Photo Credits: Doug Barry

"On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate." Psalm 145:5
STAYING CONNECTED WITH SUNCOAST MCC, JANUARY 15, 2021
A welcoming, diverse and active community. We share God's love in a spiritual environment offering truth, trust and transformation.
Rev. Vickie Miller
Rev. Nancy Wilson
Sr. Co-Pastors, SunCoast MCC
Register for the Upcoming In-Person Outdoor Services (also live-streamed)

Jan. 17, 24 & 31 at 10AM

Register in advance so we are able to properly plan for a safe and socially distanced service.
Inclement Weather

If the outdoor service is cancelled due to inclement weather, the recorded service will be available on the website and YouTube at 3PM on Sunday.
Sneak Peak!!

Get a preview of the special music we will be using at Sunday's Worship Service. Let's prepare our hearts and minds to worship as we find how to use our creative gifts from God.
Worship Service on
Sunday, January 17 at 10AM

'Drawn In: Living a Creative Life with God"

 Week 3: "Taking Risks: Essential for Creativity!" How are we at taking risks, especially for God, for creativity? In these times of needing to be "safe," what does it mean to be a risk-taker?"
We extend a warm welcome to our SunCoast MCC members, family friends in worship.

On this celebration of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., as we are “Drawn In,” and closer to God, what risk is God asking you, us, to take?
In the Gospel lesson, Matthew 14: 22-33, Peter accepts Jesus’ invitation to walk on water, to do the impossible, to risk his safety and security to have the experience of his life, and experience of faith.

For Dr. King, the invitation to follow Jesus, to be a champion of justice, cost him his safety, even his life. How do we honor his faithfulness now, in these challenging times? How is God calling SunCoast MCC to take some risks as a community?
REMINDER!!
Church Office Closed
The Church office will be closed Monday, January 18, 2021 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.”
John 14:27
Reopen Team Update

Protocols for Attending the Outdoor In-Person Services
Thank you for your support in following SunCoast's MCC social distancing protocols. We continue to review them periodically and make any enhancements needed.

Please remember due to the increased cases of COVID if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of COVID, have been exposed or have tested positive for COVID please do not come into the church building or attend any of the outdoor events until you have quarantined for 14 days or have tested negative.  Please take a moment now, to review our protocols, including some new items in effect beginning on January 18.
Distance
Ongoing Protocols
  • Registration required.
  • Maintain 6 feet distancing.
  • Wear a mask at all times.
  • Do not move the chairs. They have been sanitized and properly spaced.
  • Attendance will be taken when you arrive.
  • Restrooms will be available on a limited basis.
  • It may be cool, so wear layered clothing and bring a hat or anything else you may need for your comfort.
New Protocols: Effective Sun., Jan. 18
  • We will provide a designated container for the participants to dispose of their empty communion cups as you exit the service.

  • We will have two donation baskets set up to place your offering when you check-in and as you leave.
Finally, if you have any suggestions or ideas about our current safety protocols and/or other recommendations, please let us know. Send us an email HERE.
Your ideas are welcomed.
Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson recently participated in a meeting with the Faith Director for President-Elect Biden's transition team. She was asked to provide insight and information on the LGBTQ community and what is needed to support faith within the family of God's people. Keep her and the entire transition team in your prayers as we work to heal our nation.
A big thank you to everyone who helped with Ride for PRIDE.

It was a beautiful day and a lot of fun.

Keep an eye out for 2021 events from VeniceFLPride, Inc.
Thank you to the Sponsors:

  • SarasotaOut.com
  • Richard Dean Insurance
  • Scott Swonger, Gulf Shores Realty
  • Sandy & Paul McHenry
  • Michael Saunders & Company
  • Project PRIDE SRQ
  • Rodger Jenkins, West Coast Realty
  • Venice Interfaith Community Assoc.
  • George & Park
  • Joanna's Orchid Pottery
  • Beth & Yolanda
  • Pat & Sharon
  • Patrick H
  • Steve P & Sergoio M.,
  • SunCoast MCC
Board of Directors Updates
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 of January 10, 2021, we collected $2,617 for General Fund* and $565 for Pillars**.  Together, let’s keep our General Fund and Pillars accounts liquid. (Note: Next week will reflect the tally for two weeks of donations).

(*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.)

Donate HERE
2020 Donor Contribution Statements Information

**Please review the following information on how to access your giving statements.**
Servant Keeper: This statement will be available for pick up during our weekly outdoor Sunday worship service beginning January 17. Your cash and check donations made directly to SunCoast will be reflected in this statement.

EasyTithe – This statement will be emailed to those who have donated online and via EasyTithe. This statement will be sent by Monday, January 18 to the email address on record with EasyTithe.
.
If you have any questions, please contact Beth Ryan, Treasurer at bethryanphr@gmail.com.
Volunteers Needed:

Looking for ways to get involved at SunCoast MCC in a socially distanced way? We need you. As we continue to sponsor more in-person events, we are looking for people to help in many ways.

We have many opportunities and assignments, including:
  • Worship: Serving as a reader (e.g., announcements and scripture, etc.).
  • Recording: Working with the sound and camera team.
  • Outward Bound: Ensuring everyone is safe during in-person events (e.g., welcoming, usher, logistics, set-up, etc).
  • Ad-Hoc Events: Planning upcoming social events.

No experience is needed. We are looking for those willing to learn and feel a calling to help provide a meaningful worship experience for our members and visitors.

Email the church office or call to learn more about how you can become involved.
From Your Pastoral and 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.
Anne • Joe • Greg H. • Tim H. • Joe D.
Doug B. • Micki H. • Julia G.• Randy M.
Tim M. • Karen • Lou • Kevin • Diane T.
John F. 
Message from your Lay Delegates

Use the link below to review the 1st Quarter report and information from the Denomination
Calling for Lost Coins
Looking for something to do during this pandemic? What about a scavenger hung for lost coins? Maybe challenge a friend to see who can fill the jar first! If you have a full jar, bring it by the church. If you need a jar, you can stop by the church office or pick one up on Sunday after Worship.
Donations Needed!

With more in-person events schedule, the Outward Bound Team could use disinfecting spray to sanitize before and after the Services to ensure everyone is safe and stays healthy. You can drop off cans during office hours or bring them to Worship Service.
Thank You!
Love thy Neighbor, Family and Yourself! Get Vaccinated!
We Remember and We Grieve
Bruce O'Neill
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 24 at 12:30PM outdoors on the grounds of SunCoast Metropolitan Community Church. 

 Advanced registration for the memorial service is requested. 
"And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, they shall not lose their reward." Matthew 10:42

Did you or someone in your family get a new computer for Christmas? Do you have an old computer just collecting dust?

If so, here is a chance to pay it forward with your old computers and help local Foster Children.

With COVID and so many families having to use distant learning options for schooling, not having enough computers is creating an education divide and some children are falling behind.

Please contact Emily Adams at:
(828) 450-0216 to arrange for pick up of your working or non-working used laptop.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Social distancing must be followed when attending any event at SunCoast MCC.
Murder Mystery Nights
Mondays
Jan. 18 and 25 at 6PM

We need 4 more players for murder mystery - come join us the next two Mondays from 6-7 pm for lots of fun solving a "who done it" in the Little Rock Shop of Horrors... please email here if you're interested in joining so your part may be sent in advance.

Hyde Studios is probably best known for its cliché-crammed science fiction and horror B- movies. They may have flopped at every box office release but are known for being the cheesiest movies around.

With a new science fiction double feature in the early stages of production, the last thing anyone expected was for the studio owner and director, Jacqueline Hyde, to vanish mysteriously one evening, leaving no traces apart from a pool of blood, an upturned sign and a slight burning smell.

What happened to Jacqueline Hyde? Where is her body? Who is responsible? And will the new B-movie, ’Little Rock Horror Shop’, ever be made?
Meeting ID: 985 3670 9576
Passcode: suncoast
“Drawn In” Class
Tuesdays
Jan. 19, 26, & Feb. 2
at 7PM
Join us for this virtual class led by our pastors. This week's class focuses on the topic of "Risk" and Creativity. We will be exploring the "Parable of the Talents" in Matthew 25: 14- 30. How do we hide our gifts, resources, creativity . . . rather than invest them for our community and the future?  
Meeting ID: 848 9057 3486
Thursdays
Jan. 14 through Feb. 4 at 6PM

A new ASL Class is being formed. No experience needed
Mary, Maryellen and Janine make learning fun and easy!

Come join us as we learn new songs and ways to explore our creative side.
PET PHOTO SUNCOAST CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to all those who submitted pet photos for our contest. Congratulations to the following winners:

Fall Costume - 1st place, Pebbles; 2nd place, Gracie; 3rd place, Keiko

Pets at Play - 1st place (tie), Gracie and Keiko; 2nd place, Castro pet; 3rd place, Pebbles

Cutest - 1st place, Keiko; 2nd place, Kasey and Lily; 3rd place (tie), Mimi & Sophie and Stella

With their owner - 1st place, Keiko and Jenna; 2nd place, Stella and Charlene; 3rd place, Little, Lulu, Kasey & Lily with Beverly

Christmas attire - 1st place, Lucy and Stella; 2nd place, Gracie; 3rd place, Misty
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