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 April 26th, 7 pm - All are welcome!
- Congregational Discussion on Sunday, April 16th after service (around 11:15)
- Saturday, May 6 is World Labyrinth Day
- Pints with the Pastor is May 11th
- Garage Sale is May 20th! Bring your gently used and clean stuff to us!
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HOLY COVENANT NEEDS YOUR
DONATIONS TO PAY OUR BILLS!
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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.
APRIL 2023 GIVING
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Giving Needed Weekly
(5 WEEKS) $935
The monthly difference is $1,493
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Our bills are listed for the month of April 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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UPDATE: ON THE VANDALISM AT HOLY COVENANT!!
RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD LANDMARK ARTICLE!
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Rev. Martha was interviewed by the Riverside Brookfield Landmark newspaper about the vandalism that was done to our church. You can read the article by clicking here.
We have also received donations from many Brookfield residents to pay for supplies or where ever we need it. As of this publication date, the total donated is $1,019.26. There have also been many people and 6 neighborhood churches that have volunteered to help paint the church.
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We will be holding a painting day to replace and repair the rainbow on the front steps to place other rainbows elsewhere (trellises, garage door, sign…other ideas?).
We do not have a date yet, because we are dependent on the weather—it must be warm and dry for the paint to “fix” properly. We do have about six other churches that have volunteered to help out, as well as many individuals.
Mary Ann and Rev. Daniels are discussing dates and as soon as we have a date, we will be posting it on social media, Constant Contact and our website.
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A MOM AND HER CHILD DECORATE OUR CHURCH! |
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We were very blessed by a Mom and her son walking past our church today. they placed many rainbow flags in front of our church for us! |
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Thank you to that Mom who is teaching her children to be accepting of everyone and that love is love! |
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR MODERATOR
REV. ELDER CECELIA EGGLESTON
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It is profoundly sad that someone would take the time and effort to deface the steps and sign of Holy Covenant MCC - a place where all God's people are welcome to worship. Scripture tells us that the rainbow is a sign of the relationship between God and all creation, including all God's people. I know that this damage will simply strengthen the resolve of Rev. Martha Daniels and the congregation of Holy Covenant MCC to bring hope, joy and justice to the community that they serve
God bless,
Cecilia
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WE ARE HERE FOR YOU -
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE FOR YOUR CHURCH!
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It was amazing how our congregation was prayerful and about their giving and sent in whatever they could send us. We met our matching donor so an additional $1,000 was added to our general fund. So far we have received over $9,200 which includes the matching $1,000 and some of that money was earmarked for Rev. Martha's salary. We thank that congregant for their giving and kind heart.
This will help us for a few months to pay Rev. Martha and meet our monthly bills. Unfortunately, if we do not receive monthly donations of $4,675 to meet our monthly obligations we will be needing more money.
If you can, please attend the Congregational Conversation, after church services Sunday, April 16. This is a very important meeting about Holy Covenant's finances and future. The Board urges everyone to attend, members or not. This meeting will not be broadcast live right now.
For more details, contact any Board member or read our recent letter here.
Blessings,
Roxann Victory, Vice-moderator (roxann.victory@outlook.com)
Barbara Adams Latsaras - Clerk (chitownbarb@yahoo.com)
Joanie Baird, Treasurer (jb14700@yahoo.com)
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CONGREGATIONAL DISCUSSION APRIL 16TH
ON FISCAL SITUATION AND OPTIONS
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The Board of Directors of Holy Covenant announces a congregational discussion on Sunday, April 16, at 11:15 (after worship).
All members and friends of Holy Covenant MCC are invited to an informal discussion of Holy Covenant’s fiscal situation and possible options going forward. This will be an open, non-binding forum to explore what choices are available to Holy Covenant and how best to move forward.
Please join us on April 16, 2023 at 11:15 am as we consider options for Holy Covenant’s future.
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MEDITATION IN PERSON! WEDNESDAY,
April 26th! MEDITATION IS OPEN TO ALL!
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The next meditation is on Wednesday, April 26th, at 7 pm at the church. Mary Ann will be leading the meditation upstairs in the church. This event is
open to all men and women.
Please be prompt at 7 pm so there are no distractions. The doors will be locked at 7:00 pm.
- Please R.S.V.P. via email only1amar@yahoo or text 708-696-8747
- 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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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!
Rev. Martha is working on her next suggestions. Watch this space!
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UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST |
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THRIVE WITH PRIDE - LARGE GROUP
The Mis Fed and the Mis Led: Nutrition & Health in Older Adults
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This presentation represents a short discussion about the importance and implications of nutrition in health and disease. It will attempt to share some facts about those implications, some sources of good information on nutrition and a quick overview of how Mom’s Meals is trying to help.
Join Joe Smith from Mom's Meals as he leads us through this discussion.
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Garage Sale, Saturday May 20th! This is the date of the Brookfield-wide garage sale, so we expect a good turnout for it.
We will need donations of housewares, toys, seasonal decorations, etc. You may bring donations to the church and place them in the garage. Any questions, contact Roxann at roxann.victory@outlook.com
We are also looking for volunteers to work the garage sale. Roxann and her mother Cheryl will be pricing and setting up that Saturday morning and will need help. Talk to Roxann or any Board member to volunteer to help.
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AN EVENING OF MUSIC BENEFITING LGBT+ OLDER ADULT PROGRAMMING |
Chicago Methodist Senior Services will benefit from this concert April 27th.
WHEN: Thursday, April 27, 2023
WHERE: Fitzgeralds in Berwyn, IL
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Please join us for our first annual Pride Gala! We will be hosting our event at Sovereign on May 12th! We have had such a wonderful year filled with a lot of support and community involvement and we would love if you would join us to celebrate! We will have music, food, drinks, some speakers, and an amazing silent auction! Donations due by March 31st.
Sponsorship opportunities available! If you would love to support the cause but can’t make the event you can make also make a donation!
We hope to see you there to celebrate our community!
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PRIDE SEASON IS COMING UP -
WANT TO BE A PRIDE COORDINATOR?
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We did not have anyone step up to lead any Pride event so we will not be attending NapierPride, Aurora Pride or Plainfield Pride. We are very saddened that we had no volunteers as this is a church which belongs to everyone, and this kind of exposure is important at this time. As a MCC church we value your time, talent and treasures and it is what Holy Covenant is all about and if there is no one stepping up to help the Board then unfortunately we cannot attend any events.
Hopefully we may be able to participate in 2024.
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RESOURCES FOR SUPPORTING
PEOPLE ON THE INSIDE
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Pushing Envelopes provides connections and support for LGBTQ+ individuals who are incarcerated, system-impacted (families of LGBTQ+ people on the inside), formerly incarcerated, and allies. Here you can sign up for a penpal (with suggestions and tips), learn about what’s going on in the legal world that will impact LGBTQ+ people, and more
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I especially recommend their resources list—lots of opportunities out there!
The Marshall Project researches and reports on the criminal justice system. Recent articles now up on their website include: “Drug Addiction and the Path to Prison,” “The Mercy Workers (an examination of the work of mitigation specialists), and “Police Shootings in Rural America.” They also have a podcast, and I follow them on Twitter.
Queerbilltracker.substack.com
A brand-new addition to my list! This is a daily newsletter from Rev. Lori McPherson (full disclosure—she is a good friend of mine) reviewing the newest anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in various states. You can sign up for the newsletter or just track it on the website. Did you know Arizona’s legislature has a bill before it to have drag performers, if convicted (of performing in front of minors) added to the sex offender registry?
Named after the historic Supreme Court decision that declared all defendants had the right to legal counsel, and that the court must pay if the defendant cannot afford it, Gideon’s Promise works to change the way public defenders learn to do their work, and their approach to clients. While the main focus is on attorneys (specifically public defenders), much of their work is of interest to lay people as well.
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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 April 9, 2023, Easter Sunday
Reading: John 20: 19-31
Sermon Title "Is Seeing Really Believing?"
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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AGING WELL APRIL PROGRAMS |
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Join us all month long for informative seminars, health programs, fitness, entertainment, and more!
Hello Neighbors! Below is our March 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 - APRIL 20TH |
The next Board meeting will be on April 20th at the church.
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!
FOOD INSECURITY UP BY 19%!
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Food insecurity has continued to rise throughout our communities. Overall, the number of households facing hunger is up 19% compared to pre-pandemic levels, and the number is 37% higher for Black households. The recent cancellation of extra money in the SNAP program makes it even more vital to help keep Share Food, Share Love going with your donation.
This is a public health crisis!
Our communities are in great need of healthy food to survive and thrive and just by giving to the Share Food Share Love Food Pantry you can help those in the area not go hungry!
You can make a real difference. Donating just a $1 can help provide 3 meals for a family. It is so important please take a minute to give so we can feed the hungry in our area.
There are two food boxes located in front of Tischler's and in front of Share Food, Share Love located at 9030 Brookfield Avenue which is across from the train tracks west of Prairie. You can drop off your non-perishable food into these boxes 24/7!
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, May 11th.
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 Kimbers heart problems.2
Prayers for the Baté family that their home will be sold.3
Prayers for Kayla who miscarried a week ago.1
Prayers for Kim in her cancer battle.1
Prayers of thanksgiving for Roxann's promotion and prayers that she adjusts weel to the changes and exceeds expectations.1
Prayers for the finances of Holy Covenant.1
Prayers of thanksgiving for Jeni's healthy birth of baby Dominick and that they make it home to the U.S. soon.1
Prayers for Barbara R.'s four grandchildren in high school and college.3
Prayers for Jim,Tony (who is sick) and Jim's mother as she mourns her husband.1
Prayers for those with harden hearts that 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.
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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There is now 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 trained professionals answer the phone and are able to help you |
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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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