An Open And Affirming Community Of Faith -
We Welcome All Beliefs!
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Sage meets every Friday at 1 pm. Check here for the church calendar for the link
- Meditation with Mary Ann on
March 1st at 7pm
- Parking Restrictions - See Below
- Ash Wednesday Services February 22nd at 7 pm
- Pints with the Pastor is March 9th
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YOUR GENEROSITY IS NEEDED!
Your generosity is needed, now more than ever! You may give via:
PayPal — access it through our website or send your donation on PayPal which takes out a fee, to donations@holycovenantmcc.org
Zelle - You can send your donation directly to the church using Zelle via the email address donations@holycovenantmcc.org. It will go directly into the general account and there will be no fees attached to the giving.
Electronic Check
Send an electronic check from your financial institution, or by sending a personal check. Our address is 9145 Grant Ave, Brookfield, IL, 60513.
Please remember that when giving through PayPal they do charge a percentage fee to the church unless it shows an option to help out the church and for you to pay that fee.
See the weekly giving below. Holy Covenant needs at least $4,672 a month to meet its obligations for bills and salary. We are now showing what the percentage of giving is and how we are doing on a monthly basis.
FEBRUARY 2023 GIVING
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Our bills are listed for the month of January 2023.
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.
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The Board has emailed out the link to download your donation statement for the year 2023. If you did not get your statement, please email Barbara at socialmedia@holycovenantmcc.org that you need a copy. |
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MEDITATION IN PERSON! WEDNESDAY,
MARCH 1ST! MEDITATION IS OPEN TO ALL!
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The next meditation is on Wednesday, March 1st, at 7 pm at the church. Mary Ann will be leading the meditation upstairs in the church. This event is free and open to all men and women.
Please be prompt at 7 pm so there are no distractions.
- Please bring your mask even if you are vaccinated.
- If you are not feeling well, please stay home.
- We ask that you use hand sanitizer as you enter the building
For more information about meditation please contact Mary Ann Latsaras at only1amar@yahoo.com.
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Sunday afternoon, we will host a service of remembrance and celebration for the life of Tom Pleasants. Some of you may know him as one of the longtime facilitators for the AA groups here at Holy Covenant. The service will be at 4 pm, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall downstairs. |
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PASTOR'S PICK CORNER -
Rev. Daniels Reading/Listening/Watching Suggestions
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An eclectic collection of books, movies, TV shows, magazines, etc. that I have come across, which I found good or interesting and you might too!
Recently Listening:
"Podcasts"
Podcasts. I haven't been listening to very many (or very much) since I moved to La Grange Park, mainly because I don't have the commute I did in Detroit/Windsor. But I've been finding places they fit in my day (while I'm cooking, or doing some cleaning, on the few longer drives I have). Here are some of my favorites.
The Lo-Fi Gospel Minute, Tripp Hudgins. A little bit of everything. Tripp is a Facebook friend of mine, and we are connected through a network of other clergy and spiritual-type folks. His podcasts are brief--about five minutes--and cover a range of subjects--bluegrass music (Tripp plays banjo, dulcimer, mandolin and a variety of other stringed instruments), theology (he's Episcopal, but calls himself an Anglo-Baptist), child raising (he has an precocious child), and life in general.
Serious Trouble, Ken White and Josh Barro. This duo of lawyers examine the legal cases that are in the news, explaining why the lawyers in these cases do (or don't do) various things, and why judges rule the way they do. This is the brief version, about 20 minutes. For more in-depth analysis, you can join their Patreon group.
Poetry Unbound, Padraig O Tuama .This Irish poet is phenomenal in his own right; here, he lifts up a variety of poetic voices. Each episode (about 15 minutes) focuses on a different writer, sharing their work and discussing it with them in an interview.
The Rest is History, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. No, not THAT Tom Holland.This is a bit of a longer podcast--about 50 minutes. The topics range from the Nazis to ancient Egypt, from the Crusades to Alexander the Great, colonialism vs nationalism. They discuss the influences on historic events (social, economic, etc) and set them in context brilliantly. Holland wrote Dominion, which is an account of how Christianity affected world history in both large and small ways.
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SNOW REMOVAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED OR
DONATIONS TO HELP PAY FOR SNOW REMOVAL
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We recently received a quote for snow blowing from another company. The cost for each snowfall is as follows:
- $50 to shovel
- $40 for return to shovel
- $20 for salting
We are looking for donations to the snow removal. If you can, we would be so grateful for any donations to help us pay for snow removal for 2022-2023. Please mark your donation for snow plowing. You can donation via Zelle, PayPal or regular check. The email for PayPal and Zelle is donations@holycovenantmcc.org.
If you cannot donate, can you volunteer for snow clearing? We do have a snow blower! If you are able and willing to assist with either of these, please contact any Board member or email socialmedia@holycovenantmcc.org.
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UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST |
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THRIVE WITH PRIDE -
LARGE GROUP
MANAGING STRESS & TRAUMA
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The Community Resiliency Model (CRM) is a resiliency informed approach to trauma and toxic stress centered on the idea that people are resilient. With it, people can learn to cultivate skills of well-being and how to reduce suffering. CRM prompts us to ask not only what is wrong, but what is right about each of us, and what are our strengths. CRM is about empowerment, and it teaches that regardless of our external stressors, we can develop skills that help us widen our resiliency zone and enable us to show up as our best selves.
Join Maureen Burns from The HAP Foundation as she leads participants through the model and how to incorporate resiliency skills into our lives.
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FAT SUNDAY - HOSTED BY aChurch4me - February 19th |
This Promises to be a lot of fun! As we head into the Lenten Season let's have one last hoorah together. There will be dancing, snacks, beads and party favors, raffles, door prizes and special drinks: Tropical Storms (nonalcoholic) and Hurricanes- proceeds to benefit the mission and work of aChurch4me MCC.
Special Appearance by our own inflatable Rainbow Jesus! I hope we will see you there!
Click on image to download PDF.
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MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID CLASSES |
Do you know what to do when you interact with someone dealing with a mental health challenge or crisis? Mental Health First Aid classes provides valuable training and teach participants what to do in those situations. The Village of Brookfield Department of Parks and Recreation hosted a community class in 2022 attended by 15 Brookfield residents who are now better equipped to respond to those experiencing a substance use or mental health challenge.
NAMI Metro Suburban, NAMI DuPage and the Community Memorial Foundation partner to provide FREE Mental Health First Aid classes in western Cook and eastern DuPage counties. We provide classes for organizations such as yours, as well as hold public classes for members of the community. The attached flyer shows our upcoming community classes. We would really appreciate it if you would post it in a public area at your organization.
Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of reaching out to someone with a mental health concern by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a mental health challenge or substance use concern.
Benefits of the class:
- Learn to identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of Mental Health/Substance Use Disorders
- No cost to participants or organizations and participants receive MHFA Certification
- Earn 6-8 FREE CEU or CPDU hours (continuing education credits)
Registration for Community classes is via the QR code and the link on the flyer or HERE.
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GLOBAL PRAYER VIGIL - FEBRUARY 20TH
Social Justice - Our Spiritual Calling (Do the work!)
The Council of Elders invites you to prayer on
World Day of Social Justice.
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Join Zoom Meeting |
Meeting ID | 829 6604 3706 - Passcode | 024781
At its 62nd session, in November 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 20 February as World Day of Social Justice. As justice is one of MCC’s Core Values, the Council of Elders thought it would be good for us to come together to pray for justice around the world on this date.
Prayer involves not only talking to God but also listening. We not only ask God to do justice, we partner with God as co-creators. We offer ourselves and our ministries in the work of justice and love. Social Justice is our spiritual calling.
In this vigil, there will be calls to action and celebrations of what congregations and individuals are already doing to make the world a better place. There will be an opportunity for people to name their ministries which will be blessed by the Elders. This will be a time to hold your own ministry, your own congregation, your own community in prayer, along with others around the world. It will be a time to be encouraged and inspired by all that MCC is doing.
This prayer vigil is open to everyone. Ministry leaders in local churches around the world are especially invited to join in with the Council of Elders. You are invited to attend any of the time slots that works best for you. Local times are given for a region as we move around the world, however, some other time zones are listed as well.
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Join us February 22 at 7 pm for our Ash Wednesday service. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, 40 days of reflection and preparation leading up to Easter. The service will include both imposition of ashes and communion. |
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WEEKLY SERVICE INFORMATION |
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SUNDAY WORSHIP
HYBRID - IN PERSON AND ON YOUTUBE
REV. MARTHA DANIELS PRESIDING
10:00 AM CST
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Our worship celebration is every Sunday at 10 am CST. If you would like to join us you may join us in person or go to our Facebook page at Holy Covenant Facebook Page and click on the LINK to YouTube to watch the service.
Sunday February 12, 2023
Reading:
Wisdom of Matthew 17:1-9
Sermon Title "Changes""
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.
Rev. Martha is available by email, phone, Facebook Messenger, and text for any pastoral needs you may have revmarthadaniels@gmail.com
- Masks are now optional. If you want to sing you have to wear a mask.
- No temperature check required
- Social distancing required
DO YOU WANT TO HELP WITH WORSHIP?
Do you feel a call to help with worship? To read a prayer, or a reading, or to usher or serve communion? Whether you are here in person or virtually, we need and want your gifts! Contact Rev. Martha or Roxann at roxann.victory@outlook.com.
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SNOW RESTRICTIONS - PARKING |
Just a reminder to everyone, that if it snows more than 2" overnight, you cannot park on the east side of Maple Ave on Sunday morning. You will get a ticket. Please park across the street on the west side of Maple, in our parking lot or on Grant Ave. |
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH - MARSHA P. JOHNSON - TRANSGENDER RIGHTS ACTIVIST |
Marsha P. Johnson (August 24, 1945 – July 6, 1992) also known as Malcolm Michaels Jr.,was an American gay liberation activist and self-identified drag queen. Known as an outspoken advocate for gay rights, Johnson was one of the prominent figures in the Stonewall uprising of 1969. Though some have mistakenly credited Johnson for starting the riots, Johnson was always forthcoming about having not been present when the riots began.
Johnson's body was found floating in the Hudson River in 1992. Initially (and quickly) ruled a suicide by the NYPD, controversy and protest followed, eventually leading to a re-opening of the case as a possible homicide.
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AGING WELL FEBRUARY PROGRAMS |
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Join us all month long for informative seminars, health programs, fitness, entertainment, and more!
Hello Neighbors! Below is our October 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!
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HOLY COVENANT BOARD MEETING - MARCH 16TH |
The next Board meeting will be on February 16th.
You can find all the 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
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SHARE FOOD, SHARE LOVE FOOD PANTRY NEEDS YOUR HELP! |
Some families will have a hard time providing healthy, nourishing food. Rising food costs caused by inflation, when combined with the ongoing pandemic, means that many family budgets that were already stretched thin, are no longer adequate to provide for their needs. Sometimes it is even necessary for families to do without essential items like medicine or professional health care, so that everyone has enough to eat.
You can make a real difference. Donating now is so important please take a minute to give so we can feed the hungry in our area.
Thank you!
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Join us at Pub 78 in beautiful downtown Brookfield for no-host dinner and/or drinks. conversation and good times from 6 pm - 8 pm.
Time: 6 pm, Thursday, March 9th.
Pub 78
3733 Grand Ave
Brookfield, IL 60513
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SAGE CALENDAR, EVENTS & MENU |
SAGE, a social support group for LGBTQ seniors, meets both via ZOOM and in person on Fridays at 1 pm. We hope to resume our lunches in July. Please contact Eric Eugenio Vironet (evironet@cmsschicago.org) if you plan to attend in person as space is limited. Click here to join the meeting
West Suburban Senior Services calendar click here
SAGE CAFE MENU click here
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AMAZON HAS OUR LIST OF NEEDS! |
We have a "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 Charity Lists 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!
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NEED POWER OF ATTORNEY OR WILL? |
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We mourn and pray for all the families who have suffered personal losses from gun violence at our schools, churches, and hospitals. public venues and other places.
Prayers for Erica B. and her sons after the untimely dealth of her husband David who passed away 2/8/23.1
Prayers for Michigan State University students and their families after the mass shooting that killed 3 and injured 8.1
Prayers for Brad B. and his family as his Howard Behrens passed away recently.2
Prayers for people of Turkey and Syria, as they begin the work of restoration after the massive earthquakes that killed thousands.2
Prayers for Sharon C. her speech therapy helps her to learn how to speak again after her stroke.3
Prayers for Debbie C. who is undergoing chemo for her stage 4 lung cancer.3
Prayers and strength for Ukraine, for those who are relocating, and to end the war and unnecessary deaths.
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.
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LINKS AND OTHER INFORMATION |
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Missed a sermon?
Click here to catch up and watch on the Holy Covenant YouTube channel!
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If you or someone you know is in an emergency call 911 for help.
Need someone to talk to? Call the suicide lifeline by dialing 988.
NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Health
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Every day brings something new—
and God is with us always!
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9145 Grant Ave
Brookfield, IL 60513
Phone: 708.387.1611
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