Photo Credit: Janine McCarthy
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." ~Isaiah 40:8
STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST September 24, 2021
We are a welcoming, diverse and active community. We share God's love in a spiritual environment offering truth, trust and transformation!
Sunday Worship Information
Bless to Me Series

"I will bless the Lord at all times; God’s praise will always be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1
The tradition of blessing prayers has endured through centuries among the people called “Celts.” These blessings reveal a sense of the holy in every moment, in every thing, in every person. This is a way of living, of observing and celebrating, blessing and being blessed by the ordinary acts and encounters of life. Inspired by this tradition of Celtic spirituality and featuring the blessing poems of Beth A. Richardson (Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings), spend the next 6 weeks exploring blessings that surround us and live within us.
Rev. Vickie Miller
Rev. Nancy Wilson
Sr. Co-Pastors
SunCoast MCC

Join us this
Sunday, September 26th at 10 AM

In-Person or Live Stream Worship
"Bless to Me"
 Celebrating the Gifts of Life
 
The tradition of blessing prayers has endured through centuries among the people called “Celts.” These blessings reveal a sense of the holy in every moment, in every thing, in every person. 

Everyday objects from our coffee cups to our pets and routine activities like washing dishes or taking off our shoes can become occasions of blessing.

Moving through our day by acknowledging the smallest of blessings slows us down and helps us hone in on the beauty of the gifts of life.
 
Scriptures: Psalm 148 & Luke 12:27
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. We celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

The recognition started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize that Hispanic heritage is American heritage.  We see it in every aspect of our national life: on our television and movie screens, in the music that moves our feet, and in the foods we enjoy. We benefit from the many contributions of Hispanic scientists working in labs across the country to help us fight COVID-19 and the doctors and the nurses on the front lines caring for people’s health. Our Nation is represented by Hispanic diplomats who share our values in countries all over the world and strengthened by military members and their families who serve and sacrifice for the United States. Our communities are represented by Hispanic elected officials, and our children are taught by Hispanic teachers. Our future will be shaped by Hispanic engineers who are working to develop new technology that will help us grasp our clean energy future and by the skilled union workers who are going to build it.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is an important reminder of how much strength we draw as a Nation from our immigrant roots and our values as a Nation of immigrants. (Source: From the White House Proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month).  
Upcoming Events at SunCoast MCC
Please join us at 6 PM on Mondays for the following Virtual game nights:

09-27: Scavenger Hunt
10-04: Bingo
10-11: Pictionary
10-18: Trivia

SunCoast MCC is known as a praying church. If you feel called to be a prayer partner, we welcome you to join our Prayer Ministry as we pray for the requests that we receive.


If you are unable to attend the Prayer Ministry Meeting on October 3rd, and you would like to be a member of this group, please contact
"Bless to Me"
Bible Study Classes-Blended
In-person and via Zoom

When: October 5th, 12th, 19th
Time: 6:30 PM

Aligning with our worship series, "Bless to Me," we will explore a deeper understanding of the meaning of “blessing” and how we can dwell on God’s blessings in our lives. Each week we will read blessing scriptures, prayers and liturgies, and spend some individual time writing our own blessings. 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.
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
SunCoast Multimedia Team Updated
God is Good!

Thank you to the SunCoast family for donating $2,000 to cover the cost of a new Media computer!

Thank you to everyone who made this possible!
Lost Coin Jar September Challenge
Lost Coin Jar Challenge Update - this is our
Last Week!!!!!

As of Tuesday, September 21st, $1,077 has been collected for the Lost Coin Challenge.

Keep digging in your furniture, cars and bags for more coins!

With the generosity of the
"Matches", $1,077 becomes $3,231.

Let's keep Mary busy this final week counting coins!
Board of Directors Updates
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 September 19th are $2,502 for the General Fund* and $560 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.
Venice Florida Pride, Inc. Updates
We have some exciting news to share. 

  • For the first time, we are participating in the City of Venice Holiday Tree Lighting. The Tree Lighting will occur on December 11th. Stay tuned for updates on when we will be decorating the tree in PRIDE colors. This is an event you will not want to miss!

  • The Venice Pride Community Festival has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 11 AM to 4 PM.

  • Read the September newsletter, Many Voices (click HERE) that features the ALSO Youth organization. Learn about the inspiring work they are doing, read about their new Executive Director, Mickey Stone, and learn about their newest Programs.

For more information about what's happening at Venice Pride, Inc.
please contact any Board team member.
Rev. Nancy Wilson, President; George Ward, Vice President; Beth Ryan, Treasurer;
Kathy Hanas, Secretary; or by email at board@veniceFLpride.com.
September 19th Worship Recording
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 September 19th Worship Service.
Honoring Our Saints

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 24.
United 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:

Micki H • Randy M & Tim M • 
BJ H & Denise W •
Bill B • Joe D & Tim H •
Laura M • Greg H •
Doug B • Nikki L •
Jerry F • 
Jack B • Pam C • Peter B
Jackie •
Margie S • Ginny
If you have someone in need of prayer that you would like placed on our Prayer List, please contact: 
PRAYER SUBMITTED BY:
DELAINE MCCORD (she/her) 
is originally from Mississippi. and now lives in Maryland with her partner, Wil, and their 3 cats. Being the only black student in first grade, she was segregated from her white counterparts, with the other children who couldn’t be seen. That’s when she befriended children who had various physical and learning disabilities. Through this experience, she became aware of disparities in education, and it sparked her passion for social justice. During working hours, she’s a nurse specializing in addictions.
SunCoast MCC Protocols
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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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: Office is closed
Tuesday thru Thursday: 10 AM to 3 PM
Friday: Noon to 3 PM