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An Open & Affirming Community of Faith
We Welcome All Beliefs!
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UPCOMING NEWS
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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 October 15th via Teams Meeting at 7 pm.
- Next Potluck is October 25th
- Worship Team Meeting: Thursday, November 5th, 7 pm via Teams
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We are now on LinkedIn. Follow us here!
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OCTOBER IS LBGTQIA+ HISTORY MONTH
OCTOBER 11 IS NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY
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LGBTQIA+ History Month
October is LGBTQIA+ History Month, a time when we honor the leaders, trailblazers, and everyday heroes who have shaped our community’s story. Each day of the month highlights a different icon — someone whose courage, creativity, or advocacy has made a lasting impact.
We invite you to visit hcmcc.org throughout October to see who the icon of the day is.
There are 31 days, and we are celebrating 31 remarkable icons — each one with a short video that shares their story and contributions.
Take a moment each day to learn, reflect, and give thanks for the people who have helped pave the way toward equality, justice, and inclusion.
| | OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH | | |
Support Holy Covenant MCC
with Your Generosity Today!
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Giving Needed Weekly (4 WEEKS) $350
The end-of-the-month difference is $4,195
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We are sharing the detailed list of our financial obligations for SEPTEMBER 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 9/13/2026 = $2,051.19 (in QB) $2,051.19 (in FNBB)
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Message from the Moderator -
Health Update, September 2026
Hello, everyone. I'm Reverend Elder Cecilia Eggleston, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, and I just want to give you a quick health update. As many of you will recall, I was diagnosed with cancer a couple of months ago. I've now completed the first stage of my treatment of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and my body is just adjusting to that. I will have further scans at the end of this month, and by mid to late October, I'll know what the next stages in my treatment are.
So I'm doing well. I have some slight fatigue. I have some discomfort. But all in all, I'm doing well and I'm gradually returning to my ministry, serving you as the moderator. So thank you for all your amazing prayers and support. Thank you for the positive news that you've been sending in. It's fantastic, because MCC is doing amazing things around the world, and new leaders are emerging, as we speak.
So there's been a Readiness to Enter Vocational Ministry program in the United States, known as “REVM”. There’s been a LEAD program at the European Network Gathering. “LEAD” is Laity Empowered for Active Discipleship. This is a wonderful thing.
Our local churches are doing amazing things. ICM Matanzas in Cuba, which is pastored by our Elder, Reverend Elder Elaine Saralegui Caraballo, is continuing its feeding program, going out onto the streets and feeding the community, even in the midst of some of the challenges that that country is experiencing. And now they've been able to get solar panels on the roof of the church, which means, of course, people can charge their phones. They can run small items like fans, etcetera, and make life a bit more comfortable for people gathering at the church, as a community center, which is amazing.
Saint John the Apostle MCC in Fort Myers, USA is running a fantastic social media campaign encouraging people to think differently about church, especially if they've had difficult or hard experiences. It's really wonderful. Go and check it out on Facebook and other social media.
And MCC Brisbane in Australia is using an app called Slack to build community during the week. There are lots of different channels on the app, so you can be having a Bible study. You can be talking about a justice program or you can be sharing pictures of rainbows and your favorite cat. But it's a great way of connecting people during the week, especially when people can't get to worship every Sunday.
So these are just some of the amazing things that are happening around the world through your ministry as part of MCC. And please continue to send me positive news, keep me updated about projects that you're doing, and maybe if you see a rainbow, you could send it to MCC Brisbane as well.
So thank you again for your prayers and support. Like I say, I'll know more by the end of October about what's happening for me. But thank you to the Governing Board, the Council of Elders, the Staff, and all the other amazing people that have continued their vital ministry and supported you in yours. Because as we know, it takes all of us to be MCC. God bless.
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston
Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches
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2026 Fellowship Sunday Offering Supporting MCC Flourish Leadership
Development Programs
October 4, 2026
Fifty-eight years ago, Rev. Troy Perry dreamed of a church where everyone could experience God’s love and be welcomed just as they are. Today, that vision has grown into a global movement sharing inclusive love and working for social justice around the world.
Each October, we celebrate Rev. Troy Perry’s vision and the ministry we share as Metropolitan Community Churches. Fellowship Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate our journey, give generously, and invest in MCC’s future.
Together, we honor the vision, celebrate our shared ministry, and help build a strong and vibrant future for MCC.
"We'll take a second collection to support MCC Flourish Leadership Development, which helps develop and support MCC's clergy and lay leaders. If you're giving electronically and want your donation to go toward the Fellowship Sunday offering, please make sure you clearly note that it is for FLOURISH"
To learn more about how your donations make a difference, please visit the UFMCC website at the link below.
Learn More about MCC Flourish Leadership Development and Fellowship Sunday: Difference Your Gift Makes
Testimonials from some of the recipients of Leadership Development Funds
Assis Retreat:
"The 2026 MCC Clergy Retreat in Assisi was a deeply meaningful experience of spiritual renewal, discernment, courage, and fellowship. The participant expressed profound gratitude to MCC Flourish for investing in both their ministry and personal spiritual well-being."
Northern California Clergy Retreat
“Sometimes it feels like we are doing ministry on islands. That’s why this retreat is so special to me. It is a weekend of fun, camaraderie, laughter, and even tears—a time when we can support, consult with, and console one another. There is nothing like it in this ministry, and I am so grateful for it. I have walked into it several times feeling very empty and left feeling overflowing. I am so grateful for Flourish’s investment in us—our welfare, our ministries, and our network of leadership. As we continue to seek to make a difference in this world, you make a difference in us.”
Respite/Reflection:
"This respite was deeply needed. It refreshed me physically, mentally, and spiritually, and it reminded me of the importance of rest, renewal, and receiving care. I returned with renewed energy, a clearer mind, and a grateful heart. The time away allowed me to pause from the demands of ministry and return with greater strength and perspective.
"Thank you to the FLOURISH program for your much-needed assistance and for investing in the well-being of those who serve. Your generosity provided far more than a trip; it provided restoration, encouragement, and the gift of breathing room. I will carry the memories and renewal from this experience with me for a long time."
Will You Make a Fellowship Sunday Gift Today?
Every gift, of every size, helps MCC create opportunities for leaders to learn, connect, grow, and thrive. Your generosity helps sustain those who are leading today while developing the leaders our churches will need tomorrow.
When you give to Fellowship Sunday, you are investing in the people who will shape the future of MCC.
Together, we Flourish. Together, we lead.
Together, we build the future of MCC.
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ABRAHAM LINCOLN
PRESIDENT
b. February 12, 1809 d. April 15, 1865
LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender Icons.
"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States. Credited with emancipating enslaved people, he is widely regarded as the nation’s greatest president. Over time, his sexuality has been a subject of interest. Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky. Largely self-educated, he attended a few frontier schools and read extensively.
As a 20-year-old, he penned a 16-line poem about a marriage between two boys. In 1830, Lincoln moved to Illinois. In New Salem, he became a shopkeeper and postmaster and entered politics as a Whig, opposing President Andrew Jackson’s monarchical style. He won a seat in the Illinois State Legislature in 1834 and served for four terms. Lincoln maintained intense male friendships. His first close companion was his grammar tutor, Billy Greene. The two shared a cot for 18 months. For an extended period thereafter, Lincoln shared his bed with A.Y. Ellis. In 1837, Lincoln moved to Springfield, Illinois, to start his law career. For four years, he shared a bed with Joshua Speed, who came from an affluent Louisville, Kentucky, family. They exchanged intimate letters throughout Lincoln’s life.
In 1839, Lincoln met Mary Todd, the daughter of a wealthy, politically connected lawyer. They were engaged a year later. When Speed left Springfield in 1840 to return to Louisville, Lincoln suffered from severe depression and canceled his engagement to Mary Todd.
In 1841, Lincoln spent a month in Kentucky with Speed, who had married. Speed remained married for 40 years and never had children. Lincoln returned to Springfield in 1842. At age 33, he married Mary Todd. Mary became increasingly emotionally volatile, especially after the loss of two of their four children, tragedies that left them both heartbroken.
Lincoln was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1847. He served for one term. In 1856, he joined the newly formed Republican Party. In 1860, the Republicans nominated Lincoln for president on a platform to prohibit the expansion of slavery into the Western territories.
After Lincoln’s election and before his inauguration, seven Southern states seceded from the Union, fearing abolition. After the Civil War began in April 1861, four Upper South states joined the Confederacy. During the War, when Mary Todd traveled, Lincoln frequently shared his bed with Army Major David Derickson in what is now known as the Lincoln Bedroom.
Lincoln’s sexuality is most notably explored in “The Intimate World of Abraham Lincoln” (2005) by C.A. Tripp, who holds a Ph.D. in human sexuality.
The Log Cabin Republicans, an organization of LGBTQ+ conservatives and allies, was named in Lincoln’s memory
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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.
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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.
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THRIVE WITH PRIDE/AGING CARE CONNECTIONS EVENTS
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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, lecturer at College of DuPage. Next up will be The Country of The Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett on October 20th. Those who prefer to join online should email Eric at (evironet@cmsschicago.org) for the Zoom link.
Click on the image to download the flyer.
October meeting:
Tuesday, October 20th
Time: 12:00 pm CST
In-Person or Zoom
| | | PLAINFIELD PRIDE IS HOSTING | | |
Pride Fest - Pride-O-Ween
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Date & Time: Saturday, October 10, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
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Location: Bott Park, 24550 W. Renwick Road
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Admission: Free ($10 suggested donation)
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Events Schedule: Click here
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POTLUCK: OCTOBER 25TH
SPOOKY HALLOWEEN FAVORITES
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Boo, friends! It’s Halloween month, and nothing is scarier than what happens in our kitchens. Truly — some of our casseroles have jumped off the table before.
We’re inviting everyone to bring your spookiest, silliest, most monstrously creative dishes to share.
Whip up ghostly cupcakes, monster chili, a bubbling cauldron of stew, or that one recipe you only make when the moon is full. If it looks like it might bite back, it’s perfect.
Let’s fill the table with dishes that cackle, wiggle, wobble, or at least make someone gasp, “Oh no… what is that?”
And don’t worry — the only thing truly haunting this potluck will be the empty plates.
NOTE: October is also Tackling Hunger Month.
Bring an extra can, box, or package of one of your ingredients to donate to Share Food Share Love.
Even the zombies are pitching in this year!
| | 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! 💛
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HOLY COVENANT BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 15th VIA TEAM MEETING
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The next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, October 15th, 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
JOHN DUMAS - CELEBRANT
10:00 AM CST
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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, October 4, 2026
Today's Readings From:
Matthew: 21: 33-46
Message Title:
“How Far Open Does the Door Have to Be?”
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.
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Want to help with service: reading, offering prayer, ushering, etc. Click on this link and sign up for OCTOBER!
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Join us all month long for informative seminars, health programs, fitness, entertainment, and more!
Hello Neighbors! Below is our September 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.
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HELP FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY WITH
SHARE FOOD, SHARE LOVE FOOD PANTRY
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💥 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
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See the pantry in action here and learn how your support changes lives.
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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.
| | 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.
October 1 marks a new beginning for Bellwood Café, with our new caterer, Ester, and congregate dining returning five days a week! The attached double-sided October activities calendar and meal menu have details about meals and everything happening at the Center. We also hope you’ll join us for our October 16 Grand Opening, where you can meet Ester and enjoy the food.
We’ll wrap up the month with a Halloween Costume Party on Friday, October 30, including a costume contest. Come dressed up and ready for some fun! Click here for the flyer on Halloween. Hope to see you soon!
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. We hope to see you soon at 439 Bohland Ave in Bellwood!
West Suburban October Food Calendar - Click Here
West Suburban October Activities Calendar - Click Here
West Suburban Senior Services website - Click Here
WSSS Facebook Page - Click Here
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AMAZON HAS OUR LIST OF NEEDS!
UPDATED LIST! CLICK HERE TO SEE IT!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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NEED POWER OF ATTORNEY OR WILL? | | | | FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN BY CLICKING HERE! | | |
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/
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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 Jean B., who will undergo cancer surgery on 10/12.1
Prayers for Patti's brother Tim that he sells his Condo soon and that God will bring him peace.1
Prayers for Debbie G., who is suffering from tremors from a recent back surgery.2
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 | | |
Missed a sermon? The previous week's sermon is on the website homepage.
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
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Dial 988
Other Useful Links
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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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