denise W •
Bill B • Joe D & Tim H •
Laura M • Greg H • Doug B • Nikki L • Beverly D • Jerry F • Bruce C
Jack B • Pam C • Peter B
Jackie • Margie S • Ginny • Jim F.
Raquel's Goddaughter Mayra •
Lorna's Great-grandson • Elaine H • Sandie S • Finn T • Ron L
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If you have someone in need of prayer that you would like placed on our Prayer List, please contact:
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PRAYER SUBMITTED BY:
REV. ELDER CAROLYN J. MOBLEY-BOWIE
(she, her, hers)
Member, MCC Council of Elders
Minister of Music for
Breath of Life Spiritual Center MCC
Saginaw, Michigan, USA
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Exciting Announcements from Venice Pride, Inc. |
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SAVE THE DATES EVERYONE. We have a few exciting events coming soon! Mark those calendars. CLICK HERE
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For more information, reach out to any Board member (Rev. Nancy Wilson, President, George Ward, Vice-President, Beth Ryan, Treasurer or Kathy Hanas, Secretary at board@veniceflpride.com.
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October 10th 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 the recording of the October 10th Worship Service.
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With your help, we can work together to ensure the health and safety of all who enter our Church.
- We ask that everyone wear a mask while in the Church. This is for your safety and the safety of others.
- We will greet each other from a distance for now with no handshakes, hugs, fist pumps or elbow bumps.
- Our Ushers will continue to offer to escort you to a seat, and if you prefer to maintain social distance, they will assist you.
- There will be limited congregational singing.
- We ask you to continue to avoid congregating inside the building before and after Worship.
- And, of course, if you are sick or feel symptoms of COVID, please stay home and enjoy the service online or on YouTube.
Thank you all for your patience and cooperation.
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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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