Photo Credit: Rev. Nancy Wilson
STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST MCC, AUGUST 14, 2020
A welcoming, diverse and active community. We share God's love in a spiritual environment offering truth, trust and transformation.
Updates
Board of Directors Update
We need Your love and support now more than ever. Together let's keep our General Fund and Pillars accounts liquid. If you are able to make a donation to SunCoast MCC, please (click HERE).
 
To minimally cover the Church expenses during this time, we need approximately $6,000 weekly. For week ending August 9, 2020, we collected $2,002.00 for General Fund* and $690.00 for Pillars**.

*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 and taxes.
Capital Campaign Update
The Pastors, Board and the Capital Campaign 2020 Team would like to thank the members and friends of SunCoast MCC for your amazing generosity! WE DID IT, WITH GOD'S HELP! We have raised over $130,000. We can pay down a portion of the mortgage, refinance, and replenish our Pillars Fund.

THANK YOU ONE AND ALL!  
Programming Team
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We recently sent out a survey to find out what additional activities you would like offered at SunCoast MCC. We are compiling the survey results and will share with you in the next few weeks. In the meantime, there are several opportunities ahead and SanctuaryOnline.live is a new offering available to us with virtual programming each Tuesday night. Stay tuned for more information.
Events at SunCoast MCC
Mondays through August 31 at 6PM

Individuals and friends compete.
Program extended.

Bragging Rights for August 10
1st tie: Lisa, Audrey, Renae, Terrie, Beth, Yolanda, Mary & Maryellen
2nd tie: Bill, Park, George, Cindy & Cindy
3rd: Janine, Tonie

Meeting ID: 949 7879 7860 | Password: 869490
Tuesday, August 18 at 6PM
(AND/OR)
Tuesday, September 1 at 6PM
(no experience required)

New program comes to SunCoast MCC. Join us for a game(s) of pictionary. An opportunity to play with others and share some laughs and good cheer. Hope you can make it.

Meeting ID: 948 3049 7709 | Passcode: 869115
Drive By / Drive In Thanksgiving Celebration
Rev. Vickie and Rev. Nancy Look Forward to Seeing You!!
Friday, August 21 at 5:30PM at SunCoast MCC Church Grounds
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Earlier in the year, we set a goal to collect funds to lower our monthly mortgage payments. With your prayers, donations and support, we were successful. We will celebrate God's abundance and blessing and our new, lower mortgage!

We are thankful to you. We plan to host a physically distanced celebration where you can see the Pastors, listen to music and receive blessed water to use while watching the Sunday Service on Aug. 23. Rev. Vickie and Rev. Nancy can't wait to see you!

Few reminders: Wear a mask. Maintain 6 feet distancing at all times. Observe signage.
New Member Class on Zoom
Led by Pastors

Tuesday, August 25 at 7PM

Email info@suncoastmcc.com if you plan to attend. The reading materials and the Zoom information will be sent to you in advance.
Distance
NEW: Social Distance Bicycling

Does social distancing bicycling sound good to you? Several responses from the congregational survey said, "Let's get together outdoors safely!"

Santa Pandolfo is leading this effort. If you're interested or would like more information, click HERE. More details soon.
Remembrance Day
Sunday, September 13 at 10AM (virtually)
Over the last several months, we have lost four members of our church family. We will remember them in our worship service on September 13. Join this special tribute for:
We will be placing leaves for each of them on our memorial Tree of Life in a special celebration during the worship service and honoring each one of them. 

This is a way to show support and love for their spouses and friends who have not been able to have a funeral or memorial service. We are accepting memorial gifts in their honor. You can:

  • Give online via EZTithe (click HERE). Select the person(s) you are donating for.
  • Send a check to SunCoast at 3276 E. Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34292. Indicate the person(s) you are donating for.
Join our Denomination's Moderator
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston in Prayer
Thursdays at 5PM EDT

Bring your joys, concerns, laments, and celebrations to Rev. Cecilia and one another. Meet us on Cecilia's Facebook page every Thursday at 9PM GMT (5PM EDT/ BST 10PM) @Cecilia.Eggleston.50
Reminders!
Let Us Know What You Need For This Hurricane Season
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Living in Florida offers many advantages, but make sure you are prepared during the Hurricane Season. We have prepared a SunCoast MCC Hurricane Preparedness Form to assess our SunCoast MCC congregational needs. Click on the link below to complete the Form.

Stay safe. A few tips:
  • Make sure you have at least 7 days of supplies, including food, water, medicine and batteries.
  • Make sure you have easily available any key phone numbers, including your doctors, Church, friends and family members.
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Lost Coin Jars Program

The Lost Coin Jars Program has been a favorite tradition at SunCoast MCC as a way to contribute to our general funds. Earlier this year, we handed out 24 Lost Coin Jars. Eight have been returned. If you are ready to return your jar, please drop it off at the Office on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 11AM and 3PM or you can bring it to the Drive-By on August 21. When visiting, don't forget to wear your masks.
Don't Forget to Send Us Your Holiday Recipe for SunCoast's Cookbook
Due: Friday, August 28

Please email them here.
Please include a fond memory/story with the recipe, if you wish.
Please include SunCoast MCC Recipe in the subject line.
Beware of Scams!
Recently, several members, family and friends at SunCoast MCC received an email appearing to be signed by our Pastor asking for the purchase of gift cards. This was a scam. Our Pastors and Board would never ask an individual for money or gift cards. Be on the watch for:

  • Email addresses that are very similar but are NOT the actual Church, Pastor or Board email addresses.
  • Any suspicious, urgent or confidential requests for credit cards, gift cards, pre-paid debit cards, wire transfers and checks that are personalized to you.

If you believe you have received a suspicious email, text or phone call, please delete it and label it as scam. Immediately, inform the Pastors and Board of any concerns at:

Request Your Vote By Mail Ballot Today
Did you know that the top reason that Vote By Mail (VBM) ballots get rejected is because they arrive after the deadline? (Unlike taxes, it’s the date/time received that determines eligibility – by 7 pm on Election Day -- NOT the date postmarked.) Don’t let your vote go uncounted because it’s late!
 
So, if you haven’t requested your VBM ballot for the general election yet, click the link above or call the Sarasota Supervisor of Elections at 941-861-8600 to request by phone.
 
When you receive your ballot, please fill it out, sign the envelope, and drop it in the mail right away -- don’t let it get buried in a stack of “to-dos”. (Don’t forget to sign the envelope!)
 
If you still have a VBM ballot for the August 18 primary in hand, timing is too tight to mail it in, you can still drop it off at your county Supervisor of Elections office.
If you’d like to be involved in promoting safe and fair elections in 2020, contact Elders Stand for Fair Elections Florida team at FairElections-FL@eldersaction.org.
Church Office Hour Changes and Schedule
  • Effective Monday, August 10 the new office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11AM to 3PM.
  • During the week of August 17 through August 21, the office manager will be on vacation. Contact the Pastors for any emergencies.
Editorial Note: If you have any announcements or ministry updates, please send them by 10AM on Tuesdays to info@suncoastmcc.com for inclusion in Staying Connected.
We want to hear from you.
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: Tuesdays & Thursdays 11AM to 3PM