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Sunday, June 14, 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 here for the church calendar for the link.
We have updated our Amazon needs list. Please see below!
Next Board meeting is June 18th via Teams Meeting at 7 pm.
Next Potluck is June 28th - Pride
Worship Team Meeting Thursday, July 2nd, 7 pm via Team
Send your Father's Day photos to board.hcmcc@outlook.com, include the person's name, your relationship to them, and whether they are still living. Get these to Roxann by June 18th!
Laura Cronin's obituary can be found here with information on her services
Get your PRIDE video done soon! See Roxann to have it recorded at church! Videos due by June 15th.

PRIDE CELEBRATIONS CAN BE FOUND HERE!

Support Holy Covenant MCC

with Your Generosity Today!

MAKE A DONATION TODAY!

Giving Needed Weekly (4 WEEKS) $350

The end-of-the-month difference is -$254

Our bills are listed for the month of May 2026. Your generosity helps us pay the bills. Any amount helps us meet our obligations.

If you would like to pay one of the bills, please designate that in your donation.

Current Designated Bank Balance 5/20/26 = $2,301.19 (in QB) $2,426.19 in (FNBB)

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 the Monthly Book Club, moderated by Frank Serafino, lecturer at College of DuPage.
JUNE's book is FRIGHTENING THE HORSES by Eric Braun. Those who prefer to join online should email Eric at evironet@cmsschicago.org.

Click on the image to download the flyer.

June meeting:

Tuesday, JUNE 16th

Time: 12:00 pm CST

In-Person or Zoom

Learn Computer Basics

Ready to improve your computer skills? Join a free online training with assessments to take your knowledge to the next level! What's in it for you?

Basic computer skills step-by-step
Job search and resume skills
Excel, Powerpoint, Word and Google Docs
Computer skills employers value
Email and social media
Safety tips to avoid internet scams

Click on the flyer to download the PDF. Still have questions? Contact Laona at laona.fleischer@ageoptions.org

Test Your Knowledge of LGBTQ+ History, Culture and Community

Have you ever paused to consider the vibrant tapestry of LGBTQ+ history that shapes our world today? If you’re feeling a little fuzzy on the details—or even if you’re a proud history buff—why not take a delightful detour to the AARP site and dive into their engaging quiz? It’s not just a fun challenge; it’s a wonderful opportunity to uncover fascinating stories and celebrate the journey of our community. Plus, as we learn more about our past, we strengthen the bonds of connection and belonging that are so vital to our mission at Holy Covenant MCC.

So, gather your curiosity and embark on this enlightening adventure—who knows what surprises await you! And once you’ve taken the quiz, we’d love to hear your results and invite you to join us at our upcoming events where we’ll continue to honor and reflect on LGBTQ+ history together!

Want to read the MCC Annual Report 2025 the click here to download the PDF.

PRIDE EVENTS

You can find the summer pride events HERE on this page!

ALL AGES COMMUNITY PRIDE CELEBRATION

Saturday, June 20 | 1-5pm |
Trinity Lutheran Church

675 E Algonquin Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Our friends at Speak Des Plaines invite you to their Community Pride Celebration! No RSVP needed. AgeOptions will be tabling at this event.

50+ Pride Celebration

Saturday, June 20 | 2-5pm | The Closet

3325 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657

Our friends at Before Sunset invite you to join their 50+ Pride Celebration, where all proceeds will go to Thrive with Pride!** Cookies and Conversations will be bringing icebreakers and bingo. DJ Gloria will be on the deck. And, if you're looking for a familiar face in the crowd, Nina Orlowski will be there!

Click here to learn more and purchase your tickets today!

Click on the document to download.

CMSS Pride Celebration at
West Suburban

Friday, June 26 | 10:30am-2pm

439 Bohland Ave, Bellwood

Our friends at CMSS - West Suburban invite you to join their Pride Celebration!

RSVP is appreciated but not required.

PRIDE SUNDAY IS JUNE 28TH

For Pride Sunday this year, we would like to do a little something different. The Worship Team is asking everyone to record a short video, about 2 minutes long. In the video, we encourage you to speak to Pride: what “Pride” means to you, your coming out story, a short poem about Pride, whatever you are comfortable with.

Please send them to Roxann at Board.HCMCC@outlook.com by June 15th. If you would like to record the video after Sunday service, set up a time with Roxann after service one Sunday, and she will record it for you.

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/

MEDICARE & TRANSGENDER OLDER ADULTS: WHAT ADVOCATES NEED TO KNOW: SAGE AND JUSTICE IN AGING

Transgender older adults are navigating health systems that can be complex. This resource explains what to expect from Medicare coverage.
Click here to download the fact sheet in PDF.

POTLUCK JUNE 28 TH

"SHOW YOUR PRIDE COLORS"

Green? Yellow?
Gold? Orange?
Red? Purple? Blue? Brown?

🌟 Hey there, fabulous foodies! 🌟

Our Pride Rainbow Potluck is basically the culinary version of the Pride parade: colorful, joyful, a little chaotic, and guaranteed to include at least one dish no one can quite identify but everyone eats anyway. This year, we’re expanding the rainbow to honor the Progress Pride Flag — adding black and brown to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of color, as well as those lost to the HIV/AIDS crisis and the stigma surrounding it, and the light blue, pink, and white of our trans and nonbinary siblings. And yes, we know chicken isn’t technically a Pride color, but we’re officially declaring brown the honorary shade of “delicious.”

Just as the Progress Pride Flag gathers all these colors into one fabulous symbol of hope and justice, our table will gather all these dishes into one fabulous feast. When we bring this full spectrum together — from bright red fruit trays to trans‑flag‑colored desserts to the ever‑faithful brown chicken — we create a living, edible reminder that every identity, every story, and every person belongs.

For this potluck, we invite everyone to bring a dish inspired by one of the Pride or Progress Pride colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, brown, light blue, pink, or white. Think fruit trays, salads, Jell‑O, pasta, cupcakes, rice dishes, chocolate treats, or anything that looks like it could star in a Skittles commercial and pass a diversity audit.🤣 You know someone saw frozen PRIDE sliders at Jewel recently!

Choose a color that speaks to you, or just pick the one you already have ingredients for — the Holy Spirit works through pantry items too. Homemade or store‑bought, simple or extravagant, your dish adds to the beauty (and comedy) of our rainbow‑plus table. And don’t worry about the protein — the church will be providing the chicken, proudly representing the “brown but beloved” category. Together, we’ll create a feast that reflects the love, affirmation, and pride we share as God’s people… with a side of glitter & disco if necessary.🪩

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Attention all members of the Holy Covenant community! We've heard your voices loud and clear - birthdays and anniversaries deserve to be celebrated and recognized. That's why we're excited to announce that we will begin posting these special occasions in the upcoming weeks, using the records we have at hand. If you want your milestone to be included,
simply drop us an email at socialmedia@holycovenantmcc.org with your name, the details you want to share, and the important dates. Remember, years are optional for birthdays. Let's make every celebration count!

June	BIRTHDAY	ANNIVERSARY
Holly Blonde	June 10	None

HOLY COVENANT BOARD MEETING

June 18th VIA TEAM MEETING

The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, June 18th, 7pm via Team Meeting. If you would like to attend a meeting, please contact Roxann Victory for the link so you can listen and observe.

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

You can find a PDF of the past Board Meetings Agenda, Minutes and church financials here

WEEKLY SERVICE INFORMATION

HYBRID - IN PERSON AND ON YOUTUBE

Jim Ulisse - 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 join us in person or visit our YouTube page and click to watch the service or previous services.

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Today's Readings:
Genesis 19:1-17

Matthew 9:35 - 10:8

Ezekiel 16:49-50

Sermon Message: "Happy Pride & Clobber Passages 101"

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.

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

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

Hello Neighbors! Below is our June 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.

SHARE FOOD, SHARE LOVE FOOD PANTRY

Hey there, amazing community! Let's get real for a sec food insecurity is a major deal right now, and its hitting families hard, especially with those recent SNAP cuts. But guess what? We're not just going to sit around and let this happen! We have an incredible opportunity to come together and make a real difference through our awesome partner, Share Food Share Love. This organization is like a superhero for those in need, and they need our help more than ever!

Can you believe that with just a buck, you can provide THREE meals to a family? That's right! Your small change can become a big game-changer for someone struggling to put food on the table. It's not just about giving; it's about creating a lifeline for our neighbors who are facing hunger every single day. So, lets rally together and support the Share Food Share Love Food Pantry because every little bit helps, and together, we can totally smash food insecurity!

You can drop off your non-perishable food items at super easy locations like the outside box at Tischler's or right here at the church. Let's show our community that were all in this together, hand in hand, heart to heart. Thank you for being a hero in someone's story. Your kindness matters, and we appreciate every single one of you! Let's do this!

They have also launched an Amazon Wish List which a link is below and their new Families First Wishlist that provides essential early needs for mothers and young children. Anything you order for them on the wish list is automatically shipped straight to the pantry. Check out the list and see if you can help out with any needs.

Check out the new video from Share Food Share Love here.

If you are in need of food, you can stop in on Tuesday evenings 7 pm to 9 pm and Saturday mornings 10 am to 12 pm to apply and gather up some food for you and your family. If this is your first time, please have some identification with you. Please try to bring your own reusable bags but if you forget, we will have bags for you.

Thank you!

VOLUNTEER AT SHARE FOOD SHARE LOVE

DONATE TO SHARE FOOD SHARE LOVE

SFSL FAMILIES FIRST WISH LIST

SFSL AMAZON 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.

You can click on the blue links below to bring up each of them to see what is going on. We hope to see you soon at 439 Bohland Ave in Bellwood!

West Suburban June 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+

Center on Halsted is starting a new 10-week LGBTQ+ Grief Therapy Group. The group is for those 50+, is offered a no cost and will be held in-person at Center on Halsted starting in mid-January.

An intake is required for participation in the group. Please see additional info on the attached flyer and share with your networks. Click on the image to download the flyer.

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 access 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.

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 Barbara Adams's family on the passing of her cousin David Sherrin. Please pray for her family as they lay him to rest this weekend.₁

Prayers for Jim Ulisses as he travels back home after staying an extra week to help his mom and for Tony P.₁

Prayers for Christine and everyone else suffering from a chronic illness. May their flare-ups be less severe and less often.₁

Prayers for safe travels for Barbara R. as she travels to Wisconsin for her grandson's college graduation. May her visit go well.₁

Prayers for Abe Barkin for healing after his heart attack and angiogram.₂
Prayers for Jim's Mom for healing.₂

Prayers for Connie's knee to heal after surgery.₃

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 that they stay safe while helping 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