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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
- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Worship Team Meeting: Thursday, November 5th, 7 pm via Teams
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We are now on LinkedIn. Follow us here!
| OCTOBER IS LBGTQIA+ HISTORY MONTH | | | | |
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 -$190
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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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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a crucial time to focus on a pressing issue that impacts millions of lives.
Domestic violence involves abusive behaviors used to gain or maintain power and control over a current or former partner. It can include physical or sexual violence, threats, isolation, control over money, and technology used to monitor or intimidate someone. Abuse can affect physical and mental health, making safety and support essential parts of whole-person care.
For more than 45 years, Pillars Community Health has provided compassionate care for survivors.
This month, we invite you to show your support for those affected. The support of a community makes safety, choices, connection, and healing on a survivor’s own terms possible.
PCH Resources for Survivors
Pillars Community Health provides domestic violence support services free of charge to survivors. Some of these services include:
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Confidential 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 708-485-5254
- Emergency shelter for survivors and their children at Constance Morris House
- Counseling
- Legal and medical advocacy
- Crisis intervention and case management
- Additional services
Join Us During October
Fall Readiness: Healthy Habits | Thursday, Oct. 15, 4:30–7 p.m.
Summit Park District, 5700 S. Archer Road, Summit
Join PCH, Molina Healthcare and Summit Park District for community resources, refreshments and a Q&A with professionals. PCH will offer a teen dating violence awareness presentation at 5 p.m.
Connected for Safety | Sunday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Elm Restaurant, 23 W. Harris Ave., La Grange
This benefit and community conversation will explore technology-facilitated abuse, including ways technology can be used to monitor, control or intimidate someone experiencing domestic violence. PCH will also present its inaugural Hand & Heart Award to the PNCC Nurses of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale and La Grange. A $25 donation or $25 transportation gift card is requested to support individuals accessing domestic violence services. Purchase tickets and learn more.
Disability, Vulnerability and Domestic Violence | Tuesday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Online via Zoom
PCH’s Kelley Manges will lead this professional training on the intersection of disability, vulnerability, and domestic violence. Register for the training.
Take Back the Night | Thursday, Oct. 29, 3–6 p.m.
PCH, 8020 W. 87th St., Hickory Hills
Join us for a small, survivor-centered gathering focused on connection, awareness, and resources. Attendees do not need to register.
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JESSICA STERN
b. 1977
LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender Icons.
Jessica Stern is a distinguished American diplomat and lifelong LGBTQ+ rights advocate. A senior fellow at Harvard since 2025, she previously served for four years in the Biden administration as the U.S. special envoy to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons.
Raised Jewish in Setauket, New York, Stern credits her religious heritage with inspiring her pursuit of activism. After earning a master’s degree in human rights from the London School of Economics, she began her career as a community organizer in Philadelphia and at the Center for Constitutional Rights in New York. She went on to work for Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch as a researcher and an advocate. She is a distinguished official U.S. advocate for international LGBTQ+ rights.
In 2009, Stern joined Outright International (then the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission) as director of programs. She was promoted to executive director in 2012. Among her many accomplishments, Stern quintupled the budget and built the world’s largest COVID LGBTQ+ grantmaking program. She helped secure UN observer status and served as an early member of the United Nations LGBTI Core Group and a founding member of the UN Women LGBTI Reference Group.
Appointed U.S. special envoy for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in 2021, Stern is the second person to hold the position since its creation in 2015. The role was not filled during President Trump’s first term and is vacant in his second. In that State Department post, Stern worked with international partners to protect LGBTQI+ individuals from discrimination and violence worldwide and to promote the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in multilateral human rights frameworks.
In 2025, Stern was appointed the first senior fellow focused on LGBTQI+ rights at Harvard’s Kennedy School Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights. She also serves as an adjunct professor of international public affairs at Columbia University, teaching the first and only LGBTQ+ rights course, and is the cofounder and co-president of the Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice, a group of senior officials and diplomats focused on human rights in U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy.
Stern has received honors from governments and institutions worldwide, including the U.S. Department of State. Her writing is regularly published in leading academic and political journals and has been cited in landmark human rights decisions.
Stern and her partner, Lisa Davis, live in Brooklyn, New York.
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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!
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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
INDIGENIOUS PEOPLE'S SUNDAY | | |
HYBRID - IN PERSON AND ON YOUTUBE
BARBARA ADAMS LATSARAS - 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 11, 2026
Today's Readings From:
Exodus 32:1-14
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
WORDS OF WISDOM FROM: Perry Bellegarde & Rigoberta Menchú Tum
Message Title:
“Remembering Rightly…Golden Calves, Broken Tablets and Why God Still Invites Us to Weekly Dinner”
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 10/19.1
Prayers of thanksgiving that Patti's brother Tim, who sold his condo, and that God will bring him peace.1
Prayers for Barbara A's. friend John C., who was recently diagnosed with AITL Lymphoma and is now undergoing chemotherapy, and for his wife Danielle, that she will have the strength. 1
Prayers for John Dumas's Strand Theatre to get new financing.1
Prayers for Judy, who will have surgery on July 15th.1
Prayers for Barb & Mary Ann's grandson Bryan, who hurt his shoulder and is sidelined from playing football this weekend.1
Prayers for the family and friends of Roxann's coworker, Jessie A., after his recent passing from cancer and thanksgiving that he is no longer suffering .1
Prayers for Debbie G., who is suffering from tremors from a recent back 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 | | |
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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