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Sunday, November 08, 2026

An Open & Affirming Community of Faith

We Welcome All Beliefs!

UPCOMING NEWS

LGBTQ+ Hybrid Discussion Group (formerly Sage) meets every Friday at 1 PM. Check the church calendar here for the link.
We have updated our Amazon needs list. Please see below!
Next Board meeting is November 19th via Teams
Worship Team Meeting: Thursday, November 12th, 7 pm via Teams
We are now on LinkedIn. Follow us here!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

NOVEMBER 8TH IS THE CONGREGATIONAL FORUM

NOVEMBER 15TH IS THE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Support Holy Covenant MCC

with Your Generosity Today!

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for (audience)? Why should they care (benefit)? What do I want them to do (call-to-action)?

Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

MAKE A DONATION TODAY!

Giving Needed Weekly (5 WEEKS) $280

The end-of-the-month difference is -$50

We are sharing the detailed list of our financial obligations for OCTOBER 2026, which YOU CAN CLICK TO DOWNLOAD for your convenience. Your generosity plays a crucial role in ensuring that Holy Covenant MCC can meet these obligations and continue to thrive as a welcoming community.

We truly appreciate any contribution, no matter how small, as it collectively adds up to make a significant impact. If you feel moved to support a specific bill, we invite you to designate your donation accordingly, fostering a spirit of collaboration within our community.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity; together, we can uphold our church's mission and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Current Designated Bank Balance 10/15/2026 = $1,826.19 (in QB) $1,916.19 (in FNBB)

Warmth For All:

Clothing Drive & Social

Now - December 11

Bring dignity and comfort to LGBTQ+ community members in need this winter. Donated items will be distributed through the Q-Closet at Kenneth Young Center's LGBTQ+ program.

Items Needed (New or Gently Used):

Hats, scarves & gloves or mittens

Warm jackets & coats

Sweaters, hoodies & shirts

Socks & shoes

Drop-off Locations (Addresses):

West Suburban Senior Center

Kenneth Young Center

AgeOptions

You can also bring them to church and Barbara will deliver the coats.

Book of 366
Daily Queer Prayers

We are creating a book that contains a daily prayer for all 366 days of the year. Help us achieve this goal by submitting your prayer composition.

SEND YOUR PRAYER

Podcast Boldly Proclaims: You Can Be Both Christian and LGBTQIA+

We are thrilled to highlight a powerful digital ministry that aligns so deeply with MCC’s foundational calling: the You Can Be Both Podcast and YouTube channel, hosted by singer, songwriter, and faith advocate Lauren Lanzaretta.

THRIVE WITH PRIDE/AGING CARE CONNECTIONS EVENTS

GRIEF GROUP

Are you grieving the death of someone you cared about? Do you feel like you could use support and community with others who are grieving?

Join our friends at The HAP Foundation for their monthly virtual grief circles offered in English and Spanish. These groups, facilitated by HAP Community Health Workers (CHWs), utilize a peer support model for honoring and processing grief. This group is open to any adult who is grieving the death of any person.

Held on the third Tuesday - English third Wednesday - Spanish at 6-7:30 pm on Zoom

Questions? Email English -mburns@thehapfoundation.org
Spanish - Email mgomez@thehapfoundation.org

LGBT+ PROGRAM MONTHLY BOOK CLUB

Join the West Suburban LGBT+ Program for their Monthly Book Club, moderated by Frank Serafino, a lecturer at College of DuPage. Next up will be On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong on November 17th. Those who prefer to join online should email Eric at (evironet@cmsschicago.org) for the Zoom link.

November meeting:

Tuesday, November 17th

Time: 12:00 pm CST

In-Person or Zoom

POTLUCK: NOVEMBER 29TH

FRIENDSGIVING TABLE

After Thanksgiving, when the leftovers are nearly gone and the Black Friday shopping adventures are behind us (or maybe still being delivered to our front doors!), the spirit of gratitude continues at Holy Covenant MCC with our Friendsgiving celebration. Bring your favorite dish to share, whether it's a treasured family recipe, a homemade masterpiece, or something lovingly picked up on the way.

We promise there's no judging at the potluck table, except perhaps for who makes the best dessert! Join us as we gather as a church family to enjoy delicious food, meaningful fellowship, and plenty of laughter. Whether you spent Thanksgiving eating a little too much turkey or searching for the best holiday bargains, there's always room for one more plate and one more friend at our table. Come celebrate the blessings of friendship, community, and God's love as we continue the season of gratitude together. After all, calories don't count when they're shared with friends at church... or at least that's what we're telling ourselves! 🍂🦃🌈💜

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Celebrate Your Birthday or Anniversary With Us!

Attention, Holy Covenant community members!

You spoke — and we listened! Birthdays and anniversaries deserve to be celebrated and recognized.

If you’d like your milestone included, email socialmedia@holycovenantmcc.org with:

Your name
The details you’d like to share
Your important dates (years are optional for birthdays!)

Let’s make every celebration count and share the joy together! 💛

DATE	NAME	EVENT
NOVEMBER 10	MARY FLORES	BIRTHDAY
NOVEMBER 20	CAROL SIEPKA	BIRTHDAY

HOLY COVENANT BOARD MEETING

NOVEMBER 19th VIA TEAM MEETING

The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, November 19th, 7 pm via Teams meeting. If you would like to attend the meeting, please contact Roxann Victory for the link so you can listen and observe.

You can find all the 2026 Board agendas, minutes, and financials on our website. They are also posted on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.

You can find a PDF of the 2025 Board Meeting agendas, minutes, and church financials here

WEEKLY SERVICE INFORMATION

HYBRID - IN PERSON AND ON YOUTUBE

ROXANN VICTORY - CELEBRANT

10:00 AM CST

Our worship celebration this Sunday is at 10:00 am CST. If you would like to join us, you may do so in person or visit our YouTube page to watch the service or previous services.

Sunday, November 08, 2026

Today's Readings:

Joshua 24: 1-3a, 14 - 25

Mark 10:35 - 45
The Wisdom of Barack Obama

Message Title:
“Making Thank You a Verb”

Have a candle ready to light, a cookie or bread, and a glass of your favorite libation for communion if you are watching online.

You can also find previous services on our YouTube Channel here.

If you have any pastoral needs, please email board.hcmcc@outlook.com, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 15, 2026

AFTER SERVICE

Mark your calendars for a significant occasion! Our yearly congregational meeting is just around the corner on Sunday, November 15th, and we invite each of you to join us in this vital gathering.

As valued members of Holy Covenant, your voices will be instrumental as we vote on our budget and elect new board members. This year, we have exciting opportunities for leadership with three openings — all three for a 2-year term.

We have three people running for the Board. They are Barbara Adams Latsaras, Andrew Hilum, and Roxann Victory. Their applications are on the website here and available to download along with the reports from the various ministries. If you’re not yet a member but wish to be, Roxann Victory, our Moderator, would be delighted to assist you. This is your chance to make a difference and help shape the future of our beloved community!

Want to help with service: reading, offering prayer, ushering, etc. Click on this link and sign up for OCTOBER!

Join us all month long for informative seminars, health programs, fitness, entertainment, and more!

Hello Neighbors! Below is our November 2026 schedule. Join us all month long for informative seminars, brain health programs, fitness, history, entertainment, and more online and in person! Just click here for the list of classes.

We encourage you to share our class schedule with friends, family, and neighbors, near & far, of any age – everyone is welcome to join us! All of our classes are free & no advance registration is required. We hope to see you soon on Zoom!

Thank you all for being a part of the Aging Well Neighborhood!

For questions about the programs listed, please email AWN@agingcareconnections.org.

HELP FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY WITH

SHARE FOOD, SHARE LOVE FOOD PANTRY

💥 Let’s Fight Food Insecurity Together!

Families are feeling the squeeze — SNAP cuts are hitting hard. But we can make a huge impact through our partner, Share Food Share Love.

💛 How You Can Help

$1 = THREE meals for a local family
Give at church or through the SFSL website
Drop off non‑perishables at Tischler’s outdoor box or at church
Shop their Amazon Wish List or Families First Wish List — items ship
straight to the pantry

🌶️ New: The Spice Rack!

SFSL has a Spice Rack so families can cook flavorful meals
Order spices from their Amazon list or buy locally and bring them to church
Barbara will deliver them or drop them at SFSL
Any spices welcome!

🎥 Watch Their New Video

See the pantry in action here and learn how your support changes lives.
Sign up for their newsletter here

🍎 Need Food Assistance?

Open on Tuesdays: 7–9 PM
Open on Saturdays: 10 AM–12 PM
Bring ID if it’s your first visit
Reusable bags appreciated (bags available if needed)

🙏 Thank You

Your generosity keeps families fed, hopeful, and supported. We’re in this together.

VOLUNTEER AT SHARE FOOD SHARE LOVE

DONATE TO SHARE FOOD SHARE LOVE

SFSL FAMILIES FIRST WISH LIST

SFSL AMAZON WISH LIST

AMAZON SPICE WISH LIST

WSSS (SAGE) CALENDAR, EVENTS & MENU

West Suburban Senior Services (previously known as West Suburban SAGE), a social support group for LGBTQ seniors, meets both via ZOOM here and in person on Fridays at 1 pm.

For questions about lunch or activities, please contact Senior Center Director Maggie Dodd at 708-234-1869 or maggie.dodd@cmsschicago.org.

Click the blue links below to view each calendar. Scroll down to see the calendars on the page. We hope to see you soon at 439 Bohland Ave in Bellwood!

West Suburban November Food Calendar - Click Here
West Suburban November Activities Calendar - Click Here

West Suburban Senior Services website - Click Here

WSSS Facebook Page - Click Here

PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO HOLY COVENANT TODAY!

AMAZON HAS OUR LIST OF NEEDS!

UPDATED LIST! CLICK HERE TO SEE IT!

We have updated our "needs" list online at Amazon. We ask that you look at our list of what items we are in need of and purchase something for the church.

This list is available to see here HC Need List and is updated as needed. You can order and pay for anything off this list and have it shipped directly to the church. We appreciate anything you can order for us!

We thank you for your continued support of Holy Covenant!

MAYO CLINIC

IMPROVING CANCER OUTCOMES FOR

LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES

Cancer experts know a lack of specialized care has contributed to poorer outcomes for people in the LGBTQ+ community. Mayo Clinic is working to change that. You can read more here.

GRIEF GROUP FOR LGBTQ+

The Center on Halsted offers a specialized Grief Therapy Group designed as a 10-week program for LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one.

Group Details & Structure

Target Audience: LGBTQ+ adults (with specific tracks or focus areas often tailored for individuals 50 and older, or general adult groups).
Format: 10-week structured therapy group focused on processing grief, sharing stories, building coping tools, and connecting with peers.
Location: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60613 (Lakeview neighborhood).
Cost: Sliding scale fee ranging from $5 to $40 based on income.
Requirements: An initial intake screening is required before joining.

How to Register & Contact

Phone: (773) 472-6469 ext. 460 or (773) 657-2925 ext. 460
Email: behavioralhealth@centeronhalsted.org
Official Website: Learn more via the Center on Halsted Behavioral Health Page

Alternative Support Options

Grief & Loss Support Group: A separate, peer-led, drop-in support group for older adults (ages 55+) is also hosted weekly at the center (free, no RSVP required).

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

August 2025 marked the statewide launch of Illinois Pride Connect - a new resource hub and free, confidential legal hotline for LGBTQ+ Illinoisans.

The resources can be accessed at:

IL Pride Connect Resource Hub www.ilprideconnect.org
Legal Hotline: 855-805-9200
(Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.)

NEED POWER OF ATTORNEY OR WILL?

Contact the Center for Disability & Elder Law at Center for Disability and Elder Law. Click this link to see more information and links.

T-SHIRTS FOR HOLY COVENANT

🎉 NOW AVAILABLE — ORDER YOUR SHIRT! 🎉

👕 Get your Holy Covenant T‑shirt today!

Wear it while you volunteer at the garage sale, or grab one simply to show your support for our community. There are many sizes, styles, and colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect fit.

These shirts aren’t just for one event—they’ll be used throughout the year at Pride parades, festivals, and future garage sales so our neighbors can easily spot our joyful, welcoming presence.

💛 A small portion of every sale goes directly to Holy Covenant, helping support our ministries and outreach.

Click here to order! https://www.bonfire.com/holy-covenant-mcc/

We mourn and pray for all the families who have suffered personal losses from gun violence at our schools, churches, hospitals, public venues, and other places.

Prayers for Jim B. as he recovers from broken ribs and liver issues.₁

Prayers for John C. as he continues his chemo for his leukemia.₁
Prayers for Andrew's grandfather, who was hospitalized this past week. Prayers for healing and for no new conditions.₁
Prayers that Barb & Mary Ann's grandson Bryan continues to play safe and good football with no injuries this season.1
Prayers for Pope Leo, who is on a global trip to South America.₁
Prayers for safe travels for Sue Bono when she makes her way back home to Rome, Italy.₁

Prayers for healing for Judy, Jim's mom, and Tony P.
Prayers for all who are ill.

Prayers for all who are traveling.

Prayers that all who are unemployed or underemployed find gainful employment.

Prayers for those with hardened hearts who feel the need to deface places of worship.

Prayers and strength for Ukraine, for those who are relocating, and to end the war and unnecessary deaths.

Prayers for all our first responders to stay safe as they help others.

Prayers that God will provide for those who are hungry, unemployed, and homeless,

or in financial difficulties.

All those affected by HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, COVID-19, and other life-threatening illnesses.

All communities of faith.

LINKS AND OTHER INFORMATION

There is a universal help line 211 for Cook County. They can help residents with housing, food, health services and more. It is a 24 hour seven day a week operation and have trained professionals answer the phone and are able to help you